The story of ‘The War Vets’ (RSL ANZAC Village) in Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches started with Bill Wood and Stephen Stack, both WWI veterans, who saw the tidal wave of need for a generation of “men prematurely aged by their war service and unable to make provision for their future by their disabilities.”

These two men, along with Legacy, RSL and many like-minded supporters, campaigned and raised funds tirelessly to secure veterans a place of respite – and ‘The War Vets’ was officially opened at 3pm on ANZAC Day 1939.

Over the past 80 years ‘The War Vets’, as it is affectionately known, has been home to countless veterans of every campaign in which Australia has played a role.

RSL LifeCare is proud to care for our community’s veterans, and now welcomes all to live in its Villages and Care Homes, regardless of veteran status. In opening its doors to all retirees, it now cares for the generations of Australians for whom the first veterans fought.

To celebrate the Village’s birthday, RSL LifeCare have produced a short video using archive footage and interviews to showcase the history, dedication and love that has made ‘The War Vets’ such an important part of the community.

Watch it here.