Object said to be Macedonian Civil Defence MedalMaroon coloured presentation box containing maroon and blue striped ribbon with three metal bars attached above white stone medal.White stone is engraved front and back with black letters in a circle.macedonia, medal

Grey paperboard cover, 64pp, bound with staples and red bookbinding tape.non-fictionFrom introduction: 'a condensed summary of the contents of numerous handbooks which have been issued in relation to the protection of the general public and the precautions which should be taken against the effects of an air raid. It has been prepared so that, for reference purposes, trainees may have the main points of all the various phases of this complex subject embraced in one small volume.' Contains chapters on types of bombs, poison war gases and other poisonous substances, protective clothing, preparation of a refuge room, first aid, nursing of gassed patients, decontamination.wwii, world war ii, air raid precautions

Charles worked in the Merchant service. After enforced retirement due to injury he was active in Civil Defence.The Defence Medal is a campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945, to be awarded to citizens of the British Commonwealth for both non-operational military and certain types of civilian war service during the Second World War. It was Awarded for 3 years, 360, 180 or 90 days, depending on area and nature of serviceThe medal is cupro-nickel, with the uncrowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a conventional oak tree centrally, with a crown above, with two lions counter rampart as supporters between the dates 1939 and 1945. The base of the medal reverse has the words ‘THE DEFENCE MEDAL’. The ribbon is orange with green outer stripes, each green stripe having a black pin-stripe running down the centre. The green represents the Islands of the United Kingdom, the orange represents enemy attacks, and the black represents the black outs. The medal is housed in a small cardboard box. There is a loose leaf of paper with the medal which conveys salutations.Front of the box: (in black) stamp O.H.M.S. / circular stamp with English crown : OFFICIAL PAID Typewritten in blue ink: Mr. C. Page/50 High Street/Woolton/LIVERPOOL Back of the box: printed in black ink: If undelivered, return to/Defence Medal/Central Index/Home Office/Whitehall/S.W.Icharles page, medal, defence medal

Air raid procedure issued by the authority of the Newtown and Chilwell council, with the approval of the State Emergency Council for Civil Defence.Gives information on what to do in the event of an air raid.Rectangular shaped laminated document khaki in colour.Town of Newtown and Chilwell AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS.

It has been impressed with a checker's stamp which employs the broad arrow 114, and is stamped MO 1943 MK III ,also has markings on rear 15-ND-D.

14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A wooden plaque in the shape of a shield with one large emblem of the Rats of Tobruk Association in the centre and 4 smaller emblems attached. The smaller emblems represent the Rats of Tobruk Association, the Returned Services League Australia and the Queensland Civil Defence. The Rats of Tobruk motto is also included on a metal scroll. Beneath the badges on a metal scroll "NO SURRENDER"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

Donated by the estate of Mr Charles Page. Charles worked in the Merchant service. After enforced retirement due to injury he was active in Civil Defence and StJohn's ambulance service.Cast alloy metal medals (gold coloured) of complex shapes, consisting of 4 pieces, 1 larger and 3 smaller, connected together in a ladder formation by small linking rings. Two pieces (the larger piece and one of the smaller pieces) have been electro-plated and are silver coloured. The main medal reads "The St John Ambulance Association". Each of the smaller pieces has a year printed on it - these cover the years 1941-1943 On the back of the main medal: "484333 Charles Page". Each of the 3 smaller medals: "484333"charles page, medal, ambulance

Prayer booklet published by the Church of England Emergency Civil Defence Committee, Diocese of Adelaide, in 1939 for those on active service. Contains holy communion, commandments, prayers, psalms.Booklet with yellow card cover and white pages, printed in black, stapled.prayer booklet - war time, wwii, world war ii

Issued by state emergency coining for Civil Defence Victoria outlining Air Raid Precautions advice to householders in April 1961. Refer to 147081 William Charles ATKINSON enlisted 9.2.44 age 18 Brown booklet, 40 pages including larger fold out sheets of air raid shelter designs. Cover ‘AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS”. Advise to house holders 1941”air raids, government advice

The poster sets out information and instructions for households in the event of an air raid during World War II. It was issued in 1940 by the Air Raid Precautions Organisation, which was established by the St Kilda City Council under the auspices of the State Emergency Council (Victoria) for Civil Defence.White card, discoloured with age, printed in black on one sideworld war ii, air raid precautions, city of st kilda, wwii

Air Raid Precautions Organisations were formed in each State in Australia during the Second World War. In Victoria they were organised by the State Emergency Council (Victoria) for Civil Defence. In Melbourne, the organisations were locally based in municipalities. Within a municipality, areas were organised into sectors.Twelve point instructions distributed by the District Warden's Office, Town Hall, Kew in June 1940 and issued by the authority and with the approval of the Kew City Council, W. D. Birrell (Town Clerk), outlining advice for residents in the event of an air raid. City of Kew seal at top right. The document was issued to residents in Sector 9. It was printed by Arnall & Jackson, 115 Barkly Street, W. Brunswick.Signed [Sector Warden] F. J. [sic] Warry, 65 Molesworth Street; [Senior Warden] K. L. Robertssecond world war, city of kew, wwii, air raid precautions organisation

WW2light cardMrs Martin. State Emergency Council for Civil Defence (Victoria) City of Camberwell Air Raid Precautions Sector Warden Mr Ashcroft Glen Iris Mr Lyte Glen Iris Nearest Wardens Post F W Smith phone U1526 Sector No. 114 Area Warden Councillor E W Raven WM1510

These collars were worn by Mr Whiteman, Marjorie Burton's father, until he died in 1972. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. She came from a middle-class working church-going family. Her father served in Civil Defence during WW11. A detachable collar was a shirt collar separate from the shirt, fastened to it by buttons. The collar was usually made of a different fabric from the shirt and was almost always white and specially starched to a hard cardboard-like consistency. detachable collars were a better way to clean and starch a collar for business or formal wear. As more emphasis started to be placed on comfort in clothing wearing a detachable stiffly starched collar decline in day wear; although it is still often worn by barristers while a full dress shirt may still have a stiff detachable collar. These collars are examples of clothing which was commonly worn by businessmen in the first half of the 20th century.Four men's starched cotton shirt collars. They each have 3 button holes for attaching to a shirt. Two are white with grey stripes and two are plain white.2483.24 and 2483.25 - Trubenised reg trade mark Reg user Do not starch Iron very damp 129 4128 15 2483.26 - Patented and made in England Woven from Egyptian cotton 476035 SECONDS Van Heusen 15/38 2483.27 - Trubenised Patent registered No starch needed 15 Iron very damp collars-detachable men's-clothing accessories burton,-marjorie

Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made all of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. These items are examples of handcrafted items and reflect the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949.Six pairs of ladies' gloves. 2483.16 is a white crocheted cotton pair. 2483.17 is a light tan knitted woolen pair. 2483.18 is a brown crocheted cotton pair. 2483.19 is an ecru crocheted cotton pair. 2483.20 is a black leather pair and 2483.21 is a brown leather pair. women's-accessories gloves crochet knitting burton-marjorie

Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made all of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. These items are examples of handcrafted items and reflect the handcraft skills of women during the early 20th century.Two hand-made nightcaps. 2483.22 is a fine ecru coloured net with a pink trim. 2483.23 is made of lace and ribbon and edged with a crochet band. It is blue and pink with a pale green ribbon.hand-made nightcap sleepwear clothing

This was knitted by Marjorie Burton during WW11 in England. She used to knit while in an air raid shelter escaping the bombing with her young daughter. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who mad all of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. This was knitted by Marjorie Burton during WW11 in England. She used to knit while in an air raid shelter escaping the bombing with her young daughter. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949.A brown cotton hand-knitted lacy jumper. it is a long-sleeved lady'e jumper with a tea-coloured crocheted collar sewn on. On each shoulder are two brown buttons.knitting jumper handcraft ww11 burton-marjorie

This was knitted by Marjorie Burton during WW11 in England. She used to knit while in an air raid shelter escaping the bombing with her young daughter. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made most of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949.Two hand-knitted lady's vests(singlets). Both have been knitted from left over wools. Both have crocheted necklines and ribbon straps and are fitted styles. 2483.12 is red and grey with a V neck. 2483.13 is pink, grey and blue with a V neck.ww11 knitwear handcraft nightgown sleepwear burton-marjorie

This was knitted by Marjorie Burton during WW11 in England. She used to knit while in an air raid shelter escaping the bombing with her young daughter. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from a middle-class, working, church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who mademany of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949.A narrow, detachable hand-knitted lady's collar. It is hand-knitted in white brushed wool.women's -clothing accessory burton-marjorie

Mark 2 Belgian Clone of the British Brodie helmet. After the end of the Second World War Belgium began manufacturing their own version of the British Mk.II Helmet, which came to be known as the Belgian Mk.II Clone. This helmet was used by all services of the Belgian Military; Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as in Civil Defence. Mk.II Clones were produced from 1949 to 1952 and were very similar to the British Mk.II in almost every respect. However on closer inspection the differences are obvious, most noteably with the liner. Belgian Mk.IIs have a brown leather liner with five tongues and a brown drawstring. The cross shaped crown pad has black sorbo foam covered by leather. The underside of the leather has the Belgium Crest printed, while British helmets used oilcloth. Also unlike on British made Mk.IIs, the rims and lugs are made of mild (i.e. magnetic) steel. A Belgium Flag decal was worn on the left hand side of the shell, on all Military issue helmets. Stencilled on the liner is "COMET ABL 50", with the ABL (Armee Belge/Belgische Leger).

Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who mad all of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. This was knitted by Marjorie Burton during WW11 in England. She used to knit while in an air raid shelter escaping the bombing with her young daughter. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949.A brown hand-knitted lacy cotton jumper. It is a long-sleeved lady's jumper and has 4 brown buttons on each shoulder opening.knitting jumper handcraft burton-marjorie ww11

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. These lighters are part of his collection of memorabilia and artefacts.These items belonged to a respected member of the Wodonga community.A collection of 4 different cigarette lighters made from metal alloys. The brass lighter has a black cloth pouch.On long cylindrical lighters: Unicorn INT Made in China and Safety Instructions On silver lighter: An Appreciations from Stuart's Shepparton On brass lighter: Peter Jackson Brass No/ 6cigarette lighters, les cole

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023.These patches belonged to a local Wodonga resident who was instrumental in establishing the Wodonga SES.A collection of cloth and embroidery uniform patches worn on the uniform of Leslie Cole who was a founding and long-term member of the Wodonga State Emergency Service. Oval badges all bear the Southern Cross and a crownAround oval badges: VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE On epaulettes: COMMUNICATIONS / L. COLEstate emergency service, wodonga ses

Leslie William Cole was born in January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an aircraft mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honor. In retirement he also worked as a volunteer community driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. This item represents Mr. Cole's service during World War 11.This item is significant as it represents the service of a respected Wodonga resident during World War 11.This item includes a cloth patch of the crest of the 6th Squadron RAAF as well as a printed menu from the Passing out dinner for fitters held at the Federal Hotel Melbourne. It has been autographed by the attendees acknowledged at this function.On the Insignia 6 SQUADRON ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE / NOUS REVIENDRONS (WE WILL RETURN) 6th squadron raaf, military service ww11

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984. Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. This torch was part of a collection of items donated to Wodonga Historical Society by Les Cole. The RSL emblem on this item was first introduced in 1990.A small tin containing an aluminium torch and 2 batteries in foam packing. The emblem of the Australian Returned Services League is etched on the lid. On side of torch: RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE AUSTRALIArsl australia, memorabilia

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. The Lions Club of Wodonga was chartered in 1965 with 18 Founding Members including Les Cole. Lions Australia was first formed in Lismore, NSW in September and has grown to be Australia’s largest service club organisation.A small purple and gold fringed banner with the emblem of Wodonga Lions ClubAt the top centre: The logo of Lions International Across the centre of banner: Lions Club of Wodonga / District 201C Australia In semi-circle below Water Tower: Melbourne/ Falls Creek/Lake Hume/ Snowy Mountains/ Sydneyles cole, wodonga lions club, lions international