Bathurst RSL Director Receives Australia Day Honour

For Paul, his passion for helping the local community has been a family affair his entire life. 

“My parents instilled in me if you can help just one person, that’s a great thing,” Paul says. “That’s why I love being involved with a club.

“The RSL is a very special name and whether it’s at the RSL, Scouts or whatever, if I can help one person it’s worthwhile.”

One of the most treasured memories of his time at Bathurst RSL was “winning the Heart of the Community Award” at the ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards last year, as well as being re-elected on the Board four times. 

In his 10 years at the Club, Paul says the work by the team, under CEO Peter Sargent, has been immense.

“When I first went for the place on the Board we had about 13,000 members and now we have about 18,000 members,” Paul says.

“Under Peter Sargent’s management the Club has gone from strength to strength.

“I had no idea about clubs and was starting from scratch, but off Peter I have learnt so much.”

Peter was proud of Paul receiving the award and says it is a great reflection on how the Club prioritises serving the community.

“It is a great honour for him and also as a director of the Bathurst RSL,” Peter says. 

“I think it reflects really well on his ten years of service at Bathurst RSL as director. Paul has been such a positive influence in the boardroom. This is just further demonstration of how we as a Club worked to maintain the Heart of the Community mission and the way we deliver that. 

“The fact that one of our directors has just been awarded another Living Legend reflects on how we are committed to our community and that is reflected in the composition of our Board.

“We now have three Bathurst living legends on our Board with Paul, Ronald Hollebone and Christine Tobin. The rest are all legends as well of course!”

With Bathurst RSL doing so much to serve the local community, Paul says clubs right across the region are vital.

“I think clubs today are more important than ever in country towns,” he says. “We’re okay here, but in struggling small country towns they do so much. 

“Whether it’s something like ANZAC Day or when we help people dealing with domestic violence by providing accommodation, we want to help as many people as we can.”

The award was presented on Australia Day by the Mayor of Bathurst, Robert Taylor.

“Our 2025 Living Legends each have had a terrific impact on our community over many years and this award provides a chance to put their significant efforts into a well-deserved spotlight.

“On behalf of Bathurst Regional Council, congratulations to those recognised at today’s ceremony. 

“Thank you for the excellent contributions you have made to our community.”