New president: Cameron Lovering (left) has replaced Greg Walkley (right) as Rochester RSL president.
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contributed
New Rochester RSL president Lieutenant Cameron Lovering just participated in his first Anzac Day services in the role.
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The changeover was officially announced at the Rochester RSL’s annual general meeting on February 2, 2022.
As to attaining the position, Lt Lovering said he became aware that (now former president) Greg Walkely was not nominating himself for the election, after having served a significant number of years as president.
“A member of the RSL suggested that the now vice-president (Cade Kindness) and I would be good candidates for the roles and proposed that we should nominate,” Lt Lovering said.
Lt Lovering and Mr Kindness took a considerable amount of time to contemplate the roles, as they understood it was going to involve an extensive amount of commitment from both of them.
They eventually decided that they would nominate themselves, as they felt their passion for veteran welfare, camaraderie and commemoration aligned with the primary focuses of the RSL.
“We thought that a successful nomination would only enhance our ability to do what we wanted to do — support our local veterans, have a positive impact on them, and improve society’s relationship with them,” Lt Lovering said.
“We also have a particular interest in trying to connect veterans, not associated with the RSL, back into the established organisation and we feel that this is something we are more likely to achieve in our new roles.”
Lt Lovering said Mr Walkley was supportive of the decision to nominate.
“We discussed the potential nomination with Greg to get his wisdom, encouragement and or caution,” Lt Lovering said.
“He whole-heartedly supported us in expressing an interest to nominate, and edified that he thought we would be a good fit for the role.”
Change in management: New Rochester RSL president Cameron Lovering gives a speech at the Rochester Anzac Day commemorative service.
Photo by
Adair Winder
In terms of Lt Lovering’s background, he is nearing 13 years of service with the Australian Army.
Throughout his career, he has been assigned to a variety of integral operations, such as Operation Invincible, Operation Resolution and Operation Bushfire Assist.
In June 2020, Lt Lovering and his wife were posted as corps officers at the Salvation Army in Rochester.
After the move, the pair quickly became involved with the RSL.
“I was formerly a member of an RSL in NSW and I was eager to continue a strong relationship with the RSL in Rochester,” he said.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and limited RSL meetings, Lt Lovering’s exposure to members was limited.
“It may have come as a surprise, for some, to hear of my nomination; however, most would have known me as the local minister connected to the RSL and potentially seen me at their services,” Lt Lovering said.
Along with the change in leadership, Rochester RSL is hoping to achieve an increase of RSL membership and attendance, more planned activities and events with both the community and the RSL, and a reviewed and upgraded welfare plan.
Also on the agenda is a commitment to educate the community about service life and sacrifice through the offering of commemorative services, community talks, school visits and the exhibition of museum pieces for public viewing.
Lt Lovering looks forward to implementing these changes, which he hopes will only strengthen the knowledge and the relationship between veterans and the community.
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