Michael Sherlock BM (far left) at RSL South Australia’s 108th Congress in 2026.
Through more than two decades of voluntary RSL service, Michael Sherlock BM has helped create enduring places of remembrance, strengthen community commemoration and ensure the legacy of Australian service is passed from one generation to the next.
For more than 20 years, Michael Sherlock BM has been a driving force within the Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub-Branch and the wider community.
An Australian veteran with more than 25 years of military service, Michael has continued to serve through the RSL in virtually every capacity, giving his time voluntarily to support veterans, strengthen his Sub-Branch and ensure the stories of those who served are remembered.
His contribution can be seen in the thriving Sub-Branch he has helped shape, the commemorations that now bring thousands of people together and two significant memorials that will provide places of remembrance for generations to come.
His 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.
More than two decades of RSL service
Since joining the Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub-Branch, Michael has served in a remarkable range of voluntary roles.
He has been an Advocate, President, Vice President, Secretary, Ceremonial and Protocol Officer and Public Officer, contributing his time and experience wherever they have been needed.
Through these roles, Michael has helped make Tea Tree Gully one of South Australia’s most vibrant RSL Sub-Branches, while providing meaningful support to veterans and their families.
His contribution also extends to RSL SA/NT, where he serves on the State Branch Honours and Awards Committee.
Underpinning his work is more than 25 years of military service, experience Michael continues to draw upon in his work with veterans and in the conduct of commemorative activities across the community.
Creating enduring places of remembrance
Two of Michael’s most visible contributions can be found within the Tea Tree Gully community.
Working with the City of Tea Tree Gully, Michael was instrumental in the development of the Tea Tree Gully Memorial Garden.
Today, the garden is a focal point for veterans and the wider community, providing a place to come together for significant commemorative events as well as a peaceful space for personal reflection and remembrance.
Michael was also the driving force behind the design, development and implementation of the memorial recognising the Battle for Kokoda at Doxiadis Reserve, Tea Tree Gully.
He provided guidance and advice in the construction of the Kokoda Walkway, helping ensure its historical and symbolic significance was appropriately represented.
Together, these projects have created enduring places where the local community can gather, reflect and learn about the service and sacrifice of generations of Australians.
Bringing commemoration to the community
Michael has also played an important role in strengthening commemorative activities throughout Tea Tree Gully.
Responsible for the Sub-Branch’s ceremonial activities, he has helped grow local ANZAC Day commemorations into a major community event.
ANZAC Day is now included in the City of Tea Tree Gully’s Major Events program and attracts thousands of attendees each year.
Michael’s commitment to remembrance extends well beyond major commemorative occasions.
He regularly visits schools and aged-care facilities to conduct ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, helping young people and older Australians remain connected to the stories and legacy of those who served.
He is also responsible for overseeing the Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub-Branch’s ANZAC and Poppy Day Appeals, continuing his contribution to the RSL’s work supporting veterans and their families.
Courage in action
Michael’s commitment to putting others before himself has also been demonstrated beyond his work with the RSL.
In 2008, he was awarded the Bravery Medal for his actions in rescuing a neighbour from a violent assault in 2002.
In hazardous circumstances, Michael put the safety of another person before his own – an act of courage that reflects the same qualities of service, compassion and selflessness evident throughout his contribution to the veteran community.
His leadership within the RSL has similarly been grounded in integrity, compassion and a willingness to give freely of his time wherever he can make a difference.
A legacy of service and remembrance
Across more than two decades with the Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub-Branch, Michael has helped shape both the organisation and the way his wider community remembers those who served.
His contribution can be seen in the veterans and families he has supported, the thousands who now gather for ANZAC Day, the students and aged-care residents he connects with through commemorative services, and the permanent memorials that will keep stories of service and sacrifice alive for generations to come.
Through his leadership, courage and generosity of spirit, Michael has demonstrated what it means to put service to others into action.
Congratulations, Michael, and thank you for your extraordinary contribution to the RSL, the veteran community and the people of Tea Tree Gully.
