From ordering badges and organising volunteers to setting up stalls and balancing the books, Mrs Dunn oversees every part of the appeal alongside her husband, John.
“The Cobram community are very, very generous,” she said.
“They support us every year.”
The couple joined the RSL after retiring from their dairy farm, inspired by John’s family history of military service.
“John’s parents were both in the army, and his grandparents too … we just thought it would be a good way to help,” Mrs Dunn said.
She said the appeal would not be possible without her husband’s support.
“I couldn’t do it without my husband. He sets up the stalls, counts the money and helps with everything else,” she said.
“We work together.”
This year, stalls were set up at Cobram’s IGA, Coles and Woolworths, with the Cobram-Barooga RSL raising a total of $20,000 for veterans.
Mrs Dunn said many locals returned year after year to support the appeal and add to their badge collections.
“Over the years, I’ve had the same people come every year to get new badges,” she said.
“It’s nice to talk to people when they’re buying the badges because a lot of them share stories about their relationships with veterans — their parents or grandparents.
“It’s a really interesting time when you’re sitting on the stalls.”
The RSL will hold its annual Poppy Appeal in November ahead of Remembrance Day.
