REVEille caring for the veteran community | Autumn edition 2014
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
RSL House
Ex-Service Organisations
106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
These groups meet regularly in RSL House, please feel welcome to attend.
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Museum Hours
For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22. Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday at 9.00am
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 2.00pm
National Servicemen’s Association - second Tuesday, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting
LEAGUE MEMBER BRIEFINGS
Naval Association - second Sunday at 10.30am
Third Monday of the month at 2.00pm
TPI Association - third Wednesday at 10.30am War Widows Guild - fourth Monday at 9.00am
Information for members, guests and bona fide visitors. Correct at time of printing.
Women’s Auxiliary - first Monday, 9.30am chat, 10.00am meeting
Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (preferably typed or printed and no longer than 200 words) should carry the sender’s full name, address and contact phone number, and will not necessarily express the opinion of the Editor or of this Sub Branch. The Editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any submission. Email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au 02 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Contents Notice to all League Members.....................3 President’s Report........................................4 CEO’s Report...............................................5 Welfare Report..............................................6 Volunteer Profile Joe McCaffrey...................8
membersHIP
Volunteer Profile Alan Bullock......................9
Welcome members, to 2014 and the Autumn edition of Reveille. We have had a steady flow of renewals since renewal period commenced on 1st December 2013. Many of you have chosen to upgrade your membership to Life Subscriber which takes the hassle out of having to renew your membership each year. If you have had trouble getting in to make the payment, please contact us to see if we are able to assist.
Volunteer Profile Alan Knight......................10
I am excited to announce that RSL House now has EFTPOS facilities. This will now enable you to use your savings, cheque or credit card to make payments.
Defence Force Recruiting (DFR)................16
I hope that you all have a wonderful 2014 and I look forward to seeing you at our monthly League Member Briefings or on one of our League Outings.
Women’s Auxiliary Cent Auction................11 Frank Morrison ‘The Desert Column’.........12 Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship............14 Veteran’s Access Network.........................15
ADF Current Ops........................................18 Jade Hanchard..........................................19 Diary of Sidney R Brady.............................20 Meetings.....................................................22
Please note that there will not be a meeting in April due to the Easter Monday public holiday.
Pip Need Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager and Membership Officer
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILING LIST If you wish to receive emails about current veteran related issues and League information, please subscribe through the link on our website at: www.maroochyrsl.com.au Reveille AUTUMN edition 2014 | 03
President’s Report Over this past year we have seen a number of changes in and around the Maroochy RSL. Under the guidance of our CEO Clare Paton, we continue to strive for excellence and as a result there has been a marked improvement in our quality of service, catering and facilities provided to our members and visitors. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers that have helped to make Maroochy RSL what it is today. In December 2013 we held a Special General Meeting to vote on amendments to The Maroochy RSL Constitution. These amendments were approved and have subsequently been approved and registered by the Office of Fair Trading. I am pleased to report that the committees established to ensure the good governance of the Maroochy RSL have been working hard to ensure that we are compliant in all areas necessary to run the Maroochy RSL. The Finance committee together with senior staff members recently presented a financial budget for 2014 to the Board which has been approved and adopted. Plans are afoot for our annual ANZAC Day activities as well as planning for the unveiling of our ANZAC Cove photographic display and Commemorative Ball for early August 2014. Over the past few years we have been supported at our commemorative activities by Padre Ern Sabel, AM. Ern has decided to retire from his role with the Maroochy RSL and on behalf of the Board and its members we thank him for the service he has provided and wish him well in his retirement. The Board has been most supportive over the past 12 months and I thank them all for their ongoing commitment to the success of the Maroochy RSL. To our members, we thank you for your continued patronage and look forward to a great year ahead. Michael Liddelow Maroochy RSL President
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CEO’s Report Hello Everyone and welcome to the autumn edition of Reveille. With the busy summer festivities now behind us, we move into the months where we celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day, and of course we commemorate the most important day on the RSL calendar, ANZAC Day. Maroochy RSL will again pause to honour and pay tribute to the efforts of brave men and women, past and present, who have served Australia and valiantly fought for the freedom and rights we enjoy today with two ceremonies; the first at 4.28am at the Cenotaph at Cotton Tree, and the main march commencing at 8.30am through Memorial Avenue (outside Maroochy RSL) and through to the Cenotaph. We invite all Maroochy RSL League Members, Ex-Service and current service personnel to join us after both ceremonies for fellowship at the venue. A ticket is required for entry, so contact or visit our team at RSL House or Reception and they will happily provide you with the details. The RSL House team have exciting plans well underway for League outings throughout 2014. These outings are a lovely opportunity for many to see and experience the many wonderful areas we have on our doorstep on the Sunshine Coast and the areas beyond. The team take great care and pride in selecting destinations and experiences that will appeal to everyone. The past outings have proven very popular amongst our League members so be sure to register your interest with the team to avoid disappointment. Also coming up in April is the four-day Easter weekend. We have a great selection of value meals at Infusion Bistro and on Easter Sunday there may even be a visit from the Easter Bunny. In May, we will be celebrating all the Mums for Mother’s Day. Our Mother’s Day buffet breakfast is the ideal way to spoil and appreciate the special ladies in your family. Again the Reception team can provide you with all the details. A special thanks to our amazing staff and volunteers for their efforts to make Maroochy RSL a warm, welcoming venue for our Members and Guests. Working together we achieve so much more. Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO
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Welfare Report Welcome to the first welfare report of 2014. The welfare team is growing and we welcome our two latest volunteers Shane Storer, hospital visitor and Peter “Pygmy” McAndrew driver. Both are settling in well with Shane taking up the newly formed role of Hospital visitor at the new Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital in Kawana.
Statistics for 2013
The welfare team have been super busy within the veteran community offering continual support throughout the last year. From visiting hospitals, nursing homes, family homes, carrying out social support or looking after the maintenance of the cenotaph; the figures are astounding. Welfare Officer Office Visits
50
Home Visits
64
Hospital Visits No of Visits Patients Seen
82 1245
Nursing Home Visits No of Visits
46
Residents Seen
320
Transport/Social Support No of Requests Carried Out
142
Poppy Service No of Services
Planning Ahead Pack
This “goodbye file” has been designed with your needs at the forefront. It holds key information that will help you make sure all the relevant documents and information is in one place when bereavement impacts your loved ones. Fully equipped with the necessary checklists on hand it really is an important piece of paperwork no one should be without. Families left grieving have many worries and have to deal with great sadness at this time of their life without needing the additional worry that all of your wishes are not being fulfilled. Make it easy for them, complete the pack. Call in to collect your copy from your local Veterans Affairs Network office.
League Outings
After a very successful introduction of activities last year for Maroochy RSL League members and their partner/carer; we are pleased to put forward the schedule of activities for this year. We aim to carry out eight events this year approximately every six weeks. The subsidised outings provided are aimed at your welfare and wellbeing. They give you the opportunity to participate in community activities normally out of reach. The first has already taken place in February with the next three taking place in April, May and June. After receiving much feedback from league members the following activities were amongst the most popular and after careful consideration of our budget the following dates have been scheduled and booked.
28
Cenotaph Maintenance 2 Volunteers
980 hours
Volunteer Hours for 2013 7 Volunteers
1840.25 hours
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LOCATION
DATE
PRICE PER PERSON
1
Parrots in Paradise: Price includes transport, entry, morning tea, parrot hobby show and lunch.
20 Feb 2014
$15.00
2
Brisbane Kookaburra Paddle Boat Cruise: Price includes transport, cruise and 3 course lunch
4 April 2014
$25.00
3
Boggo Road Gaol
13 May 2014
$10.00
4
Caboolture Historical Village: Price includes; transport, entry, tour, and morning tea (lunch at own cost)
30 Jun 2014
$10.00
5
RAAF Amberley: Price includes; transport, free entry, tour and morning tea (lunch own cost)
Aug (TBC)
$5.00
6
Maroochy Botanical Gardens then Ettamogah Pub for lunch: Price includes transport, plus morning tea (lunch at own cost)
Sep (TBC)
$5.00
7
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Price includes transport, entry and morning tea (lunch at own cost)
Oct (TBC)
$15.00
8
Christmas Outing: Noosa Everglades Cruise: Price includes transport, cruise and afternoon tea
Dec (TBC)
$34.00
New Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital – Kawana The welfare team had the pleasure of taking in the state of the art equipment and surroundings of the new Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital last month. Each ward has sweeping hallways, modern crisp dÊcor, and state of the art communication capabilities. Each patient has their very own room with an ensuite which is just one of the many facilities on offer. Providing paramount care to all patients is first and foremost and having modern technology sees these services offered and carried through. Onsite services include six high tech operating theatres, eight bed intensive care unit, day procedure room, day surgery unit, and a cardiac catheter laboratory, plus onsite pathology and radiology services. We are currently carrying out weekly visits to all gold and white card holders. Please remember if you know of any veterans, war widows, current and ex-servicemen or women who would love a visit let us know by calling RSL House on 5443 1719, we will endeavour to provide a visit and any support they may require.
Sharon Moore Maroochy RSL Welfare Manager
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Reveille Volunteer Profile: Joe McCaffrey Retired veteran Joe McCaffrey is one of Maroochy RSL House Museum’s hidden treasures, spending many hours voluntarily researching historical items and bringing families back together. Joe served 20 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before retiring in 1989. During his service he spent time in Malaysia carrying out peacekeeping duties and was based at the Butterworth hospital in medical administration. Joe made the move to the Sunshine State in 1999 and joined the League in 2006. With a natural inclination to administration, it’s no wonder the RSL House Museum is so well kept and organised under the joint curatorship of Joe and fellow volunteer, Frank Piper. Joe said his favourite part of working for the League in the Museum is researching new donations that have been made and discovering the history and heritage of each item. “The thing I really like to do is research,” he says. “When we receive a new item at the museum I do some research on it and create an explanatory tag so patrons can learn a bit about its history and appreciate its journey to us.” Joe’s keen interest in genealogy has benefited a number of different families over his years of volunteering. For example, several years ago co-curator Frank was digging in his garden and discovered an old army service medal. It
then wasn’t until 2012 that Frank rediscovered the medal on his move to the Sunshine Coast when he donated it to the Maroochy RSL House Museum. Joe got to work and from the information on the medal he was able to find the owner’s details in the National Archives Australia. Even more hard work led Joe to the great granddaughter of the World War I soldier. After restoration that included replacing the ribbon, the medal was returned to the family in February 2013. Shortly after, the family made contact with Joe, thanking him and sharing the joy they felt when their daughter proudly wore the medal at her school’s ANZAC Day ceremony. Moments like that make the months of effort worthwhile for Joe. Joe has a real passion for what he does and said he loves that he can call it “work”. “I love being able to help people link back to their families,” he said. “When people come in to look at the museum, some mention they may be related to a digger and then if they have record numbers, we can often call up their information on the national archive.” While it’s impossible for Joe to choose a favourite item in the museum, he is admittedly excited about the upcoming ANZAC anniversary. The museum holds a few items that are relevant to the commemoration including the recent donation of hundreds of World War I negatives that will be displayed at Maroochy RSL. As well as giving his time to the memorial museum, Joe also volunteers with the welfare department of RSL House. “It’s all about helping each other,” he said. “And that’s what I love.”
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Reveille Volunteer Profile: Alan Bullock Born with a desire to help others, retired veteran Alan Bullock is an asset to the RSL House team. Alan has resided on the Sunshine Coast since 1989 but it wasn’t until 2007 that he joined the Maroochy team, when he approached them after he was diagnosed with an asbestosis condition emanating from his Naval service duties. Alan served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1962 for fifteen years before retiring in 1977. He likes to refer to the Defence Force as a ‘family business’. “My father fought in the Second World War and his father, my grandfather, served in the First World War. I have found that families in Australia like ours have a lot of mutual links and it is wonderful to talk with other returned servicemen and women as part of my volunteer work,” Alan said. During Alan’s time with the Navy he spent two years in the 1960s participating in conflict resolution in Indonesia before returning to Australia.
Alan devoted the next ten weeks to working to rehabilitate the city to a proper living standard for local people; it was a time of hardship but also mateship – a familiar situation for anyone who has served their country. In 1988 Alan began plans to move from Adelaide to a home he was building at the Sunshine Coast. In 2007 Alan joined the Maroochy RSL House Welfare Department to offer his services to those in need. “I thoroughly enjoy what I do,” he said. “I feel a strong desire to help personally and find it extremely worthwhile, making a difference not only for veterans in our local area but in a larger sense for our country.” Alan’s work in the League includes drop-in interviews with people requiring assistance, home visits, hospital visitations and aiding any veterans who need transport to appointments or events. In Alan’s own time he is the secretary of his Body Corporate and still manages to find time to travel in his caravan, visiting family and friends.
A clear memory that sticks in Alan’s mind from his career in the Defence Force was Christmas of 1974 when he was called up to help after Cyclone Tracey hit Darwin.
On ANZAC day this year, Alan will join other members from the Maroochy RSL League at the march in the morning, moving to the Club afterwards for continued celebrations.
“I was outside having a barbeque with my family when they just pulled up on my driveway and said get in.”
RSL House is always looking for new volunteers and Alan Bullock and all of the team would welcome new faces at any time. Reveille AUTUMN edition 2014 | 09
Reveille Volunteer Profile: Alan Knight With a career in the Australian Defence Forces spanning almost thirty years, retired veteran Alan Knight offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to Maroochy RSL. Alan’s career as a serviceman began when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1960 after always having a keen interest in aviation. After serving twelve years in the Air Force Alan made the change to Army Aviation for a further twelve years. He retired in 1984 and then dedicated three years to Army Community Services. Alan said he was committed to an attitude of excellence and service for his country and for the benefit of his comrades throughout this time.
Alan believes each member of the League brings a unique quality to the table. “Everybody has his or her own expertise which is an important facet of our branch and helps us all to support individuals in a range of situations,” he said. This year will mark the commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the beginning of World War One and Alan spends each commemorative day with friends and family at Maroochy RSL, in honour of the sacrifice of every veteran for others. Alan especially appreciates that many members of the community come along on special dates like Anzac Day to show respect for the soldiers who fought for their freedom. Alan is extremely humble in his work and thrilled to be part of Maroochy RSL House. “It’s a pleasure to be here, working as part of a team and helping others; it’s another special kind of comradeship all over again,” Alan said.
“I have always been committed to serving for my country and for the Queen,” he said with pride. Alan moved to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney in 2006 and immediately became involved in RSL House, offering his time and expertise to the Pensions department. Since Alan joined the Maroochy RSL League he has dedicated his time to aiding servicemen, women and families including navigating the five acts of legislation required to ensure that veterans benefit from all of the support they are entitled to receive.
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Women’s Auxiliary Cent Auction Maroochy RSL House Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore Monday 14th April Doors open at 9.30am for morning tea and cent auction starts at 10.00am Admission is $3
Over 100 great quality prizes! We are hosting a cent auction to raise money for Veterans and their families in our community.
Cent Auction
How it works? At the front of the cent auction display you find a series of boxes numbered to match the prizes. You purchase tickets (retain the stub to claim your prizes), and the rest of the tickets are the ‘bids’. You can place as many tickets as you want in each box, if there is one particular item that you are after you can place all your tickets in that box, or you can spread them over all the prizes.
When the auction closes, the box is removed from the cent auction display area and taken to the ‘auctioneer’ who draws a ticket from the box. The winning number is announced and the holder of that numbered stub is able to claim their prize. Cent auctions are a lot of fun and can be enjoyed by all ages.
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Frank Morrison Frank Allan ‘Morry’ Morrison demonstrated the true Australian spirit of loyalty and service throughout the duration of his enlistment with the Australian military. Born in Woombye in 1890, Frank was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs F.A. Morrison, the pioneers of Hunchy. Just East of his hometown is Woombye, the place Frank was born and where his body rests today. Frank enlisted at the beginning of World War I at the age of 24 where he served with the 5th Light Horse Regiment at Gallipoli and in the Egyptian, Palestine and Syrian campaigns from 1915 to the end of the war in 1918. The 5th Light Horse Regiment was raised in Brisbane in September 1914, almost entirely from men who had enlisted in Queensland, and it became part of the 2nd Light Horse Brigade. Sailing from Sydney on 21 December 1914, the regiment disembarked in Egypt on 1 February 1915. The regiment consisted of 25 Officers and 497 men of other ranks in three squadrons. Each squadron had six troops made up of sections of four men. Renowned Australian author Ion Idriess immortalised Morry’s time in the trenches through the moving description of “The Desert Column”. Idriess’ novel was set apart from others of its time because it was actually written in the trenches, as things happened.
Morry, Stan, Bert and I are going into Port Said for forty-eight hours leave. Heavens, what a time we will have.” Both chapters forty-five and forty-nine reveal that Frank suffered the shock of having two of his horses shot out from under him, luckily coming away uninjured. The Mounted Desert Column under Australian General Sir Harry Chauvel numbered 40,000 men and was the largest mounted army in history. Before he was discharged on February 26, 1919 Frank saw service as an ANZAC at Gallipoli and after that in the great campaigns under General Sir Harry Chauvel in the liberation of the Middle East and the subsequent creation of Palestine.
An extract from the famous book reads:
He would have seen the action and victories of Beersheba, Gaza, Romani, Jerusalem and Megiddo.
“We are all concentrated in sections. A section is four men. A section lives together, eats together, sleeps together, fights together, and when a shell lands on it, dies together…
After the war Frank and his three mates returned to Australian shores and went on a gold prospecting expedition to North Queensland with some success. They made
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arrangements about their claims but ultimately did not return to the far north of the state. Frank was a great supporter of all local projects in Hunchy and bought land when he returned from war and grew bananas, avocados and small crops. Frank passed away in September of 1969 at the age of 78 and was well-known locally for his commitment to our country and to the Sunshine Coast.
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Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship In 1945 Mrs Jessie Vasey established a group for women in Victoria to get together and learn handicrafts to augment their insufficient pensions. Over the years that humble start has grown into a guild that promotes and provides companionship, counselling and support for its members and a sisterhood that fights for pension and medical benefits. Almost 70 years on, the guild continues to lobby on behalf of war widows across Australia. On May 26 this year the Maroochy Guild will celebrate their 25th anniversary and welcome the company of State President, Mrs Gynith Whatmough, who will attend the celebration luncheon at the RSL as an honoured guest. The very first meeting of the Maroochydore and District Sub Branch was held on May 22, 1989. Before this Sub Branch was even established, there were branches of the War Widows Guild available to join on the Sunshine Coast at Caloundra, Nambour or Tewantin/Noosa.
“There’s a very strong bond between our members,” she said. “Everybody keeps an eye on each other. We check up on anybody who’s sick and make sure everybody’s managing okay.” This attitude is a true reflection of the Guild’s motto: “We all belong together, we all need each other, it is serving each other, and in sacrificing for our common good, that we are finding our true life.” To commemorate ANZAC day, each year President Shirley and Secretary Audrey attend the Cotton Tree service and lay a wreath on behalf of the War Widow’s Guild. Members may attend services across the district. The War Widow’s Guild meets on the fourth Monday of each month in the Keith Payne room of RSL House at 9am. In the spirit of ANZAC Day, the next meeting guest speaker for April is Professor Peter Ellis who will outline his involvement in the exhumation of World War I graves in Fromelles, France. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Since the War Widows Guild began in Maroochydore five presidents have overseen its growth, including founding president Joyce Dale, followed by Heather Hunter, Angela Allison, Evelyn Cogill and current President Shirley Murphy. Many influential local women throughout the past 25 years also left their mark on the organisation, including the late Wyn Rahilly who was Treasurer for the Club for 21 years. President Shirley Murphy said the philosophy of the Guild remains focused on friendship and companionship. 14 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Veteran’s Access Network
Don’t forget about your local VAN (Veterans’ Access Network) office.
We are aware that many of our clients living in and around the Sunshine Coast may at times find it difficult to access information about the range of benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In an effort to keep in touch with members of the veteran community, we would like to remind you about your regional DVA office. The Sunshine Coast Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) office is located at 129 Horton Parade, Maroochydore and is open from 8.30am – 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. Our team is always pleased to assist clients with all DVA related matters, including access to various benefits and services, enquiries regarding entitlements, updates to personal details and circumstances, and travel claim processing. If you wish to speak with a team member at our regional office, please contact us on (07) 5479 5112, or pop into our office.
Alternatively, if your enquiry is of a general nature, you may like to speak with one of the team in the National Veterans’ Service Centre on 1800 555 254. You may also not be aware that our office is co-located with the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS). VVCS provides counselling and group programs to Australian veterans, peacekeepers, their families, eligible current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and F-111 workers and their families. It is a specialised, free and confidential Australia-wide service. Also if you are aware of other Veterans or their families that may not know about our office on the Sunshine Coast, we would appreciate it if you could spread the word. The team in your local Sunshine Coast office look forward to being of assistance to you in the future.
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Women in the RAAF Team
Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) MAROOCHYDORE UPDATE BY THE DFR TEAM
Welcome all readers to 2014, As we head into the year we continue to enjoy the ongoing relationship between Maroochy RSL and Defence Force Recruiting. It has been a very hectic start to the year, with the centre adding four new Military members to its staffing including an RAAF trainee Pilot, Army Commando, Navy Aviation Technician Avionics and the new Senior Military Recruiting Officer, CAPT Glenn Ellis. DFR Maroochydore has extended its capability this year, with Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) sessions and Assessment days running Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. This now allows us the opportunity to process our regions’
candidates through Maroochydore without the need to travel to Brisbane. Our Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) campaign is well underway and we will be out in the High Schools talking to year 10, 11 and 12’s about applying to ADFA. Spots at ADFA are highly sought after, we recently hosted our annual ADFA morning tea for 2014 appointees and their families who have now headed off to commence their training and life as future university students and ADF Officers. In 2014 we appointed 19 Officer Cadets and Midshipmen which equalled our record for the region. A big congratulations goes out to the young men and women who have been selected out of the 10,000 strong applicants each year. We wish them well.
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Our Women in Defence recruitment strategy continues to gain momentum, as the ADF moves toward gender equality in all areas. Air Force has now followed Army’s lead and implemented a dedicated Women in The RAAF recruitment team within DFR SQ. In line with these strategies, we will be holding a Junior Women’s Leadership Forum at the Maroochy RSL Thursday, 3rd April, where aspiring young female leaders from
the region’s High Schools will be invited to attend. During the Forum guest speakers from the community and ADF will speak to the group and give insight into the issues and challenges facing our next generation of female leaders. Our Women in the ADF teams provide valuable insight, guidance and advice to female candidates as they proceed through the DFR recruitment process.
Your Women in the Australian Defence Force contacts for Queensland are; Navy
Chief Petty Officer June Cunningham Ph: (07) 3016 2333 Email: jcunningham@dfr.com.au
Army
Captain Jess Boyd and Corporal Jess Costa Ph: (07) 3016 2310 Email: womeninarmyteam@dfr.com.au
Air Force Squadron Leader Amanda Gosling Ph: (07) 3016 2428 Email: agosling@dfr.com.au For any ADF recruitment related questions, please contact our office on 07 5459 8700 or email us at DefenceJobsMaroochydore@dfr.com.au. Sunshine Coast ADFA appointees
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ADF Current Ops
Sydney Theatre Company has embarked upon an historic endeavour with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to present this major new work, taking the words and experiences of servicemen and women to create a unique, uplifting and unforgettable event. There are 13 ADF cast members involved in the theatre project. Created from first-hand accounts, The Long Way Home dramatises the experiences of military service on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor as well as humanitarian and disaster relief and protecting Australia’s borders. The play is about the challenges faced by ADF personnel who have been wounded or injured on operations trying to reintegrate with their families and society. Director Stephen Rayne and multi-award-winning writer Daniel Keene have shaped a powerful piece of theatre. Featuring performers drawn from military personnel recovering from physical and psychological injuries, and four professional actors as part of a broader rehabilitation program. The ADF personnel volunteered to perform in the play because of its important message to the Australian Public. As we approach the centenary of the beginning of the Great War it is time to take stock and explore the impact of war on the lives and minds of Australians. The Long Way Home will embark on a national tour from February through to April. More details can be found at: http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/the-long-way-home-tour.aspx
The play is about the challenges faced by ADF personnel who have been wounded or injured on operations trying to reintegrate with their families and society. 18 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Jade Hanchard Maroochydore High student Jade Hanchard had no plans on becoming a teacher until her recent trip to Cambodia in 2013. Over a period of two weeks Jade and a number of her peers took time out of their school holidays to work in and learn about a completely different culture to what they know. Jade loved the experience so much she now plans to return to Cambodia at the end of the year to teach English. Now motivated to become a teacher, Jade plans on studying education at University following Grade 12. The trip is a Maroochydore State High School initiative and a part of their Humanitarian Project. The students traveled to Cambodia for two weeks to stay in an orphanage and work in the nearby school. Jade loved helping the children at the orphanage.
help of the State RSL (QLD) and their Youth Development Program.” “I wouldn’t have been able to go if I wasn’t successful with my grant application. The whole experience really made me appreciate my family, my education and how I grew up in Australia.” “I first learnt about the program from my sister, Jamie, who was awarded the grant the year before.” Jade was awarded the grant after submitting an essay to the QLD RSL about the many benefits the youth of today can receive from them, including what she was intending to use her grant towards. The grant assisted in funding Jade’s trip and also benefitted the children that she met and spent time with at the orphanage.
Jade and her fellow students also fundraised enough money to take the Cambodian children from the orphanage on a trip to the beach while she was there.
Being a successful grant recipient guarantees acceptance into Bond University and a discounted tuition fee for the degree of her choice.
“I learnt that we are so extremely lucky to have what we have in Australia.”
The RSL Youth Development Program commenced in 2007 and over the past few years has helped over 1,000 Queensland students from all walks of life.
“The trip to Cambodia changed my life and it would not have been possible without the
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Diary of Sidney R Brady The following is an account of my experiences since leaving England, in the compiling of which I am aided partly by memory but mostly by brief but concise notes taken from my original diary. The first intimation I had that we were at last leaving the homeland to embark on active service was whilst retuning to my billet at Newtown after a weekend leave, when one of the 11th Londons, whom I met on the way announced we were proceeding to the Dardanelles very shortly, at which information I gave him the benefit of a quizzical smile, as previous to this we had heard many previous which came to nothing in the end, but when he told me that helmets and drill clothing were already in the stores, I was convinced. Shortly after, this clothing was issued and I accordingly made preparations to get ready. It was only by a mere fluke I was able to get home prior to leaving the country, as leave had been cancelled. Fortunately for me at least, SGT Elkington was up sick that particular morning was a poisoned foot, which necessitated his removal to a Hospital in London. As luck would have it, I was detailed to take a sick man to St. Albans and PTE Williams had the London job, but this was easily arranged as we transferred our job and I travelled on my warrant as PTE Williams and vice versa. I managed to get home for half an hour, but leave takings are asking unpleasant. Ma was very upset, notwithstanding the fact I assured her we should be alright in Egypt, where I honestly thought we would be landed first, but such was not the case, of which more anon. I was as keen as anyone to leave England at the time, filled with an earnest desire to do more
than hitherto but must confess at present I have a more earnest desire still to return there, likewise many others. Over two years since the shores of the old country gradually faded away in the distance, two years which have seemed like some bad nightmare lasting a lifetime, still at the time of writing we are fighting the Turk, this time in Palestine, and apparently not much nearer having our wishes fulfilled. If I could have foreseen at the Newtown the horrors and hardships we were soon to experience, maybe I might not have been so anxious for foreign service, well it’s a good thing we couldn’t. I really did think one could imagine what actual warfare was like, but it is not so, actual experience is necessary, the explosion of a shell cannot be imagined, neither can some of the exhausting marches we were soon to undergo. My billet at Newtown was excellent in every way, and I shall remain ever grateful to Mrs Constable for her kindness and the way she looked after us. It was a rare scene when we paraded for departure to Hatfield Railway Station, everybody having gathered round to give us a good send off; the 11th were very popular and many tears were shed by the fair sex, “love so suddenly sent asunder”! Loaded like camels, we said our goodbyes, and entrained for Liverpool, at which seaport we arrived about 8 hours later. We then marched through the poor quarters of the town to embark on the “Aquitania”, and never have I seen a finer demonstration of the proverbial generosity of the poor. Lemonade, cake, cigarettes, everything imaginable was heaped on to the boys by these people of Liverpool, and in my own case, a docker visited on my acceptance of half a crown to purchase
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cigarettes. The “Aquitania” carried out, roughly 4,500 troops, the torpedoing of which was no doubt the ambition of many a submarine gun commander, but they were unlucky. She was a magnificent vessel, and it was quite simple to lose oneself in the labyrinth of corridors and innumerable rooms. Our food was not at all bad, and I thoroughly enjoyed the voyage; the only rough stage of the journey was experienced in the Bay of Biscay, when a few green faces were prevalent, and a few seats vacant at the mess. I had secured a nice little cabin which I shared with three others, including our corporal, and the only drawback was that it was situated almost at the bottom of the vessel amidships and consequently became unbearably hot when we searched the Coast of Portugal, necessitating our sleeping on deck. Also the first couple of nights regular waves of a most nauseating odour would float through the air, giving much offence to our long suffering nostrils, and we searched high and low for the cause. Eventually we discovered underneath Gibby’s pillow a packet of food absolutely putrid, and he had been sleeping on it for two nights! What he must have suffered! Out through the porthole it disappeared quickly. Our duties on board ship consisted of a certain number of hours per day in the ship’s hospital, and of course, we had the usual lifebelt and five alarms (sounded by bugles at any time of the day or night), and it was a devil of a scramble usually.
from great Dreadnoughts to submarines, a Russian cruiser with five funnels being promptly dubbed by a bright mind as the “Goodfire”. The sheer magnificence of the whole place is indescribable, and I must leave it to one’s imagination. The ground was devoid of a single blade of grass, being crumbled scorched to a light grey colour as far as the eye could see, and the only signs of civilisation were, in the bay, the numerous Greek “rowing boat merchants”, and on land lines of tents dotted about here, there and everywhere. No sooner had we anchored than the Greek thieves started bring their boats of stores alongside, and with the aid of a rope and tin can soon commenced a brisk trade, charging I might mention exorbitant prices and enriching themselves considerably at our expense. Our stay here lasted about a couple of days, during which time, as we learnt afterwards, some very bloody work had been going on, via the landings effected under a terrific fire at Anzac and Suvla Bay in Gallipoli. GALLIPOLI On the 9th August 1915, we embarked on a smaller vessel, leaving Lemnos in the evening…
Rounding Cape Vincent and passing through the Straits, we had a magnificent view of Gibraltar, and likewise the rugged coast of Morocco. I should like to have stopped here for a week or two, and obtained leave to visit my Father’s grave in Huelva, a photograph being the nearest I have been to it, but straight on we kept, never stopping until we reached the finest and most magnificent natural harbour I have ever seen, viz: Mudros, in the Isle of Lemnos, this being the first base. Naval power was strongly represented by warships of various classes and nationality, Reveille AUTUMN edition 2014 | 21
Returned & Service League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch Inc. RSL House 106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 e-mail: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
QLD TPI Association
(Sunshine Coast Branch)
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women (Queensland Branch) Inc. The above organisation is a member of the State and Federal Body operating on the Sunshine Coast and meets on the third Wednesday of each month at RSL House, Maroochydore at 10.30am.
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
2014 Meetings 19 March 2014 16 April 2014 21 May 2014
Museum Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 2.00pm
Please feel free to come along to the meetings, Partners are most welcome.
2014 League Briefings 17 March 2014 No Meeting in April 19 May 2014
For any additional information please contact Tony Cresswick-Jackson, Secretary on 5493 4719 or 0400 576 118 e-mail: farmerjaxon@hotmail.com
Legacy Laurel Club
Maroochydore
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2014 Meetings No Meeting in March 13 April 2014 11 May 2014 Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to the Secretary at PO Box 615, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone: 5443 1719
Meetings are held at RSL House, Maroochydore on the fourth Friday of each month at 9.00am. 2014 Meetings 28 March 2014 No Meeting in April 23 May 2014 All eligible widows are most welcome. Sunshine Coast Legatees are always available to assist with any concerns members may have. For additional information contact: Nita on 5453 4329 or Barbara on 5445 4768
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National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am. 2014 Meetings 11 March 2014 13 May 2014 For more information call Don Holt, 5446 5953
Women’s Auxiliary
Maroochydore
Meetings are on the first Monday each month at 9.30am for a cuppa and chat, meeting starts at 10.00am. 2014 Meetings 3 March 2014 7 April 2014 5 May 2014 For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 5496 9081
Ex-Service Women’s Association
Our meetings are happy ones and well attended. The ‘Healthy Away’ days, the social activity that takes place between meetings, also have a good turnout at Cotton Tree and continue to be an enjoyable outing for all. New members, from all Services are always welcome. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. 2014 Meetings 6 March 2014 3 April 2014 1 May 2014
War Widows’ Guild Maroochydore
We aim to protect the interests of all War Widows and offer a program of social activities to promote friendship. Meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month. Morning Tea from 9.00am, General Meeting 10.00am. Members are invited to meet afterwards at the Club for a bite to eat and chat. 2014 Meetings 24 March 2014 28 April 2014 26 May 2014
Where: RSL House, Maroochydore is still the place to be for a cuppa and a chat at 10.00am Contact: Shirley Murphy 5437 6560 with the meeting commencing at 10.30am. Cost: $5.00 per annum. We look forward to seeing all the older members and many new. Come and join us. Contact: Janice on 5444 5248 or Larraine on 5448 6037
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ANZAC Day Friday 25 April 2014 Dawn Service Commences 4.28am at Cenotaph - The Esplanade, Cotton Tree Morning Service Marching Parade assembles at 8.00am at Memorial Avenue outside Maroochy RSL and the parade commences at 8.30am onto the Cenotaph at Cotton Tree Main Service Commences at 9.00am at Cenotaph - The Esplanade, Cotton Tree Entry to club by ticket only prior to 1.00pm This year Maroochy RSL has the pleasure of hosting our veterans-only ANZAC Day Memorial to ex-service men and women, and serving men and women, plus their immediate families Tickets go on sale Monday 24 March 2014 RSL House 9.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) Maroochy RSL 9.00am - 11.00pm Monday to Sunday League, ex-service and current serving personnel can pre-buy tickets. Members of the RSL League and all ex-servicemen and women must produce RSL League, service ID or proof of service Club Opens for Normal Trading at 1.00pm • Evening Dress Rules apply all day • Open to Club Members from 1.00pm • Courtesy Bus service available from 1.00pm • Two-up from 1.00pm • Live Entertainment from 5.00pm • Memberships will not be issued prior to 1.00pm • In accordance with the Liquor Act children under 18 years are not permitted during the hours of 5.00am - 5.00pm • Children under 18 years of age are welcome after 5.00pm on ANZAC Day