Internal problems at the RSL headquarters in Sydney have been going on for too long according to Narromine sub-branch secretary/treasurer Dianne Beaumont.

She says enough is enough.

A Sydney Morning Herald investigation published on 15 September under the headline ‘’Vets group on the brink of implosion.’’ revealed the organisation was facing litigation.

The article claimed Chief Executive Mick Bainbridge and director Paul James were facing a revolt, but both remain in their positions.

Branch members in our region have told the Western Plains App communities are dismayed by the story and say its 'fear mongering'.

Sources say divisions between older ex-service people and independent RSL Board members are being misunderstood with some changes including a possible merging of smaller branches upsetting them.

But Narromine's Dianne Beaumont says smaller branches are staying put.

"We fought that and won," she said. "They are not getting within cooee of us - all our branches told them so.

‘’This trouble has been going on for at least 4 years and they're not getting money from our branch I can tell you.

"I am a proud ex-service woman and our money is for our members so we can do good in the community.’’

Diane Beaumont (right) with other ex-servicemen at the Narromine ANZAC Day ceremony in 2023. [IMAGE: S Bonthuys]

RSL NSW released a statement through its website as litigation began over the Hyde Park Sydney building owned by its Trust.

The statement said RSL NSW is the Trustee of the ANZAC House Trust and the litigation concerns access to historic Trust minute books and financial records.

'RSL NSW has never opposed providing access to the minute books or financial records – subject to agreeing on suitable terms to protect the integrity of the historical records, some dating back to the 1940s,' read the September 5 statement.

'RSL NSW has implemented appropriate protections and provided access to a third-party historian nominated by the plaintiffs and has provided the Trust’s financial records.

'It was RSL NSW’s expectation that these measures would bring the matter to a close; however, the litigation continues.'

The plaintiffs originally suggested that funds from the ANZAC House Trust might have been used by RSL NSW to purchase the Hyde Park Inn.

But two hours prior to filing proceedings in the Supreme Court on 13 August 2025, this claim was withdrawn and replaced with a broader inquiry into whether Trust funds were used to maintain or improve the property. 

RSL NSW has owned the Hyde Park Inn since 1943, prior to the Trust’s establishment.

The organisation says a high-level review of all available records has uncovered no evidence that Trust funds were used in its purchase or upkeep.

"RSL NSW is committed to transparency and accountability and would have welcomed direct engagement from the plaintiffs on any substantiated concerns," a spokesperson said.

''RSL NSW continues to address broader concerns around the building and its governance and remains focused on upholding strong standards across the organisation. 

"RSL NSW is keeping members fully informed on the progress and the outcome of the proceedings."

Sub-branches told the Western Plains App they will wait till the RSL congress in October to raise further concerns over the future direction of the respected and much loved organisation.