SUMMER edition 2016
c a r i n g fo r t h e v e t e r a n co m m u n i t y
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
president’s report Welcome to another edition of our Maroochy RSL magazine Reveille. The highlight of this edition and one of the milestones of our commemorative calendar each year is our annual Remembrance Day service. The sun was beating down but the spirit of the event never waived as we paid appropriate respects to the men and woman of the armed forces who have served our nation over many years.
Featured in an earlier edition, this Operation seeks to rid the South Pacific of the legacy of unexploded ordnance leftover from the Second World War.
In 2015 the French government decided to award the Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour) to those surviving WW2 veterans who participated in the D-Day operations and the subsequent liberation of France. One of our own members has received this distinguished honour and his story makes wonderful May your holiday reading. season be filled with
Sadly for many of them, conflict brings with it some post service issues and we joy and happiness feature a particularly relevant Our core work in the article on the wonderful work pensions and welfare areas being done by the Veteran to support our veterans Trauma Recovery Program at continues to be our main the Cooinda Mental Health focus and we continue to Unit. This, when combined with the work work towards the betterment of our current being done by the Gallipoli Medical Research and former members of the Defence Force. Foundation (GMRF) featured in early editions This edition of Reveille also corresponds of Reveille, show a strong commitment to with the end of the year and a time when we address veteran mental health issues. I know all join with family and friends to celebrate you would all agree that those who have Christmas. May it be filled with joy and served deserve to have all of the injuries happiness and provide you all with an related to their service given the best medical attention. opportunity to rest and recharge ready for whatever challenges 2017 has to offer. The continuing impact of past conflicts on current generations is again the focus Michael Liddelow of our update on Operation Render Safe. Maroochy RSL President
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Contents President’s Report............................ 2 Membership....................................... 3 CEO’s Report..................................... 4 PAWS Report..................................... 6
membersHIP
History Lives On at the Beesheba Living Museum............... 8
This edition of Reveille sees us through to the end of 2016 and to the end of another busy year.
WWII veteran dedicates Legion of Honour to his Late Brothers... 10
In 2015 we commemorated the centenary of ANZAC and this year it was our own organisation, the RSL, who we recognised for a centenary of service to members of our armed forces. Sadly each year brings with it the loss of friends, family and colleagues and this year was no different. Our thoughts and prayers go with those left behind. I know that the words “Lest We Forget” mean so much to the military “family” and we continue to work to ensure that their memories will live on. To the team at Maroochy RSL House may I thank you for another 12 months of dedicated service. Whether you are an employee or part of our team of dedicated volunteers, we work together as one unit to achieve as much as we can for our veterans. May Christmas bring happiness to you all and we look forward to working together in 2017. Ian Hicks Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager
Remembrance Day 2016............... 12 The Story of Sir Arthur William McIlveen............................ 14 World War I Medal Presented to Soldiers Descendants on Remembrance Day........................ 16 Sunshine Coast First Supports Veterans Living with PTSD............ 18 Maroochy RSL Welcomes Nicole to the Team....................... 20 ESO Meeting Information ............ 22
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ceo’s report Welcome to the summer edition of Reveille magazine for the 2016-17 season. It has been a big year for Maroochy RSL with final completion of upgrades to both RSL House and the Maroochy RSL venue.
Thompson and Drew Wall for their tireless efforts to make this all happen. Our RSL House team have worked hard in 2016 to provide our veteran community with a range of services and support and we look forward to continuing and furthering this work in 2017.
Remembrance Day brought with it fantastic weather and we were proud to conduct the commemorative service that had a strong attendance. We thank everyone who donated We encourage you their time on the day, we all to take good couldn’t conduct these care of yourselves services without you. and look forward
As we start to farewell 2016 and head into the festive time of year I would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year period on behalf of the to welcoming you to Another project came Maroochy RSL Team. We Maroochy RSL in 2017. to fruition on Remembrance encourage you all to take Day when we were able good care of yourselves and to reunite a long lost WWI look forward to welcoming you to Maroochy medal to the descendants of Private George RSL in 2017. West. It was a labour of love to track down the family and coordinate the presentation, Clare Paton and credit must go to Maroochy RSL’s Len Maroochy RSL CEO
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RSL House 106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Museum Hours
Ex-Service Organisations These groups meet regularly at the RSL House, please feel welcome to attend. For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22. Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday of the month, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday of the month at 9.00am
LEAGUE MEMBER BRIEFINGS
National Servicemen’s Association second Tuesday of every odd month, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting
Third Monday of the month at 2.00pm Information for members, guests and bona fide visitors. Correct at time of printing.
Naval Association - second Sunday of the month at 10.30am TPI Association - third Wednesday of the month at 10.30am War Widows Guild - fourth Monday of the month, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting Women’s Auxiliary - first Monday of the month, 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 Reveille SUMMER edition 2016 | 05
PENSIONS, ADVOCACY & WELFARE SECTION (PAWS) REPORT As 2016 comes to an end it is an ideal time to the DVA provider portal. This is the way of the summarise 12 months of fantastic work done future and the benefits to our veteran clients by our PAWS team at Maroochy RSL as well as are clear. highlight some key events and Our new Advocacy training changes that have impacted our program for both Welfare and team. The Sunshine Pensions officers (the Advocate Coast veteran The Sunshine Coast veteran Training and Development community has community has benefitted from Program (ADTP)) is now steadily benefitted from another year of effort across being introduced and, as a another year of the whole sphere of pensions competency based system, it will effort across and welfare work. Our volunteer ensure that our advocates are Pensions team continue to do the whole sphere trained to the highest possible of pensions and great work in assisting veterans standard to meet the needs welfare work. with the development and of our veteran clients. All the submission of claims to the recent changes to our Pensions Department Of Veterans Affairs team, systems and processes will (DVA). We currently have about 190 open cases enhance the ultimate aim of the service which showing the genuine need for such advocacy is to assist veterans with the submission of services. This year our team has increased in claims to DVA. number and we are pleased to see some of our Our welfare team has also had some contemporary veterans offering to volunteer in changes and we welcome Nicole Alston to this area of veteran support. the team as Pensions Team Leader. Fresh eyes We have now put in place systems to bring with them a new chance to look at our allow us to commence our migration towards entire program and that will be Nicole’s main electronic on-line submission of claims using aim. We are determined to enhance our
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program and make it the envy of others. Our review will include all aspects of the current program to measure the effectiveness of what we currently provide and see if there are any other services that we can include.
have also had 40 walk in client interviews and assessments, 29 transport tasks (excluding those for commemorative services) and, sadly, 24 poppy services. It can be seen that our welfare team has been very busy indeed. Most of these services are provided by volunteers Our review of our veteran outings program and all credit must go to our team who are has determined that it needs to be more always there when needed. They epitomise the inclusive to attempt to give concept of service before self. more of our League members Our works program Our works program to the opportunity to participate in to modernise modernise RSL House has done these great outings and we also RSL House has much to enhance both the want to place a greater emphasis done much to appearance and the functioning on family involvement. enhance both the of the League facilities. They did We have some 820 members appearance and need a facelift and it seems to be but only seem to see a small the functioning generally agreed that the area percentage of these throughout of the League looks great. Our IT support has the year. Because of this we facilities. also benefited from some much will be initiating a program to needed upgraded computers phone each member during and the enhanced functionality 2017 to make sure that everyone is aware that they provide will only benefit our service of the range of services that we are able to standards. provide and is not in need of help. This also Remember that we need your input as this gives us an opportunity to update all of your details but I am sure that the personal touch is your League and your RSL. We constantly will show that as a league member that you work to try to better the quality and quantity are never forgotten. This initiative is in addition of our services and to ensure that they are to our already expansive welfare services and relevant. Your input is always welcome and a we hope that it will link us with some of our simple call or email to us here at RSL House veteran members who were unaware of the or a word in our ear at one of the monthly briefings may be the catalyst that is needed to help that we can provide start work on a much needed but previously In 2016 we have undertaken over 70 not thought of service. nursing home, 84 hospital and 25 home visits where we have seen a combined total of We wish every member of our League, 2000 veterans. Our welfare team has spent your families and friends a safe and happy over 1500 hours providing these services. We Christmas and may Santa be good to you all.
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History lives on at the Beersheba Living Museum The official opening of the Beersheba Living Museum in Maleny was held in late October to mark the 99th anniversary of the famous Australian Light Horse charge at Beersheba. The charge of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade on the afternoon of the 31 October 1917 is remembered as one of the most significant cavalry charges of World War I.
The land that is now home to the museum is provided through the efforts of the Maleny District Sport and Recreational Association who negotiated the lease in 2010.
To preserve the history and tradition of the Australian Light Horse and its predecessors, the 5th Light Horse Regiment Maleny Troop was formed by seven founding members in 1992.
Troop Commander Rob Werry said the museum’s display is incredible and worth visiting.
“The Maleny Troop has put together an excellent memorabilia display that will be sure The Troop intend to use the to interest people of all ages, so if Beersheba Living Museum as an It takes you are in the Maleny area and see educational tool for the Sunshine tremendous the flags flying over the museum Coast community. The aim is to effort and skill then be sure to take the time to illustrate the life of a light horse to manage and trooper nearly 100 years ago. drop in.� care for a horse These brave men were not only Maroochy RSL contributed great soldiers but also highly funds that enabled the purchase skilled horsemen. of new flag poles and a stylised wooden horse It takes tremendous effort and skill to sculpture that is on prominent display in the manage and care for a horse, as well as all the museum. required gear for long marches and pitched Beersheba Living Museum is located on battles at the end of the ride. The museum aims Parklands Drive (off Porters Lane) in North to display these skills for the local community to see and appreciate. Maleny.
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Artist hopes artwork will spark conversations about tough subjects Conversations about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be tough or are often avoided by those struggling, but Vietnam veteran David Sturmer hopes his paintings will help make a difference. Well known for his War Dogs artwork on display at Maroochy RSL, another of David’s piece is now hanging in RSL House. Defusing PTSD depicts Dr Newman Harris, a Psychiatrist, and behind him a troubled solider haunted by the memories of war, framed between them is the Greek Caduceus symbolising medicine. The artwork was entered in the 2015 Archibald Prize as David’s way of making the public aware of PTSD in the military and in our community in general.
“PTSD is very misunderstood within our ranks and drives sufferers to do the unthinkable. My aim is to create conversation and hopefully we will take the time to listen to those who are struggling; we can all make a difference by listening to each other,” David said.
“PTSD is very misunderstood within our ranks and drives sufferers to do the unthinkable. My aim is to create conversation and hopefully we will take the time to listen to those who are struggling; we can all make a difference by listening to each other,” David said. David’s art is something that has personally helped him overcome his own battles. “Painting for me is always a learning curve. I’ve learned a lot from the battle fields of Vietnam in the 60’s to entering local art shows or the Archibald Prize; it’s always a new adventure on canvas.” David’s painting hangs on display at RSL House as a reminder to all of the core business of the RSL, which is to support injured or ill veterans.
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WWII veteran dedicates Legion of Honour to his late brothers Veteran and Maroochy RSL Sub Branch member Ernest Berry was recently awarded the Legion of Honour for his service to France during the Second World War.
Ernest served in the Navy on a Minesweeper and is among 106 veterans who have been recognised this year for their selfless contribution.
He didn’t like me much after that,” Ernest joked.
The Legion of Honour is the highest award given by France for outstanding service to the Republic. Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour rewards both outstanding military accomplishments and other distinguished service to France.
“During the Second World War in 1943 I was deferred from active service because of my occupation, but all my friends were joining the Navy and I wanted to get in too! So I went down, filled in the form, told a few lies and I was away!” he said.
Ernest has dedicated the award to his late brothers who also served during this time.
Growing up in North East England, Ernest’s journey with the military began on September 15th 1943 at 17 years of age when he enlisted in the Navy.
“I felt alright. My three brothers were in the military and I met people on the train as I left for service that were the same age and heading to the same training camp.”
Perhaps one of Ernest’s most memorable “I am very proud to receive such an experiences during his time in accolade, I would like to the Navy was D-Day, the day of We were one of dedicate it to two of my the Allied invasion of France and the first ships to brothers who also contributed the beginning of the liberation arrive. I was on a their service to France. One was of Nazi-occupied Western minesweeper near serving in the Army and during Europe, signalling a beginning Gold Beach. We were the invasion he was badly to the end of war in Europe. there 21 days, keeping injured just outside of Caen, so the sea lanes clear From January 1 1944 Ernest they shipped him back to the UK and supporting the undertook a series of exercises, to patch him up. Another was invasion.” minesweeping around the UK in on a cargo ship taking supplies preparation for D-Day. from England to France and his ship was destroyed by one of the mines I must “We left the Isle of Wight and the mainland have missed!” and I remember Skipper Nobby Clark saying
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‘This is the big one! This is what we’ve been training for!’ There were ships everywhere! More than 4000 craft were involved in the D-Day invasion. We were one of the first ships to arrive. I was on a minesweeper near Gold Beach. We were there 21 days, keeping the sea lanes clear and supporting the invasion.”
Ernest packed it in and joined the Merchant Navy before moving to Australia in the 1950s. Ernest now lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife Diana and is an active member of Maroochy RSL Sub Branch.
This was perhaps the largest, most intricate and meticulously planned naval endeavour in WWII. It seems incredible today to realise that approximately seven thousand individual vessels were to be involved in the subsequent period to the end of July 1944, including warships, troop landing craft, transport and supply and support ships. Ernest was also involved in two other invasions over the next few months; one in the South of France and then Greece. From Poros in Greece the sea was clear of mines so they travelled down to Egypt to re-equip and return the following week. “The Germans had been through and laid more mines and we hit one. I went up in the waterspout and hit the deck. The ship didn’t sink but we got it towed into Poros and tied the ship to a tree! Two more minesweepers were blown up that day, with a number of people badly injured. I was told that a total of 28 ships had been mined that same day so we we’re lucky to get away from that one. It did affect my hearing though!” Ernest returned to the UK in 1946 after the war and he felt unsettled after his time in service. He was put into training for a trade with no promise of employment, so
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2016 11 NOVEMBER 2016 COTTON TREE CENOTAPH
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About Operation Paladin The ADF is committed to Operation Paladin, which contributes to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic.
The UNTSO has performed various tasks entrusted to it by the UN Security Council, including the supervision of the General Armistice Agreements of 1949 between Israel and its Arab neighbours. It was also involved in the observation of the ceasefire in the Suez Canal area and the Golan Heights following the Arab-Israeli war of June 1967 and it later provided assistance to the UN Interim Force in South Lebanon to fulfil its mandate.
Since 1956, members of the Australian contingent have been employed in a variety of roles, including staff officers in the UNTSO Headquarters in Jerusalem and as military observers throughout the region. Twelve ADF personnel are now deployed on Operation Paladin.
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The story of Sir Arthur William McIlveen Perhaps one of the most memorable and well known people amongst the Rats of Tobruk was Brigadier Sir Arthur William McIlveen. As an unofficial padre to the 2nd/9th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force, he gained his reputation for selfless service in his ministry to the Australian soldiers, as well as the captured German and Italian troops. The Rats of Tobruk was the name given to the soldiers of the garrison who held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the German Africa Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. Born on 29 June 1886 at Brodies Plains, near Inverell, NSW, Arthur experienced firsthand how tough life can be when he and his brother supported their family while his father was ill.
At the age of fourteen Arthur left the local school to join his father as a tin miner at Tingha. In a bush camp in 1910 Arthur made a commitment to serve the Salvation Army. He trained in Melbourne where he was awarded dux of his session of 132 cadets.
arthur was known for playing his records on a battered phonograph, and for braving enemy fire to visit soldiers in the trenches and perimeter posts.
On 12 January 1916, Arthur married Elizabeth Mary Mundell, a fellow officer at Camberwell Corps in Melbourne. With a strong desire to serve his country, Arthur asked permission from headquarters to serve with the Australian Imperial Force in World War I but was refused. Taking matters into his own hands
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he enlisted on 9 July 1918, however the war ended while he was on a troop ship bound for England.
The phonograph and collection of records were later donated to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Following his discharge in January 1919, he was appointed to Dubbo, New South Wales, where he and his wife assisted families suffering from Spanish influenza. He and his wife were then posted to country towns in New South Wales, making their way to Queensland in 1928 and earning admiration for their dedication and generosity. Arthur was promoted Brigadier in 1938.
In 1967 Arthur was awarded The Salvation Army’s highest honour, the Order of the Founder and in 1970 received a knighthood as a Knight Bachelor of the British Empire for distinguished services to servicemen and exservicemen.
On 26 February 1940 Arthur was appointed Welfare Officer to the 18th Brigade. He sailed for Britain in May and reached Egypt in December, he formed a close relationship with the 2nd/9th Battalion serving as an unofficial padre.
Brigadier Sir Arthur William McIlveen was promoted to glory on 1 May 1979 and received a funeral with full military honours. His grave is in Woronora Cemetery in the southern Sydney suburb of Sutherland. At the Maroochy RSL Museum we are lucky enough to have a hand printed citation that was awarded to Sir Arthur William McIlveen by the Rats of Tobruk Queensland on display.
During the siege of Tobruk, he attended to the welfare of Australian servicemen, and Italian and German prisoners of war. He was known for playing his records on a battered phonograph, and for braving enemy fire to visit soldiers in the trenches and perimeter posts.
In 1967 Arthur was awarded The Salvation Army’s highest honour, the Order of the Founder and in 1970 received a knighthood...
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World War I Medal presented to soldiers descendants on Remembrance Day Early last year Maroochy RSL Sub Branch’s Len Thompson and Drew Wall spent months tracking down relatives of a solider whose war medal was found in New South Wales.
Sometime during the 1950s a 14 year old girl, Maureen Ahearn found the British War Medal 1914-20 whilst swimming in a tidal pool at Cronulla. She held onto that medal for decades before handing it to WWI veteran and Life Member of Maroochy RSL, Cedric Barnes. Cedric Barnes then contacted Len who began his own research in the hope of tracking down the soldier and his descendants. Extensive investigation by both Len and Drew, found the medal was belonged to Private George Annesley West who served in the 14th Australian Infantry Brigade and assigned to the 2nd and then 54th Infantry Battalions.
back to her. “This is such a special moment. I still remember when I got the call from Drew. Now here we are at Maroochy RSL on Remembrance Day two years later.” Trisha said.
Sometime during the 1950s a 14 year old girl, Maureen Ahearn found the British War Medal 1914-20 whilst swimming in a tidal pool at Cronulla.
“He didn’t have direct descendants but because of your research his memory here will live on.” George West was born in Lismore in 1888 and enlisted in the 1st AIF on 26 June 1915. At the end of September he embarked for Egypt on the troop ship HMAS Argyllshire as a reinforcement for the 2nd Battalion.
Cedric and Maureen alongside Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow presented the British War Medal to Trisha on Remembrance Day.
In February 1916 the new 5th Division was formed as part of the expansion of the AIF which aimed to double its size. It consisted of the 8th, 14th and 15th Brigades. PTE West was transferred to the 54 Battalion as part of the 14th Bde. The Battalion was a combination of Gallipoli veterans from the 2nd Battalion as well as new recruits from Australia.
Trisha accepted the medal on behalf of Private George West, her ‘Uncle Gully’, still overwhelmed that the medal had been traced
Moving to France in June 1916, the 54th fought its first major battle on the Western Front at Fromelles, on 19 July. It was a disaster.
Further research lead to Trisha Dixon the grandniece of George West who lives in Southern NSW.
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The 54th was part of the initial assault and suffered casualties equivalent to 65 per cent of its fighting strength. Casualty rates among the rest of the 5th Division were similarly high, but despite these losses it continued to man the front in the Fromelles sector for a further two months.
Cedric and Maureen alongside Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow presented the British War Medal to Trisha on Remembrance Day.
Described by war historians as the worst 24 hours in Australian history, more than 2000 soldiers were killed, 3000 injured and more than 400 soldiers were captured of which George West was one. He was held in both Dulman and Schneidemuhl POW camps before being repatriated to England in December 1918. He returned to Australia in September 1919 to be discharged in November of that year. In 1942 he again enlisted in the 13th Volunteer Defence Corp and served until 15 September 1945. George passed away in Sydney on 11 June 1969 and is buried at the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens.
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Sunshine Coast first supports Veterans living with PTSD The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital in Buderim launched their Trauma Recovery Day Program in February and has so far assisted numerous veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) funded Trauma Recovery Program runs for 12 weeks and is a comprehensive treatment package to help guide veterans, and those who experienced significant trauma, such as emergency workers and civilians, through the recovery process. The program is targeted to enhance the quality of life for those experiencing symptoms of PTSD and assists people to develop effective strategies to manage depression, anxiety, anger, alcohol and or drug misuse, and sleep disturbances.
Senior Psychologist and Trauma Recovery
Day Program Coordinator, Berquin Human said the results are speaking for themselves. “People can get to a point where they no longer relive their trauma through flashbacks and nightmares and are able to re-engage in everyday activities like socialising with friends and family, visiting public places like restaurants or shopping centres, and for some re-joining the workforce. Some are able to reduce and stop their use of alcohol and drugs to cope with PTSD. It’s very heartening to see people reclaim their lives.” Mr Human said they worked hard with the DVA for more than 18 months to ensure
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the gap was filled and a treatment program made available for veterans suffering with PTSD.
the journey. Mr Human urges veterans to get help if needed and access the PTSD treatment programs available to them.
“This program was created in collaboration with the DVA and incorporates “There is effective treatment available the latest evidence-based research to ensure and I encourage veterans to the treatment is targeted at engage and work through this. specific PTSD symptoms that will PTSD is a disorder of avoidance be of benefit to participants. and without treatment you can The program There are 11,000 veterans on remain stuck. With treatment is targeted to the Coast but no DVA endorsed you can reclaim and rebuild your enhance the treatment program was available life.” quality of until this one. There are ten such life for those Your GP, treating programs nationally, four in experiencing psychiatrist, or psychologist can Queensland; but we are the first symptoms of PTSD refer you directly to the Trauma and only on the Sunshine Coast,” Recovery Program. Mr Human said. Inclusion Criteria for entry The program’s holistic into the program is a diagnosis of PTSD or approach covers dealing with PTSD and PTSD related symptoms: anxiety, depression, anger, addiction and sleep problems, and aims to provide a clear understanding of PTSD and its impacts. It also explores factors that maintain PTSD, the opportunity to learn how to use different strategies to overcome trauma, relapse prevention and supporting meaningful community re-engagement through linking participants to specialist links and resources. Consisting of individual and group therapy sessions the program is making real differences in the lives of veterans. The program also offers specific sessions for families and carers so they can be involved in
•
Reliving the event
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Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
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Negative changes in beliefs and feelings
• Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal) To contact the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital’s Trauma Recovery Program for Veterans: Phone : 1300 780 413 Email: Cooinda.ptsd@uchealth.com.au
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MAROOCHY RSL welcomes Nicole to the team We would like to officially welcome our new Welfare Team Leader Nicole Alston to the Sub Branch team.
Nicole joins us as a qualified social worker and nurse with 25 years of experience in a wide range of areas, including mental health and homelessness. Nicole has been involved in supporting veterans since the early 1990s and worked at the Buderim Private Hospital when the Cooinda Mental Health Unit opened and the original veteran recovery program began. “Back then it was really a place for veterans to rest and relax and have some time out, it started from small beginnings and has changed enormously today. I felt privileged to hear the stories that veterans shared about their war experiences and I’ve always felt passionate about advocating for support,” Nicole said. “Veterans have given so much, they’ve been brave and loyal people. Sometimes it can be a struggle and frustrating to get the support they need, but I’m keen to help,” she said. Nicole is excited to be working with a collaborative and committed team within the Sub Branch. She is especially looking forward to seeing how services can improve for all veterans. “I’m settling in really well, everyone has been so welcoming! It really shines through how committed the volunteers are and how passionate they are about being here. It’s nice to be part of a team that really works well together. We are really looking at how to expand and fill gaps so that everyone has the support they need, whatever that may be.” Next time you visit the Sub Branch, please pop in and say hello to Nicole, she’d love to meet you!
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Operation Render Safe 2016 When armistice is declared and the hostilities cease, the remnants of war are left behind. In many cases this includes unexploded or discarded ammunition and weaponry which continue to pose a threat for local people and communities. Operation Render Safe is the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) program of regular operations to safely dispose of remaining World War II explosives in the South Pacific region. In addition to the disposal of bombs, weapons and ammunition, Render Safe also locates and disposes of weapons voluntarily surrendered by local people. Most recently in September this year Operation Render Safe was conducted in three primary areas: Honiara (Guadalcanal Island), Tulaghi (Florida Group) and Yandina (Russell Islands). Some 120 ADF personnel were joined by 40 support and logistic specialists as well as 60 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Experts from New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom, with the full cooperation of the Solomon Islands Government and in close partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
HMAS Diamantina and Huon spent a month finding and destroying unexploded World War II munitions in the waters around the Solomon Islands. The Sydney-based mine hunting vessels found over eight tonnes of projectiles and bombs during their searches around the Russell Islands, Florida Group and Honiara. In total, the task force cleared 2,584 explosives weighing over 18 tonnes. The Royal Australian Air Force also provided strategic airlift with a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. To date, operations have also been conducted in Rabaul in Papua New Guinea in 2011, the Solomon Islands in 2013, Torokina in 2014 and in Vanuatu, 2015. Operation Render Safe continues to vitally contribute to the safety of Pacific nations by removing both land based and maritime threats, enabling ships today to pass safely through open waters.
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Returned & Service League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Maroochydore Sub Branch Inc. RSL House 106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 e-mail: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Museum Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm 2016/17 League Briefings 19 December 2016 16 January 2017 20 February 2017
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2016/17 Meetings 11 December 2016 8 January 2017 12 February 2017 Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to the Secretary at PO Box 615, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone: 07 5443 1719
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. 2016/17 Meetings No Meeting in December 2016 18 January 2017 15 February 2017 Please feel free to come along to the meetings, partners are most welcome. For any additional information please contact Tony Cresswick-Jackson, Secretary on 07 5493 4719 or 0400 576 118 e-mail: farmerjaxon@hotmail.com
Legacy Laurel Club
Maroochydore
Meetings are held at RSL House, Maroochydore on the fourth Friday of each month at 9.00am. 2016/17 Meetings No Meeting in December 2016 No Meeting in January 2017 24 February 2017 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 07 5453 4329 or Barbara on 07 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 (9.00am chat). 2016/17 Meetings No Meeting in December 2016 10 January 2017 No Meeting in February 2017 For more information call Don Holt, 07 5446 5953
Ex-Service Women’s Association
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. 2016/17 Meetings 5 December 2016 No Meeting in January 2017 6 February 2017 (AGM) For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 07 5496 9081
War Widows’ Guild Maroochydore
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.
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.
2016/17 Meetings 1 December 2016 No Meeting in January 2017 2 February 2017
2016/17 Meetings No Meeting in December 2016 23 January 2017 27 February 2017
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.
Contact: Shirley Murphy 07 5437 6560
Come and join us. Contact: Larraine on 07 5448 6037
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I M M E R S E YO U R S E L F I N M I L I TA R Y H I S TO R Y
Maroochy RSL House
FREE ENTRY
Military Museum See over 100 years of uniforms, medals, photos, weapons models and memorabilia from all wars and conflicts Bookings for large groups are essential School Tours available Group tours ‘out of hours’ available on request Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm
Ph: (07) 5443 1719 106 Memorial Avenue Maroochydore Entry via RSL House (adjacent to RSL car park)