Well-known local Ray Barling recently attended a networking session for the RSL in Sale and to his surprise it began with the presentation of life membership of the Returned Services League of Australia.
Ray joined the RSL 31 years ago on April 21, 1993, at Lakes Entrance.
“It is with the greatest pleasure that we recognise the work of Mr Raymond Barling,” Victorian president of the RSL, Dr Robert Webster, said.
“During his time he has been a committed and dedicated member of the Lakes RSL and has worked tirelessly in the pursuit of the RSL’s missions and objectives.
“Ray has been active in the veteran welfare space throughout his service. He has been a staunch advocate for veterans and their dependents and is always prepared to act in a considered and timely manner to meet the needs of the veteran community, often not without inconvenience and cost to himself.”
Ray has been the president and vice president of the Lakes Entrance sub-branch and also held the roles of wellbeing advocate, compensation military advocate and the pensions officer at the sub-branch.
“In carrying out these duties, Ray has displayed commitment, passion and dedication,” Dr Webster said.
Ray has engaged with younger veterans and their families through hosting breakfast mornings at the RSL and is well-known at the State Branch through his membership of the Veteran Affairs, Welfare and Aged Care Coordinating Committee for over a decade and through his regular attendance at president’s forum meetings where he represents East Gippsland in Region 11.
In the mid-2000s Ray was the ‘Outpost Contact’ for the Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre operating out of Sale.
“Ray is also passionate about men’s health and enjoys a good relationship with the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) promoting this cause,” Dr Webster said.
The DVA recognised his contribution with a Certificate of Appreciation in 2023, acknowledging his work in spreading the word about the importance of health and wellbeing.
“Ray is a highly respected member of the RSL and the broader community,” Dr Webster said.
“He has always been committed and dedicated in the pursuit of the RSL’s mission and understands the challenges veterans face and has genuine respect for their service and sacrifice.
“He fosters trust with those he helps and, as a consequence, has formed strong connections with the veteran community. Recognising that each veteran’s experience is unique, he has responded with compassion and understanding, particularly with our young veterans.
“All I have mentioned shows Ray is an outstanding example of service ethos and it is with sincere pleasure that I present him with life membership of the RSL.”
IMAGE: Ray Barling was recently presented life membership of the Returned Services League of Australia.
