Volunteer legacy recognised with prestigious awards
Volunteers have been the lifeblood of the RSL in Victoria since its inception in 1916.
Many of the volunteers who were there from the first day all those years ago have left an indelible mark on the RSL as we know it now. As such, taking the time to honour our volunteers has become an important part of the organisation ever since.
On 30 January, 2025, RSL Victoria honoured four of its most dedicated volunteers with Australia Day Achievement Medallions.
The medallions, first minted by the National Australia Day Committee in 1984, are awarded each year in recognition of outstanding devotion to the RSL by individuals within our network.
This year’s recipients are Robyn Pritchard, Brent Clyne JP, Lindsay Guerin, and John Saunders.
Robyn Pritchard
Robyn is an active volunteer with the Returned & Nurses RSL Sub-Branch. Before her retirement, she worked for RSL Care and established the RSLs Aged & Health Support Department.
Over her many years working for the RSL, she established a network of Aged Care coordinators around Victoria and provided advice to all Sub-Branches on veterans’ health and lifestyle issues.
Brent Clyne
Brent has volunteered with the RSL in Victoria since 1994 and has held many roles including Frankston RSL Sub-Branch president. He is currently the secretary of the Seaford RSL Sub-Branch.
Brent served in the Vietnam War and has since channeled his experiences to support other veterans and their families in the wellbeing space.
Lindsay Guerin
Lindsay is a member of the RSL Victoria State Executive and the Liaison Representative for Regions 10 and 11.
Lindsay served in the RAAF as an administrative officer for 30 years. He has been an outstanding advocate for veterans and their families.
John Saunders
John is the “very popular” secretary of Region 2 and the Clayton RSL Sub-Branch. His contributions to the RSL have made a significant impact on the Sub-Branch and the wider veteran community.
He is a staunch advocate for veterans and a compassionate member of the veteran community.
The medallions were presented by RSL Victoria State President Dr Robert Webster, who praised the work of the recipients, and the wider volunteer community.
“With the purpose of providing the best possible support and services to all generations of veterans in Victoria, those first volunteers started a legacy that continues today,” he said
“As the RSL developed over the past 110 years, one thing has never changed – the RSL still relies heavily on the work of a network of volunteers to help achieve its objectives.
“In one fashion or another, all of you are here today because you have “volunteered” for the RSL, either within a Sub-Branch or directly for us at ANZAC House.”
Congratulations to all our award recipients.
