Bankstown veteran, policeman and firefighter honoured during Queen’s Birthday celebrations

A veteran, policeman and firefighter from Bankstown area were honoured during Queen’s Birthday celebrations on Monday

Revesby veteran Norman Ensor has educated children about the Anzacs. Yesterday he was made an OAM. Picture: Phillip Rogers

IN  12 years Norman Ensor would have walked the Kokoda Track hundreds of times, with a gaggle of wide-eyed schoolchildren in tow.

At 92, his days journeying from Revesby to Papua New Guinea to walk the 96km track are long past, but a burning desire to educate children on Australia’s Anzac past remains.

Mr Ensor enlisted to fight in World War II at the age of 17. He joined the army as a signalman and was posted to PNG in November 1942.

Fifty-one years after the war ended he would return to the rugged bush walkway where so many Australians died fighting Japanese forces — but this time as a tour guide.

“We took over 3000 kids a year, trying to teach them about the Anzac traditions and so forth,” Mr Ensor said.

“Teaching in schools very rarely gets past Gallipoli … to me (Kokoda) should be told as best as possible.”

But Mr Ensor’s involvement with PNG did not end there. Over the years he and other veterans raised money to build a school in Lae. Situm Primary School now educates about 800 students.

The Padstow RSL executive member is now on ­Australia’s Anzac Day Committee and Battle of Australia Association.

During Queen’s Birthday celebrations on Monday, Mr Ensor was honoured with a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

“I was surprised … it’s a wonderful honour,” the humble veteran said.

Lindt Siege forward commander honoured

Superintendent Dave Eardley received an Australian Police Medal.

A BANKSTOWN policeman who served as a forward commander during the Lindt Cafe siege has been awarded an Australian Police Medal.

Superintendent David George Eardley’s 35-year commitment to the NSW Police Force was marked the during Queen’s Birthday.

Supt Eardley signed on as a junior police trainee in 1981.

In 2008, he was promoted to superintendent as commander at Marrickville and later, Bankstown.

Supt Eardley worked as a forward commander during the 17-hour siege at the Lindt Cafe in December 2014.

South West Metropolitan Region Command assistant commissioner Frank Mennilli said suit Eardley was a “highly-dedicated and respected officer”.

“As Bankstown Local Area commander, suit Eardley is responsible for one of the largest and most challenging commands in the state,” he said.

“He has also served in a number of other roles across the Force throughout his career and I’m proud to acknowledge the valued contribution he continues to make to both the organisation and the people of NSW.”

Medal awarded for three decades of service

FRNSW Tim Fox Inspector Tim Fox was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal yesterday. Picture: Tim Clapin.

GREENACRE firefighter Inspector Tim Fox has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his contribution to rescue operations and disaster response.

The Sefton resident has served Fire and Rescue NSW for more than 30 years and had responded to last week’s storms across NSW, the Christchurch earthquake and Japan tsunami in 2011.

Inspector Fox was heavily involved in FRNSW’s response to this month’s storms and flooding, first on the north coast and then in the state’s south.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Inspector Fox has displayed exceptional professionalism, unwavering commitment and unquestioned integrity,” FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said.

“While his specialisation in the technical rescue operations and disaster relief has seen him undertake some of the most challenging roles within operations, Inspector Fox has consistently performed to the highest possible level to the benefit of FRNSW and the community.”

Commissioner Mullins congratulated Mr Fox on his award.