After nearly two decades as president of the Bendigo District RSL, Cliff Richards OAM has decided to pass the reigns to Peter Swandale.
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Mr Richards had nothing but praise for his time as president.
“I am taking a small step back on purpose to give our younger veterans a chance to step up and take the sub branch to the next level,” Mr Richards said.
“I've now stepped back into the role of vice president hoping I can offer advice and support to our younger veterans.”
He first joined the Sunshine RSL in 1976 before joining the Bendigo RSL in 1980, going on to become a committee member in 1990.
He was appointed to vice president in 1991 before becoming a senior vice president in 1996, serving for six years before he became the president in 2002 for a term lasting 16 years.
Mr Richards now aims to encourage and support others, and to be involved with the future of the RSL.
“I am 100 per cent confident that Peter has the passion that will take him forward and this RSL forward into the future.”
The new president Peter Swandale said Mr Richards was an integral part of the RSL.
"Words can’t describe how important Cliff has been for both the RSL and the community,” Mr Swandale said.
Mr Swandale has served in the armed forces for 34 years with tours in Iraq, East Timor and Bouganville Island in Papua New Guinea.
The change of leadership has been timely with Anzac Day in less than a week.
“The most important thing on Anzac Day is to stop and remember to say thank you to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Swandale said.
“The resurgence over the last five years has been wonderful, we’re seeing more and more people paying their respects at the Dawn Service and other services.
“If you have the opportunity to attend one of the services it is a great way to be a part of the community and say thank you.”
Click here for a comprehensive list of all the Anzac Day services in the City of Greater Bendigo and surrounding areas.
