Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch will build an honour plaque to honour all its local war veterans, but is relying on community help for the names of its veterans.
An extensive search has begun to collect the names of all veterans who were born and/or gave the location of residence on their enlistment as, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads or Connewarre and those who returned and resided in those districts at the end of their service for a minimum of two years.
The sub-branch wants to honour all local veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea, Malaysia-Borneo, Vietnam and other conflicts involving Australian Troops.
At the completion of the research, the veterans’ names will be placed on a memorial at the Cenotaph at Ocean Grove Park.
Sub-branch public relations officer John Dickinson said it was proving a challenge to collect the names of our veterans.
“It’s quite difficult to track down the names of those who served in more-recent conflicts due to privacy issues,” he said.
“That’s where we need to people out there to come forward. It will depend on them.”
“The sub-branch is seeking the assistance of relatives, family members and friends of veterans.”
Key criteria include: full names, date of birth, place of enlistment (if known), regimental numbers and final resting place (if known).
Contact sub-branch Secretary David Gilroy (0417-366 191), public relations officer John Dickinson (0409-432 331) or historical researcher Martin Klabbers (0400-148 007), or email rsl@oceangrovebowls.com.au.
Meanwhile Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch recently formed a Younger Veterans (YV) sub-committee and is investigating opportunities to engage with younger veterans (serving and ex-serving) and their families living on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The first meeting suggested supporting a local younger veteran with a therapy dog.
The Defence Community Dogs program is a specialised dog training program which rescues abandoned dogs and trains them through correctional services to assist Veterans coping with PTSD. It is anticipated that a local veteran will be supported in the coming weeks.
The first of what is hoped to be regular activities for younger veterans is a Barefoot Bowls Veteran’s Family Day’ at Ocean Grove Bowling Club on Sunday 18 November at 1.30pm.
All current and ex-service veterans on the Bellarine are encouraged to attend. To register, go to oceangrove-barefootbowls.eventbrite.com/
