.png)
%20(1).png)
On Thursday 6 February 2025, RSL WA celebrated the achievement of three individuals at ANZAC House who were recipients of Australia Day Medallions: Anne Stedman, John Rolfe and Robert Sheppard.
The Australia Day Medallion Program recognises the contribution of individuals and teams for outstanding performance on special projects or in performance of their core duties and provides a way of recognising those people for outstanding achievement, length of service and recognition in a particular field.
The awards were presented by RSL WA State President Duncan Anderson. Also present was Morgen Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and Board Secretary of Auspire, the Australia Day Council of Western Australia.
Anne Stedman
Growing up in an RSL family, Anne has a deep, lifelong connection to the Brookton Sub-Branch, which she rejoined in 2013, and where she has served as vice-president since 2014. Her commitment is further reflected in her numerous roles, including as warden and as a primary organiser of both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services, as well as the Sub-Branch Poppy Day Appeal coordinator.
Anne is a driving force behind preserving the Brookton Sub-Branch’s history and is always seeking ways to enhance services for members. Her vision brought to life the successful ‘Poppies in the Park’ project for the Centenary Years, bringing together contributions from the local school and community group and shrouding Memorial Park in poppies.
Anne is the first to chip in at busy-bees and always first to put up her hand when jobs are being allocated – from making wreaths, to attending presentation nights at the school, to raking leaves, to researching past members.
Representing the Sub-Branch at community events, leading initiatives, and offering steadfast support at every turn, Anne’s dedication and proactive spirit have enriched the community and brought honour to the Brookton Sub-Branch and its legacy.
John Rolfe
John Rolfe is a passionate advocate for veterans in Western Australia and has been a very successful Sub-Branch President for years.
He is a mentor, a hard worker and has a can-do attitude. After recently only stepping down as President of North Beach, he volunteered to take on other senior roles at RSL WA including positions on WAVAC, the State Tribunal and the Constitution Committee.
John has been a valuable member of WAVAC and, as Vice Chair, has seamlessly stepped in to represent the state on NVAC when required.
During John's six years as President of the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch he was voted in by its members unopposed in 2018 and again in 2021. John increased its membership and introduced the Tour of Duty for its members, which improved comradery and mateship. While John was President, the Sub-Branch was awarded the Newdegate Cup for best overall Sub-Branch in the State from 2019–2021 and again in 2023.
John is to be commended for his outstanding service and commitment to RSL WA and his fellow veterans.
Robert Sheppard
Bob qualified Advocate level 1 in August 2010 and Advocate level in 3 December 2011. It is of note that this is a volunteer, unpaid position. During this time, he has assisted over 700 veterans in submitting their claims.
Bob’s attitude is one that claims need doing, and quickly, so he is on-call 24/7 for his veterans. This includes hospital and home visits within the CBD, suburbia and country using his own personal transport. He works from both RSL WA Central and from his home office on other days. Bob has completed claims for veterans in WA, SA, QLD, VIC and NSW. His knowledge of the rules and regulations involving the various Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation and Compensation acts are second to none.
Bob has also been successful in the conduct of Appeals at the Veterans Review Board where initial claims have been dismissed through lack of evidence. He has managed to have numerous claims reconsidered that has changed the outcome to the benefit of the veteran.
Bob Sheppard has worked tirelessly for the veteran community. No task is too big, and his dogged support in ensuring a satisfactory outcome for the veteran has gained him a reputation as a battler for veterans and their families regardless of their location and background.
