Mr Hanns was rewarded for more than 15 years loyal service to the branch with a prestigious Anzac Spirit Award.

He was one of 10 award recipients from the Calare electorate to be recognised for their Anzac spirit. 

Federal Member for Calare John Cobb established the award to pay tribute to one member from each of the RSL sub branches in Calare for their tireless work and dedication. 

Mr Cobb travelled to Forbes on Friday to present Mr Hanns with the award and spoke highly of his worthiness as a recipient. 

“Mr Hanns has been a loyal, hard-working volunteer with the branch for more than 15 years after serving in the National Service from 1966-1968,” Mr Cobb said.

“Mr Hanns is described by his colleagues as a determined, considerate and crucial member of the branch. 

“He kindly donates his time to transport older members of the branch to meetings and functions, demonstrating his great community spirit.”

Mr Hanns has been treasurer of the RSL Sub Branch since 1999, once representing the group at Gallipoli and has also walked the Kokoda Track. 

He said that he believes the spirit of Anzac has been carried on through the defence force since World War 1, and that he was honoured to be given the award. 

“It was an honour to receive it and something I never expected,” he said. 

“Like most volunteers, you don’t normally do the work to be recognised for it so it was a bit of a surprise.”

“[The award] isn’t for myself, it’s for the 1700 names or more that are on the cenotaph.” 

The Anzac Spirit awards were established this year.