THIRTY years of service to George Town's veteran community was yesterday recognised by the town's RSL sub-branch as it welcomed town doctor Tim Mooney to the life-member listing.
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George Town RSL sub-branch president Lyndon Bolton said it was a long-overdue welcoming.
''We've recognised his service over such a long time to the veterans and war widows of George Town,'' Mr Bolton said.
''He thoroughly deserved his life membership.''
Dr Mooney, whose father Jim is a past president of the sub-branch, said veterans and war widows were a special part of the community.
''They're a very significant group because they, particularly the widows, have given up a lot for the country,'' he said.
''Being accepted was a total shock to be honest, it was very unexpected and I'm very honoured to receive this.''
About 1100 people attended the club's commemorative services.
''I asked the numbers this morning and they said there was more than 500 at the dawn service, up to 600,'' Mr Bolton said.
''I'd say there was about 600 at the 11am service as well, it's unbelievable.''
Mr Bolton said the club's role within the community had strengthened across time.
''The RSL does a lot of work with the schools and the schools work with the RSL as well,'' Mr Bolton said.
''I think it's grown during the past 10 years.
''The students that have left school are still coming back and bringing their families with them. It's just grown from school education, which we're very proud of.''
