Awards 2018

William 'Eddie' Josephs

Nominated by Mrs Sue Dibbs 

Seconded by Neil Dibbs

'Eddie' Josephs was called up for National Service and 1966 and for service in Vietnam in 1967. After his discharge he joined the Northern Territory Police Force, and served there for more than 31 years.

Eddie is the only NT level four Advocate for servicemen navigating the complexities of the Veterans Review Board, meaning he is the only person in the Northern Territory who can assist people through the System.

Some of the NT's most vulnerable Servicemen depend on William 'Eddie' Josephs as they navigate the complicated Veterans Review Board.

Eddie describes them as people who are either serving or former military people who have suffered a disease or injury and then need to launch a claim with the Repatriation Commission to accept the conditions for medical treatment and or compensation.

Eddie says his job is to help those people who are going through the system to prepare their cases for the Veterans Review Board — "I physically take them through the system," he said.

Eddie Josephs received the Medal of the Order Of Australia in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours List for service to Veterans and their families.

Since the catastrophic fire in the Darwin RSL premises last month, Eddie's office space has been unavailable and decisions are still to be made concerning the future of the club and its services.

Eddie's Community Service includes:

Pensions and Welfare Officer and Advocate, Darwin Sub Branch, Returned Services League of Australia; Member since 2000; Was made a Life Member in 2015,

 President of Rotary Club of Darwin North, 2002 — 2003 and 2007 — 2008; He has served in various other Executive positions since 1988; He has been a Paul Harris Fellow since 1988.

Eddie is a current Member of Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.