A Quilt of Honour for Cronulla RSL's Paul Zaat
Our community are fortunate to have members whose commitment to service extends well beyond their time in uniform. One of those people is Vietnam veteran and Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch Honorary Secretary, Paul Zaat.
Earlier this month, the Cronulla Sub-Branch were honoured to welcome Steven and Sonia Cosgrove from Quilts of Valour Australia to the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch, where they presented Paul with a handcrafted Quilt of Valour in recognition of his military service and his unwavering dedication to Australia's veteran community.
Paul served with the 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam from November 1969 to November 1970, reaching the rank of Corporal. His service was recognised with the Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975, Australian Defence Medal, Vietnam Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Infantry Combat Badge and the Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
While Paul's military service is something to be immensely proud of, it is his decades of service to fellow veterans that have left a lasting impact on our community.
Paul joined the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch in December 1970, shortly after returning home from Vietnam. Over the past 56 years, he has held a number of executive positions and today continues to serve as Honorary Secretary, Senior Vice President and SMDC Delegate. He has represented the Sub-Branch at countless commemorative services, guided governance matters with integrity and helped ensure the Sub-Branch remains a strong and respected advocate for local veterans and their families.
Many members also know Paul through his poetry.
Writing has become a way for Paul to preserve the experiences of those who served with the 8th Battalion, ensuring their stories are not forgotten. His poem The Tour was read at a Vietnam Veterans' Day memorial service in Monro Park, where it resonated so deeply that both the former NSW Attorney General and a former Prime Minister requested copies following the service.
Closer to home, Paul also wrote The Dogs of War, inspired by retired Combat Assault Dog Manic and the extraordinary bond he shared with his handler, Jason. Although Manic is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire and honour the service of military working dogs.
Receiving a Quilt of Valour is a significant honour. Handmade by volunteers, each quilt is presented as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for the service, sacrifice and valour of Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families.
We are incredibly proud to see Paul's lifetime of service recognised in this way. His leadership, wisdom and quiet dedication have shaped the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch for generations, and continue to strengthen the veteran community today.
Congratulations, Paul, on this well-deserved honour, and thank you to Quilts of Valour Australia for recognising those who have given so much in service to our country.
