Three OAM Recipients Celebrated

Three members of the RSL Victoria family were honoured in January with Order of Australia Medals (OAMS) as part of the Australia Day honours list.

Geoff Davidson was honoured for his services to the community of Upper Beaconsfield.

Geoff joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1951 and received both the defence medal and the national service medal. Post-service he settled in Upper Beaconsfield where he was a member of the Upper Beaconsfield Sub-Brancha and held the secretary’s role for 18 years. In addition, he volunteered for and was president of the Upper Beaconsfield Rotary Club and was a member of the Dandenong Apex club. In mor recent years he has been a volunteer for Palliative Care South East and has been a facilitator for the Men’s Discussion Group in the region.

At 91 he is still involved in the Men’s Discussion Group today and remains a member of the Upper Beaconsfield Sub-Branch.

Husband and wife team John (who goes by “Tony”) and Christine Wheal were also both awarded OAMs, theirs for services to the Barwon Heads community.

As members of the Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch, Tony held the treasurers post for 14 years along with time as Appeals officer and Ceremonial Officer.  He was also a President and Treasurer of the Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch before it joined with Ocean Grove. Chrisine has been a Welfare Support Officer at Ocean Grove- Barwon Heads for almost 20 years.

In addition to their RSL work, Tony and Christine were also honoured for their longtime volunteer and leadership roles with the All Saints Opportunity Shop and various other community contribution, such as with the Barwon Heads CFA and Barwon Heads Community Bank.

Congratulations to Geoff, Tony and Christine from RSL members across Victoria.