OUTSTANDING SERVICE HONOURED
Written by Aileen Phillips
17 August 2023
RSL Victoria’s former Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier Michael Annett CSC was recently awarded RSL’s Life Membership with Gold Badge.
Mike, as he is known to many, was a career soldier in the Army. His final posting was as Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 636 and held responsibility of delivering ADF support to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Following that, he was appointed as RSL Victoria’s CEO, with his focus on how to best support every veteran in Victoria.
Mike remained a reservist until 2015, when he resumed full-time military service with a deployment to Afghanistan as the Australian Task Group Commander.
When he returned to his role as CEO, Mike’s renewed focus was on younger veterans and how the RSL could best serve them.
Mike finished as CEO in 2019 to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
After recently retiring from full-time work, Mike remains involved with the RSL on a National level as a member of the National Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Mike has been recognised for his work within the Australian Army with a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in 2007 and a Commendation for Distinguished Service in 2017 for his role in Afghanistan.
Dr Robert Webster OAM said it’s an honour to present Mike with his award and recognise his work for the League and its members.
“Mike brought qualities of understanding, determination, compassion and loyalty.”
For a Service Member to be nominated for Life Membership of the League, the member must have at least 15 years continuous membership and given at least 10 years outstanding service to the RSL.