Umina man behind special pin

Umina resident Mr Milan Nikolic was the driving force behind a Defence Families commemorative pin that was released on Saturday, November 3.

Mr Nikolic, a former United Nations peacekeeper who served in Rwanda, approached Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill with his idea for a badge or medal that families of serving defence personnel could be presented with in recognition of what they endured while a loved one was serving overseas.

The pins will be provided to families from the Navy, Army and Air Force.

Following an announcement in April by the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Mr Warren Snowdon, the Department of Defence worked on the pin's design with family support organisations including Defence Families Australia.

This is the first time that a universal and official pin of recognition has ever existed to recognise the contribution made by the families of Defence Force members.

Media release, 3 Nov 2012

Tom Battams, Office of the Prime Minister