By Virginia Porter
The State President of the Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia, Dr Rob Webster AOM visited the Dandenong Ranges Sub Branch on Monday 19 February to award an important national award to one of Sassafras’ long serving community volunteers.
Michael Philp, known to many as Sassafras’ Post Office Manager, was awarded the National Certificate of Merit with Gold Badge, the highest form of recognition for a member of the RSL who did not serve in uniform.
Michael has been the mainstay of the Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub Branch for nearly three decades, serving as treasurer, secretary and on the general committee for a total of 26 years. He is the current treasurer of the sub branch and has continuously served in that role since 2008.
In congratulating Michael for his noteworthy contribution to the RSL and the local community, Rob Webster observed that the Dandenong Ranges Sub Branch has gone through periods where it was doubtful that it would survive, but through Michael’s prudence, hard work and commitment to the RSL, the sub branch of today is vibrant and its future assured. He also observed that the sub branch is an all-volunteer operation, so in addition to being on the committee continuously for 26 years, Michael also volunteers as the membership officer, the food and beverage manager and is the primary point of contact for building and equipment maintenance issues, while still working full time at the post office.
RSL Sub Branch President, Bob Richards said “Of all those who have volunteered their time to the RSL in our region over the past three decades, or who have held office, the contribution from Michael Philp has no doubt been the most significant and without his efforts, I doubt that our Sub Branch would still be operating, let alone thriving.”
Michael was joined by his wife Louisa at the presentation and 25 RSL members came to witness the award, which successfully had been kept a secret until his name was announced on the night by the RSL state president.
The Dandenong Ranges RSL’s club rooms are at 1773 Mountain Highway in Sassafras.
