After more than four decades of service in the Australian Army, Paul Prickett CSM has continued his lifelong commitment to serving others through the City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch and wider veteran community.
For Paul Prickett CSM, service did not end when he retired from the Australian Army after more than 42 years.
Since joining RSL WA’s City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch, Paul has continued to serve his fellow veterans and wider community with the same commitment, professionalism and generosity of spirit that defined his military career.
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. Paul was selected in recognition of his dedication to veterans and the wider community, and a lifelong commitment to service that embodies the spirit of ANZAC.
A lifetime of service
Paul joined the Australian Army in 1973 at the age of 15 as an Electrical Fitter Mechanic and retired as a Major after completing 42 years of service.
His long and varied career took him across Australia and overseas, including postings to Townsville with 1 RAR, 2/4 RAR and 3 RAR; Malaysia; Vanuatu; Afghanistan; East Timor; the Parachute Training School in Nowra; and NORFORCE in Broome.
Service to country is also a family tradition for Paul. His father served in the British Army for 25 years, while his brothers served in the Australian Army.
Throughout his own career, Paul demonstrated an unwavering willingness to go wherever he was needed and serve wherever he could make a difference.
His professionalism and devotion to duty were recognised by the commanding officers of his final three Army postings, who nominated him for a Conspicuous Service Medal.
Paul was recognised for his service as Executive Officer of 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, the School of Infantry and the Parachute Training School, where his leadership extended beyond his formal responsibilities to mentoring and inspiring his peers and subordinates.
Continuing to serve
Retirement from the Army marked a new chapter of service for Paul.
After joining the City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch, he took on the roles of Vice President and Commemorations Officer and has become a valued leader within the Sub-Branch and wider community.
Paul has helped grow Sub-Branch membership by more than 100 members, strengthening it as a welcoming and active place for veterans to connect with one another and their community.
He has also organised and led ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations and delivered the annual Youth Parade, attended by more than 1,500 students from across the region.
Paul regularly gives his time to deliver commemorative services at local schools and aged-care facilities, helping ensure the stories of Australian service and sacrifice are shared with future generations.
Through these engagements, he has helped build meaningful connections between veterans, young people and the wider community while ensuring commemoration remains relevant and accessible.
Supporting veterans and the Sub-Branch
Paul’s contribution extends beyond commemoration.
He has successfully secured funding grants for improvements to City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch facilities, helping strengthen the organisation and the support it can provide to local veterans.
Together with his wife Clare, Paul has also walked and fundraised for Soldier On, raising more than $7,000 to support veteran mental health initiatives.
Drawing on his extensive military experience and leadership, Paul has become a trusted advocate for veterans and a valued contributor to the Cockburn community.
His work has helped ensure veterans experiencing challenges can find connection and support, while strengthening the Sub-Branch for current and future members.
The spirit of ANZAC
From joining the Australian Army as a teenager to serving his local veteran community decades later, Paul’s contribution reflects a lifetime of commitment to others.
His dedication is a powerful reminder of what makes the RSL endure. Since joining the City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch, he has brought a quiet determination and generosity of spirit that has been nothing short of transformative.
Paul does not serve for recognition, but because he believes it matters. It is this selfless, enduring commitment to his fellow veterans and community that embodies the very spirit of ANZAC.
Congratulations, Paul, on this richly deserved recognition.
