GMW's Paul Wakenshaw with son Riley, 16, who is a Sergeant in the Echuca Army Cadet Unit 301, at this year’s Anzac Day service in Echuca.
Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) Paul Wakenshaw, and his family, have a proud record of military service stretching back generations.
And Paul himself, has more than 35 years in uniform – mainly serving as an Army Reservist in the Australian Defence Force and reaching the rank of Sergeant.
He says he initially joined the army for the camaraderie, but his involvement has since become so much more – such as teaching the younger generation and giving something back to his community.
Kyabram-born and bred, Paul started at GMW in July last year as its Loddon/Campaspe storage manager.
“GMW is a good employer as it provides two weeks’ leave for defence service, which is important for me,” Paul said.
“I plan to take some time off in December to run a weapons course at Puckapunyal."
At the age of 24, Paul joined the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, after signing on as a medical assistant in 1986.
His work saw him awarded the inaugural Dunlop Exemplary Service Medal in the Medical Corps in 1992, along with a copy of Colonel Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s War Diaries.
The diary recounts the legendary Australian surgeon’s experiences as a senior medical officer in the infamous prisoner-of-war camps in Java and on the Burma-Thailand Railway during World War II.
Paul’s great uncle, Jack Stott, was also a prisoner in the same area as Dunlop.
“The diary is pretty hard reading and details the day-to-day tasks Dunlop did as well as the hardships the troops went through,” he said.
“It means a lot to me, considering my great uncle knew him and endured the same hardship.”
In 1997, Paul began working in the Army’s environmental health field as a technician preventative medicine, while also working as a northern Victorian recruiting liaison officer for the Army Reserves for six years.
He then spent a further nine years as an assistant driving instructor for the Army Reserves before being posted to the Australian Army Cadet Corps in Watsonia, in Victoria five years ago.
“I look after nine regional cadet units as an Australian Defence Force liaison officer,” he said.
“The Army Cadets is one the biggest youth development programs that Australia Defence Force sponsors and provides mentors to youth. I help run the corporate governance requirements.
“I plan to help with running a camp for up to 1200 kids later next year.
“Eighteen months ago, I also helped out with the Victorian bushfires for five weeks.”
Paul’s leadership skills seem to have rubbed off on his 16-year-old son Riley, who is a sergeant in the Echuca, Victoria, 301 Army Cadet Unit.
“I never pushed him, but he always had an interest and by 14, he worked in the store looking after uniforms and equipment for up to 35 cadets," he said.
“He now helps run the depot and enjoys giving back to the organisation.”
Their connection to the Army runs in their blood.
While Jack Stott was a prisoner of war and working on the railways, Paul’s other great uncles, Edward and Jim Higgins were fighting in the Pacific theatre as part of the Australian Army’s island campaigns.
“They were all role models to me growing up,” he said.
“And that is one of the reasons Remembrance Day on November 11 is so important to me and my family.
“It’s a day to remember the people who have sacrificed so much for our country so we can enjoy the lifestyle we have today.”