YOU may be familiar with the Port Macquarie sub-branch president Greg Laird. He’s the man often running outstanding community services, such as ANZAC Day ceremonies, and his commitment to the community has not gone unnoticed.
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He is among the highly regarded who will receive an Order of Australia medal on Australia Day. He didn’t quite know hot to feel.
“I’m feeling humble. I definitely wasn’t expecting it, but I’m very happy for the RSL,” he said.
“It’s all come from working with them, so it’s nice to see the RSL getting recognition.
“To receive the OAM… I don’t think it has sunk in yet. It is a tremendous honour, and I’ve always held recipients in such high esteem, and I don’t know if I can be held is that high esteem.”
Mr Laird’s history goes something like this: In 1969 he was called to serve Australia in the Vietnam War, spending nearly 12 months in Vietnam.
Jackarooing before he went off, he admitted to being somewhat “lost” when he returned to Australia.
“I ended up going into the liquor industry and owned a hotel at Tumbarumba,” he said. “I joined the RSL because my grandfather former the Ryde RSL back in 1920-something.
“My grandfather, father and myself were all returned serviceman who were members of the same sub-branch.
“But I didn’t get too involved until I got to Port Macquarie and, basically, got roped into it. That was 2003 and I have no regrets. Not one.”
To receive the OAM… I don’t think it has sunk in yet. It is a tremendous honour.
- Greg Laird
Mr Laird said he loves what he does with the local RSL sub-Branch, particularly the engagement with the community and the involvement with local schools.
“The people are great, the members are tremendous and we feel as though if we can do something to help them then we are doing a good job,” he said.
Each year, Mr Laird reflects once January 26 rolls around. Australia Day means a great deal to the local dignitary.
“It’s the birth of this country, when the Australian people and Aboriginal people really started to get to know each other,” he said.
“I feel we can continue that on. I have a pretty good relationship with our local indigenous people, particularly Uncle Bill (O’Brien) who is a magnificent man.”
Some initiatives that Mr Laird introduced to Port Macquarie include attending schools and encouraging students to speak at commemorative services in the Hastings.
“I’m proud that I have been able to get the kids more involved,” he said.
“To become more active in the community, as far as getting the RSL name and profile out there, is something that I’m happy to have played a part in.”
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
