Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch president Don Ward with Neville Austin.
Three dedicated members of the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch were honoured at the traditional Remembrance Eve dinner in Deniliquin on Thursday evening.
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Barry Chamberlain and Neville Austin were presented with certificates of presentation in front of a near full house.
Former sub-branch member Laurie Drennan was also posthumously honoured with the same award as part of the evening.
Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch president Don Ward said the three members had committed so much time to the sub-branch, the hours they put in were hard to calculate.
Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch president Don Ward with Barry Chamberlain.
Mr Ward said Mr Chamberlain was particularly honoured for his efforts as treasurer, while he described Mr Austin as a “good organiser”.
“Barry has been a member of the sub-branch for god knows how long and served on the committee for many years.
“He was treasurer on the executive and did a fantastic job, he was right on top of the money, ably assisted of course by (his wife) Lyn.
“Neville has been an affiliate member of our sub-branch ever since affiliates were able to join as working members.
“And even before he came on as an affiliate member did a lot of work for us.
“He was organising the raffles, he organised whatever needed to be done and mustered people laying wreaths at various ceremonies.
“He is a very loyal servant of our sub-branch.”
Barry Chamberlain, Leanne and Tony Connor and Lyn Chamberlain.
Mr Chamberlain took a quiet moment as part of the evening to also tell his wife “this is also for you”, and told the rest of the room his commitment to the sub-branch was not about the awards.
“I am thrilled to receive this,” he said.
“No one gets on the sub-branch for the accolades; it is a privilege just to serve.
“I got on to do two or three years, and ended up doing more than 20 years. I have enjoyed every moment of it.
“I am very encouraged by the new breed of committee coming through - eager young vets and also the affiliates who all bring a special skill set; and much needed too.”
Rachelle, Pat and Neville Austin.
Mr Austin said it was Mr Chamberlain that encouraged him to get involved in the first place, and he said he found similar enjoyment in his role.
"The gentlemen up here before me, Barry Chamberlain; Barry came up to me in the club and said ‘what are you doing?’ and he and Keven Bode invited me to join the sub-branch.
“I have enjoyed every minute.
“Anyone else who wants to join, do it. You will enjoy every minute.”
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