Cronulla RSL Members Win Cook Community Awards
Congratulations to Cory Rinaldi (Sub-Branch President) & Janet Kent (55s & Over Club President) for 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.
Both Cory & Janet have selflessly helped our members and have contributed greatly to our club.
Janet Kent:
Janet Kent has been a member of the Cronulla RSL 55s & Over Group for over 20 years. This group is a sub-branch of Cronulla RSL, and aims provide valuable and meaningful support to its members and the people of the local area who are aged over 55 years and over. There are currently 165 members in this club. Being a member of this group provides a great opportunity for this cohort to make new friends, stay active and healthy. Janet Kent has been President of this club for over 15 years, and works tirelessly week to week to ensure that it's members can enjoy an extensive range of recreational and social activities. She volunteers her spare time to coordinate tours, day trips and tickets to events. In addition, Janet also manages the monthly meetings and marketing of the club. Janet ensures the weekly bingo activities happen seamlessly. Janet is also the driving force behind supporting initiatives and fundraising activities undertaken by the group. Recently, she has been supportive of the Snacktember, collecting unwanted snacks and other food items to donate to children in need.
It is important to note, that Janet has also recently resigned from 15years as Vice President of the Cronulla RSL Table Tennis Club. Her selfless service in all areas is commendable. Without Janet's dedication and volunteering of multiple hours per week, the Cronulla RSL Over 55s Group would not be what it is today. Her contribution allows our members who are aged over 55 years to have a place to gather and share the benefits of social connections and good mental health.
Cory Rinaldi
Cory joined the Australian Army as an infantry soldier in 1996. Serving in the First Battalion, The Royal Australia Regiment, The Third Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and 4th/3rd Battalion, and Royal New South Wales Regiment.
During his service Cory served in East Timor in 2000 and again in 2003. Before being posted to Butterworth Malaysia in 2004. In 2006 he was posted to serve in the war in Basra Iraq on exchange with the British Army, specialising as a reconnaissance solder, paratrooper, and commanding troops on peacekeeping and warlike operations. Cory continued his distinguished service until 2015 where he became medically retired.
Cory has been an active member of The Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch since 2007 where he became our President in 2017.
Over the years, Cory has performed MC roles, presented Addresses at our Dawn Services, Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Remembrance Day as well as local schools. The latest being involved in the opening of the memorial plaque for service animals at the Cronulla RSL.
In between his time spent volunteering for the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch and his local community, Cory debuted as the Anzac Memorial's Veteran Artist in Residence. Cory’s exhibition called “A Soldier's Healing” shares his experiences through the every-day objects of military life and the architecture of the Anzac Memorial, documenting a journey of service and healing through the creative power of art. This program aims to increase opportunities to promote wellbeing and support for veterans through art, music, drama, and creative writing. One of the artworks was chosen for the ANZAC Biscuit tin for 2022.
Spring of 2022 see’s Cory leading a Health and Wellbeing Exercise Program for our local Veterans’.
Cory’s tireless efforts, achievements and continued support of our local community deserve to be recogonised.