Medal presented to Woy Woy resident

Woy Woy resident Ms Bronwyn Scully was awarded the Australian Defence Medal at a special ceremony at Gosford RSL Club on Tuesday, March 25.

Ms Scully joined 17 other Robertson residents to receive the medal for their contribution to protecting the nation.

"The Australian Government has the highest regard for the outstanding contribution these Central Coast citizens have to Australia's proud military history," Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said.

"The medals are a great tribute to the men and women of Robertson who gave so much to our country when they were in uniform.

"They are still contributing to the fabric of our society today.

"I congratulate them all."

Ms Scully joined the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the 1970s "when women's involvement in military life was a unique and pioneering career choice".

She joined the same unit, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, as her father Mr Kenrick Scully.

Mr Scully was a journalist with the old Gosford Star newspaper and author of a book, "Every Man for Himself", about the evacuation of New Guinea in the face of Japanese invasion during World War Two.

"My time in the Corps gave me the work ethic that set me up for the rest of my life," Ms Scully said.

"This medal is a nice way for the nation to say thanks."

The Australian Defence Medal was first established in 2006 to recognise ADF regular and reserve personnel who have demonstrated their service to the nation by serving four years or their initial enlistment period since the end of World War II.

Press release, 25 March 2008 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson