The Governor General of Australia has awarded Group Captain Leslie James Armstrong (Retd) the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM) for his contribution to advocacy for residents in QLD retirement villages.

Les has been President of the Association of Residents of QLD Retirement Villages for eight years (ARQRV). In that time he has grown the membership to over 10,000 (significantly larger than any other state) plus built an efficient operation with retained legal advisors and substantial funding.

Les is known for being a passionate advocate for QLD residents, whether they are ARQRV members or not. He is sought out by many operators for advice on contracts and disputes and is known for his pragmatic approach.

Equally he is known to fight strongly for residents if he and his committee feel an injustice is being forced by an operator.

Successive QLD Ministers for Housing and their staff have called on Les for advice.

Les joined the air force in Melbourne at age 16 and rose through the ranks to retire 45 years later as Group Captain, the equivalent of the army rank of Colonel. In active service he was in bomb disposals, serving in the Malaya campaign.