NSW Minister for Veterans’ Affairs David Elliott presented John Graham, Les Anderson and Brad Hock with Ministerial Commendations at a ceremony held during his visit to the city earlier this week.

Mr Elliott said they were the first recipients of the Ministerial Commendation in the Bathurst electorate.

Mr Anderson is the current Bathurst RSL Sub Branch secretary, while Mr Graham and Mr Hock are both pensions officers with the organisation.

Mr Anderson served in the Australian Air Force from 1966 to 1972 as an instruments technician with 76 Squadron’s Mirage fighters based at Williamtown, where their mission was to protect the steel industry at Newcastle.

“Today, Mr Anderson is described as the glue that holds the local sub branch together in organising the annual Anzac Day ceremony in Kings Parade,” Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said.

“He has been involved in sub branch activities for the past 15 years, eight years as its secretary, and really is a quiet achiever.”

The Australian Army was Mr Graham’s life for 36 years and 250 days. He served in Kashmir in 1983 and in East Timor 20 years later.

“Mr Graham, who was born and raised in Portland, retired with the rank of major and now is actively involved with the local sub branch as a pensions officer,” Mr Toole said.

Mr Hock’s Australian Navy career extended from January 1974 to July 2010, when he retired from duty with the rank of commander.

He served on the HMAS Melbourne, but spent most of his time on board the HMAS Albatross.

“Mr Hock joined the navy as an apprentice and went on to specialise in aero engineering,” Mr Toole said. 

“He was involved with the Wagga RSL Sub Branch for many years before moving to Bathurst in 2014 and taking up his role as a pension officer with the local sub branch.”

Mr Toole said he and the minister were honoured to be able to recognise the three sub branch members.