At our meeting 8th May, during our fact session, Norm displayed his recent Life Membership Award and shared some of the experiences he had with the Navy during his life.. For the photo shoot he said "Come on Helen, you were part of this too". Norm and Helen moved in front of the Honour Boards and posed with the Certificate. contribution by Ann Richardson
Rotarian Norm Gale – Awarded Life Membership of Naval Association of Australia
In May, 2022, Norm Gale stood down as the inaugural President of the Stanthorpe and District Naval Sub-section after 16 years in the job. At that same meeting, Norm was awarded life membership of the Naval Association of Australia for services to the Association, promoting Navy and supporting members.
When Norm and wife Helen moved to Stanthorpe, there was no obvious Navy presence; not surprising for a rural community. However, there were many past Navy personnel who lived in the community so he commenced the Stanthorpe Sub-section of the Naval Association. The Naval Remembrance Wall in Weeroona Park is Norm’s personal initiative. He has been a strong advocate for Navy in Stanthorpe for more than 15 years. He advocated for participation of the RAN Band (Qld contingent) at Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival in Stanthorpe – now a regular feature in the parade. He became known as the man who established a bi-annual naval celebration dinner which attracted the chief of Australian Navy, US Consulate representatives, political and military dignitaries from National and State organisations. In an effort to promote Navy as a career path, Norm established TS Kookaburra, a local Naval Cadet unit. He raised funds through the sale of military memorabilia with those funds supporting members, the Navy cadets and many community support groups.
Norm’s years as a Rotarian and as inaugural Secretary/Treasurer of the Pine Rivers Naval Association sub-section also contributed to his life membership.
