It was a big four weeks in the life of Corowa RSL Sub-Branch for its president Martin Magill.
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On February 10, he was awarded NSW RSL Life Membership and, on March 9, was re-appointed president for another three years.
During his next term as president, Mr Magill will become the longest serving RSL Sub-Branch President, overtaking Brian Gray’s 13 years tenure from 1986 to 1998.
Mr Magill was president from 2005 to 2006, and has resumed the role since 2012, totalling 11 years to date.
Corowa RSL Sub-Branch Vice President and Life Member Bill Aitken said the recommendation for the award of Life Membership for Mr Magill had the unanimous support of the sub–branch executive and membership.
“Martin Magill has the respect of the business community around Corowa and as a result, has assisted the sub–branch to tap into the services and goods available to assist veterans and widows,” Mr Aitken said at the annual general meeting on March 9.
“His reputation among the business community also aids the reputation of the RSL movement in this town.”
President of the Far South West District Council (FSWDC) David Williams sent his congratulations to the re-elected president.
“It does not come as a surprise and the award is well deserved,” the message read from Mr Williams.
“Many are called but few are chosen and on a personal note I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Martin and valued his realistic and common sense approach which often made my decision making easier.”
In his response, 71-year-old Mr Magill said: “It is with humility and great honour that I accept this award and no matter what I have done, has not been for me but for the benefit of the Corowa Sub-Branch and its hard working and dedicated members. My thanks go to you all.”
The Vietnam Veteran was vice president 2003-2005, 2007- 2011, a total of eight years.
Mr Magill joined the RSL in 1971 and transferred from Bankstown to Corowa RSL Sub-Branch in 1993.
From 1965 to 1993 Mr Magill served in the Australian Defence Force (Army) then worked at Uncle Toby’s 1994-2003.
It was in 1991 when the move to Wahgunyah was made and where he has resided for the last 29 years. He served in the Wahgunyah CFA for 25 years – another example of his wonderful community spirit.
Peg’s service award
Also at the AGM on March 9, the nationally-recognised Margaret (Peg) Hanrahan OAM received her 50-year Service Award to the Corowa RSL Sub-Branch.
Sub-Branch Vice-President Daryl Martin made the presentation to the lady who is such a significant person in the history of the RSL Sub-Branch.
Peg, along with Ken King, had the honour in cutting the cake in respect of the Corowa RSL Sub-Branch turning 100-years-of-age in June, 2019.
“Peg has provided such diligent and outstanding service for more than 50-years to the RSL Sub-Branch and particularly the Corowa Women’s Auxiliary where she was president for 22 years,” Vietnam Veteran Mr Martin said.
“I have known Peg all my life. I marched with her son Phillip Scott (Corowa RSL Club President) at Kapooka (Army Training Centre near Wagga Wagga) on the same day, 19th April 1972.
“Peg referred to us as ‘a couple of rascals!’. Seriously, though, she has done so much for the RSL Sub-Branch and is so deserving of every award that comes her way.”
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