Davistown RSL Club overturns rule which stopped Vietnam veteran wearing war vest
- Terry Collins
- Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate
- February 04, 2015 1:00AM
A member of the club for 20 years, Mr Wickes was turned away on Vietnam Veteran Day in 2012 because his vest was said to resemble outlaw motorcycle gang attire.
He has been fighting the decision ever since and has hired Gosford criminal lawyer Manny Conditsis to represent him in the matter.
Mr Wickes is currently in hospital for a stress-related condition he blames largely on the ongoing battle.
After a story in the Express Advocate outlining his plight, Mr Wickes said he had received a phone call to advise him of the amendment.
“I have had no apology and even if I received one I would be unlikely to return to the club.
“However I pursued the issue for all Vietnam vets and if this by-law has been changed I see it as a victory in that sense.”
Mr Wickes gained support for his campaign to have the by-law changed from former comrade-in-arms and retired assistant police commissioner of Victoria and Queensland Allan Roberts and Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association NSW secretary Frank Cole, who called for “common sense to prevail”.
Club general manager Ben Bradley confirmed that By-law 27 had been amended but refused to comment further on legal advice.
Mr Wickes’ lawyer Manny Conditsis said he was awaiting written confirmation from the club of the amendment before offering further advice to his client.