Community
14 May, 2026
Celebrating Len
TERANG’S last surviving World War Two veteran, Len Pomeroy, celebrated his 103rd birthday this week.
Mr Pomeroy was surrounded by members of the Terang Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch on Wednesday for a birthday celebration.
Mr Pomeroy has been a proud member of the RSL for more than 75 years and continues to be a guiding presence of leadership among its ranks.
Terang RSL sub-branch vice president Terry Fidge said Mr Pomeroy’s extensive involvement with the sub-branch had left an indelible mark on those around him.
“Len has been a very hard worker throughout his life,” Mr Fidge said.
“He’s been involved in lots of different organisations as a very community-minded man.
“As for the RSL, he’s a knowledgeable fellow who has so much history and is able to recall it.
“We’re so lucky to have him – it helps us out, particularly with memorabilia and describing what we may have or not have.”
Mr Pomeroy still makes his way to the Terang RSL every Wednesday for the member’s luncheon, sharing stories from the past or just a laugh with his mates.
“He’s very well liked within the community,” Mr Fidge said.
“We appreciate having him attend our working bee luncheons every week on a Wednesday – he comes up and mixes with the members and anybody else floating around.
“He really enjoys it, just as we do, so while he’s able to do it we will continue to look after him.”
Mr Fidge said the respect RSL members have for Mr Pomeroy is no better encapsulated than through the decision to name the sub-branch’s historic W Class tram in his honour.
“We often have people from Melbourne ask why we have a Melbourne tram out the front – and the answer is it was through Len,” he said.
“When he went to Melbourne to join up in the Second World War, he saw the trams which were the main workhorses throughout Melbourne during that time.
“They had recruitment centres in the back to recruit young men to join the Australian Defence Force.
“We decided to get a tram because of his knowledge and experience during that time, deck it out with recruitment memorabilia and call the tram ‘Len’s Tram’.
“So, today, it is still known as that.”
Terang RSL president Dianne Meade said you could probably say Mr Pomeroy is the “unofficial mayor of Terang”.
“He had extensive involvement in government and has for years and years been the stalwart of Terang,” she said.
“To have him with us still, at this time of his life, is amazing.
“We treasure every moment we have with Len Pomeroy.”
Mrs Meade said Mr Pomeroy’s sharp wit and keen memory made for compelling conversations and stories which was vital for connecting members.
“Len is extremely important to us,” she said.
“To have a member who is a World War Two veteran still with us today is outstanding.
“He does a lot behind the scenes, he’s always there if you need anything and he’s a ‘leave it with me’ kind of person if you do.
“We couldn’t have done all we’ve achieved without him.”
Pam Bell has been the Terang RSL secretary and treasurer for the better part of three decades, during which time she’s found Mr Pomeroy to be an “old-fashioned gentleman”.
“He tips his hat to you, doesn’t swear in front of women, always smiles and says hello,” she said.
“He’s got a very engaging personality – he can not only dish out a joke, but he can take one too.
“To live to the age of 103 is a testament to his strength and positivity.
“He looks forward to each day, and he makes the most of each day.”
Ms Bell said she admired the way Mr Pomeroy remained active, both physically and mentally, with him just recently taking time out to meet up with some of the local children.
“Wednesday last week, Len and I went to a kindergarten in Terang and he had all those little children in the palm of his hands,” she said.
“He can talk to anyone and was so engaging with the children.
“Afterwards, they all came up to him to say goodbye and shake his hand.”
Ms Bell said there was no shortage of appreciation for all Mr Pomeroy had done for his beloved RSL over the years, be it as a generous supporter of fundraisers or as a quiet leader who keeps meetings moving along.
“There wouldn’t be a single member of our RSL or community who does not respect and admire this man for what he’s done for the community, the RSL and his local church,” she said.
“He’s a community member who is treasured around this town and by the RSL.
“As the last surviving World War Two veteran, he’s an icon we can hold up to say this is why we’re here – because of people like Len.
“He didn’t have it easy growing up or during his years serving in the jungles of Papua New Guinea but he doesn’t dwell on it – he’s the first to point out times were worse for other people.”
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