Sub-Branch Committee

President – elected 2016

Bob served in the CMF, joining OCTU in 1964 and, upon graduating, was appointed to RAASC, serving for six years, intertwined with his travel industry employment. He was active in the travel industry for 55 years, initially starting in 1962 with Qantas Airways in Sydney, which then included postings in New York, London and Melbourne. In 1972, Bob was seconded by Qantas Airways to start a new company, Qantas Holidays, where he remained until 1982 as National Sales Manager.He then joined Sheraton Hotels and Resorts in Sydney, which in 2000 became part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, which in turn became part of Marriott International in 2015. By 2012, he had been over 30 years with Starwood, his last role being Director, Leisure and Luxury Sales, Asia Pacific, based in Sydney. This was followed by consultancy projects with Starwood/Marriott throughout Asia Pacific until 2017. In 2013, Bob was appointed a Judge of the 2014 National Travel Industry Awards, Australia’s premier travel industry annual event. In 2014, Bob was appointed Chief Judge of the 2015 Awards, which was renewed for 2016, 2017 and 2018 and 2019.

Vice President – elected 2017
Treasurer – appointed 2025

Sandy served with NSWSQNATC RAAF, PNGVR, TPNG, and RNSWR, the Army service as a National Service obligation. He worked full-time with Qantas from 1966 to 2008, retiring as Check Captain. Sandy’s interests include vintage aviation, maritime cruising, red wine and family. As well as Forestville RSL sub-Branch, Sandy volunteers with Historical Aircraft Resoration Society and NSW Marine Rescue.

OAM Ceremonial Protocol – elected 2015

John worked 40 years for Reserve Bank and had 48 years army service with 7 Fd Regt RAA, Ares RCRT, HQ 8 Bde, HQ 2Div. He attained the rank of WO1. He is Secretary of 7 Fd Regt Assoc, is Senior Marshall at RSL NSW Anzac Day March Executive Committee, and was on organising committee for the Centenary of Anzac. If there’s any spare time left in his busy week, John is a volunteer groundsman at Belrose Public School and Wesley Gardens. And sometimes he travels to the family farm in Taralga. On Australia Day 2013, John was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Secretary – appointed 2026

Bruce joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1972 before his 16^th birthday and served for over 26 years as an Electronic Technical Weapons sailor obtaining the rank of warrant officer in 1993. In 1998 he was selected for promotion to lieutenant and transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1999. Bruce joined the Public Service in 1999 as a Technical Officer in the Department of Defence at HMAS Waterhen, retiring in 2019. Bruce’s interests include golf, travel, cooking and making the perfect cocktail.

Membership, Wellbeing Support Co-ordinator, Schools Liaison – elected 2021

Peter was born into a Military family in Western Australia finally settling in Manly in 1964.  He served in the CMF, joining the Royal Australian Engineers from 1967 to 1970 and attaining the rank of Corporal.  He has lived in Forestville since 1974.  Peter was made a Justice of the Peace in NSW in 1978.  He has been a member of the Forestville RSL sub-Branch since 1993.  Peter was active in the building industry for nearly 50 years.  The last 15 years of his working life was as a Property Area Manager for FRNSW (formerly NSWFB) responsible for repairs and maintenance of over 100 Fire Stations in the Southern area of NSW.

Funeral Support Office – elected  2026

Robin joined the Royal Australian Navy in April 1963 and was discharged in 1972.  He was an Officers Steward and later on a Leading Steward looking after senior Officers.  He saw service in Borneo and Malaysia on HMAS Vendetta and Vietnam on HMAS Hobart.  Upon discharge he joined Commonwealth Cars where he was a driver attached to Veterans Affairs.  Later on he went to the Office and ended up Office Manager, VIP Officer looking after guests of government politicians and Federal Court Judges.  He was made redundant in late 1900s and joined Australia Post where he was a postman then a driver of vans and trucks.  His working career finished in 2006.  His interests are gardening, reading and cooking.

Committee Member – elected  2026

Frank joined Commonwealth public service from school – first with Australia Post then Telecom, until he was conscripted in 1971.

He trained at Kapooka for Basic, Singleton for Core and Canungra for Jungle training. From there he was posted to join 2RAR/NZ B Company as a reinforcement, based in Nui Dat.

On return from service, he continued his employment with Telecom, until changing direction to become a contract driver with TNT for 26 years. His involvement in Scouting for 15 years kept him busy, attending 4 Jamborees.

Since retirement he has kept active through caravanning, hiking and overseas travel. One notable experience was following his wife to a remote indigenous community, volunteering in the kitchen at the school where his wife was working.

Coming back to the area he is kept busy with family, volunteering and being a “grandparent helper” at the school canteen.