Many Australians who serve in our defence forces go on to serve their communities in other ways later in life.
That is certainly true of two volunteers who help maintain and run the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
Bryan Kesby and Ken Vickers got quite a surprise when they were presented with some rather special quilts.
Quilts of Valour Australia’s mission is to present quilts to service members and veterans of the ADF in recognition of their sacrifice for Australia through service.
The presentation was made by Gippsland representatives of Quilts of Valour, Margie Tily and her husband Howard, at Walhalla Goldfields Railway’s Thomson workshop.
“It is a great honour to be here today, presenting these Quilts of Valour to Bryan and Ken, in recognition of their service to Australia,” said Margie.
“So many servicemen and women who have returned continue to serve their communities in various ways, just as Bryan and Ken have done with their tireless work and dedication to the Walhalla Railway.”
The popular WGR is run by volunteers who normally operate the service on Wednesdays and weekends, and for extended periods during school holidays. They have been working hard to restore services after last month’s floods. Bridges have been repaired and declared safe, and other clearing work continues.
WGR president Phillip Milbourne was on hand for the presentation to Bryan and Ken, saying they “have provided invaluable services to our railway, but more so to this country, for which we all owe an insurmountable debt.”
“On behalf of everyone at the railway and around the country, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts,” Phillip said.
Learn more about WGR and perhaps make a donation here: www.walhallarail.com.au
Gippsland Goodness 