George’s half a century of RSL sub-branch service honoured

The Returned & Services League of Australia NSW Branch has honoured local sub-branch member George Sanderson for half a decade of service.

Mr Sanderson was presented with a certificate by local sub-branch president Gary Mason OAM to honour the 50-year membership milestone.

He joined the RSL as a young man, who had just several years before returned to Australia after serving in Vietnam.

Mr Sanderson served in the 3rd Battalion and was among the Australian soldiers involved in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral.

The battle, from May to June 1968, is known as one of the largest unit-level actions of the war for Australians.

Initially a member of the Shortland sub-branch, he made the move to Narrabri and became a Narrabri sub-branch member in 1981.

“I have never missed a dawn service,” Mr Sanderson said.

His unwavering support for civic remembrance services has been matched by his enthusiasm to keep the RSL grounds looking pristine.

Mr Mason said Mr Sanderson is known for looking after the garden by the Maitland Street war memorial as well as the garden in front of the RSL club itself.

He also recalled Mr Sanderson rebuilding one of the shelters at the back of the RSL.

“It’s a beautiful spot when the creek is up,” Mr Sanderson said of the shelter area.

Mr Mason also acknowledged Mr Sanderson for looking after the golf club gardens when the RSL assumed responsibility for the club’s operations.