Paul Zaat receives Cook Community Award

Congratulations to Paul Zaat, for recently receiving a Cook Community Award.

The annual Cook Community Awards provides the opportunity for people to be recognised for their contribution and selfless service in the community. The awards are given to volunteers actively involved in community groups, those who are working to better the environment in which we live or those who are simply “giving back” in our Cook community.

Paul Zaat served in the Vietnam War with the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment from November 1969 until November 1970. Shortly after his repatriation to Australia, Paul joined Cronulla RSL Memorial Club and Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch. Paul has maintained a continuous membership since December 1970.

Paul has been on the Sub-Branch Committee for 38 years and has been a past president. He is currently on General Committee and Delegate for Southern Metropolitan District Council. He continues to perform MC roles and guest speaker at commemorative services such as Vietnam Veterans’ Day and ANZAC Day as well as a regular to local schools. In 2022 Paul Zaat was awarded Life Membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia for services to fellow veterans and the community. Apart from his many years on the Sub-Branch Committee, Paul was on the Board of Directors of the Cronulla RSL Memorial Club for 19 years, and was awarded Life Membership of the Club.

In recent years Paul’s passion for poetry as a form of therapy was shared with the greater community. Like many returned servicemen, Paul suffers from PTSD, as a result of various incidents he was involved in during his deployment in Vietnam. His ability to tell stories and experiences of war have captured the hearts of many. One of his poems “The Tour” has featured at recent commemorative services along with being shared by local politicians, and various organisations nationally.

Paul is and continues to lead and inspire the Veteran community. His dedication to our cause of bettering the lives of his fellow veterans, certainly deserves recognition.

Congratulations & thank you, Paul.

Paul Zaat, receives Cook Community Award