RSL ANZAC of the Year AWARDS 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) today announced the recipients of the 2023 RSL ANZAC of the Year Awards.
The nominations for the ANZAC Awards are assessed and selected by the National RSL ANZAC Awards Committee whose members include: Chairman - Greg Melick, RSL National President; Paul Singer, Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia; Peter Rush, Assistant Secretary Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet; former Senator Margaret Reid and Phil Winter, RSL Australia CEO.
The ANZAC Peace Prize is awarded by the RSL to ‘recognise any outstanding effort by an Australian citizen who has promoted the concept of international understanding and who, in so doing, has made a contribution to world peace’.
The 2023 ANZAC Peace Prize has been awarded to the Rotary Club of Wodonga West in Victoria in recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote world peace in all levels in the community through the Albury Wodonga Peace Bell Project. The efforts of this small group of ordinary people over a number of years culminated in obtaining a bell from the World Peace Bell Association in Japan which was installed in Belvoir Park, Wodonga in the hope that it would provide a place to gather and reflect on the importance of peace in the world, and also act as a facility to educate and create awareness of the importance of peace, not only on a global scale, but in the everyday lives of ordinary people in the pursuit of freedom from bullying, domestic violence, aggression, and acceptance of culture, racial and gender differences.
The ANZAC of the Year Awards are presented ‘to recognise the efforts and achievements of up to seven Australians who have given service to their fellow Australians and to the community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner.’ The 2023 recipients are:
Major Allan Crouch OAM RFD (Retd) of New South Wales in recognition of his support and dedication to the RSL and community engagement in Woolgoolga.
Mr James Hignett OAM of South Australia in recognition of his dedication and selfless, compassionate service as a respected contributor and advisor to many communities/groups including AVSA and the Plympton Veterans’ Centre.
Mrs Judith Bland in recognition for her many decades of service and support volunteering and fundraising for veterans (in particular female veterans) including working with RAAFA.
Mr John Toohey OAM in recognition of over four decades of passionate veteran advocacy and stewardship of the Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch.
“On behalf of the RSL National Board and Members of the RSL I would like to congratulate the recipient of the ANZAC Peace Prize and the four individuals who have been selected for ANZAC of the Year Awards,” Greg Melick said. “They are exemplars of community service and an inspiration to all Australians.
“This year's Award recipients exemplify the Spirit of ANZAC in the community through their dedication and commitment to the benefit of others.”
