REVEille caring for the veteran community | WINTER edition 2015
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
Contents Membership................................................ 3 President’s Report....................................... 4 CEO’s Report.............................................. 5 PAWS Report............................................... 6
RSL House
Ex-Service Organisations
membersHIP
106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
These groups meet regularly at the RSL House, please feel welcome to attend.
Office Hours
Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday of the month, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting
I have to begin by making a personal comment about ANZAC day this year and say how privileged I felt to be able to have such an active involvement in a significant commemorative event. The success of the day belongs to all the staff from both RSL House and the main venue who worked so hard to make sure this activity came together and best represented the proud ANZAC traditions; “Lest We Forget.”
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Museum Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm
LEAGUE MEMBER BRIEFINGS Third Monday of the month at 2.00pm Information for members, guests and bona fide visitors. Correct at time of printing.
For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22.
Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday of the month at 9.00am National Servicemen’s Association - second Tuesday of every odd month, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting 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 02 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Getting back to daily business, I encourage every one of our members to become involved in the League as in doing so you make maximum use of your membership. The league briefings are a means by which we distribute a variety of information regarding our veteran activities. Our active volunteer base continues to grow and thanks to those who have put their hands up to help the League in a variety of ways, particularly in the pensions area where we have had a number of new members to our team. This will position us to be able to provide an even higher standard of service to our veteran community. As always I look forward to working with you all. Ian Hicks Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager
Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation...... 8 Military Nursing History............................. 10 ANZAC Day Photo’s.................................. 12 Veteran - Des Martin...................................14 Volunteers Replace Gallipoli Plaques....... 16 Mates 4 Mates........................................... 18 Thanks to Wally Gibbons.......................... 19 Maroochy RSL Museum............................ 21 ESO Meeting Information ......................... 22
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILING LIST If you wish to receive emails about current veteran related issues and League information, please email us at: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au www.maroochyrsl.com.au Reveille WINTER edition 2015 | 03
President’s Report My words for this edition of Reveille must focus on our recent ANZAC Day ceremony. How pleasing it was to see the massive turnout at both of our services and in this centenary year of the landing at the Dardanelles clearly the sentiment surrounding the ANZAC spirit is as strong as ever. To the dedicated team of staff and volunteers from Maroochy RSL who worked so tirelessly to ensure that the event went off without a hitch I say thank you. Without your hard work we could not have done justice to such a significant event in not just Australian’s military history but Australia’s history as a nation. The remainder of 2015 presents a busy time for Maroochy RSL and we will always continue to work to ensure that our rich military history is appropriately commemorated. Our Korean veterans commemorate the “forgotten war” in July followed by Vietnam veterans day in August. The battle of Long Tan will always be remembered for the bravery of D Company, 6 RAR and 1 APC Squadron in that rubber plantation so far from our shores. August also bring’s the centenary of the Battle of Lone Pine as part of the Gallipoli campaign. Maroochy RSL has acquired seedlings propagated from that famous tree on the Dardanelles peninsula and will be presenting them to several of our local schools as an ongoing living memorial to those who have given much for the freedom that we now enjoy. Our plans for the refurbishment and remodelling of both the venue and RSL House are taking shape and we hope to be able to “turn the first sod” on both sites in spring. We remain a modern and progressive business while at the same time being cognisant of our roots. Our commitment to the veteran community remains as strong as ever and we continue to work hard to enhance and expand our range of veteran support services.
CEO’s Report With an extremely busy autumn behind us I welcome you to the winter edition of Reveille for 2015. Undoubtedly the highlight of last season was our ANZAC Centenary commemorations at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph. We were treated to a crisp dawn service with a huge turnout for this very solemn and reflective occasion. It was fantastic to see so many generations march side by side in the parade prior to the main service. That theme was carried on into the main service with all generations playing their part. We have included some pictures that captured this special day (see pages 12 and 13). A big thank you must go to the Maroochy RSL Board of Directors, RSL House, Maroochy RSL staff and all the volunteers who gave their time to make our ANZAC Centenary commemorations one to remember and cherish, without you none of it would have been possible. In this winter edition of Reveille you will find a continuation of our recently updated PAWS (Pension Advocacy Welfare Services) report with news of upcoming activities and events. If you know of anyone who would benefit from any of our services please let one of our RSL House staff know so we may be of assistance. Also in this edition you will find a fantastic story of how some of our very own Maroochy RSL volunteers were able to assist with the replacement of stolen plaques from the ANZAC commemorative site in Gallipoli. Their work came just in time too, only weeks later tens of thousands of people were in attendance for ANZAC Centenary ceremonies. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank one of our long serving volunteers, Wally Gibbons. Wally has had to retire from his regular nursing home visits where he brought a lot of joy to those he spent time with and I know his contributions will be sorely missed. Wally has assured us he will still be at the League briefings.
As always I look forward to working with you to best serve our RSL and hope to see you at one of our monthly league briefings.
Our team is dedicated to the welfare of all our current and ex-service personnel and their families, we are here to assist with everything from pension advice to locating services, just talk to one of our friendly staff or volunteers. Also keep in mind you too can become involved and make a difference in our community.
Michael Liddelow Maroochy RSL President
Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO
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PENSIONS, ADVOCACY & WELFARE SECTION (PAWS) REPORT WELFARE SECTION As we enter into winter let us all remember to look out for our family, neighbours, and friends. The welfare team are busy on the forefront and in the background making sure you all receive the support you need whether at home, nursing home or in the unfortunate case, hospital. Our hospital visitors are around each week and visit the following hospitals; Sunshine Coast Private Hospital at Buderim on a Thursday and Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital at Kawana on a Wednesday. If you, a loved one or someone you know is in hospital rest assured they will receive a visit from our friendly staff. Patients who are admitted to Nambour Public, Caloundra Public and Selangor Private hospitals can receive a visit you just have to let us know they are there. Please contact RSL House on 5443 1719. Sadly we bid farewell to Wally Gibbons our nursing home visitor for the last 10 years. He has decided to hang up his boots and pass the mantle onto Dave Cheatley who has been doing nursing home visits the last few months to Tantula Rise, Immanuel Gardens, Allora Lodge and Regis Sippy Downs every Friday. We wish Wally all the very best in his “retirement” and Dave for your continuing work each week.
Our welfare team has been extremely busy over autumn doing our regular nursing home and hospital visits. Since March the team has seen 195 patients during 26 Hospital visits and seen 129 nursing home residents from 13 visits. If you know of someone who would like a visit from our team please let our RSL House staff know so we may accommodate. HELP COMMEMORATE 100 YEARS OF ANZAC – REFLECTIONS: A PHOTOGRAPHIC PROJECT HONOURING WWII VETERANS The Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) has engaged in one of the most inspiring community projects ever to be undertaken. They aim to photograph ALL World War II veterans in Australia. Tim Sullivan (Assistant Director, Branch Head National Collection of the Australian War Memorial) remarks “The Australian War Memorial will archive the images taken for the Reflections: Honouring our World War II Veterans project. The images will be kept for posterity and accessible to the veterans and their families and to researchers in the future. It is an appropriate addition to the Memorial’s collections as we commemorate a Century of Service by Australians in our military forces and honour all those
Australians who served in the Second World War” (http://www.rslqld.org/news-events/photographicproject-honours-wwii-veterans/). Are you, or someone you know one of the current 14,000 WWII veterans still alive who would love to take part in this commemoration project? Register online to participate and find out more at https://aippveterans.com/veterans/. If you need assistance please feel free to contact RSL House Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm to receive help to register online. Once registered a recognised local photographer from the AIPP shall be in touch to make an appointment between now and August. Participants will receive a complimentary Kodak print presented in a folder to commemorate their service.
tea provided by Andrena and Jan before continuing the long journey to RAAF Amberley. Arriving at RAAF Amberley we had front row seats on board the massive C-17 at 36 Sqn, bringing back many memories for the RAAF boys. We then enjoyed lunch at Yamanto Tavern, before heading back to base, where we were hosted by the very knowledgeable team of volunteers at the fantastic Heritage Centre. Our final stop and another highlight of the day was the dog kennels where adult, junior and the most adorable puppies are housed. We had a cuddle and play time with some of the cutest yet mischievous little Belgian Shepherds who will be future RAAF guard dogs, drug detecting dogs or other specialised roles. This finished the day on a high and put us all in good spirits for the long drive back.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES Our last outing to RAAF Amberley was a huge success with everyone having a most enjoyable day. On route we stopped at the halfway mark in the quaint picturesque town of Esk for a morning Winter outings are as follows: Event Number
3
4
5
Date
16 June
21 July
27 Aug
Cost
Location
$15 Inclusive of return transport, 2 hour cruise and morning tea. Lunch at own cost at Tewantin RSL
Noosa River Cruise – Sit back, relax and take in the splendors of the iconic Noosa River and Canal. See the local wildlife in their natural habitat along the Weyba Creek and the beautiful hidden waterways of the Noosa Sound Canals. Enjoy a scrumptious home cooked morning tea on board. BYO drinks.
$15 Inclusive of return transport, entry, ride the trams and morning tea. Lunch at own cost at Gaythorn RSL.
Tram Museum Brisbane – Explore and ride on four of Brisbane’s preserved trams in a bush land setting and explore the other reminders of Brisbane’s tramway era. See the displays of memorabilia, equipment and souvenirs on site.
$ TBC
Australia Zoo – See over 1,200 animals including those found in the new African Savannah, and South-East Asia exhibits. Feed the kangaroos, dodge the roving wildlife and watch the various shows and exhibitions on the day.
Inclusive of return transport, and entry for the day.
All outings must be pre-booked and paid for at the time of booking. Bookings open one month prior to scheduled date so be sure to put your name down quick as these are first come first serve basis. For more information please contact RSL House.
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WHY THE RESEARCHERS STARTED HERE
Current research participants include 150 Vietnam Veterans who have suffered with PTSD, as well as 150 who have never been diagnosed with PTSD. Comparison of these two groups will enable GMRF researchers to understand how the disease affects a person’s overall health. By working with Vietnam Veterans, researchers will have a true 360 degree view of the effects of PTSD over a forty year period. What they learn from this study can then inform future studies, which will help to develop improved treatments and interventions for our younger diggers.
Research to Restore Lives at the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has always been one of the major health challenges facing our veterans. After WW1, diggers were told they had ‘shell shock’ while in WWII the term changed to ‘combat fatigue’. The disease has now come to be better understood under the name of PTSD. Today, it is estimated that over 1 million Australians suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives, including a significant portion of our veteran population. The condition is now recognised as an illness for which our veterans receive support from a variety of sources. Regrettably, what has been largely ignored is an examination of the science behind PTSD which could inform improved treatments and interventions … until now.
Ian Chappell (Ambassador, PTSD Initiative) recently took time to speak to some of the Vietnam Veteran research participants about why they believe this research is so important. Alan Dorber OAM told Ian: “There’s a whole load of guys coming back who don’t understand why their lives have changed, their families have broken up or whatever. This is important for our future, for future generations. It’s vital that research is done, the same as liver research or cancer research. This is just as important”. When the results of this study are assessed later this year, researchers will be in a position to fill a major global gap in scientific knowledge about PTSD. Not only will they have unparalleled information on how the disease has impacted a significant cohort of veterans over a period of 40 years, they will also be able to use the information to undergo further
studies as new methods of scientific discovery are uncovered. This work can serve as the catalyst for improving the treatment and prevention of PTSD worldwide. THE NEXT STEPS The results of the Vietnam Veteran study will go on to inform future studies, starting in 2015. The major concern is the impact of PTSD on contemporary veterans and their families. Current statistics paint a frightening picture: one US veteran per day commits suicide. In response to tackling this urgent area of need, the next studies in the PTSD Initiative will focus on younger diggers and the effect PTSD has on families. No other research facility in the world has the same opportunity to help in this way. The results of the PTSD Initiative will be used to inform interventions and treatments for those battling with PTSD. Miriam Dwyer (CEO, GMRF) says: “We work closely with many fantastic advocacy groups who do so much to help those suffering right now. These people are excited at the prospect of finally having some solid scientific findings to unravel this disease which is tearing families apart. We share the desire to improve current treatments and we know that medical research is a vital component of doing so.” To learn more, visit www.gallipoliresearch.com.au or follow GMRF at www.facebook.com/GMRFPTSDInitiative
In 2013, the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) launched the PTSD Initiative, world-first PTSD research happening right here in Queensland. GMRF are based at the former repatriation facility, now Greenslopes Private Hospital. Their doctors and scientists are experts in veteran health and are in a unique position to deliver results from this important work. However, the PTSD Initiative would have remained only an idea without the significant investment of $1.75 million in funding from RSL Queensland Branch. The initial 12-month focus of the project is to better understand the genetics and long-term physical impacts of PTSD through a study involving Vietnam Veterans.
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History of Australian Military Nursing They have been there each step of the way, they have witnessed the horror and trauma of many conflicts and they play a vital role in our military history. Military nurses throughout Australia have dedicated over 100 years to serving and caring for Australian servicemen and women in times of war, yet they are one of the least publicised of all army services. The first Army Nursing Service was formed in 1898 in Sydney and consisted of just one superintendent and 24 nurses. In the following year nurses first served alongside Australian troops in the South African War. Each nurse contributed their own funds in order to travel and serve their country. The outstanding service these nurses provided during 1899-1902 then prompted the Federal Government to support the military nursing service. In 1902 the Australian Army Nursing Service Reserve (AANS) was formed as an improved organisation for nurses willing and qualified to serve when required under General Order. When the First World War broke out in 1914 the Australian Government raised the first Australian Imperial Force (AIF) for overseas service. The nurses, who were an integral part of the AIF, were recruited from the AANS Reserve and from the civil nursing profession. The uniform was modelled on the uniform of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service and compared to modern standards, it’s difficult to image how these nurses would have worked efficiently in their long frocks that swept the ground and bonnets tied with bows under their chin. At least 2139 nurses served abroad between 1914 and 1919, and a further 423 worked in military hospitals in Australia. Twenty-nine nurses died on active service.
When the Second World War began nurses again volunteered their services, motivated by a sense of duty and desire to contribute to our country. Eventually over 5000 nurses served across different locations. Seventy-eight died, some through accident or illness, but most as a result of enemy action or while prisoners of war. The AANS was the only women’s service at the time, subsequently followed by the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing service in 1940 and the Royal Australian Navy Nursing Service in 1942. Perhaps one of the most devastating and memorable events during WWII for the AANS was the sinking of the Hospital Ship Centaur. The ship was struck without warning on the port side by a torpedo on 11 May 1943 about 24 miles from Point Lookout on the Queensland coast. Reportedly there was a loud explosion as flames engulfed the vessel, before it sank in under three minutes. Of the 332 people on board the ship only 64 survived. When the war ended, demobilisation of the AANS proceeded with the general demobilisation of the fighting service. As part of the general scheme, it had been arranged that Military Hospitals would transfer their patients as rapidly as possible to Base Military Hospitals in each state. These Base Hospitals were to be taken over and staffed with civilian personnel from the Repatriation Department. That Department
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however experienced great difficulty finding the necessary staff, and in some states members of the AANS continued service until May 1949. Military nursing has come a long way since its inception in 1898. Military nurses are now members of the Australian Defence Force with a high level of specialist training and improved technology at their disposal. Nurses are also deployed in tri-service, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, providing care to local military personnel and
civilians in countries ravaged by war or natural disasters. Today nursing officers have completed tertiary education and have at least two years’ experience on entry to the service of their choice. Australian nurses have worked behind the lines alongside our Australian servicemen and women for over 100 years, challenging stereotypes and volunteering major contributions during times of conflict. They too were there when needed most, lest we forget.
Flags blessed and donated in time for centenary commemorations Ahead of centenary commemorations for ANZAC Day, Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow recently presented the Buderim Craft Cottage with a series of national and military flags to display at their exhibition “Remembering the ANZAC Spirit”. The various cottage craft groups have developed themed art and craft works to remember the ANZAC spirit and raise funds for Mates4Mates. The centrepiece was a wall mural produced by the pottery group which is now proudly on display on the walls of the Buderim library. Maroochy RSL worked closely with the community organisation to obtain these flags and in a handover ceremony they were blessed by Padre Allen Neil. The flags donated included the Australian and New Zealand National Flags as well as the White and Royal Australian Air Force Ensigns. “We’re proud to be able to support organisations like the Buderim Craft Cottage in our local community and appreciate the work they do to keep the ANZAC spirt alive,” said Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow during the official ceremony.
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ANZAC Centenary 1915 - 2015 25 April 2015 MAROOCHY RSL WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO ASSISTED ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT DAY OF REMEMBRANCE. Queensland Ambulance Maroochydore Branch, Vintage Aircraft, Buderim Concert Band, Military Vintage Jeeps, Sunshine Coast Caledonian Pipes and Drums, SES Maroochydore, 5th Maleny Light Horse Regiment, Buderim Men’s Choir, Salvation Army, Maroochydore State High School, Immanuel College all individual volunteers and Maroochy RSL Board, Management and staff.
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Veteran recognised for service 64 years after Mt Lamington eruption When WWII ended Des Martin assumed he would never be faced with the horror he experienced throughout the war again, but when the Mount Lamington volcano erupted in 1951 he was proved wrong. After completing four years of service with the Australian Imperial Force the stressful memories of death and trauma slowly faded. In the late 1940’s Des applied for and was accepted as a Patrol Officer, in what was then the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.
Although there was no historical record of volcanic activity in the area Mount Lamington had started to erupt a week or so previously, causing earth tremors, explosions of ash and generally unsettling the local people, government officials and their families based at Higaturu.
On 21 January, 1951 Des said he was relaxing in the men’s quarters in Lae before he was approached by a native police orderly with a message to report to the District Commissioner.
As it was impossible to re-contact District Commissioner Cowley from either Port Moresby or Lae it was believed that support might be needed to help local staff with medical assistance and food.
“When I arrived District Commissioner Niall told us that his counterpart District Commissioner based at Higaturu, in the Northern District of Papua, had been talking to Port Moresby on the radio link when transmission failed at about 10.00am.”
When Des arrived he led the first crew to the site of the eruption which killed an estimated 3000 people when pulverised ash and pumice blew upwards to about forty thousand feet. Des said masses of similar material hundreds
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of metres high rolled out of the caldera in all directions, travelling at about 100kph and destroying everything in the area. “Nothing survived: all vegetation, native villages, human and animal life was obliterated. Hundreds of bodies were spread out along the road from Higaturu where they had been attending church services on the Sunday morning,” he said. “All were face down with legs and arms in a running position when the superheated ash caught up with them. A couple of hundred more bodies were huddled together in a church.” The devastating eruption killed thousands including around 30 government officials. It soon became apparent that it was an impossible task and Des and the team returned to command post where he reported the situation to the departmental head in charge. It was decided to legally restrict the area and allow nature to take its course. Des later regularly accompanied volcanologist Tony Taylor into the devastated area to collect data, often warning off feral pigs and hungry dogs from the area. The volcano was continually erupting and tremors caused sleepless nights for Tony and Des who were lucky to escape subsequent eruptions in the devastated area.
Des was recognised for his tremendous efforts and awarded the Order of Logohu medal, Papua New Guinea’s equivalent of the OAM. The war veteran was never recognised for his efforts in 1951 as it was administration policy not to recommend awards to Patrol Officers, although many faced great personal risk when accessing uncontrolled areas, often facing attacks by hostile tribal groups. Des, now aged 89, lives at the Sunshine Coast and in March this year, 64 years after the volcano erupted, Des was recognised for his tremendous efforts and awarded the Order of Logohu medal, Papua New Guinea’s equivalent of the OAM.
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“It was all hands on deck! When we arrived we assessed the different sites and set up a makeshift workshop and prepared the formwork needed to make the repairs,” Len said. “What was left of the concrete bases of the old plaques had to be demolished before we could then dig 1,600mm square holes, 300mm deep, for a new concrete base upon which we erected a solid concrete plinth measuring 1000mm x 850mm. The height of each plinth varied from 300mm to 900mm. Before the concrete plinth matured, we had to carefully inlay the solid bronze plaque ensuring that the top of the plaque was flush with the top of the concrete plinth. We had two to three volunteers working on different sites at any one time. The conditions were freezing. Even with three to four layers of clothing, we were still cold!”
Maroochy RSL volunteers return home from replacing plaques in Gallipoli
“Before the repairs, all that was left behind was a slab of concrete. Now everyone that visits ANZAC Cove can again recognise the significance and history explained by the plaques at each different site.” The Australian Government provided funding for the materials and new plaques and the RAAF provided transport to and from Turkey, the volunteers covered most of their own accommodation and road transport costs for the trip. The 11 replacement plaques were packed in wooden crates and flown to Turkey by RAAF aircraft, accompanied with the volunteers, so the plaques could be quickly installed in a more secure way than they were originally, to prevent future theft.
It was an experience Len and the other volunteers will never forget. “It really was an honour and pleasure to be a part of this special trip. The locals we met along the way couldn’t have been more helpful and they were all ashamed that this had happened to the plaques; there is profound respect for our ANZAC’s over there,” he said.
A group of twelve volunteers, including three Maroochy RSL members and two others from the Sunshine Coast, recently made the journey to Gallipoli to replace stolen memorial plaques at the site at North Beach in Turkey, just in time for centenary commemorations of ANZAC Day. The Sunshine Coast team members were Bill Shaw, Bill Llewellyn, Grant and Simon Robinson and Len Thompson. In October 2014, a number of the memorial plaques and the ANZAC lettering were stolen from the commemorative site. Metal theft for resale is common in Turkey but this is the first time such vandalism has occurred at ANZAC Cove. The Kokoda Memorial Foundation, co-led by Maroochy RSL Deputy President Len Thompson OAM and Eric Winn from Mackay, organised a team of volunteers from the Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Townsville and Cooma to work on restoring the ANZAC memorial plaques.
The Kokoda Memorial Foundation coordinated the replacement effort on behalf of Dr Ross Bastiaan AM, a Melbourne Periodontist and keen military historian who made and installed the original plaques stolen at Gallipoli. Dr Bastiaan has made and installed more than 260 Australian Military history plaques in more than 20 countries where Australia had some military involvement. “The team of volunteers spent ten out of the sixteen days of their travel working tirelessly to replace the 11 plaques at different sites across a 10km radius. Each plaque weighed over 60kg so it proved some feat to accomplish,” Len said.
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Mates 4 Mates Mates4Mates, established in 2013 by RSL Qld Branch supports an ever increasing number of current and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
Janice Johnston, Senior Psychologist, at Mates4Mates says that many of those who present for assistance are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “Its probably upwards of 50-70% of the people we see are affected in some way by the disorder either their mate or their family. It isn’t always apparent that this is going to be the case when the mate is discharged, because by its very nature post-traumatic stress disorder means that it comes after the trauma and for some that can mean well after”. Cruelly, when an ex-service member gets PTSD it is often accompanied by anxiety and depression and often with alcohol abuse disorder as well. Usually because what the service man or woman has been exposed to from their service is so severe. Like any medical or psychological condition early intervention is the key. “Think of it like cancer” Janice says. “If you were diagnosed with cancer it would be okay to tell all your friends, people would encourage you to get the best treatment, on your worst day your friends and family would all be there for you”. “But when you get PTSD”, she states, “it is the complete antithesis of a cancer sufferers experience; they try to hide their symptoms and
keep on going to not let their mates down, they typically don’t seek help early on and it’s often not until things really hit the skids that they come forward. Like any condition that means that it is harder to treat by that stage.” Because of this 30% of Vietnam Veterans sadly went on to develop PTSD.
Maroochy RSL thanks Wally Gibbons for over a decade of volunteering Every Friday for more than ten years Wally Gibbons visited four nursing homes on the Sunshine Coast, spending time with ex-service men and women as well as war widows. It is estimated that he has spent time with more than 3,300 people.
coast and he says the reason he gives his time is simple.
Treatments have changed greatly over this time and so too has public opinion and support. That’s why it’s so important the work that organisations such as Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation do to try and understand what’s happening for our contemporary serving population. When interviewed recently for ANZAC day a young female veteran was asked how she feels about her service and the ANZAC legend. She very honestly said “I spend half the day remembering and half the day trying to forget”. More than ever its important for the broader community to know that when our service men and women come home or leave the military the war isn’t necessarily over, for many its just beginning. If you know someone who needs Mates4Mates bring them in or encourage them to be a mate by contacting 13004Mates.
“I did it with a genuine love and concern, because they’ve been there,” Wally said. “They’ve earned our respect and everything else that comes their way; it’s good for them to see a friendly face.” When Wally first began volunteering on the Sunshine Coast he would be taken on his visits by taxi each week. A Toyota Corolla was later donated by RSL Queensland. After the Second World War Wally worked at the Repatriation Department in Brisbane and later became Secretary at the Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital in Brisbane, where he recognised the need for people to spend time together and share their memories. A league member for over 18 years, it was in 2005 that Wally put his hand up to see how he could contribute to its welfare program. From that day, each Friday morning, rain, hail or shine, Wally has attended a number of care facilities in the area and provided friendship to those in need. He has become well-known amongst the fraternity of retired veterans and war widows across the
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A volunteer driver would drop Wally off at the door and collect him two hours later after his visits were complete. All of the drivers involved with Wally agreed that it was an absolute pleasure driving him and he would often speak of his continued love for his beloved wife, Freda, his wife of 72 years. Each step of the way, Freda, has supported his role and ensured he always looked the part for each of his visits. Due to Wally’s deteriorating sight he can no longer continue with his role as the Nursing Home Officer and has decided to step down, but Wally has proudly passed along the role after mentoring his replacement, Dave Cheatly, who is just as keen to fulfil the vital role. Thank you Wally and Dave, from all of the team at Maroochy RSL.
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CPL GWEN GOODFELLOW – Colour Patches Cpl Gwen Goodfellow donated her collection of Colour Patches, which she had mounted on a backing board, to the Maroochy RSL Museum where it hangs proudly near the entry. (see image below) Below is an excerpt of Cpl Goodfellow’s story. To read in full, please visit the Maroochy RSL Museum. “These colour patches were given to me mostly, by patients of the 2/12 Australian General Hospital and a few from soldiers recuperating at the 102nd Convalescent Camp at Warwick, Queensland. I would have gained some also from when I was
a patient myself at the 2/12 Australian General Hospital. So it was with my sewing and ‘otherwise duties’ that I came in close contact with the men. The soldiers were always appreciative of anything at all done for them. When asked “but what can we do for you?” I would reply “perhaps you would have a spare colour patch you would care to give me. One 2/33 Battalion man even ripped the colour patch from his football jumper to give to me. They wrote their unit on the back of the patch.”
Women’s Auxiliary Cent Auction Maroochy RSL House Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore Monday 13th July, 2015 Doors open at 9.30am for morning tea and cent auction starts at 10.00am Admission is $3
quality prizes! Over 100 great se cent auction to rai We are hosting a their families d an s an ter Ve money for 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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Maroochy RSL Museum – Colour Patches The Australian Army’s system of colour patches arose from the need to solve an immediate problem. When the first Australian Imperial Force (AIF) set off for the Middle East in 1914, the only badge it wore was on headgear and jacket collars; the Australian “Rising Sun” emblem, inscribed with the words “Australian Commonwealth Military Forces” (ACMF). Nothing distinguished one regiment from another. Divisional Order No. 81(A) Administration was issued at Mena, Egypt, on 8 March 1915 to overcome the problem: 562. In order the better to distinguish the several units of the Division, coloured patches of cloth 1 inches wide by 2 inches long will be worn on the sleeves one inch below the shoulder seam. Except in cases of Headquarters of Brigades and the Divisional Artillery, the Engineers and Army Medical Corps, badges will consist of two colours, the lower indicating the formation, the upper the unit etc. Light Horse [4th Light Horse] and Artillery badges will be divided diagonally, the others horizontally.
superimposed on grey backgrounds and in the shape of the second AIF division to which they were allotted. This colour-patch system remained in place until 1949, when the policy for post-war army dress adopted the British system of embroidered shoulder titles, formation signs and lanyards. From about 1960, the British system was abandoned, first by dropping formation signs, later by the partial replacement of shoulder titles with abbreviated metal corps and regimental titles worn on shoulder straps. In July 1987, following representations by a number of units, the Chief of the General Staff approved the wearing of colour patches on the right side of puggarees on hats in order to foster the Army’s heritage.
After the First World War the use of colour patches continued in the Citizens Military Forces (CMF), also known as militia. With the outbreak of the Second World War, second AIF units were authorised to adopt the colour patches of their correspondingly-numbered first AIF forebears. In April or May 1940, an army instruction allocated grey backgrounds to second AIF colour patches. Representations to Members of Parliament by first AIF unit associations and the (then) Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia resulted in the issue of another instruction. In November 1940 second AIF battalions would wear the patches of their first AIF battalion forebears,
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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 2015 League Briefings 15 June 2015 20 July 2015 17 August 2015
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2015 Meetings 14 June 2015 12 July 2015 9 August 2015 Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to the Secretary at PO Box 615, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone: 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.
National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am (9am chat). 2015 Meetings No Meeting in June 14 July 2015 No Meeting in August For more information call Don Holt, 5446 5953
2015 Meetings 17 June 2015 22 July 2015 19 August 2015 Please feel free to come along to the meetings, partners are most welcome.
For any additional information please contact Tony Cresswick-Jackson, Secretary on 5493 4719 or 0400 576 118 e-mail: farmerjaxon@hotmail.com
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.
Legacy Laurel Club
Maroochydore
2015 Meetings No Meeting in June 2 July 2015 6 August 2015
Meetings are held at RSL House, Maroochydore on the fourth Friday of each month at 9.00am.
Ex-Service Women’s Association
2015 Meetings 26 June 2015 24 July 2015 28 August 2015
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.
All eligible widows are most welcome. Sunshine Coast Legatees are always available to assist with any concerns members may have.
Come and join us. Contact: Larraine on 5448 6037
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. 2015 Meetings 1 June 2015 6 July 2015 3 August 2015 For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 5496 9081
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. 2015 Meetings 22 June 2015 27 July 2015 24 August 2015 Contact: Shirley Murphy 5437 6560
For additional information contact: Nita on 5453 4329 or Barbara on 5445 4768
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The history of the RSL badge Like many aspects of our nation’s military history, the Returned and Services League of Australia badge has evolved over time. Over the past 100 years the RSL badge has been worn by all members of the Returned Services League of Australia with a deep sense of pride and honour. The badge is a symbol of readiness to render service to crown and country and to former comrades, at all times. This badge may be worn only by those who have served our country. Between 1915 and 1919, badges were state based for Returned Soldiers Associations. In 1916 a national Returned Soldiers Association badge was designed and gradually replaced the state badges. The badge has since undergone a number of changes over the last century and the current Returned and Services League of Australia badge was introduced in 1990. The badge is in the form of shield, meaning to protect those who wear it. The colours of the badge also have symbolic meanings; the red signifies the ties of blood that exist between comrades, the white represents the purity of the motives behind joining the league (to render service without ambition or personal gain) and the blue represents a willingness to render services to comrades anywhere under the blue sky – wherever he or she may be. The wattle is symbolic of Australia. The leek, rose, thistle and shamrock represent the link with Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. The crown represents Australia’s status as a constitutional monarchy in the Commonwealth.
Depicted in the centre of the badge, and encircled by the name of the organisation, are a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman marching together with their arms linked in friendship. This is to show that within the circle of the League, all Services and all ranks march together in unity and comradeship. We know that all those who proudly wear this badge will look upon it and its significance as a symbol of upholding our nation’s highest ideals.