Betty Crittenden named 2026 RSL ANZAC of the Year

Betty Crittenden receives the ANZAC of the Year award from RSL National President, Peter Tinley AM, at the RSL Victoria State Congress.

At 97 years of age, Betty Crittenden remains an active and much-loved presence at the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch and across her local community.

For 45 years, she has dedicated her time to supporting the welfare and wellbeing of ex-service people and their families, building connections and helping ensure generations of veterans have had a place where they feel supported, included and cared for.

Her outstanding contribution has now been recognised with a 2026 RSL ANZAC of the Year Award.

The awards are presented annually to Australians who have served their fellow Australians and the community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner. Betty was selected in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the veteran community and a commitment to service that embodies the spirit of ANZAC.

A lifetime of service to her community

Betty’s association with the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch spans some 45 years, during which she has volunteered in numerous roles supporting veterans, their families and the wider community.

Her contribution has been particularly focused on the welfare and wellbeing of ex-service people and their dependants, with Betty working tirelessly to create opportunities for connection, friendship and support.

For two weeks, twice a year, Betty can still be found outside her local supermarket selling poppies and ANZAC tokens to raise vital funds for veteran welfare programs.

She has undertaken this role for an extraordinary 45 years – so long that she is now selling poppies and tokens to the grandchildren of people she first met when she began volunteering.

Her contribution is just as visible on ANZAC Day, when Betty continues to take responsibility for the cash tin at the Sub-Branch’s annual two-up competition.

Her age has never diminished her commitment to serving her community, with Betty continuing to be an active volunteer and role model well into her nineties.

In recognition of her dedication to the local community, Betty received a Certificate of Recognition from the Shire of Yarra Ranges in 2019.

Creating a place for connection

Around 25 years ago, Betty played an instrumental role in fundraising for new facilities and clubrooms for the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch.

Through initiatives including trading tables and bingo nights, Betty helped raise enough money for the Sub-Branch to pay off its building loan eight years ahead of schedule.

The result was much more than a building. The clubrooms gave local veterans a place of their own – somewhere they could feel at home, connect with others and take part in activities supporting their social wellbeing.

Over the years, Betty has organised dances, dinners and other social activities that have brought joy, friendship and a sense of inclusion to generations of members.

She was also instrumental in establishing the Sub-Branch’s Women’s Auxiliary and went on to serve as its President for a remarkable 22 years.

The Auxiliary was at the forefront of ensuring welfare and social events took place and were catered for, providing important support and connection for the Sub-Branch community.

For her contribution, Betty was awarded Life Membership of the RSL Women’s Auxiliary in 2009 and an RSL National Certificate of Merit with Gold Badge in 2013.

A steadfast source of friendship and support

For nearly 30 years, Betty has also been a driving force behind the Sub-Branch’s Thursday afternoon social gathering.

The longstanding wellbeing and welfare program encourages retired members to get out of their homes, spend time with others and remain connected to their community.

It provides a welcoming environment for members to enjoy one another’s company, while also giving the Sub-Branch’s welfare team an opportunity to identify and assist those who may need additional support.

Betty’s care and genuine interest in those attending have made her a steadfast presence at the gatherings and earned her the friendship and admiration of members across the Sub-Branch.

As a mark of the community’s respect for her extraordinary contribution, a commemorative seat in the local war memorial park has been named in her honour.

The spirit of ANZAC

Across four and a half decades, Betty’s contribution has touched generations of veterans and their families and helped the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch remain a strong, welcoming and supportive part of its community.

Her dedication is a powerful reminder of what makes the RSL endure. Over 45 years of unbroken service, she has given of herself with a constancy and warmth that has made a lasting difference to those around her.

Betty does not serve for recognition, but because she believes it matters. It is this selfless, enduring commitment to her fellow veterans and her community that embodies the very spirit of ANZAC.

Congratulations, Betty, on this much deserved recognition.