The meeting on Tuesday, February 21 at the Shepparton RSL attracted a strong turnout, with the Victoria branch represented by assistant secretary Sue McQueen and membership officer Lindsay McQueen.
Outgoing GV president Peter Dealy presented his annual report, including paying special acknowledgement to the wives and partners of Vietnam veterans for being there to support veterans in their day-to-day lives.
Life memberships were awarded to Jeff Stanyer and Ron Mason, both for serving the GVVVA with distinction.
Mr Stanyer was originally a member of the Mornington Peninsular Vietnam Veterans Association, before relocating to Numurkah and joining the GVVVA in 2005.
He was elected secretary in 2010 and has continued in that capacity until the present day, providing 12 years of service for the GVVVA, including as its welfare officer and delegate to state council on many occasions.
Mr Mason has been a member of the GVVVA since the late 1990s, immediately becoming a willing worker at all ceremonial, welfare and social events.
He was elected treasurer in 2010, remaining in the position 12 years later, and has also been the GVVVA delegate to state council.
Mr Dealy said the pair had made great contributions to the sub-branch’s ongoing strength.
“Your contribution has contributed greatly to the GVVVA continuing to represent very well the Vietnam veterans of the Goulburn Valley and assisting them in accessing the services they might need from time to time,” he said.
“The members’ appreciation of this is evident in the continued strength of the sub-branch and its very good membership retention.”
The meeting also elected its 2023 executive, including incoming president Trevor Begley, vice-president Jeff Swain, secretary Mr Dealy and treasurer Mr Mason.