EXPRESS The
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
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Moving ceremony at Rocky Creek War Memorial
A special memorial service recognising National Service Day 2016 was held at the Rocky Creek War Memorial Park last Sunday morning. Facilitated by the National Serviceman’s Association of Australia (NSAA) – Tablelands branch, the ceremony saw 12 special plaques dedicated to members and supporters. NSAA Tablelands branch president John Hardy said: “It is a time to remember these ‘Nashos’; and in particular PTE Leslie James Weston, 2RAR who was killed in an ambush in Vietnam aged 21 on 30 September 1967. He is buried at the Atherton cemetery beside his WWII father.” Between 1951 and 1972, a total of 287,000 young Australian men were called up in two separate schemes for compulsory training in the Navy, Army and Air Force. In addition, in the second scheme, 35,000 men were called up to undertake alternative service in the Citizens Military Forces. 212 Nashos died on active service in Borneo and Vietnam under the Second scheme 1965-72. National Service was part of Australia’s defence preparedness for three decades.
Pictured is Padre Mick Grant of Mareeba. Turn to Page 13 for photos and a full list of members and supporters who were recognised.
Regaining confidence in the community FORMER Atherton Shire councillor Joe Paronella has thrown the Tablelands Regional Council mayoral race wide open, after signally his intention to run for mayor. Mr Paronella – who is currently the manager of the ‘Tablelands and Gulf’ division of Trans North Buses and Coaches – is a well known local businessman and musician. His current position in the transport industry follows a history of owning and operating a successful distribution company ‘Paronella Agencies’ from 1988 though until 2003.
These experiences have given him an appreciation and knowledge of all local communities throughout the Tablelands region. Along with his wife Wendy, he has been involved with many local groups and events over the past years, including the Atherton Maize Festival, Rocky Creek War Memorial Park, Tolga and District Lions and Tolga Historical Society to name a few. From 2000 through to 2008, he served as an elected councillor in the old Atherton Shire - under the highly respected leadership of Mayor, Jim Chapman.
Although he has stated for the last couple of years that he would not be standing for election, he says that he has been overwhelmed and humbled by the encouragement from locals across the region to put his hand up for the position of mayor. “It is only in the past two weeks that I reconsidered my decision not to run for the position of Mayor – and along with the full support of my wife Wendy – I have nominated as a mayoral candidate,” he said. CONTINUED PAGE 3
What’s New at Amaroo?
Fitzroy on 95 Karobean House & Land Package Proposed for construction Lot 95 Karobean Drive QBCC 1076708
Debbie Sweedman debbie@amarooparkestate.com
$318,700
Residential Land
0409 321 000
www.amarooparkestate.com.au