His service to veterans and their families over that time has earned him the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Mr Helm didn't see this as an achievement, but as a great honour.

"I feel very privileged and didn't expect anything like that," he said.

"I didn't become president so that I could get an award like that, but I'm very appreciative of it."

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Mr Helm, who was at home when he received the news, said the most rewarding part of being president of the sub-branch was the fact he was able to help others.

"It allows me, with the assistance of my committee and members, to put into place the core competencies of the RSL which is the welfare of ex-service and service community and their families," he said.

"We're able to help out veterans by providing welfare, assisting with their pension requests and other matters that come up."

Prior to being invited to join the sub-branch by former president Charles McManus in 1990, Mr Helm was in the navy until 1989.

"I was in the navy for 22 years and I enjoyed every minute of it," he said.

"I assisted with welfare, discipline, travel and general administration."

Other than being president of the City of Queanbeyan RSL Sub-Branch, he was a committee member from 1991-1994, a funeral officer since 1993 and a Delegate to State Congress since 1993.

He has also been the vice-president of the Central Southern District Council RSL since 2003.

Asides from receiving the Order of Australia medal, Mr Helm was awarded with a Meritorious Service Medal from the RSL of NSW in 2020 as well a life membership.

Edward Helm is one of 1040 outstanding and inspirational Australians recognised in the Australia Day 2022 Honours List.

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