REVEille caring for the veteran community | SPRING edition 2013
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 - 4.00pm
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 Monthly Meeting
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 Sub Branch Members..............3 President’s Report........................................4 CEO’s Report...............................................5 Welfare Report..............................................6 A Tribute to Ken Buss...................................8
NOTICE to all sub branch members
Options for Veterans Expanding on the Coast....................................................10 Remembrance Day....................................11
Our membership continues to steadily increase which is pleasing to see. We have had a busy few months with member events and activities with outings to the Caboolture Air Museum, Ginger Factory and Gympie Gold Mine. These activities are organised for our members at a subsidised cost to enable you to enjoy the camaraderie of other ex-service men and women. Although not all of you can make it to RSL House for our monthly gatherings, it would be lovely to see you make it along to these activities. For more information, please contact us.
Retired War Veteran Des Martin Receives Well Deserved Accolades..........................12
As a reminder, don’t forget that your League Membership automatically entitles you to complimentary membership of the Maroochy RSL where you can earn reward points and access other member benefits.
Meetings.....................................................22
We will again be having a commemorative service for Remembrance Day at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph on November 11. Please see page 11 for more information.
Len Organizes One Tonne Generator for Kokoda Hospital...................................14 Dogs for Diggers Turning Lives Around.....16 RSL Youth Development Program.............17 Current ADF Global Operations.................18 A Soldier’s Diary.........................................20
Joke............................................................23
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR
If you have any enquiries relating to your League Membership or any of your member benefits, please EMAILING LIST contact RSL House at rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au If you wish to receive emails about current or on 07 5443 1719. veteran related issues and Sub Branch
Pip Hindle Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager and Membership Officer
League information, please subscribe through the link on our website at: www.maroochyrsl.com.au Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 03
President’s Report I would like to commence this report with a big thank you to all the Maroochy RSL staff and volunteers who have been working very hard during the winter months to improve the overall quality of service to our members. Since my last report we have seen some major improvements to our gaming lounge which have been well received by our members, as well as a number of successful day outings conducted by our welfare team for our veteran community. It is these little things that help to make the Maroochy RSL one of the best on the Sunshine Coast. At the recent RSL State Congress, Terry Meehan one of our Sub Branch members was re-elected as State President for the next three years. On behalf of Maroochy RSL, we would like to congratulate Terry on his achievement. It is with deep regret that I inform all members of the passing of our Club Patron Kenneth “Ken” Howard Buss on the 27 July 2013. He was a Life Member and a Meritorious Service Medal recipient of the RSL. Ken embodied all of the values of an Australian Soldier and member of the League, those qualities of Loyalty, Mateship, Courage and Integrity. He will be sadly missed. “Lest We Forget” I am pleased to report that all the committees have been busy and the good governance of the Maroochy RSL continues. Our next major commemorative activity this year is Remembrance Day and I look forward to the ongoing support from the Maroochy RSL members. Michael Liddelow Maroochy RSL President
04 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
CEO’s Report With spring now upon us, the Maroochy RSL team of dedicated staff and volunteers, are working tirelessly to ensure our veterans, young and old are informed, well cared for and know they have a ‘home away from home’ here at Maroochy RSL. The free courtesy bus is available to collect you and return you home safely, and be sure to find out a little more about the Maroochy RSL Star Rewards Loyalty program which gives discounts to our loyal members. Once you have joined the Maroochy RSL League, you will receive complimentary membership to enjoy the facilities. The team has had a terrific response to the monthly outings organised for veterans, and are busily planning trips throughout spring. The reports from the attendees on these days suggest that they are all having a great time and it is an opportunity for our members to take part and enjoy fellowship. September also sees the Maroochy RSL Sub Branch celebrating 81 years of being established. The commercial arm turns 41 this month as well, which is also significant and should be recognised. On Monday 11 November, we will again pause and reflect on the many dedicated Australians who died defending our great country with our Remembrance Day commemoration at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph. We ask all our members, guests and their families to please join us on this day to observe and commemorate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. Sadly, the members and friends of Maroochy RSL recently bade farewell to a very special gentleman, Mr Kenneth (Ken) Buss. As a RSL Life Member, Maroochy RSL Life Member and Maroochy RSL Patron for many years, Ken devoted decades of loyal service to the Maroochy RSL community. Ken will be forever remembered. Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 05
Welfare Report Michael Powell, Len Brewer, Sharon Moore, Wally Gibbons, Prickles (Neal Longden), Freda Gibbons, Lillian Longden, Eric Farnes, John Anderson, June Farnes, Margaret Firth, Judith Anderson, David Cheatley
As we come to the end of what seems to have been a bitter winter, I welcome you to spring and many glorious warm days ahead. The welfare team has been busy out and about both in RSL House and out in the community providing support to the veterans and their families. A few of the duties carried out during June and July are as follows: Welfare Officer Office Visits Home Visits Hospital Visits No of Visits Patients Seen Nursing Home Visits No of Visits Residents Seen Transport/Social Support No of Requests Carried Out Poppy Service No of Services Cenotaph Maintenance 2 Volunteers
12 15
Sunshine Coast Community Hospice Limited – The Katie Rose Hospice The Katie Rose Hospice from the outside looks just like any other house in the neighbourhood, however on the inside this home has been adapted and equipped with everything it needs to support and care for patients requiring palliative care. With its tranquil location and peaceful surroundings it provides a calming environment for the terminally ill and their loved ones. “The aim of hospice care is to attend to patient’s physical symptoms and help them find comfort, peace and dignity, at any age, at the end of life.”
27 298 12 66 31 6 160 hours
06 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
The hospice is a not-for-profit charity, that rely solely on donations from within the community. It provides support and care to all patients in our community, free of personal cost. To help support this much needed hospice, Maroochy RSL have kindly donated the funds to purchase a new state of the art bed for the residents at the Katie Rose Hospice. For more information or to donate please call Sunshine Coast Community Hospice on 07 5479 0881or visit www.sunshinehospice.org.au. Veterans Consultative Group Meeting Sunshine Coast Private Hospital I recently attended this networking group last month and one of the important issues raised was that of the recent Legionnaires Disease. Many of you would have heard recently of the outbreak of Legionnaires Disease at the Wesley in Brisbane, and as a result all hospitals had to go through mandatory testing as a precautionary measure. As you have probably seen in the local paper The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital (SCPH) did actually test positive in one of the taps in a room in ICU, however this particular room had been unused for a period of time due to the recent renovations. In addition to this it was also proven that the type found was one of 34 types that can be found in the community and we have been reassured from SCPH it was a type that was not harmful and can be commonly found in soil and the like. On this note, I would like to remind you all that, if you do happen to be away from home for more than 5 days, for example on holiday, or maybe a spell in hospital, it is advisable that you run hot water through the taps on your return. This includes the shower and basically all taps that you use in the home. For more information please contact the relevant authority.
Second Sub Branch Outing Late June we went to the iconic Ginger Factory and the Nutworks Factory in Yandina. We had a minibus load and everyone had a great time. On arrival, we had morning tea consisting of hot macadamia scones, cream and ginger marmalade, which set the morning off to a scrumptious start. This was followed by a train ride where the highlight was being chased around the oval by the fluffy chickens. It was then off to the heritage style shops where many samples of chocolate covered lollies were consumed and bought. I am sure many of their steps were a lot spritelier than usual by the end of the day. The last stop of the afternoon was the Nutworks Factory where we saw nuts being produced and packed for distribution, and more tasty samples were consumed. Overall, another successful outing was enjoyed by all. Caloundra Air Museum Our next outing will be held on Thursday 26 September and we are going to the Caloundra Air Museum. Included in the morning will be a special engine run, guided tour of the museum and morning tea. Afterwards we will go to see the “Huey� at Caloundra RSL, visit their museum and finish off the day with lunch. We will leave at 9.30am from outside Maroochy RSL. If you are interested in attending please call us at RSL House on 5443 1719, bookings are essential to secure your seat. Sharon Moore Maroochy RSL Welfare Manager Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 07
A Tribute to Ken Buss In that time he helped establish the RSL Memorial Park and youth play area. In 1976, Ken relocated to the Sunshine Coast and served as the Sub Branch Secretary for ten years. In 1988 Ken was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for the time he served his country. When nominated for this prestigious medal, the President of the Maroochy RSL at the time, Mr John Littlewood, said Ken was dedicated to his volunteer work for the Sub Branch.
Maroochy RSL, its board and members are mourning the passing of one of their most well respected patrons and friends. Kenneth Howard Buss, a retired war veteran, loving husband and proud father and grandfather sadly passed away at the age of 93 on July 27 2013. Ken joined the army at just 17 years old and served from 1937 until 1946. Ken was well known and liked within the Sunshine Coast community especially for his dedication to supporting others. Local resident Clare Evans first met Ken when he moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1976 while she was working at Maroochy RSL and she described Ken as always willing to help and someone that could easily bring a smile to your face. “Ken was a very kind and honest man; he liked fairness and went above and beyond what he had to do, in every way. He will be so missed,” she said. Before joining the Maroochy RSL, Ken spent thirty years with the Mt Larcom Sub Branch and was granted Life Membership in 1972.
“In the course of any single day Ken would rise at 4am and work on Sub Branch administration until 8am. At 11am he’d go to the Maroochy RSL to be available to Sub Branch members for advice and guidance,” John said. “After lunch he’d visit the Buderim Hospital to visit patients who were members of the Sub Branch and any other ex-service personnel.” John said the advice that Ken gave him during the two years of his Presidency was vital. “I found his guidance to be invaluable. In my opinion the Maroochydore Sub Branch was so strong because of the amount of work that Ken Buss carried out on its behalf.” Ken was the Maroochy RSL Patron from 1995 and his vibrant smile, sense of humour, positive attitude and sincere commitment to the Club will not be forgotten. Ken will be forever remembered and the Maroochy RSL would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our most valued patron, member and friend: “Lest we forget”.
08 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Women’s Auxiliary CELEBRATING 80 YEARS The Maroochy RSL Women’s Auxiliary is preparing to celebrate their 80th year with a special luncheon in October. The original members were wives of World War I Veterans or had brothers or sons who served in the Army. The Women’s Auxiliary formed in 1933 to support the Sub Branch (that was established in 1932) and its first task was to help raise funds to build a War Memorial Hall. Back then the ladies met in a tin shed near Cornmeal Creek with a wood stove for warmth and hurricane lamps for lighting. After the War Memorial Hall was successfully built, the ladies catered for ANZAC Day and all Sub Branch functions, entertained Veterans from Brisbane Special Hospital and Caboolture War Veterans Home and, more recently, the residents of Centaur House Caloundra and Tantula Rise RSL Home Maroochydore.
The ladies provided catering for many local weddings and celebrations until the RSL was built in 1972, and to this day they cater for meetings held at RSL House. They also assist with selling ANZAC Day badges and poppies for Remembrance Day. Secretary of Maroochy RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Andrea King, said all of the members were passionate about their volunteer work. “Many of our ladies have been awarded Life Membership for their commitment and two, Jan Yates and her daughter Dawn Koehler, have also been awarded the National Certificate and Gold Badge from the RSL, which is a significant honour,” she said. “Jan was the Auxiliary’s first Secretary and was awarded an MBE in 1985 and Dawn was awarded an OAM in 2005, both for services to the Maroochydore community and especially the Veteran community. We are very proud of them and it’s quite an achievement for a small Auxiliary.”
Maroochy RSL Women’s Auxiliary Cordially invite The President, Members & Partners
To our 80th Anniversary Luncheon To be held at Events Centre @ Maroochy RSL, Memorial Avenue Maroochydore When: Saturday 12th October 2013 Time: 11.30am for 12 noon Price: $35.00 per head RSVP: The Secretary, Andrena King - ph: 5496 9081 Bookings and Monies to be received on or before Tuesday 1st October 2013
Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 09
Options for Veterans Expanding on the Coast New support for veterans and families is available at the Sunshine Coast through the Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS). VVCS Sunshine Coast offers a comprehensive range of specialised, free and confidential programs, services and benefits for current and former Australian troops and their family members. The Maroochydore office in Horton Parade encompasses Maroochydore, Caloundra, Nambour, Noosa and northern regions up to Bundaberg. Staff include qualified psychologists or social workers with experience in working with veterans and their families, offering treatment and programs for war and service-related mental health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder. Personalised assistance with all DVA benefits and entitlements, pensions and allowances, healthy lifestyle programs and local community services are also offered. Staff conduct Outreach Visits four times a year to the northern regions including Gympie, Tin Can Bay, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gin Gin and Bundaberg. The Sunshine Coast office also provides information sessions on various topics to local ex-service organisations (ESOs) and offers training and support for local Men’s
Health Peer Education volunteers and facilitators. With Veterans’ Health Week coming up on 14-20 October, DVA staff will be helping to coordinate events for members, families and friends of the veteran community. The theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is “Physical Activity - Fitness, Strength, Flexibility, and Balance”. VVCS free programs in the next few months include Beating the Blues, Younger Veterans Lifestyle Management and the Mindfulness program. For more information call the Maroochydore office on 5479 3992.
10 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Remembrance Day Remembrance Day in Australia is an occasion to commemorate and remember all Australians who have died as a result of war. On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minutes’ silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation. In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in World War One. The day continues to be commemorated in Allied countries. After World War Two, the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom’s proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day. Why is this day special to Australians? At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months. In November, the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war
Remembrance Day Commemorative Service 11th November 2013 Cotton Tree Cenotaph
Commencing 10.30am
years and became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. In 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November to be Remembrance Day, urging all Australians to observe one minute’s silence at 11am on 11 November each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.
Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 11
Retired war veteran Des Martin receives well deserved accolades Local Sunshine Coast Veteran Des Martin was presented with a Police Overseas Service Medal (POSM) at Parliament House in Canberra in early July. The retired war veteran was proud to receive the prestigious medal on July 8 from Minister for Justice Jason Clare at a ceremony at Parliament House, awarded for his service in Papua New Guinea.
As part of the law enforcement structure in the territory these young Australians patrolled vast areas on foot with the help of an indigenous police force and established the fundamentals of rule of law in the emerging nation. “These Australians served as officers of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, greatly contributing to the stability and development of the region,” Mr Clare said.
Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal to 55 ‘Kiaps’ – the former Australian members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary between 1949 and 1973.
“They have never been properly recognised for the work they did to maintain order in Papua New Guinea. The ceremony provided long overdue recognition of the important work they did.”
The medal was presented to all ex-patrol officers who served post WWII in what was then known as the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. The requirements for the POSM were amended to include these veterans who served time in pre-independence in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.
This recognition comes after a community campaign to increase recognition and public awareness of the role ‘Kiaps’ played in providing security to our region.
The patrol officers, or Kiaps as they were known, were commissioned officers of the Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary. From the end of World War II until independence in 1975, it is estimated that around 2,000 young Australian men served as patrol officers, or ‘Kiaps’ in the then Territories of Papua and New Guinea. A career as a patrol officer required the officers to juggle the multiple roles of ambassador, policeman, explorer, farmer, engineer and anthropologist.
The combined efforts of these Australian law enforcement officers helped the Territory recover from the impact of World War II and inevitably laid the foundations for the establishment of the independent national of Papua New Guinea. Des said he felt humble but extremely proud to be recognised for the time he served in honour of his country. “This is the first form of recognition that I and the other ex-patrol officers have received for the time we spent serving in New Guinea. I look forward to passing my medal down to my grandchildren and great grandchildren to keep
12 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
the spirit of our true Australian history alive,” he said. Des joined the army at 17, keen to follow his father who served in Gallipoli in WWI. “I was like most young men at my age; I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps. He was a Gallipoli veteran and my Uncle also served in France,” Des said. In 1944 and 1945 Des served in the 6th Division AIF in Papua New Guinea and then in the late 1940s in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea administration as a patrol officer. Des toured many outstations in New Guinea and in 1963 was posted to administration headquarters in Port Moresby. Until the early 1960s much of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea hinterland was unexplored, so patrol officers faced many challenges and risks. “In the early post war years many of us faced showers of arrows from hostile tribes in newly contacted areas; I was never frightened… just terrified!” “We lived in squalor, on candlelight and poor
rations. It was arduous and some officers and native police were killed or wounded. On occasion lethal force was required to prevent police and carriers being overwhelmed by hostile tribes,” Des said. Despite the tough conditions Des said he made some of his closest friends in the Army. “Sometimes your mates in the army can be closer than your immediate family. We bonded together in tough times but we all rose to the occasion as needed and are better men because of it today,” Des said. In the 1970s and 80s Des was posted to the United States and Canada as a Senior Intelligence Liaison Officer in a diplomatic position for the Australian Embassy. On returning to Australia, Des worked in Canberra briefing senior officials and ministers on intelligence operations and liasing with foreign intelligence officers posted to Canberra. Des officially retired in 1985 but continued to serve as a contract officer until 1988 and moved to Queensland in 1991 with his wife Pamela, to enjoy yet another life adventure by the beach. Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 13
Len organizes one tonne generator for Kokoda hospital Maroochy RSL Deputy President Len Thompson will travel to Kokoda in September to check on the safe arrival of a one tonne generator to support the local community. In 2012 Len arranged with Maroochy RSL for the generator to be donated to the Kokoda Hospital, as well as a shipping container and a number of health necessities, including medical supplies and clothing for the hospital and staff. The container is currently awaiting shipment to Papua New Guinea from Townsville and is expected to arrive by September when Len will also return to volunteer his services. Although the generator’s journey has already required plenty of strategic planning, its arrival will further require some lateral
thinking as there is no heavy machinery available within the town for its relocation. The container will have to be moved by manpower, marshalled by Len. The generator will be vital to the Kokoda hospital’s safe operation, replacing the existing17-year-old generator that constantly breaks down and is very unreliable. Len said the hospital operates on a limited amount of diesel per day, which means the current generator can only be operated between 6pm and 10pm. “The old generator only runs four hours a night and if any emergencies occur outside of this time they must often undertake surgery and services by candlelight,” Len said. “The new generator will be more economical
14 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
and operate longer with the same amount of diesel that the hospital gets each day; it will just make a huge difference as you can imagine.” In addition to volunteering his time and efforts as Maroochy RSL Deputy President, Len also belongs to a Queensland based volunteer group that regularly visits Papua New Guinea to assist the village in building new facilities and maintaining their water supply. “These people have nothing in terms of the modern fundamentals like electricity and water,” he said. “It is very eye opening to see how they survive and it is life changing that we can offer them some assistance.” “These people are the descendants of the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ who helped Australian troops during the Battle for Australia, carrying sick and wounded soldiers, and supplies for the troops during the Kokoda campaign in 1942. No Australian aid funding to Papua New Guinea is shared with this area to date,” Len said. The Kokoda Hospital services a large area and in 2012 alone saw approximately 30,000 patients. “The hospital has just one doctor and a team of around twelve nurses, so it is a very busy place and they are grateful for every donation,” Len said.
Len said his volunteer work is extremely fulfilling and that he enjoys the company of the many local people he interacts with on each visit. “I love going, I love the people. They are so friendly and the work we do is so rewarding,” he said. Len said the venture wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Sunshine Coast locals. “Everyone has been so helpful, David Green from Kelly Green and Company provided a crane to lift the generator from its position at Swan Bowls Club into the container and Harry from Prestige Tilt Trays who transported the container from the Coast down to Brisbane.” He said. “I am in the process of finalising plans for my latest trip to Papua New Guinea with another well known businessman, Grant Robinson, from Superior Plumbing Services, who has been volunteering for the last six years on these projects along the Kokoda Trail and he will be helping me to ensure that we achieve our objective.” As well as the generator the container is ‘packed to the rafters’ with clothes, cooking utensils, medical supplies, reading glasses and a large number of bicycles, all donated by individuals and groups from throughout the Sunshine Coast and Mackay regions.
Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 15
Dogs for Diggers turning lives around An innovative program of training dogs to be friendly companions for returned servicemen and women is changing many lives, for both owners and their new pets, as well as the volunteers who train the animals for service. The Dogs for Diggers initiative sees dogs that have been rescued from situations of neglect rehabilitated and paired with minimum security inmates at the Bathurst Correctional Centre, who train and foster the dogs to be able to provide support and companionship. The initiative was developed to assist both the inmates to voluntarily nurture the animals, building their own self esteem as they assist the dogs to trust and bond with people again. The dogs can then become companions for returned Australian diggers who often feel isolated themselves on their return home. The dogs become fully trained assistance dogs for troops who come back from deployments with post traumatic stress disorder and other issues,including physical wounds. NSW Corrective Services Commissioner, Peter Severin, said the initiative is very beneficial for all involved.
“Then we have diggers, countrymen who have fought in various combat situations for Australia, who unfortunately in many cases also come back with injuries or disorders and also need support on many levels.” “We support these pets to then become companions that can significantly assist people to recover. For all these reasons I’m really impressed with the way the program is developing and the difference it can make to so many lives.” The dogs also have the ability to sense when the troops are depressed, angry or upset. So far six dogs have graduated from the program that was formed between a partnership of Bathurst Correctional Centre and the non-profit veteran group ‘Young Diggers’, who provide a great deal of support around the country for returned service personnel. The program has been highly praised by both the inmates and returned Australian troops and it is planning to grow. More information is available at the website: www.youngdiggers.com.au
“It truly is a win-win-win situation. We have inmates who care for neglected animals animals that have been mistreated in many cases - and need to be cared for to become pets,” he said.
16 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
RSL Youth Development Program 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 program continues to recognise and reward the outstanding efforts of highachieving Queensland students. Again this year, over 200 students will have an opportunity to share in over $500,000 with several $2,500 grants and the top ten percentile of finalists receive greater recognition via a $5,000 grant. The Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) and Bond University are delighted to once again be offering the RSL Youth Development Program. As a vital part of the program each year the Maroochy RSL write letters of support for many fantastic students and their projects. Every year we have seen an increase in applications and have the opportunity to meet some truly exceptional youth from around Queensland. The RSL Youth Development Program has been designed to recognise and reward the outstanding efforts of high-achieving Queensland students. The 2013 - 2014 Program will once again award 200 grants to talented Year 10 and 11 students who have
demonstrated success in the following categories: • Academic Achievement (inclusive of Arts, Drama, Dance and Media) • Sporting Achievement • Community Leadership and Civic Participation
Recipients will have the exclusive opportunity to apply for a scholarship worth 50% of tuition fees to study either a single or combined degree at Bond University on the completion of high school. Applications opened online on April 25th at www.RSLyouth.com.au and will close at 5.00pm on Monday, November 11. You can also visit www.RSLyouth.com.au for further program details or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rslyouth to meet current recipients and see information on upcoming events. Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 17
CURRENT ADF GLOBAL OPERATIONS Exercise TALISMAN SABER 2013 (TS13) is a biennial combined Australian and United States (US) training activity, designed to train our respective military forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve the combat readiness and interoperability between our respective forces. This exercise is a major undertaking that reflects the closeness of our alliance and the strength of the ongoing militarymilitary relationship.
ensure the ADF is prepared to protect and support Australia and its national interests. The exercise also contributes to the ability of Australian and US military forces to work together efficiently and safely. By working with the US military forces, the exercise strengthens proactive and responsive strategies and enhances measures to defend Australia and its national interests.
What is Exercise TALISMAN SABER 2013? The exercise is a US led Australian supported exercise conducted primarily in Australia to improve combat training, readiness and interoperability, across a wide spectrum of military activities. The exercise forms part of the ADF’s extensive training program to 18 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
When did Exercise TALISMAN SABER 2013 take place? The exercise took place during July and August. During this period the exercise participants conducted preparatory training prior to commencing a more intensive period of tactical training. Military personnel and units were deployed to exercise start positions prior to the exercise commencement. Military personnel also took some time to redeploy post completion of the exercise in August. Additionally, US military forces took the opportunity to conduct some unilateral training on Australian ranges both pre and post the exercise. Where was Exercise TALISMAN SABER 2013 held? Exercise TS13 was conducted at designated ADF training facilities throughout Queensland, and in adjacent maritime areas of the Coral Sea. Key sites included the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (Central Queensland), Townsville Field Training Area, port facilities in Queensland (Brisbane, Gladstone and Alma Ports). Reference http://www.defence.gov.au
Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 19
a Soldier’s Diary Original excerpt from the diary of F.E. Favell. Frank Favell’s son, Neil Favell donated his father’s diary to the Maroochy RSL Military Museum.
17-7-15 Taube aeroplane come over about 6.30am and dropped four bombs. Three failed to explode, other exploded but dropped in water / fail to do any damage. H.M.S. Goliath was torpedoed in Dardanelles. She was 12950 tons and had 4-12” and 12-6” guns. 4 7” Howitzer shell lobbed in HQ last night doing no damage. 5 yds from my dugout.Actual heavy bombardment from South. Mails are coming in very irregular being delay about 3 weeks in Egypt. Bad Postal Organisation 11” shells knocking trenches about. Heavy casualties base of shell 11”at Bde Hd Qrs. H Auburn arrived here last Thurs week, have demonstrations nearly every few nights, to attract enemys attention from South. 18-7-15 Very warm today – our Howitzers firing a good deal today – Enemys shells are coming all round our Hd Qrs. Many of them failing to burst. Recd letters from home Gert Gale Grandma. L. and a paper “S.J”. Ted M brought round some oatmeal this morning. Heavy shelling all along our front. 34 shells in 2nd Bn. Not many casualties. 19-7-15 Sea looks very deserted only a few destroyers and hospital ship to be seen. Bombarding down South still.Very warm. Have to have pass to go down to beach. Am doing 4 hours on and 12 off daily and carrying despatches between B.H.Q & D.H.Q. every 3rd day. Reported new monitor firing 14” howitzers today. Very heavy shelling near our BHQ about half of them going off.Very violent explosions. 20-7-15 Attack which was expected last night didn’t come off. It was reported Turks were massing in Johnstons gully and Barbed Wire gully with fixed bayonets. 21-7-15 Was up at 4th Bat observation post last night and saw artillery dual. Our 5” howitzers were
firing over Quins post and field going on to Quins. Enemys field pieces and howitzers answering. Several tmes during night a good deal of firing was done along our line. About 2.30am Turks were reported to be coming up 4th Bn gully in skirmishing order. Nothing came of it. Weather still very warm. T.B.D. and cruisers carried out usual nightly bomb. Herald of guns 9th to hard today Mortlaki P.M. Monitor at it again this afternoon towards Achi Baba. Growing pretty cool at night. Putting Barbed wire entanglements out in new firing line. On 19-5-15 2 divisions of Turks from Constantinople under Liman Pasha attacked our position at midnight & again at 3am. A large number of Turks shells have been encased in lead to fit barrel. On May 20 a party of Turks followed by unarmed men waving Red Crescent flag appeared in front of our trenches and asked for 9 hours armistice to bury the dead. Permission for 9 hrs. Was refused on account of lateness of hour but 2 hours (5-7) was given. At conclusion of Armistice Turks peppered us with artillery but did very little damage. A good deal of Turkish ammunition (shell) is bad & some have been found to contain pitch. It is reported that the defence of Dardanelles has been entrusted to Admiral von Usedom who used to be in charge of the Kaisers yacht Hohenzollern. 22-7-15 Turks blew a mine up in front of 3rd Bn this morning but did more damage to themselves than to us. Our howitzers firing a good deal, and by the sound of their explosions, they are very close to front row of the trenches, very windy and dusty. Big attack expected tonight. Every preparation has been made. Bde HdQrs has been moved forward to 2nd Bn. Our howitzers
20 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
have been firing continually during afternoon and evening. Have been issued with respirators and gas helmets. Howitzers fired at intervals – 7-9pm midnight and 3-4am. About 20 rounds each time. 23-7-15 Attack did not come off as expected. Preparations made as heretofore. Howitzer keeping up fire, some just clearing ridge. Shells could be heard whistling through scrub. 24-7-15 Attack not expected now as moon shines throughout the night. Enemys bombs as big as footballs doing little damage unless actually hitting anyone. 28-7-15 Our howitzers firing a good deal in Quinns and Olive Grove. Enemys howitzer searching for our guns are shell burst a couple (2 yards off a 5”/0 several men injured, a few bombs were also fired over. 29-7-15 More artillery dual (sic). Enemy aeroplane flew over and dropped bomb in water. 30-7-15 More artillery duals (sic). Enemy aeroplane scouting 0600 came over again at 1730 and dropped two bombs which fell in water doing no damage. Expected to see aerial dual last night as one of our aeroplanes was up when the Turks came over, for some reason or other ours did not engage it. They try to find our howitzers which are doing a good deal of damage. New Monitors have been firing a good deal today and several french and Eng(lish) cruisers have been having a go towards Achi Baba. 31-7-15 Enemy aeroplane came over at 0715 and dropped 3 bombs in our Bde. One behind Hd Qrs. Also a good number of steel darts, but did not do much damage. All bombs exploded. Had to rush down to D. H. Q. with Bomb Carrier while I was in the middle of Breaks. Twice to div…once to 2nd L.H.B and once to 2nd F Coy. Very warm day. Heavy firing heard down south all day. At 2226 Third Bde captured a new fire trench of Turks and successfully held same, 10 killed 74 injured a good deal of shrapnel was fired over our posy by Turks but no damage done. 2-8-15 Heavy shell fire from Enemy at 0800 no damage. More damage done by shells on beach than in trenches. Enemy aeroplane came over during afternoon & went down south. 4-8-15 Last night comm at 2100 - 5000 troops (Imperial) landed including 40th Bde and Wiltshire Regts. Taube came over at 0600 and dropped two
bombs. Sgt Williams & Brindly went away crook. Section very short handed as we are short of Davidson, Holland, Lewis, Don, Brindly, Williams. Enemy shelled beach a good deal last night, while troops were landing, having got the range to a nicety. We have been issued with respirators and helmets in cases. 5-8-15 Moved our HdQrs from Whites Vly to Browns Dip top of Victoria Gully. Has to cast all gear round and spent rest of day fixing things up. Hanging wires. Dug new dug out. On Comm 2000 - 0000. 6-8-15 Still standing by and preparing for attack. Issued with iron rations. At 1630 artillery opened fire on Turkish trenches at Lone Pine. All heavy fire was concentrated on this position. Howitzers 5 & 6” firing Lydite.Was warned for duty as orderly to MajKing at 1700. Went to mouth of B5 tunnel at 1709 and had orders what to do in case of accident to B.M. At 1720 perfect silence was ordered in trenches also fix bayonets. 1645 2nd & 3rd (1 Coy of each) Bn filed into trenches at old firing line followed by their other Coys in support. At 1725 men prepared for charge and climbed up parapet, keeping well under cover. At 1730 successive signal of 3 sharp blast were blown by B.M. and this signal was repeated all through the tunnels. At first signal the Inf swarmed over parapet and charged the enemys trenches. At 1733 our men were in Turkish trenches. The carnage was something awful at 1730 the Artillery lengthened their range & kept up bombardment till about 1745. Our men captured 4 trenches but on account of position of last were forced to vacate it. Bombed out Turks superiority of Bombs first few days. All Bn practically cut to pces (sic). Laying telephone lines through tunnels. Stink something awful. Connaught Rangers have been burying dead. Turks awful. HdQrs 4th on top of them. On 8-8-15 8” howitzer shell put out of action one of Browns Bty. On (blank) 4.7 shell fell onto Bde HdQrs carrying Crawford and Simpson (almost). Resuced bruised HdQrs being swept with shrapnel continuously. Great many casualties. 8-8-15 What remained of Bn were relieved by GR at about 1600. Men thoroughly warn out not having sleep for several days.
Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 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 - 4.00pm
2013 Meetings 18 September 2013 16 October 2013 20 November 2013
Museum Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 2.00pm
Please feel free to come along to the meetings, Partners are most welcome.
2013 League Meetings 16 September 2013 21 October 2013 18 November 2013
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. 2013 Meetings 8 September 2013 13 October 2013 10 November 2013 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. 2013 Meetings 27 September 2013 25 October 2013 22 November 2013 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
22 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am. 2013 Meetings 3 September 2013 12 November 2013 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. 2013 Meetings 2 September 2013 October - No Meeting 4 November 2013 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. 2013 Meetings 5 September 2013 3 October 2013 7 November 2013 Where: RSL House, Maroochydore is still the place to be for a cuppa and a chat at 10.00am 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
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. 2013 Meetings 23 September 2013 28 October 2013 25 November 2013 Contact: Shirley Murphy 5437 6560
JOKE What is the difference between the Navy, Army and Air Force? The Navy navigate by the stars, the Army sleep under the stars, the Air Force rate their accommodation by stars.
Reveille SPRING edition 2013 | 23
Remembrance Day Commemorative Service 11th November 2013 Cotton Tree Cenotaph Commencing 10.30am