Ballarat's Vic Bradley - Australia Day OAM

At 87 years of age, Vic Bradley has no intention of giving up his community service.The Mt Helen ex-serviceman has been heavily involved in the Buninyong RSL, Buninyong Senior Citizens, Ballarat Legacy, the Masonic Lodge and the Ballarat Avenue of Honour committee for several decades, as well as the Buninyong golf and bowls clubs.His outstanding community service record has led to him being awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Awards.“It was unreal. I couldn’t believe it,” Mr Bradley said of receiving the letter from Canberra a few weeks ago.His many previous awards include the RSL’s highest award, the Meritorious Medal for Service, in 1995, an Australia Day Citizens’ Award in 1988 and life membership of the Buninyong Senior Citizens Club.He was president of the Buninyong RSL for 18 years and an active member since 1948, as well as a member of Ballarat Legacy for 27 years.“A lot of my community service revolves around the RSL.“I’m hoping it keeps me going. People say I should stop now but it’s my prerogative to help people.“I still visit the hospital once a week on welfare visits.”Mr Bradley also accompanied Mount Clear College teachers and students to Gallipoli and France in 2007, an experience he described as incredible. As well as community service, Mr Bradley was also an accomplished cricketer. The Bradley Medal named after him has been awarded to the Mt Clear Cricket Club player who epitomises the Anzac qualities of courage, endurance, sacrifice, mateship and good humour since 2009.Mr Bradley joined the army in 1942 and served in Bougainvillea, where he was the only member of his unit to survive an ambush attack.