The highest honour for an RSL member was awarded posthumously to a "rough diamond" at an afternoon tea in Howlong on Sunday.
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The Howlong sub-branch and Brocklesby chapter were celebrating the centenary of the founding of the RSL, and the family of the late Noel John “Blue” Rushby accepted the meritorious service medal on his behalf.
The gong required 30 years continuous membership and 25 years of outstanding honorary service.
Mr Rushby, a Korean War veteran, died last year when his application was under consideration.
Howlong RSL secretary Alan Panther described his late mate as a “rough diamond”.
“Blue was a rough and ready individual,” he said.
“A little bit gruff, but really had a heart of gold and he’d help anyone.
“He would bend over backwards to get the right thing done.”
More than 60 people watched on as RSL far south west district president Alan Hutchings presented the medal to Mr Rushby’s daughter, Hazel Rushby.
“He dedicated a lot of time and effort to the RSL,” Ms Rushby said.
“He would be very happy to know he was getting the award, it’s a shame he died before it.”
Aside from long service, Mr Hutchings said the award was a nod to what one did for veterans.
“How you treat the veterans, how you recruit members, and what you do within the community as well,” he said.
It was clear Mr Rushby had done much for Howlong’s veterans since returning from war.
“I found him to have a heart of gold,” Mr Hutchings said.
“He didn’t always direct it in the right direction, a lot of us don’t of course.
“But at the same time, he always had the RSL at heart, and I think that’s what mattered more than anything else.”
Mr Rushby was instrumental in setting up a senior citizens' group in Howlong and the silver colts, a golf competition for over 50s.
“He held down the presidency and it was an important role,” Mr Hutchings said.
“In those days, people didn’t know what they could do or where they could go, there wasn’t enough communication, but now there’s so much out there that people can actually access help.”
The Howlong Lions Club were thanked for preparing the lunch.
