After a false start last year, RSL NSW president James Brown finally presented a new charter to the members of the Aberdeen Sub-Branch at the weekend.

And, with Anzac Day upon us, it was a big relief for the local executive – Private Doug McLeod, infantry 1RAR Australian Army Corps (president); Flight Lieutenant Gail Little, Special Duties Branch Royal Australian Air Force (vice-president/trustee); Sapper Sandy Morrison, combat engineer RAE Australian Army Corps (secretary/trustee); Sapper Adam Morrison, combat engineer RAE Australian Army Corps (treasurer/trustee); and Able Seaman Melanie Bell, communications and information systems sailor Royal Australian Navy (trustee) – who have worked hard in recent months to establish the organisation.

“It’s an honour to hand it to them,” Mr Brown said.

“The charter was to be presented on September 1, however we had to unavoidably postpone it.

“They are a fantastic group, led by president Doug McLeod, an infantryman who deployed to Somalia 25 years ago (with his dad, who served as quartermaster in the same battalion).

“The Aberdeen Sub-Branch closed down 12 years ago but has been re-established as new veterans have moved to the area. 

“Adam and Sandy Morrison, who met each other while serving in the Army as combat engineers, are the treasurer and secretary respectively, and manage their committee duties while working and raising two kids.

“Navy and Air Force are represented, too, through Gail Little the vice-president and Mel Bell who serves as trustee. 

“Our research tells us more and more veterans are moving to country towns, and the Aberdeen Sub-Branch committee is proof of that.

“Half the executive are new to the town in recent years.

“It’s another reminder of why we need to help keep our smaller sub-branches operating.

“It was a pleasure to meet our members in Aberdeen, visit the Aberdeen RSL Club, and speak with representatives of the Hunter Valley District Council. 

“The sub-branch will be proudly leading their March and ceremony this Anzac Day.”

Aberdeen’s Dawn Service is scheduled to start from 6am at the Memorial in Moray Street, to be followed by breakfast.

Participants will then assemble for the March in Bedford Street, near the pre-school, with the Remembrance Service beginning at 9.10am.

The formal proceedings take place at 10am, followed by brunch at the Aberdeen RSL Club auditorium.