**Title: RSL NSW President and Three Directors Resign Before Vote** Mick Bainbridge, the president of RSL NSW, and three other directors have resigned just minutes before a scheduled board vote on their removal. The resignations occurred on Thursday morning, only 12 minutes before the meeting was set to begin. The board had convened with the District Presidents Council to discuss the potential removal of Bainbridge and fellow director Paul Raymond-James. This decision followed legal advice stemming from an investigation into allegations of conflicts of interest, bullying, and violations of the organization's code of conduct. In a joint letter addressed to the RSL District Councils, Bainbridge, Raymond-James, and fellow directors Philip Chin and Dr. Charles New expressed their concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability. They stated, "Given our concerns, which remain unaddressed, we do not believe that we can continue in our roles." The investigation, which lasted a year, was initiated by a complaint from former RSL NSW chair Sophie Ray. She alleged that Bainbridge and Raymond-James, who operate a law firm together, failed to disclose multiple conflicts of interest. This included their representation of a former RSL Lifecare volunteer in legal proceedings against the organization. RSL Lifecare is affiliated with RSL NSW. Ray previously indicated that the RSL NSW board was making significant decisions regarding RSL Lifecare's board appointments and directors' remuneration. She also noted that Bainbridge had suggested RSL NSW should take over RSL Lifecare. In June, the investigation upheld two of Ray's claims, concluding that Bainbridge and Raymond-James's actions constituted a conflict of interest. Legal advice provided to the acting CEO of RSL NSW indicated that the organization might have grounds for disciplinary action against the two directors, including their removal from the board. The resignations of Bainbridge, Raymond-James, Chin, and New are seen as a pivotal moment for RSL NSW. The organization stated that this change offers an opportunity to move forward with renewed unity and focus on its mission to support veterans and their families across New South Wales. Despite their resignations, Bainbridge and Raymond-James remain members of RSL and are eligible to run for re-election at the annual congress scheduled for October next year. Additionally, Raymond-James had been involved in drafting a parliamentary bill aimed at establishing a central trust to manage millions of dollars in sub-branch assets, which would allow for a takeover without the need for consent from the sub-branches. Further developments are expected as the organization navigates this transition.