By Luke Voogt
Two Drysdale women have received a national award for a combined 97 years of helping war veterans.
Drysdale RSL last Friday presented Pam Davis and Colleen Lincoln with the National Certificate of Merit Gold Badge.
Pam joined the Drysdale RSL Women’s Auxiliary in 1967 and held office for 45 years, including stints as president.
“Our RSL couldn’t run without Pam,” Colleen said on Thursday.
“We all owe everything we do to her. She has worked tirelessly for the RSL.”
Pam also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 15 years and supports the Royal Children’s Hospital through the Bellarine Uncle Bob’s Club.
Colleen, who joined the RSL Women’s Auxiliary in 1972, said she was “gobsmacked” to receive the award.
Her family has been part of the RSL for four generations. Her grandfather and great uncle served in WWI, and her daughter is also part of the RSL.
“It’s our blood,” she said, “my grandfather and father had a hand in putting our clubrooms together.”
Colleen has been treasurer of the Drysdale RSL Women’s Auxiliary for 36 years and counting. She described her most recent honour as “completely unexpected”.
“You join an organisation to see what help you can be for the welfare of our service personal,” she said.
“It’s a job that gives you a great deal of pleasure to be able to do.”
Colleen has also donated fruit cakes and puddings to local clubs and charities, for raffles and fundraising efforts over the years.
