AFTER backing our servicemen and servicewomen for many a year, the Muswellbrook RSL Club is a finalist in the upcoming RSL and Services Association Spirit of Anzac Awards.
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Melbourne on Tuesday, September 10.
CEO Daryl Egan admitted it was a great acknowledgement for the local organisation.
"It's fantastic - and something we're proud of," he said.
"The club's supported the Muswellbrook RSL sub-Branch and its Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day ceremonies, as well as the branch itself in many other ways.
"We often do behind-the-scenes works on those occasions.
"We're also being recognised for our support of Team Rubicon Australia when they were based at the club with their operations centre and training activities.
"On top of that, our help with the Farmers Night fundraiser - last September - was identified, too.
"That event raised more than $47,000 for those impacted by the drought."
In his speech to Parliament on June 20, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen praised the Muswellbrook RSL Club for its assistance to Team Rubicon Australia (TRA) and the township.
"I had the privilege of seeing their work first-hand and meeting members of TRA in May when they came to the electorate to volunteer with drought relief," he said.
"They deployed an incident management team to reengage with local authorities and community members in the Upper Hunter.
"And, so, Operation Grant followed.
"More than 25 Greyshirts completed a series of work orders such as fence construction and deconstruction, chainsaw operations, stock feeding and outstanding cleaning and maintenance tasks.
"I can assure members that the farmers in the area were very grateful for their work and expertise.
"In partnership with Team Rubicon Australia, ClubsNSW made a generous donation in support of the Operation Grant relief efforts.
"All funds raised from that appeal have underpinned the deployment of veterans and first responders to provide aid to severely-affected members of the community within the Upper Hunter electorate.
"Equally generous donations came from the Scone and Muswellbrook RSL clubs, the Upper Hunter sub-Branch of the National Service Association and other groups and individuals."
