The scope of his contributions is wide; so broad, in fact, that an earlier OAM nomination in 2000 failed because it was assumed that as Bob was involved in so many things, none of his contributions could be very deep.

But for the last 25 years, he’s worn three hats at the Dorrigo Sub-Branch of the RSL (secretary, pensions and welfare officer) and in that time membership grew from eight to a peak of 60 and now stands at 49.

He’s also been deeply committed to Coffs Coast Legacy Club since 1992, serving as president 2013–2015 and being granted life membership in 2017.

Bob was the member who took the young Mark Donaldson VC and his brother Brent under his wing when their mother, a Legacy widow, was killed in 1996.

Legacy’s mission is to look after the families of those who have given their lives in the service of their country, or those who have passed on since their active service.

That mission is expanding, Bob said, to include families of living veterans “who have given their health”, whether that be physical or mental health.

Bob spent two decades in the Australian Army, joining 56 years ago, on Australia Day of 1962 as a staff cadet at the Royal Military College Duntroon.

After graduating as a lieutenant, he served in Vietnam 1967–68, England, Germany and “many places starting with S, like Seymour and Singleton”, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

One of his great pleasures has been establishing the Dorrigo Memorial RSL Club Military Museum, which contains 600 items of memorabilia, including a medal from the Siege of Lucknow (Indian Rebellion 1857) and items from the Boer War up to to Afghanistan.

His wife of 30 years, Gwynneth, estimates that the time he dedicates to the RSL and Legacy is the equivalent of a full-time job.

Alongside his service to veterans and their families, Bob’s citation also lists his work with RSL North Coast District Council, committees for Bellingen Shire Council, Dorrigo Youth Clinic, Dorrigo Plateau Community Inc, Dorrigo Senior’s Housing Group, Dorrigo Multi-Purpose Service and the Dorrigo Drama Club.

Bob is quick to point out that Gwynneth has been a partner in the contributions he’s made.

She’s been heavily involved in volunteer work too, and has a parallel role to his own, serving as secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary, the main fundraising arm of the Dorrigo RSL Sub-Branch.

“This OAM, we’re calling it Our Australia Medal,” he said. “You can’t do this sort of stuff long-term, for 25 years, without the support of your partner.”

He describes himself as a solver of problems.

“Not a problem solver,” he said. “There’s a subtle difference. I don’t go looking for problems to solve, but if something comes up and it needs to be solved, I’ll do it.”

Robert Denner’s earlier awards include Citizen of the Year, Bellingen Shire Council, 2000; Centenary Medal for 'outstanding service to the veterans community of Dorrigo and district', 2001; and Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary, 2013.

He was made a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary’s highest honour, despite not even being a member of Rotary.

Another award, which he says “meant a tremendous amount to me”, was the RSL & Ex-Service Clubs Association Citizenship Award, which he received in front of 600 people in Melbourne in 2016.