To mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has presented a special medallion to one of the Hawkesbury’s most well-known citizens, recognising her wartime service.
Wilberforce resident Joyce Brook is known as a stalwart of the equestrian world, having been inducted into Equestrian Australia’s Hall of Fame alongside her late husband, Bob, for their service to horse sport spanning more than six decades.
“While Joyce and her family are well-known particularly among those in showjumping, fewer people would be aware that Corporal Gladys Joyce Lavender - as she then was - also served in the Australian Army during WWII,” Ms Templeman said.
“Joyce enlisted at Ingleburn on June 1, 1943. She had previously been in the Australian Women’s Land Army, formed during WWII to combat farming labour shortages. But Joyce tells me she wanted to be in the “real army”, and signed up at the tender age of 19 years and seven months old.”
On Tuesday, August 18, Ms Templeman presented Joyce with a Commemorative Medallion that acknowledged the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, which occurred on August 15.
“Joyce came to my office with her two granddaughters, Rachael Brook and Liz Koob, to receive the medallion, which has been produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs for living veterans of WWII,” Ms Templeman said.
“Anyone who knows Joyce will know that, at 96, she has a wicked sense of humour, and we were all very entertained by her stories - there is definitely a book there! I’m pleased that Rachael kept the video running on the tales of long ago.
“I thank Joyce for her service to our country, and for her continuing work for her sporti
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