Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to honour John Fenton, vice-president of the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch, who recently died with his family by his side. John was a highly dedicated and respected veterans advocate who supported thousands of New South Wales veterans over many years. I first got to know him more than a decade ago as an active member of the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces group. John was an Army officer, a Vietnam vet himself, commanding the 17th Construction Squadron Workshop, and a formidable veterans volunteer. John's aim was to drive improvements and support for the benefit of others. Among many roles in his Army career, John was posted to the Territory of Papua New Guinea for two years to train Pacific soldiers. I know he derived satisfaction in playing a role in bringing that nation to independence. Having visited PNG recently, I know how highly regarded Australia's service was at that time.

We were able to honour John recently with a beautiful quilt presented by the New South Wales Governor at the unveiling of the Penrith war memorial plaque honouring women who have served Australia in both peace and war, which John of course had a role in making happen. I will miss this lovely but determined gentleman, John Fenton. Thank you, John, for your service. May you rest in peace.