Honour and service Membership crusader becomes just second life member

By CHRIS EARL

WHEN Michael Hobson moved to Inglewood in 2008, he looked around for an organisation to join.

The new policeman in town thought he was too old to play football. Instead, he joined the Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL sub-branch.

Within two months, the policeman and part-time soldier in the Army Reserve was made appeals and welfare officer.

The appointment was not meant to have lasted long. The sub-branch was down to nine members, all veterans of World War Two apart from Korean veteran Arthur Alsop.

Wheels had been put in motion to close the sub-branch with its own hall on Brooke Street and bring an end to the group providing support to veterans in the district since 1919.

But Michael Hobson saw there was still a need for the RSL sub-branch and set about boosting membership of veterans from later conflicts, affiliate member descendants of veterans and associate members drawn from supporters in the community.

Today, Inglewood-Bridgewater subbranch has more than 100 members and Michael Hobson is the face of the exservice organisation at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations in Inglewood, Bridgewater and now Rheola.

Transferred as a police officer, first to Bendigo and now in Melbourne as a tactical intelligence operative with the sex industry co-ordination unit, Michael has remained part of the RSL sub-branch.

And on Sunday, he was surprised with the presentation of life membershiponly the second to be awarded in the subbranch’s 104-year history.

One of the first to congratulate Michael after the presentation by Ripon MP Martha Haylett was the other life member, Arthur Alsop,

As the life membership citation said: “Michael arranges his employment shifts to be able to conduct his RSL duties.”

The life membership process was started by secretary Bill Concol back in March to gain approval from the state and national headquarters.

“Michael recognised the InglewoodBridgewater RSL sub-branch would dissolve unless aggressive recruiting was undertaken,” RSL chiefs were told.

“Michael conducted face to face recruiting of the Inglewood and Bridgewater communities. In 2012 his efforts resulted in the Inglewood-Bridgewater sub-branch receiving an RSL Victoria award for the fastest growing sub-branch in category 51–100 members, with a 25.7 per cent increase. Now annually the sub-branch consistently has over 100 members.

“The membership growth enabled Michael to then take on other responsibili ties which have included president, secretary and treasurer.”

The citation said that during COVID lockdowns, Michael held services with being the only person at the service. He maintained all traditions and procedures. He recorded some of these services.

He also instigated having a formal Vietnam Veterans’ Day service in Inglewood, the Bridgewater Dawn Service, and this year the Rheola 8.30am Anzac service, which is the first time in 45 years Rheola has had an Anzac service.

In 2016, Michael initiated the annual Anzac weekend football game between Inglewood and Bridgewater.

And since 2010, recognising the local RSL had historical documents including enlistment certificates and framed photographs that required preservation, he has organised the originals to be placed into suitable storage and duplicated docu- ments to be placed on display. Michael did the foundation work to establish a military museum to preserve military artefacts of members of our community.

Bill Concol says Michael has been hands on with maintaining facilities.

“He has built and supplied materials for a fence, fixed doors, laboured for air conditioning tradesmen, maintained the RSL yard and patched up walls. Michael recognised that our facility did not comply with essential safety measures and regulations. He organised the facility to be inspected and then to be compliant.”

“Michael shows compassion and care whether he is the current welfare officer or not. Michael has visited those in hospital and phoned those who have been unwell on many occasions.

“Michael does what he does, out of respect for those who have served and those who have died whilst serving. Pres- ervation of military and RSL traditions and history is also important to Michael. Michael is modest and always diverts the praise he receives to other people.”

And so he did again on Sunday, choosing to salute others who serve within the sub-branch.

The former 15 Transport Squadron corporal and 30-year Victoria police veteran said: “Being a member of an organisation is being invested in the local community.”:

“Even now, I still get phone calls from local people about police matters,” he said.

One of his proudest achievements with Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL was removing the stigma that it was only for veterans.

“We now have affiliate and associate members welcomed into the sub-branch and upholding the traditions of those who served in wars, conflicts and peace,” Michael said.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Bluey says hello to all the young readers of the Loddon Herald ... with special activities on our young reader’s page this month.

Winners of last month’s competition are Tilly N and EJ. Entries for this month’s special arts colouring competition close September 5.

Send your entries to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box 1188

Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com

And remember to include your name, age and address so Bluey can pick the right prizes for our lucky winners of the colouring competition.

Artists in ancient China were forbidden to paint women’s feet

Death Notices

ISAAC Keith

In loving memory of our cousin. Audrey and family.

NEWSTEAD (Nee Bawden)

Nola Jean

Passed peacefully, Aged 87. Loved wife of Bruce (dec).

Loving mother & mother-in-law of Faye & Paul, Chris & Colin, Jill & Steve.

Cherished Nanna of Leigh & Emma, Lauren & Ian, Kalista & Rhys; David & Em, Scott & Caitlyn, Chelsea & Tom; James, Darcy & Keeley. Great Nanna of Charli, Quinn, Airlie; Alyssa, Sophie, Xavier & Thomas; Hendrix & Ronnie; and Oscar

For further details please see: www.adamsfunerals.com.au

Meeting

2024 Australia Day Competitions

Entries are now open for Loddon Shire 2024 Australia Day colouring, literature and photographic competitions.

All competitions are free to enter, with entries closing on Friday 20 October 2023. Entry forms and further information, including eligibility criteria, is available on Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, email a request for further information to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Diploma (AQF Level 5) Consul�ng Arborist  Tree Assessments – Health, Condi�on and Risk etc. 

Reports – Management Plans, Development etc.

GIS Mapping, Data Collec�on etc.

0431 245 131

Careers at Loddon

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

Customer Service O cer - ref.J/229

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce

 Band 4 - $64,566.32 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 21 August 2023 at 5pm.

Tractor Operator - Loddon Plainsref.J/227

 Full-time, permanent position, working a 9-day fortnight

 Loddon Plains team, northern end of the shire

 TOCOM - $64,890.28 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 14 August 2023 at 5pm.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.