Tony Stevenson OAM (right) with Douglas Henderson OAM (left) and RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM (centre).
Through decades of quiet, hands-on service, Tony Stevenson OAM has dedicated himself to supporting veterans, strengthening his community and ensuring the meaning and values of ANZAC are carried forward by future generations.
For Tony, service has always been about showing up and doing what needs to be done.
Whether maintaining the local memorial grounds, helping a veteran in need, organising commemorative services or encouraging a young person to understand the meaning of ANZAC, Tony has spent decades quietly serving others.
As President of the Salisbury RSL Sub-Branch, he has helped make the RSL an integral part of the local community and ensured ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day continue to be observed with dignity and respect.
His commitment extends across Queensland through his leadership of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, where he helps represent and support 1,700 veteran members.
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.
A lifetime of service
Tony’s commitment to service began as a young man.
Called up for National Service under the 1951–1959 National Service Scheme, Tony reported to the Wacol National Service Training Battalion in January 1956 at the age of 18.
He completed his full-time training in the Regular Army as an Artillery Gunner before undertaking a further three years of part-time service with the Citizens Military Force’s 12 Light Regiment at Moorooka. He was discharged in June 1960 after four years and five months of service.
That commitment to his fellow servicemen and women continued long after his own service ended.
Tony joined RSL Queensland in 2000 and became Vice President of the Salisbury RSL Sub-Branch in 2013 before being elected President in 2014.
More than a decade later, he continues to lead the Sub-Branch with the energy, humility and sense of duty that have defined his adult life.
Remembrance in action
Each year, Tony plays a central role in ensuring Salisbury’s ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations take place with the reverence they deserve.
For ANZAC Day, he helps organise and promote both the 5am Dawn Service and 8am Morning Service, works with local community organisations, coordinates the involvement of veterans and personally maintains the memorial and surrounding grounds.
From mowing and gardening to issuing invitations and leading commemorations, Tony takes responsibility for the many details that allow the wider community to come together and remember.
His work has helped make these commemorations an important part of community life in Salisbury and the surrounding suburbs.
Passing the legacy forward
For Tony, commemoration is not only about remembering the past. It is also about ensuring its meaning is understood by those who come next.
He has made a particular effort to engage young people, including local schools, Scouts and Girl Guides, in commemorative activities.
Through his personal example and tireless service, Tony helps younger Australians understand that the ANZAC legacy is not confined to history, but lives on through values such as mateship, service and responsibility to others.
It is this ability to connect generations that has made him a respected custodian of remembrance within his community.
Supporting fellow veterans
Tony’s contribution to the RSL extends well beyond commemorative occasions.
Under his leadership, the Salisbury RSL Sub-Branch provides an important point of connection and support for local ex-service men and women.
Tony assists members with DVA claims and emergency financial assistance, creates opportunities for social connection and encourages and mentors members to take on executive and leadership positions.
He also makes a point of ensuring fellow volunteers are recognised for their own contributions.
His care for veterans can be seen in countless practical acts, from organising transport and prime seating for veterans attending commemorative services to arranging an annual outing for elderly veterans to attend the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Seniors Christmas Concert.
Tony also provides chapel and graveside Poppy Services for deceased veterans, offering support and recognition to their families, friends and fellow Sub-Branch members.
Ensuring National Service is remembered
Tony’s commitment to veterans also extends through decades of involvement with the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia.
He joined the Association’s Brisbane South Branch committee in 1994 and went on to serve in numerous roles, including Vice President and President, as well as State Wellbeing Officer and State Vice President.
In 2025, Tony became Queensland State President of the Association, representing and supporting around 1,700 veteran members across the state.
His leadership helps ensure the contribution and experiences of National Servicemen remain recognised within Australia’s broader story of service.
Tony’s extraordinary contribution to veterans and their families was recognised in 2020 when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
The spirit of ANZAC
Tony’s contribution is built not around grand gestures, but decades of consistent action.
It can be seen in a carefully maintained memorial, a veteran helped through a difficult time, a community gathered at dawn and a young Australian learning why remembrance still matters.
Through his humility, leadership and willingness to keep showing up for others, Tony has helped make remembrance a living part of his community while ensuring veterans remain supported, connected and valued.
Congratulations, Tony, and thank you for your remarkable commitment to your fellow veterans, your community and the generations who will carry the ANZAC legacy forward.
