After nearly four decades at the helm of one of the state's largest Returned Services branches at Nelson Bay, John Tate has decided to call time on his long and distinguished military involvement.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 76-year-old from Soldiers Point, who was conscripted as a National Serviceman in 1966, went to Vietnam and spent 21 years in the Army before joining the RSL, has handed over the reins to another long-time sub-branch member, Nelson Bay's Tom Lupton.
Even more amazing about Mr Tate's 37 years as president of the Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch is the fact that he has administered with distinction from a wheelchair for more than half that time.
Mr Tate, OAM, a bowel cancer survivor, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome in 1998.
Despite his disability, the proud father and grandfather got on with life and never allowed his diagnosis stop him from performing his presidential duties.
"It's definitely something that I am proud and honoured to do, but I could never have been able to fulfil my duties without the support of the other committee members and my wife Alison. The Nelson Bay sub-branch has meant a lot to me," he said.
Mr Tate's service to the community and volunteer work extended beyond the RSL.
He has also captain of the Soldiers Point Rural Fire Brigade, a Legatee and a Lodge Master, his outstanding contribution culminating in the 2009 Queen's Birthday Order of Australia Medal.
"Yes, it's very satisfying [serving the community], but I can categorically say that 90 per cent of the work equates to the support I receive from the many people I have worked with over the years," he said.
Mr Tate is proud of his military service, which included a 12 month tour of Vietnam (1969/70) with the Signals division, as well as stints in PNG and parts of Europe. His last posting was commanding 615 Signals at Stockton.
Following his discharge, Mr Tate worked in security and had his own lawn mowing business before he was stricken with initially cancer and later Guillain-Barre, which he believes may have been a result of being exposed to 'agent orange' while in Vietnam.
His replacement, 79-year-old Tom Lupton, had been vice-president of the Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch for eight years and a devoted RSL member for more than half a century.
Mr Lupton, who enlisted in the Army at age 17, also served in Vietnam (1965/66) with the 1st Battalion Australian Regiment (Infantry) as a rifleman, before completing 30 years in the Police Force.
He retired as a chief inspector and received the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service in 1997.
"I am well aware that I will be filling big shoes," Mr Lupton said of his appointment to succeed Mr Tate.
"We have some big challenges ahead as we come out of COVID and following the RSL state inquiry.
"I hope to carry on the excellent work of my predecessor and you can be sure that I will be seeking his advice as often as I can."
Mr Lupton said that one of his goals would be to increase membership, focusing on the younger men and women on the Tomaree Peninsula.
"At its height this sub-branch had in excess of 600 members, it is now at around 200," he said. "My hope is to reach out to the younger veterans and serving members and avail them to the support in areas of welfare, pensions, camaraderie and careers."
Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch is thankful for the strong financial support it receives from the RSL Auxiliary, the Wests Group and through club grants.
New members are welcome to contact the club via rslnsw.org.au.
In other news
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.portstephensexaminer.com.au
- Follow us on Instagram @psexaminer
- Follow us on Twitter @PortExaminer
- Follow the Port Stephens Examiner on Facebook
