The Royal United Services Institute

The Royal United Services Institute of NSW Incorporated

Founded as the United Service Institution of New South Wales in 1888, the Royal United Services Institute of New South Wales today is one of seven self-governing constituent bodies of the Royal United Services Institute of Australia.

The aim of the Institute is to promote informed debate on, and to improve public awareness and understanding of, defence and national security. To this end, the Institute:

• contributes to the national debate on defence and security policy;
• publishes a highly-respected professional journal;
• arranges regular lectures and occasional seminars on defence and security issues;
• organises visits to defence and security establishments;
• operates a public library, specialising in defence and security literature dating from the early 19th century to the current day; and
• conducts social and networking functions for members.

The Institute is an independent body incorporated in New South Wales. It receives some financial and in-kind support from the Commonwealth Government and defence industry. Any interested person or corporate body that subscribes to the aim may become a member.

The Institute’s rooms and the Ursula Davidson Library are on Level 20, Defence Plaza, 270 Pitt Street, Sydney – very close to Town Hall and Museum railway stations. Tea/coffee and biscuits are available without charge and members and visitors are encouraged to use the facilities for reading or research, or just as a base when visiting the city of Sydney.

This website provides a portal for those interested in Australia’s defence and security. It indicates when the Institute will be holding lectures, seminars, visits and other functions; and provides the date of publication and contents of forthcoming issues of our quarterly journal, United Service. Members are also able to read on-line recently published papers and policy submissions; and browse lists, notes on, and reviews of books recently acquired by the library.