| Media item | |
| | Twice honoured | | Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin,
Manningham
| 01 Oct 2023 | | General News - Page 13 - 967 words - ID 1957875832 - Photo: Yes - Type: News Item - Size: 658.00cm2 | |
AS WELL AS being named Manningham Citizen of the Year, Dennis Clarke was also recently the recipient of the 2023 Victorian senior Veteran community award at the Victorian Seniors Awards.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are a chance to celebrate the many senior Victorians who share their skills, experience, time, and energy with our community.
Dennis has led a life dedicated to service and support after serving in Vietnam and contracting Poliomyelitis.
In 1984, Dennis became the inaugural President of Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Vietnam Veterans Southern Chapter, remaining actively involved on the committee and as Secretary.
He volunteered extensively, creating driver training courses and coordinating events for Vietnam Veterans.
Dennis is a vital part of the Doncaster RSL, serving as Senior Vice President and Appeals Officer, and fundraising for veterans' causes.
He tirelessly supports veterans, widows, students, and the community, ensuring their wellbeing and access to support services.
Dennis continues to be a dedicated and compassionate advocate for others.
DOT HAYNES OAM, Secretary of Doncaster RSL said Dennis is an inspiration and encouraging example of a man full of life and respect for all, while getting on with life in service to all. She has provided a potted history of Dennis' life of service.
Dennis was a diligent student and musician and he wanted to be a Mechanic.
One day his mum received a letter dated December 20, 1967 that changed his life forever.
That Christmas was very different than any other and early the next year Dennis fronted for National Service.
He followed all of the directions, protocols, and training and in December 1968 he was flown out with his squadron to Vietnam.
Over the coming seven and a half months of service he saw and was part of much trauma and sometimes hope, some parts of stories have been shared on YouTube, but his service ended as he had contracted Poliomyelitis (Polio).
After being returned home he somewhat recovered but now no longer able to serve he continued as a mechanic ran his own business and raised a family with his wife Martha.
Dennis also is a drummer and played at any opportunity.
Dennis would do the drumming at Calisthenics training and competitions for his daughters and club as well as drumming for the Ballarat club for days at a time from 1982 to 1990.
Dennis continues to drum at Schools events and supports Students to learn as well as community events when available.
Dennis was the Inaugural president of RAEME Vietnam Veterans Southern Chapter in 1984 and continues on the committee to this day as secretary also doing the lengthy newsletters.
Dennis is also still involved with The RAEME Association of Victoria.
Dennis has had long term positions on many committees and doesn't keep the seat warm he is an active participant.
Some are VVAA Box Hill Committee, ALPGA and VACC, RACV and Executive committee positions, also assisting with RACV ARD (Automobile repair division), fuel injection engine management committee, represented VACC on Standards Association Committee, attended ALPGA conferences, and was the Chairman of VACC LPG committee for 10 years.
Throughout the years Dennis also took up drag boat racing and was involved with APBA Victorians Committee and the National Committee helping to set safety standards.
Dennis was also very involved in community.
During the 1980s he initiated and set up with the police and council a driver training course.
1990 he saw its hand-over to the Templestowe Technical school.
Volunteering since 2000 weekly at ANZAC house as a coordinator for Vietnam Veterans and still does many Vietnam Veteran coordinating and inclusion events to ensure they are looked after at every turn possible.
Dennis also volunteers with Legacy which is celebrating its 100th year this year.
He is a great supporter with ensuring that Doncaster Legacy group have a place to visit for their meetings and he cleans the hall and kitchen before and after each month.
It is said that he is retired but he continues to serve in so many ways.
PTSD support at the Heidelberg Rehab with drums groups up until COVID-19 hit when it was stopped.
He continues to look for ways to restart this and other projects to benefit Veterans.
His heart doesn't stop there.
Dennis is currently holding a number of active important roles in many committees throughout Victoria.
Supporting/ mentoring me to learn more about what is best for my work with Veterans, Dennis is the Senior Vice President of Doncaster RSL and at any free moment he will be in cleaning, fixing and ensuring the library and many displays are ready for the educational purposes throughout the year.
Helping to set up events and call people to see if they are ok.
This year is the 50th Anniversary of the End of Australia's commitment to the Vietnam War and he has arranged an educational program and displays and will be front and centre helping out and visiting schools and he never stops making calls to collaborate with others and ensure they are included.
Dennis is very aware that being asked and invited is very important.
Dennis continues to go through many challenges and to meet him you would not know.
His Wife Martha is an amazing encouragement and support to him and it shows through all aspects of their lives.
I am very fortunate to now be able to call Dennis and Martha friends as they have opened their home and lives to me as we first connected through the Doncaster RSL and I would not have become the secretary or been able to help veterans in the way I have been able to without the support of them both.
Shin Thant (Berry) Eain
Caption Text:
Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner (centre) with Dennis Clarke and his family at Victorian Senoirs Awards
Caroline Clarkson
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