Mount Gambier RSL president Bob Sandow has been recognised for years of hard work and dedication to the Mount Gambier community.
Mr Sandow was presented with Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding volunteer service at the club’s 105th birthday celebrations at the weekend.
Presenting him with the award was Leigh Newton, who praised Bob for his years of service, not just to the RSL, but to the whole of Mount Gambier.
“Bob was co-opted on RSL management committee in 2011, to cover for a committee resignation, and was vice president from 2013-14 and since then has held the office of president,“ he said.
“He’s a past member of the State RSL committee, compiler and editor of the monthly sub-branch newsletter and he has become a recognised military historian in Mount Gambier documenting and promulgating articles of military significance to the public of the South-East for the newspaper and radio.
“He is current secretary of our South East Legacy group, which looks after the welfare of veterans spouses and children.“
Bob is also a member of the Royal South Australian Regiment Association, was president of the association’s South-East branch for three years and secretary for a further eight years.
In 2007, Mr Sandow walked the Kokoda Track to raise money for cystic fibrosis and also participated in a Sandakan Death March in 2000.
He was also a past patron of Mount Gambier Blue Lake BMX Club for eight years, past board member of Heritage Industries for 15 years and chairman of the board on two occasions, past CEO of the Western Border Soccer Association for four years and past patron for two years and is a member, past president and past patron of the Mount Gambier Make A Wish Foundation.
Chris Mathias of Millicent RSL also presented a certificate of appreciation to Leslie Thompson.
Also attending the celebrations were Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell and Minister of Veterans Affairs Geoff Brock.
Mr Brock and local veteran Isobel Phillips cut the cake to mark the occasion.
Chris Mathias of Millicent RSL also presented a certificate of appreciation to Leslie Thompson.
