Our Patrons
Community Patron
Mr Rob Mitchell, MP
Federal Member for McEwen
Military Patron
Warrant Officer Don Spinks, OAM
Former Regimental Sergeant Major Army
Federal Member for McEwen
Former Regimental Sergeant Major Army
State member for Yuroke
Josie and her family have lived in Craigieburn since 1982 and is an active member of Our Lady’s Parish Community. Josie has worked for Hume City Council for over twenty-five years and currently holds the position of Children’s Library Technician at Craigieburn Library. Josie has been a member of many community groups and strongly believes that volunteering can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organisations in need. Josie is very keen to be part of the ANZAC team to help highlight the importance of remembering those who have fought for our home and country.
Drew has lived in Craigieburn with his wife Ann and family since 1985, and is a current serving Hume councillor for Aitken Ward, having represented the area in this role since 1997. Drew has had extensive governance experience in a wide range of not-for profit, community, primary school, and sporting groups in the Craigieburn district. In addition to his treasurer role in this Committee and foundation member of the Craigieburn ANZAC Day Service, Drew is currently a sponsor/member of the Craigieburn Basketball Association, Bowling Club and Football Clubs respectively, member of the Craigieburn Residents’ Association, the Highlands Residents’ Association, and long serving church council member (currently Secretary) of the St Thomas’ Uniting Church Craigieburn. He is also an honorary member of the Craigieburn SES Unit. Drew has a strong family connection to the Great War (Grandfather and two Great Uncles who served in France) and has an enduring commitment to recognising those who served, and sacrificed so much for our country.
Vicky and her husband Mario have resided in Craigieburn since 1988. Vicky is an active volunteer member of the Victoria State Emergency Service; joining in 1989. Vicky is also an active member of Our Lady’s Parish Community. Vicky is a home maker and is the proud mother of David and Michael. Vicky has also been an active member, since 2008, of the Craigieburn ANZAC Day planning group and takes great pride participating in the conduct of our local ANZAC Day Service.
Alec enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on the 22nd of February 1965 as a 17 year old and after completing his recruit training at Kapooka, was assigned to the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps and sent to Bonegilla for his trade training. In May 1967 Alec was posted to Vietnam with the 17th Construction Squadron (Workshop Stores Cell) as a re-enforcement. Alec commenced his service at the 1 Australian Logistic Support Group (Vung Tau), before moving to Nui Dat in January of 1968. It was during his service that Australia suffered some of its heaviest casualties; Battles of Suoi Chau Pha, Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, and the Tet Offensive. On his return to Australia in June of 1968, Alec continued to serve in the Regular Army until 1985 having attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class One. Alec was awarded an Order of Australia Medal, (Military Division), in the Queen’s Birthday honours list (1984) for his distinguished service. Alec and his wife Helen, have called Craigieburn ‘home’ for over 32 years, having moved here from Donvale in 1988 with three of their five children, (two of whom have also called Craigieburn home for many years.
Alan moved to Craigieburn in 1982 and was one of the first members to join the newly formed Victoria State Emergency Service – Craigieburn Unit. Alan had previously served as a St John Ambulance Volunteer for over twelve years, including several as a member of the St John Road Accident Rescue Team. Alan commenced as an Ambulance Officer in 1988 soon qualifying as a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance officer in 1996. Alan is a foundation member of the CWMRC and has been involved in the management of ANZAC Day Services since 2008. The relocation of the Commemorative Stone to the new Craigieburn SES Memorial occurred during Alan’s tenure as Controller. Alan was recognized for his service to the Community through the award of the Emergency Services Medal in the Australian Day Honours List in 2006
John retired after an aviation career, as both a technician and senior manager, that spanned sixty years that included service in the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm (RAN), Trans Australia Airlines (TAA), QANTAS, Gulfair and New Guinea Civil Aviation. John’s aviation career also included a period where he founded his own aviation consultancy company.
John’s RAN service included operational deployments with the Far East Strategic Reserve during the Malayan Emergency. John was Defence service was recognised with the award of the Australian Active Service Medal, Australian General Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.
John served as the President of a traditional RSL Sub-Branch at Romsey, Victoria, from 2005 – 2014 and is a Life Member of the Sub-Branch. John is Vice President of the Australian Malayan Borneo Veterans Association and is a Fellow of the Royal Victoria Association of Honorary Justices.
John and his wife Carline have been residents of Craigieburn since 2014. John believes, that as a Veteran he has an obligation to honour those who have served Australia, especially those who paid the supreme sacrifice.