RSL Stand To ACT Newsletter

Stand to

Edition One | April 2011

RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc

“The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance”

Lest We Forget

www.actrsl.org.au

IN THIS ISSUE ...

Page 1 • From the President

Page 2 • Local pipe band initiative honours veterans

Page 3 • 2011 Golden Reunion of the 3rd Intake RAN Junior Recruits • 2011 RSL ACT Membership Subscription

Page 4 • ADFA RSL Prize recipient • 104 Sig Sqn National Reunion 2011 • HMAS ANZAC/ TOBRUK Association National Reunion • Calling all MEAO Veterans

Page 5 • ACT Branch RSL RMC Prize • Donations to Morshead call for assistance to purchase Cardinal bed

Page 6 • Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society Memorial

Page 7 • Australian Peacekeepers Study has started

Page 9 • ANZAC Day 2011 Parade March Order, Canberra

Page 12 • ACT Branch Sub-Branch Contacts and Meetings

Stand To is published four

times a year. The Returned Services League of Australia ACT Branch is incorporated under ABN 61 268 362 646.

To make a contribution to the newsletter or to sponsor a page, contact the Editor by phone +61 2 6260 6344, fax +61 2 6295 1628 or email michaelis@netspeed.com.au

From the President One of the most satisfying rewards that I receive as the Branch President is when I am honoured to present awards to most deserving members of the Branch. These members have and continue to provide valuable personal time to assist their fellow members in many ways. Thus the presentation of Australia Day Medallions to members to three such worthy members was one of those satisfying moments for me and a pleasant surprise for them.

In February I flew to Port Moresby to attend the POM Sub-Branch AGM held at the Port Moresby Yacht Club where I officiated over the election of the new Executive Team. Afterwards I joined the members for light supper and drinks. The next day with members of the POM Sub-Branch Executive and I attend a meeting of the Wally Lussick Trust Fund at the Australian High Commission offices. The High Commissioner Mr Ian Kemish AM, a trustee was also at the meeting where the business of approving budgets and agreement reached on support for the ceremonies to be conducted in the coming year. The Sub-Branch is very well thought of by locals for the effort they put in to serve the ex-service community and others less fortunate. The work done by the Sub-Branch has been recognised by the High Commissioner who advised me that he was very honoured to be associated with the Sub-Branch.

I attended a meeting at the ACT Chief Minister’s Office to further progress the establishment of an ACT Chief Minister’s Veterans Advisory Council. A week earlier I had provided the Chief Minister with a draft terms of reference for his consideration. I feel that to have a direct link through a VAC to the Chief Minister will be most beneficial to all ESO in the ACT. Along with members of the Executive, former Branch Presidents, Senators Kate Lundy and Gary Humphries, and Members of the House of Representatives Ms Gai Brodtmann MP and Dr Andrew Leigh MP we conducted a commemorative ceremony at the RSL Fountain and Parliament House. A bugler was provided by RMC. Afterwards we all retired to the House for morning tea with Kate and Gary. Unfortunately the House was sitting so Gai couldn’t make the morning tea; Kate had to attend a division and return a little later as did Andrew. Notwithstanding it was a very productive time with the RSL members engaging in some deep and meaningful dialog with the politicians!

I attended the Commemorative Service of the 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force held at the National Memorial to the RAAF on ANZAC Parade.

John King President, RSL ACT Branch

Local pipe band initiative honours veterans In 2011 the Canberra City Pipes and Drums (CCPD) is putting a challenge out to the ACT and regional community—a challenge to say ‘thank you’ to veterans. This local pipe band is challenging the community to stand up for and encourage appreciation of Australia’s veterans, current serving ADF Personnel and their families by wearing a ‘THANK YOU’ t-shirt on Anzac Day.

Who is CCPD and why are they thankful?

CCPD is a non-competitive, volunteer ceremonial pipe band which counts among its ranks veterans, war widows, current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, reservists, sworn Australian Federal Police officers, members of the Australian public service and students. The link CCPD has with military and para-military events is core to the band’s very existence and they perform free of charge at many commemorative ceremonies throughout the year. This solemn and respectful role is cherished by band members.

2

CCPD members Michael Challen, Melissa Mallon, Matt Pollard and Chris McLeod wearing their THANK YOU t-shirts with pride.

“Pipes and drums have an intrinsic link with the military—especially in times of conflict. Our ability to give back to our veterans through music and honour them in such a personal way is incredibly rewarding”, said Pipe Lance Corporal Jen Hamer, who has been piping with the band since 1997. “It would be lovely for the crowds at commemorative events to be able to feel the same sense of pride and appreciation that we get from marching side by side with our veterans and ADF Personnel.”

And CCPD has done exactly that.

They’ve teamed up with the ACT branch of the RSL to produce and sell the shirts to the public in the lead up to April 25. Shirts can be purchased online at www.rememberthem.com.au for $20 plus postage and handling.

Postage is the same whether you buy one shirt or four, and shirts come in men’s and women’s styles and a variety of sizes so why not grab a few for friends and family.

So this year, CCPD wanted to do something that allowed the general public to give back to veterans in a similar way, while also giving a greater voice to veteran issues in the ACT.

The band is also encouraging the public to share their own stories and why they are thankful, via the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ Rememberthem25April

“We thought it would be amazing if we got as many people as possible to wear t-shirts to Anzac services that had, in big bold writing, the words ‘THANK YOU’ written on the front. It would be such an unmistakable and moving gesture of gratitude to the veterans as they march”, Jen said.

While the primary aim of this initiative is to spread a positive message of thanks, the t-shirts also offer a secondary benefit to veteran communities in the ACT, as CCPD will donate a proportion of all profits received from the t-shirts to the ACT branch of the RSL to help them continue their invaluable work.

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Remaining profits will be used to assist the band (which is also the official pipe band for the Australian Federal Police) in their ongoing commitment of performing at ceremonial and commemorative events, the next major event being their return to Edinburgh to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2012. Importantly, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is also a not for profit event which has gifted more than £5 million to military and civilian charities.

“The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo paradigm aligns very closely with our own, which is to honour and support military and para-military causes through our music. The band was first invited to perform in Edinburgh in 2009 and then again at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney in 2010—and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer this support to such a worthy cause in 2012”, Jen said.

CCPD would like to encourage the public to get in quick to purchase their t-shirts in time for Anzac Day and to help spread the message of thanks.

Edition One | April 2011

2011 Golden Reunion of the 3rd Intake RAN Junior Recruits Fifty years ago, in July 1961, 150 adventurous young lads (15½ –16½ years) travelled by train from all corners of Australia to HMAS LEEUWIN in Fremantle. They were the 3rd batch of young men embarking on a new and great adventure that would lead to friendships and bonds established that have lasted to the present day and beyond. Stepping straight out of high school, they were play a part in a key Naval strategy to prepare the RAN for a major boost in its equipment and technical capacity throughout the 60’s and beyond. After their initial 12 year engagement, many remained in the Navy as a life career.

The time has now arrived to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the journey these lads set out upon that was to have such an influence on their’s and their shipmates lives.

We are calling all of the young men of the 3rd Intake of the HMAS LEEUWIN Junior Recruit Scheme to assemble with their wives and partners and join together again to relive those momentous times back in 1961. We are asking that you bring with you the memories and mementos of your time in that first year of the remainder of your life.

We are asking that you share these memories with your fellow JRs and renew old friendships at the:

2011 Golden Reunion 8–10 July 2011 at the RSL Club Maroochydore Sunshine Coast, Queensland Visit http://3rdleeuwinreunion2011.org/ for contacts.

2011 RSL ACT Membership Subscription Membership subscriptions are now due for Service and Affiliate members for 2011. The amount due is $30 and may be paid in several ways.  By post*: The Office Manager OR RSL ACT Branch GPO Box 708 CANBERRA ACT 2601

The Secretary of your Sub-Branch

* To assist in lowering expenses, please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you are not paying in person.

 By electronic funds transfer (EFT)**: If paying by EFT from your bank account, please make the transfer in favour of: BSB: 082 962 Account Number: 69911 4545 Account Name: RSL ACT Branch ** Please ensure that you include your name and initials in the Reference Details of the transfer otherwise your payment cannot be correctly applied. Please send an email to the office manager as a follow-up to: manager@actrsl.org.au

 In person#:

3

The Canberra Services Club Manuka Circle GRIFFITH ACT 2603 # Please note: – The Canberra Services Club does not open until 11am daily.

– A receipt may not be available at the time of payment and may have to be posted at a later date.

– Cheques should be made payable to RSL ACT Branch

✁

To Office Manager/Sub-Branch Secretary Enclosed is the amount of $30 in payment for 2011 membership of the______________________________________Sub-Branch.

Lest We Forget

Membership number (as shown on your membership card): ____________________ Full name: ___________________________________________________________ Address: _ ___________________________________________________________ Suburb: ___________________________ State: ________ Postcode: ___________ Telephone: _________________________ Mobile:_ __________________________ Email:_ ______________________________________________________________

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition One | April 2011

HMAS ANZAC/TOBRUK Association National Reunion Invitation to all personal who served on the above ships to participate in our National Reunion at:

Ettalong Beach, NSW | Thursday 20–Sunday 23 October 2011 Celebrating 60 Years Commissioning HMAS ANZAC 1951 All replies re-membership and reunion to: John King (left), President of the RSL ACT Branch with ADFA RSL Prize recipient Brendan McLucas.

Photography by Sabrina Rubini — Photographer Scene to Believe.

ADFA RSL Prize recipient I joined the ADF through the ADFA in Jan 2009 and began my Bachelor of Science degree here. Joining the RAAF, I will undertake Air Combat Officer Training in January of 2012 and I hope to become a Maritime ACO working on the RAAF P-3 Orions.

4

I joined the ADF for many reasons but perhaps the most significant for me was to do something that was challenging, rewarding and involved using leadership qualities that would not necessarily be utilised if I were to pursue another career.

I was incredibly grateful for the RSL prize I received and whilst being quite unexpected, struck me as a reminder that I have made the right choice!

Brendan McLucas

104 Sig Sqn National Reunion 2011 4-6 November 2011 Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast Full details and committee contact information is on the special reunion website at http://2011.au104.org Update your contact details with the Reunion Committee ASAP. All Signals and Friends Welcome.

Denis Hare PO Box 115 GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS QLD 4518 Tel: 07 5438 7512 | Mob: 0419 334 535 Email: dhare@au104.org

John “Rebop” Golotta (President) 22 Troedel Street | PEARCEDALE VIC 3912 Tel: (03) 5978 7808 | Fax: (03) 5978 5884 | Email: hm.anzac@bigpond.com

Calling all MEAO Veterans In 2011, researchers from the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) at the University of Queensland will be sending invitations to ex-serving and Reservist personnel for participation in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Health Study.

Of particular concern to CMVH researchers is evidence which indicates that physical and mental health outcomes for ex-serving members are different from those of serving members. For this reason, they are utilizing all resources available to reach the ex-serving community in order to provide members the opportunity to take part in this valuable research.

As part of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP), the largest health research program ever undertaken by the ADF, the MEAO Health Study aims to capture the health, wellbeing, and deployment experiences of ADF members who deployed to the MEAO since 2001.

This year, CMVH researchers will concentrate on reaching Reservist and ex-serving members who deployed to the MEAO. Formal invitations will be sent throughout 2011.

“Given that ex-serving and Reservist ADF members can be more difficult to locate, we welcome these group members to contact us directly if they hear about the study before we are able to reach them,” urges Associate Professor Susan Treloar, Head of the University of Queensland node of CMVH.

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

“We need their current contact details in order to send information about how to join the study. Log-in and password details for a secure online survey will also be sent, or there is the option to do a mailed paper survey.”

CMVH is a university-based centre.

Individual study responses and information are kept secure and confidential by authorized research staff at the University of Queensland and the University of Adelaide. The study has the endorsement of both the Chief of Defence Force and the Repatriation Commissioner. All participants can be assured that their individual privacy will be protected, and no identifiable information will be provided to the Department of Defence or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The overall results of the study will be important to both Departments in terms of revealing any linkages between deployment exposures and experiences, and subsequent health problems amongst veterans.

For further information on the MEAO Health Study, please visit www.cmvh.org.au/milhop Enquiries are also welcome by contacting CMVH on freecall 1800 886 567 or email milhop@cmvh.org.au

Edition One | April 2011

ACT Branch RSL RMC Prize I was born and raised in Gippsland in South Eastern Victoria, where I completed High School. I joined the Army in Jan 2004 and posted to 1 RAR in Townsville. I remained at 1 RAR until Jun 2010 when I started training at the Royal Military College. In my time at 1 RAR I deployed to the Solomon Islands in 2006 for 2 months with D Coy. From April to October 2007 I deployed to Afghanistan with Reconstruction Task Force 2. I was the number one scout for 5 Section, 11 Platoon, D Coy which was tasked with providing security to Engineering teams and the local population. I was promoted to Lance Corporal in April 2008 and promoted to Corporal in December that year.

In August 2009 I returned to Afghanistan until March 2010. I was deployed with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 2, with my role being to mentor, train and conduct operations with the Reconnaissance Coy of the Afghan National Army. I departed 1 RAR as a Recon Patrol Commander.

On commencing training at RMC I have been allocated to Alamein Coy and have recently completed my first 6 months of the 18 month training course.

RJ Frankland SCDT, Alamein Company Royal Military College

Donations to Morshead call for assistance to purchase Cardinal bed

Gungahlin Sub-branch President Christine Coulthard OAM (right) along with Welfare Officer Jeanne Worth OAM (left) donate $1,000 to Nikki Van Diemen CEO Morshead Home (centre). This was followed by another donation cheque for $1,000 from Christine as State President of Korea & South East Forces ACT Branch, and Jeanne as State Secretary.

5

Nikki Van Diemen (left), CEO Morshead Home accepts a $13,000 donation from Mr James Davison, CEO ACT Branch RSL.

Nikki Van Diemen (centre), accepts a donation from members of the RAAF Association.

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition One | April 2011

Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society Raising $400,000 for a national memorial in the grounds of the AWM by mid 2011 is the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society’s most challenging task. The Society seeks your help.

Donations

Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the Japanese invasion of the New Guinea islands and the sinking of the hellship Montevideo Maru with the loss of over 1,000 Australian POWs and civilian internees. A hell ship was an unmarked Japanese vessel used to transport allied POWs under horrendous conditions.

There are known to be at least 20 hell ships sunk, taking down over 8,000 allied POWs with them. The Montevideo Maru was one of the first hell ships sunk and comprised about 15 percent of the Australian personnel lost. The ship was sunk by USS Sturgeon on 1 July 1942 off the northern tip of the Philippines.

The POWs were mostly from the 2/22nd Battalion including its band recruited mostly from the Salvation Army and detached supporting units, the 1st Independent Company and the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles. The civilian internees came from all walks of New Guinea islands life.

6

This sinking stands as Australia’s greatest-ever maritime tragedy. Putting this into perspective: twice as many men died in this single tragedy as perished in the sinking of HMAS Sydney or were lost in the Vietnam war; and the nation was silent. The men who died on the Montevideo Maru made a major contribution to the defence of Australia. Despite its magnitude, it is a story little known to the Australian public. The horrendous conditions these men were in and the effect it had on their families contributed to the long silence.

The memorial will commemorate the valour, fortitude and resilience of these Australian troops and civilians of the Australianadministered New Guinea islands who faced the overwhelming Japanese invasion with unyielding courage.

The Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society was established in 2009 to represent the relatives and friends of victims of the Japanese invasion of Rabaul and the islands of New Guinea in 1942, including those who died in the Tol Massacre and those on the Montevideo Maru.

The Society is a non-political, not for profit voluntary organisation, committed to applying all funds raised to the construction of this overdue tribute.

A fine section of land has been earmarked for the memorial (see photograph above), within the peaceful grounds of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Several of Australia’s finest sculptors are presently submitting competing designs.

Donations, which attract tax deductibility, can be made to the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society, PO Box 1743, Neutral Bay NSW 2089, or electronically to the Society’s bank BSB 082-401 Account 16-083-2367.

Memorial site

Your generous assistance to ensure this important national memorial occurs is greatly appreciated.

A broad-based committee representing a dedicated Society membership of more than 300 veterans, relatives and friends is raising $400,000 for this project, but the first sod cannot be turned until the full budget is assured.

To achieve the dedication of the memorial on 1 July 2012, the 70th anniversary of the sinking, the funds need to be received by July 2011.

This is why we urge all Australians and friends of Australia to come to the aid of a great national project which will acknowledge and showcase the true horror and tragic impact of the Pacific war on the troops and families in the New Guinea islands. To date, the full story of the fall of Rabaul and the loss of the Montevideo Maru has been overlooked in deference to other events of the time. The families of the men had no word for nearly four long years before they were given the grim news.

In June 2010, in a spirit of bipartisanship, the Federal Parliament formally acknowledged and expressed its regret for this shocking wartime tragedy in speeches by then Minister for Veterans Affairs The Hon Alan Griffin and Louise Markus, then Shadow Veterans Affairs Minister.

The Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society is now working towards securing sponsorships and donations to attain this objective.

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Urgent assistance is sought from companies, charitable organisations, foundation boards and individuals to donate to the memorial.

Time is running out for many to see their father’s, brother’s, uncle’s and mates honoured with dignity in the land of their birth.

Besides being an important part of our Australian history the memorial will bring great comfort to those wishing to honour the memory of those troops and civilians who made the supreme sacrifice.

If you are able to assist in any way please contact the President, Mr Phil Ainsworth p.ainsworth@kingco.com.au or phone 0418 730 348 or write to PO Box 1743, Neutral Bay NSW 2089.

Special Events The Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society is hosting two special events in Canberra on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July 2011. These events will commemorate the 69th anniversary of the invasion of the New Guinea islands and the sinking of the Montevideo Maru.

Saturday 2 July 2011 Time: Luncheon 12noon–5pm (Drinks available from a cash bar) Venue:

National Press Club 16 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 www.npc.org.au

Guest speaker: We are delighted that Major General John Pearn, Patron of the NGVR/PNGVR Association will be able to join us on this special occasion. Major General John Pearn is the Honorary Colonel of the Queensland University Regiment, and an active member of the Australian Defence Force Human Ethics Research Committee, based in Canberra. He saw active service during Confrontation in the Sepik Region of Papua New Guinea (1966), as the consultant physician to the Australian and New Zealand Forces in the Vietnam War (1970), and as the resuscitationist and intensivist as a “Blue Beret” doctor-soldier in the Rwandan post-genocide emergency of 1994.

Edition One | April 2011

www.memorial.org.au A former Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force, in his civilian life he remains in fulltime clinical work as Senior Paediatrician based at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, and Preceptor at the School of Medicine, The University of Queensland.

He is Patron of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles—Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles Association. His late father-in-law, Captain Athol White, as a Japanese POW, was a survivor of the Burma-Thailand railway.

Sunday 3 July 2011 Time: 11.30am–12.30pm Venue: St Paul’s Chapel Royal Military College of Australia Duntroon (Enter the college from Morsehead Drive and follow the signage.)

An ecumenical memorial service will be held. Defence Force chaplains will lead the service with music by the Tuggeranong (ACT) Salvation Army Band. Canberra Legacy’s Southside Laurel Club has kindly offered to provide refreshments immediately after the memorial service.

Payment for Special Events Cost: $55 per person (includes lunch on Saturday and refreshments on Sunday) Payment will confirm booking.

RSVP: As soon as possible for both these events and prior to 12 June 2011 to: Andrea Williams Email: andrea.williams@bigpond.com Tel: 02 9449 4129 0409 031 889 Post: PO Box 1743 NEUTRAL BAY NSW 2089 Payment: To be made to the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society as follows:

• Electronic transfer to Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society’s bank account.

BSB: 082-401 Account number: 16-083-2367 Bank: NAB

Include your name and the word ‘Canberra’ for this deposit. Also, please notify the deposit by email to: tharyjanto@jacksonwells.com.au • By mail. Make cheques payable to ‘Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society’ and post with details of names of those attending to: Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society PO Box 1743 NEUTRAL BAY NSW 2089

Australian Peacekeepers Study has started Australian peacekeepers have played a key role in dangerous and unstable locations around the world for many years now. However, little is known of the long-term effects of peacekeeping on the individuals involved. Although there has been a number of Australian studies on the impact on military personnel deployed to conflicts such as Vietnam, Korea and the Persian Gulf, to date none have specifically targeted the long term effects of peacekeeping and peacemaking operations.

This is set to change. The University of Melbourne has commenced recruitment for a major study of the long term effects on mental health and the quality of life of Defence Force peacekeepers who were deployed from the 1990s to 2002.

The researchers have randomly selected former peacekeepers deployed during the 1990s to Namibia, Western Sahara, Cambodia, Rwanda and Somalia, and to East Timor during 1999–2002. Chief Investigator, Associate Professor Graeme Hawthorne, said these deployments have been selected because they are a good representative sample of Australian deployments during the 1990s and early 2000s, both geographically and environmentally—covering a range of stresses and traumatic exposures.

Some 2250 veterans have been asked to participate in the study which asks them to complete a questionnaire either on-line or by phone. To date, responses have been slow and only 38 per cent of possible study participants have contacted the University of Melbourne and consented to participate in the study. This may be because of the Christmas-New Year holiday season. It may also be due to the floods and fires across many States during the initial mail-out phase. It may also be because the people contacted to participate just do not see how another survey can possibly help or change anything. My view is that we don’t know what we don’t know. When we’re young and fighting fit, we tend to believe not much can hurt us and if it does, we can deal with it. As we get older, we start to feel differently about these things.

For the study to tell us anything meaningful, response rates will need to increase considerably. If you are feeling strong and healthy, physically and mentally, that’s great. Maybe some of your mates are not so well. You can help them by participating in the study yourself, fit or not, if you were one of the 2250 approached. If you weren’t you can help also by encouraging anyone who was asked to join the study to contact the research team and sign up.

The study will run this year and recruitment should be finalised by mid 2011.

The findings will be used by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to gain a better understanding of the future health needs of peacekeepers and peacemakers and ensure they get the support they need.

Major General Mark Kelly, Repatriation Commissioner, said, ‘I support this study and I urge you to participate. This study will give us the best possible information to understand the various health effects of peacekeeping operations, now and into the future’.

For more information on the study, or to accept the invitation to participate, contact the research team at the University of Melbourne on (03) 8344 5511.

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition One | April 2011

7

2011 ANZAC Day $1 coin 8

A moving tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force and the Spirit of the ANZACS! • • • •

Unique RAAF reverse design Australian legal tender Attractive presentation card Famous ‘P’ minmark

Preserving the knowledge of wartime sacrifices made by members of our nation’s Defence Force is important to each new generation of Australians, as the number of people attending ANZAC Day ceremonies testifies.

The design on this uncirculated $1 coin portrays two pilots wearing flight equipment. The background depicts a silhouetted bugler, the inscription ‘Lest We Forget’ and the date of ANZAC Day — April 25 — a day on which we honour all those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2011 year-date.

AUD$12.95 Each coin is presented in a specially designed display card-stand.

Coins can be purchased from the Perth Mint:  Online: www.perthmint.com.au  Free call: 1300 663 991  Post:

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Sales – Perth Mint GPO Box M924 Perth WA 6843

Edition One | April 2011

Order of March, Canberra ACT (As At 8 Feb 2011)

ANZAC DAY 25 April, 2011 Riderless Horse 1 Parade Commander and Party 2 Youth Flag Party 3 New Zealand 4 WW1 Banner 5 Heritage Troop 6 WWII Navy 7 WWII Army 8 Commando Association 9 Rats Of Tobruk 10 New Guinea Survey Section 11 WWII Air Force 12 Korean War 13 HMAS Sydney Escorts—VLSA 14 AATTV 15 1Civil Affairs Unit 16 161 Reconnaissance Association 17 1 (Aust Field) Hospital 18 1 Ordnance Field Park 19 9 Squadron—RAAF Association 20 Vietnam Veterans Association Vietnam Veterans Federation 21 Ex-Servicewomen’s Association 22 Naval Association of Australia 23 Naval Warfare Association 24 Fleet Air Arm Association 25 HMAS Perth Association 26 Submarine Association 27 RAN Writers’ Association 28 Communications Branch RAN 29 WRANS Association 30 Royal Naval Association 31 Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association 32 Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery Association 33 Royal Australian Engineers Association 34 Royal Australian Survey Corps Association 35 Royal Australian Signals Association 36 Royal Australian Regiment Association 37 SAS Association 38 Australian Intelligence Corps 39 Royal Australian Corps of Transport/Royal Australian Army Service Corps Royal Australian Engineers (Transportation)

40 Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Association 41 Australian Defence Force Nursing 42 Royal Australian Army Dental Corps Association 43 Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps Association 44 Royal Australian Army Electrical And Mechanical Engineers Association 45 Royal Australian Corps of Military Police Association 46 CMF and Army Reserve 47 Royal Australian Air Force Association 48 Airfield Defence Association 49 28 (City Of Canberra) Squadron RAAF 50 RAAF 51 RSL Woden Valley Sub Branch 52 RSL Tuggeranong Sub Branch 53 RSL Hellenic Sub Branch 54 British Sub Branch 55 RSL Vietnamese Sub Branch 56 RSL Peacekeepers Sub Branch 57 Australian Peacekeepers And Peacemakers Veterans’ Association 58 Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Sandakan Families Association 59 Gulf War Association 60 East Timor 61 Iraq War 62 Afghanistan War 63 Solomon Islands 64 National Service Association 65 National Service and Combined Forces Association 66 France 67 Netherlands 68 USA 69 Turkey 70 Korea 71 Burma 72 Australian Navy Cadets— TS Canberra 73 224 Regional Cadet Unit 74 Air Cadets 75 Australian Air League 76 Bands 77 Marshals

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

9

Edition One | April 2011

To our Veterans and Current Serving Defence Personnel FOR:

10

 volunteering  your commitment  your loyalty  your sleepless nights  the messages home  raising the children on your own  your mateship  caring for the wounded  providing a dignified farewell  giving hope  staying strong  your resilience  keeping us safe  your courage  sharing your stories  watching our backs  your integrity  being the ultimate ambassadors  your service and sacrifice...

Remember them... 25 April Wear your t-shirt with pride and help support the ACT RSL. Funds will also assist the ongoing commitment of the Canberra City Pipes and Drums in performing at commemorative events. $20 (+p&p).

www.rememberthem.com.au Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition One | April 2011

Our way of saying thanks

11

Great value health cover You’ve done a lot for your country, now it’s our turn to do something for you.

Because of your service, you, your partner, your brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren are all eligible to join Defence Health. Your military service is your family’s link to competitive health insurance. It’s easy to join or to switch from another fund.

Call Defence Health on 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au to see how your service can serve your family.

Stand To | RSL1 Newsletter DEF0192_280x215_v1.indd

from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition One | April 2011 12/10/10

2:44:56 PM

RSL ACT Branch Sub-Branch Contacts and Meetings RSL ACT Branch Office

City of Canberra

Woden Valley

Canberra Services Club Manuka Circle MANUKA ACT 2603

27 Bragg Street HACKETT ACT 2602

PO Box 1637 WODEN ACT 2606

President:

Mr Jan Paulga (02) 6241 4965 (H) 0417 421 941 (M) paulga@bigpond.net.au

Tel: +61 2 6285 1931

Secretary:

Mr Paul Bohun (02) 6161 1314 (H) 0418 978 614 (M) pbohu2@grapevine.com.au

Postal: GPO Box 708 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Tel: (02) 6260 6344 Fax: (02) 6295 1628 President: Mr John King john.king@csiro.au CEO: Mr James Davidson ceo@actrsl.org.au

Barton—Capital PO Box 5131 Lyneham ACT 2602

12

www.actrsl.org.au

President:

Mrs June Healy OAM (02) 6247 6580 (H)(Fax) 0419 822 934 (M) junehealy2@bigpond.com

Secretary:

Mrs Jan Ormerod +61 2 6248 7199 (BH) 0401 354 487 (M) business.manager@rsl.org.au

Meeting: 3rd Wed each month, 11am Veune: The Cottage, The Braddon Club, Cnr Donaldson and Torrens Sts, Braddon

Secretary: Mr Rod Bennett (02) 6253 9903 rmbennett4@bigpond.com

Belconnen PO Box 147 JAMIESON CENTRE ACT 2614

President: Mr Peter Tsikleas (02) 6286 3341 (H)

President: AVM Mac Weller AM (Ret) (02) 6262 4878 emweller@ozemail.com.au

Secretary: Mr P Taylor

Venue: Lakes Community Club

Meeting: 3rd Tues each month, 7.30pm Venue: Hellenic Club, Woden

Peacekeepers C/- Branch HQ

Meeting: 2nd Tues each month 7.30pm (Oct–Apr) 11am (May–Sep)

President: Mr Gary Brodie OAM 0412 628 695 (M) gbrodie@alphalink.com.au

Venue: West’s Rugby Union Club

Secretary: Position vacant Meeting: Periodically Venue: Canberra Services Club, Manuka

65 Stretton Crescent, LATHAM ACT 2615 President: LtCol BP (Paddy) Mahony (Ret) (02) 6254 3934 (H) bpmahony@velocitynet.com.au

Tuggeranong

Secretary: Mr Brian McGlynn (02) 6296 1047 (H) mcglynnfamily@grapevine.com.au

President: Mr David Knight (02) 6291 1052 jdknight@tpg.com.au

Meeting: 3rd Wed each month, 2pm

Secretary:

Campbell–Russell PO Box 1073 BELCONNEN ACT 2616 President: Mr Robin Vickery (02) 6254 4008 (H) ravickery1@bigpond.com Secretary:

Mr Tom Roberts (02) 6178 5142 0409 304 572 (M) tomroberts1@bigpond.com

Venue: Southern Cross Club, Woden

Angeles City

Mrs Christine Coultard OAM (02) 6241 8587 (H) 0408 745 662 (M) c.coulthard@bigpond.com

PO Box 1063 WODEN ACT 2606

Canberra Services Club

Meeting: Last Tues each month, 7pm

President:

Hellenic

Venue:

Bryan Pannell (02) 6161 6218 (AH) 0420 866 925 (M) secretary@rslwoden.org.au

Overseas Sub-Branches

Venue: Canberra Services Club

British

Secretary:

11 Mawalan St NGUNNAWAL ACT 2913

Meeting: 1st Wed each month, 7.30pm

Mr Dennis Wilkes (02) 6254 0609 (H) 0416 180 936 (M) wilkesda@bigpond.com

President: Mr Peter Collas (02) 6161 3742 (H) president@rslwoden.org.au

Gungahlin

Meeting: 1st Tues every second month 5.30pm (from Feb) 12.30pm (June & August)

Secretary:

Web: www.rslwoden.org.au

PO Box 351 ERINDALE ACT 2903

Mr Graeme Slattery (02) 6291 5542 (H) 0402 313 906(M) graemeslattery@grapevine.net.au

Meeting: 3rd Wed each month, 7pm Venue: Erindale Rugby Union Club

40–20A Don Eleuterio Ave Don Bonafacio Subdivision ANGELES CITY 2009 PHILLIPINES Web: www.rslangelescity.com President:

Mr James Curtis-Smith 0011 63 45 625 7138 0011 63 45 625 7138 (Fax) president@rslangelescity.com

Secretary: Mr Dallas Drake secretary@rslangelescity.com

Port Moresby PO Box 22 KONEDOBU NCD PAPUA NEW GUINEA President:

Mr Joe Filippi DMS 0011 675 323 8910 (Ph) 0015 675 7100 7903 (M) Joe.Filippi@digara.com.pg

Secretary:

Mr Bryan Wareing 0011 675 325 4546 (Ph) 0011 675 323 0896 (Fax) 0011 675 7628 0270 (M) bryanw@pngmotors.com.pg

Subic Bay Block 2, Lot 9/10 Casa Del Mar, Baloy Beach BO. BARETTO OLAPANGO CITY 2200 PHILLIPINES President: Mr Albert Clifford albertc@asiamail.com Secretary: Mr Russell Palmer parrainpi@hotmail.com

Washington Washington Bag Locked Bag 40 KINGSTON ACT 2604 President: Mr Charles Lord

Vietnamese PO Box 7107 CANBERRA MAIL EXCHANGE ACT 2910 President: Mr Nang Do-Quang (02) 6255 5494(H) captrans@homemail.com.au

Meeting: Last Thurs each month, 12.30pm

Secretary: Position vacant

Venue: Yowani Country Club, Northbourne Ave

Meeting: Periodically

Secretary:

Mr Dave Ward 0011 1 202 352 8550 (H) 0015 1 888 252 6193 dmpward@wwdb.org

Meeting: 1601 Massachusetts Ave N.W. WASHINGTON DC 200036, USA

Venue: Migrant Resource Centre

Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition One | April 2011