Through decades of RSL leadership, advocacy and commemoration, LTCOL George Hulse OAM (Retd) has worked tirelessly to ensure the service and sacrifice of veterans are never forgotten, while building a legacy of remembrance, reconciliation and international understanding.
For LTCOL George Hulse OAM (Retd), remembrance is about ensuring the service, sacrifice and stories of Australian servicemen and women are never forgotten.
A veteran of the Australian Army Engineers, including active service in Vietnam, George has continued his service to Australia through decades of voluntary leadership within the RSL and wider community.
From championing the recognition of forgotten servicemen to strengthening the bonds between Australia and France, his work demonstrates the power of remembrance to connect communities, generations and nations.
His outstanding contribution has now been recognised with the 2026 RSL ANZAC Peace Prize.
The award recognises outstanding efforts by an Australian citizen or organisation to promote international understanding and, in doing so, make a lasting contribution to world peace.
A commitment to remembrance
Following his military career, George continued serving through the RSL, including many years on the Executive of the Toowong RSL Sub-Branch and three years as its President, all in an unpaid voluntary capacity.
His leadership has been characterised by integrity, quiet determination and an unwavering commitment to veterans and the wider community.
George has organised and facilitated numerous remembrance and commemorative services and championed the recognition of servicemen whose stories risked being lost to history.
His work has included advocating for the recognition of servicemen buried at Toowong Cemetery, including Corporal William Darby and Lieutenant Eric Simon MM and Bar, helping restore their stories to Australia’s collective memory.
George has also advocated for Vietnam War veterans to receive long-overdue recognition for their service. His sustained research and advocacy were instrumental in Private Richard Norden being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia in 2025.
Through this work, George has demonstrated an enduring commitment to ensuring those who served receive the recognition they deserve and that their stories are preserved for future generations.
Building a bridge between nations
George’s commitment to remembrance has also extended beyond Australia.
One of his most significant achievements has been his leadership in securing support and funding for the gifting of a Bailey Bridge to France as a permanent memorial to the deep and enduring relationship between Australia and France, forged through shared sacrifice during the First World War.
The project required sustained perseverance and diplomatic sensitivity, culminating in the Bridge of Friendship ceremony in Amiens on 24 April 2024.
The Bailey Bridge commemorates the Australian soldiers who helped prevent the capture of Amiens during the German offensives of 1918 and recognises the important contribution of Australian engineers during the First World War.
More than a physical memorial, the bridge stands as a lasting symbol of remembrance, reconciliation and enduring peace between nations.
Keeping stories of service alive
George’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Australian servicemen and women also extends to research, writing, education and community engagement.
He has shared his knowledge through presentations on Australian military history and the Bridge of Friendship, helping audiences better understand the experiences and contributions of those who served.
His published works include In Dogs We Trust and How to Get The Victoria Cross, while The First ANZACs was scheduled for release in March 2026.
Through his research and writing, George has worked to document stories of service and sacrifice and ensure they remain accessible to future generations.
He has also held other volunteer roles, including Vice-President of the Australian Defence Force Trackers and War Dogs Association, further reflecting his commitment to recognising and preserving Australia’s military history.
The spirit of the ANZAC Peace Prize
Across his military service, RSL leadership, advocacy and commemorative work, George has worked tirelessly to ensure the service, sacrifice and legacy of veterans are never forgotten.
His contribution to the Bridge of Friendship demonstrates how that commitment to remembrance can reach beyond Australia, strengthening international understanding and honouring the bonds forged between nations through shared history.
George does not serve for recognition, but because he believes it matters. It is his quiet, steadfast commitment to remembrance, veterans and international understanding that embodies the spirit of the RSL ANZAC Peace Prize.
Congratulations, George, and thank you for your many years of service.
