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About RSL Park Campbell

RSL Park is an urban green space located on the southern end of Campbell. This space of over 13,000 m2 is nestled between post-war homes, government offices and mixed-used residential apartments.
For the moment, it might be a pedestrian thoroughfare but there is so much potential to this park.
Whether it’s a space to escape from the daily grind at home or in the office, kick a ball, or a place to walk your furry pets (on a lead and a doggy bag in your hand to ensure the park is ready for your next picnic relaxing in the grounds), it’s a hidden green gem of the Campbell community.

About the Park’s history

Wind back the clock to 1963.
Canberra was one of the largest inland cities in Australia, with a fast growing population of nearly 70,000 people.
It was the year when 12,000 people flocked the streets for Jubilee celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Canberra. The occasion was marked by a royal visit from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who spent their first two days of the Australian tour in the national capital.
It was also the year when the Scrivener Dam closed its valves to enable the formation of the Lake Burley Griffin. At the time Canberra was experiencing drought and the lake did not fill until a year later, when the drought broke.
Early 1960s was also a somber era for Australia. The Australian troops arrived in South Vietnam during July and August 1962 which marked Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973.

It was at this time that the Returned Services League (RSL) of Australia established its national headquarters at 81 Constitution Avenue, Campbell. RSL Australia advocates for and supports the welfare of veterans, war widows, serving personnel and their dependents.
Strategically located near the headquarters of the Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence, RSL’s national headquarters operated from that site until 2015.
The site was redeveloped by Hindmarsh as a modern mixed-use precinct consisting of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units overlooking Constitution Avenue and the RSL Park. Iskia apartments opened its doors to new residents in 2019.
RSL’s connection to the Campbell community continues today with its national headquarters and ACT Branch located on the ground floor of Iskia apartments. For more information visit https://www.actrsl.org.au