John’s Anzac spirit

By Melissa Meehan
A PROMISE to an ailing friend has John Filmer “hooked” on the RSL.
For the past five years, Mr Filmer,76, has been synonymous with the Dandenong – Cranbourne RSL sub-branch.
He is the face of the tireless work of its volunteers and is respected by many in the community.
On Sunday, Mr Filmer was recognised for his contribution to the veteran community and was presented with the inaugural Veteran Community Award as part of Victorian Seniors Week.
Mr Filmer said it was an honour to receive the award on behalf of the many volunteers of the RSL.
“We are very lucky to be able to do all of the welfare work that we do,” he said. “All of the volunteers are very dedicated.”
Mr Filmer said he joined the RSL board about five years ago, after 14 years of being a member, while having a coffee with former Dandenong RSL president Jim Hardy.
“Just before he unfortunately passed away he said it was about time I applied for the RSL board,” he said. “I guess that’s what got me hooked.”
An important theme of Mr Filmer’s work is the community benefits program.
Last financial year the RSL donated $358,739 of services, facilities, provision to other voluntary services and monetary donations. “The one reason we are able to contribute so much to welfare is the success of our RSL at Dandenong,” he said. “The success of Dandenong has also been able to assist the Cranbourne RSL at the request of Anzac House.”
As for his volunteer role at the RSL, Mr Filmer says it was something he was meant to do.
“When I was just 14 months old I was ill with diphtheria and scarlet fever,” he said.
“I like to think I was kept here for a reason, and that’s why I do these things.”