Lockyer Valley Regional Council employee discovers four war medals at Gatton Landfill

An eagle-eyed regional Queensland council worker has prevented some priceless war medals from ending up in landfill when the heavy machinery operator spotted an unusual container amid a pile of waste. Now the search is on to find their rightful owner.

A Lockyer Valley Regional Council heavy machinery operator spotted an unusual container at Gatton Landfill, and discovered there were four war medals inside. Photo: LVRC.

An eagle-eyed council worker has made a remarkable discovery after finding pristine war medals buried in a pile of waste at Gatton Landfill.

One of Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s heavy machinery operators, Tim said he was working at the facility last week when he spotted an unusual container in a pile of rubbish.

Taking a closer look at the biscuit tin he discovered there were four official war medals inside.

The medals include the Australian Defence Medal for personal who completed an initial enlistment period or four years of service, the Australian Service Medal which honours service people involved in peace making operations, the Defence Force Service Medal awarded to a person for 15 years of service and the Gulf Medal 1990-1991 which was issued to British Armed Forces personnel who served in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during Operation Granby.

Heavy machine operator Tim found four war medals at Gatton Landfill. Photo: LVRC.

Waste portfolio councillor Julie Reck said it was great to see the medals returned to their rightful owner.

“If it hadn’t been for Tim, these priceless and precious medals would have wound up in landfill, likely never to be seen again,” she said.

“After finding the medals, Tim reported it to his supervisor, and Council is now in the process of returning the medals to their rightful owner.

“This was a wonderful stroke of luck and no doubt the owner will be very grateful to have these important keepsakes back in their possession.”