Meet the leader behind a local Dawn Service

Michael Ali OAM is the president of Helensburgh RSL Sub-Branch, a branch he was instrumental in re-starting. Every ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, he organises services at Charles Harper Park War Memorial, a memorial he helped plan and build. In 2012, Michael received an Order of Australia for services to veterans and their families and his humanitarian work.

Michael was born in Dhaka East Pakistan on 1 October 1954. After the India-Pakistan War, he moved to West Pakistan as a displaced person, residing there from 1971 to 1974. During this time, he trained as an air-conditioning and refrigeration technician, then immigrated to Australia in 1974.

Three years later, Michael enlisted in the Australian Army Reserve as an Infantryman into the 4th Battalion of the Royal NSW Regiment, retiring at the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 in Jan 2024. Michael married Diana Rosario and the couple had three children (Laura, Shaun and Natasha). He worked for Qantas from 1986, studied logistics at TAFE NSW and became a JP. 

Military service has been a constant in his life. In 1990, Michael attended the 75th anniversary at ANZAC Cove. He also assisted in the 100th anniversary celebrations at Gallipoli.

For the past few years, Michael has been the Army’s Regional Indigenous Liaison Officer for NSW, bringing together Elders and the wider community to improve cultural understanding.

His awards include a 1989 Australia Day Medallion; a 1993 Reserve Forces Medal; a 1994 Land Commander Australia Commendation for liaison duties, changing army policy on the enlistment of immigrants, and serving as regimental policeman. With Qantas’ assistance, Michael helped bring the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels to Sydney for ANZAC Day marches. He also worked as part of a team to convince the government to recognise how the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels supported the Australian Army in World War II. Due to these efforts, the government issued a medallion to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels in recognition of their services. Several Angels attended ANZAC Day services and local schools. Michael received the Papua New Guinea 30th Anniversary Medal for his work with veterans and for promoting PNG.

Invitation to Dawn Service and Sub-Branch

April 25’s service will be from 5.45am at Charles Harper Park. Veterans who live in Helensburgh and district are invited to sub-branch meetings at Tradies Helensburgh on the last Thursday of each month at 7pm. Enquiries to 0403 867 805.