President
Mr Clay Marks
Mr Clay Marks, a former member of the Australian Regular Army (Aviation Corps) with 14 years of service, including six operational deployments. Clay enlisted into the Australian Regular Army in 2001, enlisting into the trade of Army Parachute Rigger before transferring to the Australian Army Aviation Corps as an Aircrewman. Mr Marks retired from the Army Aviation Corps as the senior Special Operations Aircrewman Lead for 171 Squadron, 6th Aviation Regiment, moving on to serve and fly with one of Australia's most trusted charities (Careflight) for a number of years.
Clay is a qualified fixed wing and rotary wing pilot who is passionate about the aviation industry and helping veterans interested in Aviation fulfil their dreams.
Clay has over 15 years of executive management experience in both national and global business management, further solidifying our commitment to professional governance. Holding positions within National and Global Businesses in various roles including national and global head of safety and compliance.
Clay has a passion for supporting veterans and providing greater support and governance to not only the Oatley RSL Sub-Branch, but also the state and national branches. Ensuring the League remains focused on its charitable purpose, protecting its brand, integrity and honor.
Clay was recently a member of the RSL NSW Young Veterans Committee, supporting the league in an advisor role from a contemporary veterans standpoint.
Secretary
Mr Max Britton
Mr. Max Britton is a retired Army Major and in addition to being the Secretary, is a dedicated Wellbeing Support Officer at the Oatley RSL Sub-Branch, where he passionately advocates for the health and welfare of local veterans and their families. With a commendable military career spanning 28 years in the Regular Army, Max spent the majority of his service with the Military Police Special Investigation Branch, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to his current role.
Commissioned in 1999, Max served in various training and staff appointments across multiple locations in Australia, as well as participating in operational deployments in Cambodia and South East Asia. He retired from the Army in 2004, concluding his distinguished service as the Deputy Provost Marshal-Army at the rank of Major.
Following his retirement from military service, Max continued his commitment to public service by joining the NSW Ombudsman as a Senior Investigation Officer, where he worked until his retirement in 2017.
Max holds formal training as an RSL Wellbeing Support Officer (WSO) and is certified in Mental Health First Aid and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). His expertise and compassionate approach have made him a vital resource for veterans in need of support.
Max Britton’s unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of veterans reflects his lifelong commitment to service, ensuring that local heroes receive the care and support they deserve.
Treasurer
CAPT Benjamin Hurst CSM, GAICD
(CAPT) Ben Hurst is a Royal Australian Navy officer and senior engineering leader with extensive experience in governance, strategic leadership and financial oversight.
He has served in a range of senior roles responsible for the delivery and assurance of complex engineering capability across the Navy fleet, including most recently as Director Fleet Engineering, where he provided executive leadership for the Navy’s technical workforce of more than 2,500 personnel and oversight of major operational budgets.
Ben has led large multidisciplinary teams and major engineering programs, including capability sustainment and upgrade projects valued at up to $360 million, and has extensive experience working across government, Defence and industry partners.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with Honours, an MBA (Technology), a Graduate Certificate in Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management (Governance Institute of Australia) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Ben is also a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (FIMarEST).
In recognition of his service and leadership, Ben was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in 2026 for meritorious service in Navy Engineering.
Ben brings strong experience in governance, risk management, financial stewardship and stakeholder engagement, and is committed to supporting veterans and strengthening the role of RSL sub-branches within their communities.
Vice President
Mr David Giddings
Mr David Giddings, a former member of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), serving in the Navy for 22 years full time, active service, before retiring from active service and transitioning into senior defence support roles, within the defence civil industry, before pivoting into a career managing and supporting Australian small businesses.
Dave is a senior executive within the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association (RANSA) where he actively supports veterans and their families through sailing and sailability.
Dave brings a wealth of senior leadership, finance and business management experience with him into his volunteer role within the Oatley RSL Sub-Branch.
We are thrilled to highlight the wealth of experience and passion that David brings to the Oatley RSL Sub-Branch in supporting veterans and their families through sports and recreation. His dedication to creating opportunities for veterans to connect with one another plays a crucial role in combating feelings of isolation, helplessness, and disconnection that some may experience post-service. David understands the transformative power of camaraderie and shared experiences, making it his mission to foster a supportive environment that encourages veterans to engage actively with each other.
In addition to his invaluable contributions to the Oatley RSL Sub-Branch, David exemplifies unwavering commitment through his volunteering efforts with organizations such as RANSA (Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association), Sailability, and numerous local charities. His drive to support veterans and their families extends beyond our Sub-Branch, solidifying his role as a vital advocate for the well-being of veterans and the broader local community. Through these initiatives, David not only enriches the lives of those he serves but also strengthens the bonds that unite us all, reinforcing the spirit of mateship that is at the heart of our mission.
Board Member
Lieutenant Commander Damian Briggs
Lieutenant Commander Damian Briggs, a proud Wiradjuri man, joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2001 as an Electronics Technician and, over 24 years of dedicated service, has built a distinguished career as a Marine Engineering Officer. Throughout his career, he has held diverse operational and leadership appointments at sea and ashore, contributing to the Navy’s engineering capability, seaworthiness, and governance across the Fleet.
A graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Lieutenant Commander Briggs is known for his professionalism, technical expertise, commitment to sharing knowledge, and supporting the professional development of others within Navy’s engineering community.
Passionate about supporting young veterans and promoting Indigenous participation in Defence, Damian is dedicated to creating pathways for growth, connection, and wellbeing within the veteran community. He brings to the Board a deep understanding of the contemporary needs of veterans and a strong desire to ensure our older veterans are supported and our nation’s military history continues to be honoured with pride.