Graham Edwards was born in Kalgoorlie on 18 July 1946. He attended Christian Brothers College, Perth and later Leederville Technical College.
Following school Graham was employed by WA Government Railways and worked himself up to become a fireman.
He served in the regular army for three years (1968 – 1971) and saw service in Vietnam with the 7th Battalion RAR in 1970. He was wounded twice in Vietnam the second time losing his legs to a ‘jumping jack’ anti personnel land mine.
After discharge from the army and a period of rehabilitation he spent ten years with the Commonwealth Public Service in Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service.
Graham was elected as a Councillor with the City of Stirling in 1980 and in 1983 was elected to the Parliament of WA where he served for fourteen years including seven years as a Minister.
In 1998 Graham was elected to the House of Representatives and retired in 2007.
Graham was recognised by the RSL with the ANZAC of the Year award in 1991 for service to the Veteran community. He has also been awarded the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and the Lions Melvin Jones Fellow. He is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association.
Graham has been made a Freeman of The City of Wanneroo in his home state of WA and was Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Veterans. He is also a member to the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
Graham was made a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2012.
Graham is a past State President of the RSL WA.
Graham is a keen recreational fisher and a strong advocate for people with disabilities, therefore when approached by Fishability to act as Patron, he didn't hesitate in taking on the role.
