Legacy of service beyond the sea

NAVY veteran Greg Hoving has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day honours.

The long-time Myocum resident was recognised for his service to veterans in the awards, which recognise Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

Mr Hoving, 77, started his career in the Royal Australian Navy as an apprentice electrician in 1968, working his way up to the role of chief petty officer.

He was also trained in ordinance — the operation and maintenance of gunnery systems — and made ten trips to Vietnam on the HMAS Sydney troop carrier during the Vietnam War.

After the war, Mr Hoving taught electrical trades at TAFE for nearly two decades, commuting from his home to Grafton for many years.

He became a member of Mullumbimby RSL sub-branch in 1998 and served in various roles, including 21 years as treasurer.

When Vietnam veterans began training people to advocate on behalf of veterans in the 1990s, Mr Goving became involved.

He was national training manager for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs advocacy training and development program from 2016 to 2021, co-developed a course in military advocacy and also works as a regional mentor.

“Most of my work involves helping people obtain what they deserve from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or any other government department as the result of their service, but it’s also putting veterans and their families in touch with other services that can assist them in bettering their daily lives,” he said.

“Given the findings of the Royal Commission into veteran suicide, it’s important.

“I have clients who are suicidal or who have suicidal thoughts and you need to take the pressure off them so they can get on with their lives but also get their entitlements from government departments.”

Mr Goving said he felt extremely grateful to those who nominated him for the OAM.

“Obviously they thought my contribution to our collective efforts was worthy, but the biggest reward is knowing that you have effected somebody else’s life for the better,” he said.