For more than four decades, Kevin O’Callaghan has been dedicated to honouring Craigieburn’s veterans.
As president of the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, he was instrumental in securing a war memorial for the suburb, working with Hume council and local stakeholders to get a memorial built in Craigieburn Anzac Park.
On Anzac Day, Mr O’Callaghan’s passion for remembering those that served was recognised by the RSL.
He was named as one of two recipients of the Anzac of the Year award.
The annual award recognises the efforts and achievements of Australians who have given service to their community in a selfless and compassionate manner.
Mr O’Callaghan was nominated for the award by Yuroke MP Ros Spence and former Hume councillor Casey Nunn.
RSL national president Robert Dick said Mr O’Callaghan received the award in recognition of his compassionate commitment to engendering the spirit of Anzac in the ex-service and wider community of Craigieburn for more than four decades.
“The award recipients exemplify the spirit of Anzac within the community through their dedication and commitment to the benefit of others. They are exemplars of community services and an inspiration,” he said.
Mr O’Callaghan said the award took him by surprise. He said he was driven to honour local veterans, having worked for the defence department for 42 years and serving in the Army Reserve from 1972-1975.
“My grandfather served in the first war and my dad served in the second war. I’ve worked with soldiers my whole life. I have seen the effect and the impact war has on them,” he said.
“It would be forgetting my family and those people I worked with if I didn’t try to honour them.”
