Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, joined Quirindi RSL Sub Branch members to present local veteran Cyril Barwick with a commemorative medallion from the Australian Government to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The medallion, available to all living Second World War veterans, was presented in a display case and was a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation to those veterans who fought to protect our way of life in the terrible conflict that ended 75 years ago.

Private Barwick, now 103, enlisted into the Army on 18 July 1940 and served for more than six years which included tours of New Guinea, the Middle East and Africa, before discharging with the 2/4 Australian Infantry Battalion.

“I thank Cyril for his service to this country and in defence of the freedoms we’re all lucky to share in Australia today,” Mr Joyce said.

“We are forever grateful for your contribution to the war effort which has allowed generations of Australians to go about their daily lives amid relative peace and safety.”

Quirindi RSL President Doug Hawkins said Cyril typified the true-blue characteristics of Aussie diggers.

“He’s one of those humble, knockabout blokes – tough as nails too,” Mr Hawkins said.

More than one million Australian men and women fought to protect our country and our allies during the Second World War, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores.

Second World War veterans or their families on their behalf, can contact Mr Joyce’s electorate office on 6761 3080 to apply for a medallion, or apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion

(ENDS)