BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT FOUNDATION

Although the RAR has a proud and proven reputation both in combat and in peace-keeping duties, and a strong loyalty from those who have served in its ranks, the Colonel Commandant found that it was lacking a supporting structure that could work for the betterment of the Regiment and consequently the Australian Army, of which it forms the major component.  While each battalion had its own regimental funds for use within the battalion, there was no "Regimental Fund" per se, to finance special "Regimental Projects" arising from the initiative of the Colonel Commandant.  There was no fund by which the RAR could help to alleviate hardship experienced by some soldiers and some soldiers' families arising from the exigencies of military service.

The Chief of the General Staff, LT GEN J.C. Grey, gave approval for the Foundation to commence operations in June 1992.  The Foundation has been established as a public company limited by guarantee, and as such operates under the auspices of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

The Foundation is a charitable body.  All ranks, from General to Private soldier who have the honour of having served in the Regiment in peace or war are eligible to subscribe.  In addition, donations and bequests of any size from any person or organisation in sympathy with the Objects of the Foundation are accepted.

The Foundation is open to contributors as a public fund established for the comfort, recreation and welfare of the soldiers of the RAR and their dependents.  The Objects and the powers to attain these objects together with information on structure and method of operating are contained in the RAR Foundation Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Australian Tax Office has granted the Foundation tax deductability for donations of $2.00 and over.  The Foundation has income-tax exempt status.