iscover
Veterans who have gone above and beyond to support their fellow servicemen and women have been honoured at this year’s NSW Premier’s Volunteer Reception, held on 22 May at the Art Gallery of NSW as part of National Volunteer Week.
Among those recognised were RSL NSW volunteers Casey “Ginger” and Matthew “Rusty” Carr from the Yass sub-branch, Bob Lunnon from the Forestville sub-branch and Northern Beaches District Council, and his wife, Barbara Lunnon, representing the Forestville Auxiliary. All were acknowledged for their tireless efforts and remarkable contributions to the veteran community across the state.
The annual reception shines a spotlight on the outstanding efforts of volunteers from across NSW. RSL NSW’s honourees this year are part of a broader network of more than 31,000 volunteers, who last year collectively contributed over half a million hours to veteran support through local programs, wellbeing services and advocacy.
For Ginger and Rusty Carr, volunteering became a way to turn personal hardship into meaningful change. After facing difficulties transitioning from Defence service – including periods of housing insecurity and limited access to support – the couple found strength and belonging through their local RSL community.
Now trained as wellbeing support officers and working towards accreditation as volunteer advocates, the Carrs dedicate their time to helping other veterans navigate the complex support system and rebuild their lives. “The RSL NSW community welcomed us like family,” Ginger Carr said. “That experience inspired us to help others the way we were helped.”
Also recognised was Bob Lunnon, a veteran and respected leader within RSL NSW who has spent over a decade serving as president of both the Forestville sub-branch and the Northern Beaches District Council. His influence extends beyond local initiatives, with an active role in shaping veteran support policies through the RSL NSW District Presidents Council.
His wife, Barbara Lunnon, is a passionate member of the RSL Auxiliary, helping drive key fundraising efforts through the Veteran Support Fund. The fund provides vital assistance with housing, financial relief and wellbeing programs for veterans across NSW.
In 2024 alone, RSL NSW sub-branches donated more than $8 million to charitable and community organisations that deliver critical services to the veteran population.
The NSW Premier’s Volunteer Reception offers a rare moment to formally recognise the impact of these volunteers, who quietly work behind the scenes to improve the lives of thousands of veterans and their families.
