Des joined the Naval Association of Australia in 1984 as a member of the Rooty Hill Sub-Section and on 13th February 1990 he transferred to the Nepean-Blue Mountains Sub-Section.
For the past 29 years Des has been actively involved in all aspects of the Naval Association of Australia; the Nepean-Blue Mountains Sub-Branch and TS Nepean Naval Cadets within the Penrith region.
He was elected to the Executive in 1994 and has served the Sub-Section tirelessly and held the following positions:
Vice President: 1994 - 1999, 2001 -2007, 2012 -2015
Committee member: 1994 -2000, 2001-2007, 2012 -2015
Alternate Delegate: 1992 - 1995
Des has always promoted awareness of the Naval Association, Nepean- Blue Mountains Sub-Section and the TS Nepean Naval Reserve Cadet Unit within the Penrith and surrounding communities.
He has worked tirelessly to promote the Naval Association in conjunction with the Nepean Blue Mountains Sub- Section.
Over the past 25 years he has been the face of the Naval Association and Nepean Blue Mountains Sub-Section within the Penrith area in his position of Parade Commander for the Penrith City RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day Parades.
In fact, in recognition of his service the Penrith City RSL Sub-Branch granted him Life Membership of the RSL Sub-Branch in 2018.
He was appointed to the position of Parade Commander for the Plaque and Wreath laying Ceremony held by Nepean Blue Mountains Sub-Section over 22 years ago and continues to hold that position to the present day.
He is so highly thought of in the local community, he was appointed Parade Commander to the inaugural and subsequent Tri Services Drill Competition organised annually by the City of Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch, sponsored by Blacktown Clty Corurcil, and held at Blacktown International Sportspark Athletics Centre.
The Blacktown RAAF Cadet Unit, 202 Army Cadet Unit and TS NepeanNaval Reserve Cadet Unit take part in this display.
Des has devoted an extraordinary amount of time not only to the Association and Sub-Section over the years but also to the TS Nepean Naval Reserve Cadet Unit and has worked tirelessly to establish a well drilled unit, proud of the Naval Cadet tradition.
In early 2018 the TS Nepean Naval Reserve Cadet Unit presented him with an Appreciation Citation for outstanding service to the unit.