Peter Chapman receives his medal from Fran Bailey and Brigadier Rerden. By Melissa Meehan
SIX local current and former Defence Force personnel, volunteer and National Servicemen were presented with Australian Defence Medals in Healesville early last week.
The Australian Defence Medal was established to recognise current and former members of the Defence Force who have served four years, completed an enlistment period or re-enlisted since the end of World War II on 2 September 1945.
Five of the six recipients were notified of the presentation, held in the Members’ Room at the Healesville RSL.
Geoff Chapman was led to believe he was there to support his father, Peter Chapman but to his surprise was also presented with the Australian Defence Medal.
Local Federal Member MP Fran Bailey and Brigadier Rerden presented Wally Bohlmann from Seymour, Peter and Geoff Chapman from Healesville, Clarrie Glass from Taggerty, Trevor Tobias from Hidden Valley with the medals.
Ann Templar from Badger Creek received the medal on behalf of her late husband Wayne.
Ms Bailey said being able to present the medals to the six deserving participants was an honour.
“Four years ago I was Junior Minister for Defence and we had been lobbying for the Australian Defence Medal to be established,” Ms Bailey said.
“And so, I have a close affinity with the medal.”
Ms Bailey said that anyone who serves in the Australian Defence Force deserved recognition for their duty.
“It is a great honour to be here to present these very important medals with Brigadier Rerden,” Ms Bailey said.
Ms Bailey said the medals were a small gesture of thanks for the contribution made by the six men who received the medals.
