Formed in Australia in 1916, the Returned and Services League was borne out of the camaraderie, concern and mateship shown by diggers for the welfare of their mates during and after the First World War. Originally based in club-rooms provided by philanthropic organizations, RSLs quickly sprang up in all states. With a strong membership base, the RSL was able to lobby for a federal repatriation system, service, disability and war-widow pensions, employment and retraining programs.