The Merrylands resident, 72, served in Vietnam in 1971 but was shocked upon his return at how difficult it was to lodge a disability claim and decided he would make it his mission to help others through the process.
The treasurer of the NSW branch of Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association of Australia and treasurer of the national Vietnam Veterans Federation, Robert is also a former Merrylands RSL sub-branch president and and editor of the veterans quarterly newsletter among his other roles in administration, advocacy and as an advocate mentor.
He has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
“There is still so much that can be done to help our veterans,” he said.
Another resident to be honoured was Granville’s Father Peter Williams, 69, who was awarded an AM in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for significant service to the Catholic Church in Australia, and to tertiary education.
He said it was a great honour to receive the recognition.
Career highlights include directing the liturgy for World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008 and being part of the leadership team responsible for rebuilding the cathedral at Parramatta.
“My Diocese at Parramatta has also joined with Wollongong and Sydney to plan the future of the church in Sydney’s third new city, Badgerys Creek, so it’s a very busy but exciting time,” the longtime Catholic Church leader and administrator said.
