Creation of the Honour Roll by Dungog RSL Sub-branch

Since the close of the Vietnam War, Australia only contributed to a few military operational deployments mainly in support of the United Nations. This changed in the 1990s when Australia began to send larger contingents of military personnel overseas on operations. During the 1990s deployments were made to Rwanda, Somalia, Namibia, Cambodia and East Timor. In 2001, there began the long campaign in the Middle East with operational service in Iraq, Afghanistan and surrounding waters. By 2021, Australia had been on continuous military operations involving active service for 20 years.

The Dungog RSL Sub-branch recognised that our current generations of soldiers were not being recognised for their active military service, as had previous generations. A project to create a new Dungog and District Honour Roll 1975 onwards was begun in 2021, led by Martin Holmes as Project Officer. A grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs was secured to assist, along with Sub-branch support.

The criteria for this honour roll were similar to WW1 which was for active service, now termed war or war-like service. To be eligible for inclusion required individuals to be affiliated with the Dungog to Clarence Town shire area by being born in the area, went to school locally, lived in, returned from active service to reside permanently (within two years of deployment) or had close next of kin in the area. All nominations are reviewed and approved by the Dungog RSL Sub-branch for inclusion.

This honour roll is open ended and relies upon the local community to nominate eligible people. The Sub-branch recognises that there are more individuals who will qualify than in this initial list and it is hoped more people will now come forward to have their military service recognised and recorded on the honour roll. The honour roll was unveiled on the 2 April 2022.

• Dungog RSL Sub-branch Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DungogRSLSubBranch/posts/150831974081459