RSL ACT StandTo Newsletter December 2010

Stand to RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc

“The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance”

Edition Three | December 2010

Lest We Forget

www.actrsl.org.au

IN THIS ISSUE ...

Page 1 • Welcome from the President

Page 2 • Highlight of the Year • Thank you for your support

Page 3 • Request for assistance • 2011 RSL ACT Membership Subscription

Page 5 • Defence Health—you’re always welcome • Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day commemorated at Kokoda

Page 6 • High Flight: Battle of Britain Celebrations in the ACT 2010

Page 7 • Veterans’ Council to advise on Gallipoli centenary

Page 9 • National Launch of the RSL Support Pack

Page 10 • Vietnam Veterans Day 2011

Page 11 • ACT Branch Sub-Branch Contacts and Meetings

Welcome Well the last few months have been quite busy starting with the reception at the great Hall, Parliament House honouring National Servicemen on the occasion of the Dedication of the National Service Memorial at the AWM. It was good to catch up with a few Nasho mates.

The following day my wife Sandra and I attended the National Service Memorial Dedication Ceremony which was a credit to the organisers and the AWM staff.

In mid September the RSL National Congress held in Dubbo was well attended by RSL members from all over Australia with guests from New Zealand and Indonesia. Activities included a Mayoral Reception, Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph Victoria Park, Dubbo. Our CEO Mr James Davidson and I laid a tribute on behalf of the ACT Branch. The Federation Guard provided the Catafalque Party for the ceremony.

The CEO and I also attended the launch of the RSL Support Pack at National Headquarters by the National President and the Chief of Army. All the items are either donated by supporting corporations or purchased by the RSL at a large discount. This is truly an excellent initiative of the RSL. Sandra and I attended the Remembrance Day 2010 National Ceremony at the AWM which was well attended on such a hot day. Sunscreen and broad hats were the order of the day. Later in the early afternoon we attended the Embassy of France at the invitation of HE Mr Michel Filhol.

After the welcome by HE, the CDF delivered an address. Along with others I laid a wreath on behalf of the ACT Branch.

The following day over 100 members of the Ex-Service Community attended a ceremony to honour the 102,000 men and women killed in the defence of our nation. At the National Arboretum the Governor-General and Chief Minister of the ACT and I planted the first Pinus Brutia followed by 102 members and carers of the ex service community who planted a further 99 trees.

As you can see it has been a busy time but now the holiday season is upon us. I would just like to say a huge thank you to the many volunteers who have contributed so much in time and effort to make this year a success for the Branch. Without you all we would achieve nothing! I would also like to also thank my Executive, Trustees and the Office Staff who also make the well oiled machine of the Branch function so well.

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

John King President, RSL ACT Branch

Highlight of the Year

By CMDR Justice Dennis Cowdroy The dedication of the new Fromelles Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery took place on 19 July 2010 which was the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles.

The cemetery marks the final resting place of 249 World War I soldiers, 109 of which have been identified as Australian.

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The attack on Fromelles was an Australian Military disaster, paralleled only by the landings at Gallipoli. There were 5,533 casualties of which more than 1,700 died. It was the worst 24 hours in the history of the Australian Army.

Dr Bean’s Official History of Australia in World War I (Vol. III) recalls great displays of gallantry during the short period in which the Australians gained access to the German fortifications. On one poignant moment, a wounded soldier called out to a first aid party “Don’t forget me Cobber”. His words are immortalized on a statue erected near the site which commemorates the battle.

The Australian soldiers who took part in the battle were mainly from Victoria and New South Wales and came from all walks of life. Among the fallen were a clerk from Bondi, a solicitor from Roseville, a theatrical treasurer from Neutral Bay, a clerk of Northbridge, a draftsman from Strathfield, a joiner

L to R: The Hon Dennis Cowdrey, OAM, RSL National Trustee; RADM Ken Doolan, AO (Retd) National President RSL; and MajGen David McLachlan, AO, State President, Victorian Branch RSL.

from South Ashfield, a bank clerk from Parramatta, a school teacher of Wongarbon, a fitter from Penrith, a shire clerk from Gordon and a barrister from Sydney.

Following the dedication ceremony in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Charles relatives of the deceased soldiers walked through the graveyard.

The dedication had a distinctly Australian flavour. The relatives of Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Norris, the barrister, sprinkled Australian soil on his grave.

River stones from the Macleay River were placed on another grave with a silver plaque commemorating the life of the deceased soldier.

I laid a wreath from the Government and People of New South Wales. The next day it was very poignant to see that relatives had placed photographs of their ancestor soldiers in the wreath. Details of the soldier’s service had been written on the reverse side of the photographs.

One deceased soldier was from Grafton, and the photo showed an outstanding example of a fine Australian soldier.

Our Governor General Quentin Bryce AC laid a large wreath of eucalyptus leaves and Australian wild flowers. All Australians who attended the ceremony were filled with pride and gratitude for our gallant soldiers.

Thank you for your support As another year goes by I would like to thank all of those who have shown their support for the RSL and by doing so have helped out their fellow exservice men and women. Government’s of all persuasions can only do so much, and without the invaluable support of organisations like the RSL, many veterans would miss out on essential services. I will continue to advocate on your behalf for our ex-service community and look forward to catching up with as many of you as I can in 2011.

Jeremy Hanson, CSC MLA Member for Molonglo | Opposition Whip | Shadow Minister for Health, Police, Indigenous Affairs, Veterans’ Affairs, Corrections | ACT Legislative Assembly P: 02 6205 0133 | F: 02 6205 3017 | W: www.jeremyhanson.net Stand To | RSL Newsletter from the RSL ACT Branch Inc | www.actrsl.org.au

Edition Three | December 2010

Request for assistance

2011 RSL ACT Membership Subscription

Susan Kellett, doctoral student of the University of Queensland, is requesting the assistance of RSL Members in locating stained glass windows that commemorate or memorialise nurses in Australian public buildings—such as RSL clubs—for her doctoral studies.

Membership subscriptions are now due for Service and Affiliate members for 2011. The amount due is $30 and may be paid in several ways.

Are you aware of any window that either: a) contains an image of a nurse (such as a service nurse from any conflict in which Australia has participated) or b) memorialises a nurse If so, Susan would appreciate hearing from you. Please contact her with the name and location of the building the window is located in by one of the following means: Email: susan.kellett@uqconnect.edu.au Phone: (07) 3346 5269 (please leave a message if no answer) Post: Susan Kellett The University of Queensland School of Nursing and Midwifery Edith Cavell Building Herston Campus HERSTON QLD 4029 Many thanks for your help.

 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#:

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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 Three | December 2010

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

Edition Three | December 2010

You’re always welcome Defence Health was first established in 1953 to provide tailored health insurance for the families of serving Australian Defence Force personnel.

But did you know that ex-serving personnel are also eligible to join?

Speaking at the September RSL National Conference in Dubbo, Head of Business Relationships, Chris Grigsby, explained that the ex-serving community and their extended families are welcome at Defence Health too.

“That includes the parents, partners, brothers, sisters and even grandchildren of the serving and ex-serving community.

They can all become members in their own right.”

“If you have ever served, then your service is your family’s link to better value health insurance” said Chris.

Many serving and ex-serving men and women have found that Defence Health is their best option for hospital and extras cover. The pricing is very competitive and their service highly regarded.

“And Defence Health is a not-for-profit health insurer. So we can maximise what we pay in benefits to our members, because we don’t have to pay dividends to shareholders or company tax to the government” said Chris.

Chris makes a compelling case to give Defence Health a call. They offer value-for-money health insurance to suit every age and stage of Defence life. Plus they also have very competitive travel insurance which can be purchased online at www.defencehealth.com.au with the click of the mouse. Compare before you buy elsewhere.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day commemorated at Kokoda The significant contribution of Papua New Guinean “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” during the Second World War has been acknowledged today in Kokoda at a medallion ceremony.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon was represented at the ceremony by Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Ian Kemish AM, who presented commemorative medallions to six recipients.

Mr Snowdon said Australians will be forever indebted to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

“They provided invaluable assistance to Australians during the Second World War—carrying supplies, contributing to the building of bases, airfields and other wartime infrastructure and most notably, evacuating the sick and wounded through some of the most hostile terrain ever encountered in modern warfare,” Mr Snowdon said.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ Day was established in 2009 and Mr Snowdon said this year’s inaugural ceremony provides an opportunity to mark the involvement of a special group of people who continue to be respected and honoured.

The medallion ceremony was held on 3 November because the date is significant for Australians and Papua New Guineans alike.

“November the 3rd marks the day on which the Australian flag was raised above a newly reoccupied Kokoda village after months of fighting along the track which bears the village’s name.

“The Kokoda campaign began when Australians of the 39th Militia Battalion and members of the Pacific Islands Regiment encountered Japanese troops near Awala on 23 July 1942. For the next three months the Australians conducted a fighting withdrawal to their last line of defence on Imita Ridge near Port Moresby.

“At this point the Australians, now bolstered with reinforcements, rallied and after a number of fierce engagements they were able to push the Japanese back along the track. Kokoda was recaptured on 2 November and the following day on 3 November 1942, the Australian flag was raised above the village at a service to symbolise the turning of the tide in Papua,” Mr Snowdon said.

The commemorative medallion was announced in April last year and features the image of a blinded and barefoot Private George Whittington being helped along by Raphael Oimbari. The image came from a photograph taken on Christmas Day 1942 near Buna on the PNG north coast.

Medallions are available to surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the widows of Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and the Australian Government is still seeking to ensure all surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels are honoured.

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

Edition Three | December 2010

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Stand-To: Battle of Britain 2010

High Flight: Battle of Britain Celebrations in the ACT 2010 For the third year running, the Battle of Britain celebrations were organised by the ACT and Region Commemoration team, this time operating under the auspices of the RAAF Association, ACT Division. Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Mahony and Group Captain Arthur Skimin were the principal organisers.

As it was the 70th anniversary of the classic air battle that proved to be a turning point in the Second World War, a strong showing of support was evident during the ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on 15 September, which was followed by a Church Service at the Royal Military College of Australia Chapel, Duntroon on 19 September.

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Well over 170 people attended the ceremony at the AWM. Federal and Territory politicians, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, senior ADF representatives, veterans, war widows and members of the public assembled in the Western Courtyard in brilliant sunshine, to hear a moving Commemorative Address by Senator Gary Humphries, and to witness a dignified wreath-laying ceremony against a backdrop of a Colour Party provided by the British Sub-Branch of the RSL and ADFA. The Air Power Brass ensemble from RAAF Base Williams and the Australian Rugby Choir provided an effective musical accompaniment to the prayers of Chaplains Andrew Knight (RAAF) and Joe Mullins MC OAM (British Sub-Branch). An innovative touch was added by ADFA Officer Cadet Oliver Kersnovski, representing the youth of the ACT, who read the iconic poem High Flight, by RCAF Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee.

In keeping with the significance of the 70th Anniversary, a large number of wreaths were laid. Federal politicians Senator Gary Humphries and Ms Gai Brodtmann led the way,

Caption

followed by Mr Gary Bayles representing the Chief Minister of the ACT and Mr Jerry Hansen CSC MLA representing the Leader of the ACT Opposition.

Then diplomatic representatives of the Allied countries involved laid wreaths: Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, the European Union and the USA. Lieutenant-General Ken Gillespie AO DSC CSM laid a wreath on behalf of the CDF and Mr David Millar laid one on behalf of the President and sub-branches of the RSL ACT. Other wreaths were laid by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin AM,

by Air Commodore Peter McDermott AM CSC, President of the RAAF Association ACT Division, and by Wing Commander Ian Rodgers for the Royal Air Forces Association. Other dignitaries present included patrons of the RAAF Association ACT Division Mr Michael Bryce AM and Air Marshal David Evans AC DSO AFC (Ret’d), Mrs Mary Porter MLA, Commodore Di Pietro CSN RAN, and Air Commodore Peter Port ONZM. Air Vice- Marshal Desmond Hall CB CMG CBE AFC (Ret’d) gave the Thanks and Farewell Address at the conclusion of the ceremony.

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

Unfortunately, the ACT’s only surviving fighter pilot of the Battle, Air Commodore Desmond Coward AFC (Ret’d) was in hospital with a broken leg and could not attend. Some consolation, however, was the letter of support that Her Excellency the Governor-General of Australia sent to him and three other survivors in Australia. A special guest was Ms Gennifer Gorzula, daughter of Polish airman the late ’Mickey’ Gorzula, who flew in 607 Squadron during the Battle and later became a much respected resident of Canberra.

There were fewer attendees at the Church Service on the following Sunday, but the proceedings were rich in symbolism and majesty. The ANZAC Memorial Chapel came to life as the Colour Party, provided mainly by the British Sub-Branch of the RSL, slow-marched into the chapel to the solemn lament ‘Dark Island’ played

by Piper Chris McLeod. John Cuffe, Colin Cartwright and John Thomson carried the RAF Ensign, Union Flag and Australian National Flag respectively, while Warrant Officer Cadet Smith (AAFC) bore the RAAF Ensign.

Edition Three | December 2010

Veterans’ Council to advise on Gallipoli centenary These were received by Chaplain (Air Commodore) Royce Thompson RAAFSR, who placed them around the altar.

Air Marshal David Evans AC DSO AFC (Ret’d) then read the Prologue, a brief account of the Battle of Britain.

Air Commodore Peter McDermott AM CSC gave the First Reading from the Old Testament and Group Captain Phil Morall AM read the from the New Testament. Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Mahony recited The Ode. In the prayers and hymns throughout the service, Chaplain Thompson was assisted by (Major) the Reverend Joe Mullins MC OAM (British Sub-Branch), well backed up by the organist, Mr Horrie Holt RAAF (Ret’d). Officer Cadet Nathan Hedrick (ADFA) recited John Magee’s poem High Flight. During The Commemoration, recordings were played of the evocative All Clear siren and the chimes of Big Ben striking midnight, followed by extracts from Winston Churchill’s stirring tribute to The Few. Following the singing of the Royal Anthem and the Australian National Anthem, Chaplain Thompson returned the ensigns and flags to the Colour Party, who marched them out to the accompaniment of The Skye Boat Song and The Black Bear.

Among the other dignitaries present were Mrs Mary Porter MLA representing the Chief Minister of the ACT, Air Vice Marshall Ian Smith AM representing the Chief of Air Force, the National President of the RSL, Rear Admiral Ken Doolen AO RAN (Ret’d), Commodore Di Pietro CSN RAN, Colonel Philippe Ohl, French Defence Attaché and Colonel Gavin Ketchen, Senior US Defence and Air Attaché. Veterans and supporters made up the remainder of the congregation, including Group Captain Arthur Skimin (Ret’d), Vice President of the RAAF Association ACT Division, Wing Commander Ron Usher MBE (Ret’d) National Secretary of the RAAF Association, LieutenantColonel Derek Roylance AM (Ret’d) who was formerly in the RAF, Mr Colin Fereday OAM, who flew in Coastal Command, Mr Derek Gould (formerly RAF), Ms Kristen Alexander and Mr Anthony Staunton.

Compiled by Paddy Mahony, RSL ACT British Sub-Branch.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope MLA today announced he would establish a Veterans Advisory Council to advise the ACT Government on how the national capital should mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings, in 2015.

The Chief Minister made the announcement to coincide with Remembrance Day today.

The Council would comprise members of a number of Veterans’ organisations in the ACT. “As the nation’s capital, and as the home of so many of this nation’s memorials to the First World War, it is fitting that we start now to plan how we, as a city and a community, will commemorate the significant Centenary of the Gallipoli landings, in 2015,” Mr Stanhope said today.

“While it is likely that a great deal of the national focus of the commemoration will be on Canberra, as the home of the Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade, it is important that we start to plan for how we wish to mark this centenary as a community with our own history, our own stories, our own Diggers and our own memories.

“Recent research has revealed that Australians of all ages, from across the country, support the notion of marking the Gallipoli centenary in some meaningful way, and I am sure that Canberrans are no exception.”

Caption

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

Mr Stanhope said he had written today to the President of the ACT Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia, Mr John King, seeking his preliminary views on the make-up and role of the advisory council.

Edition Three | December 2010

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‘Working together to support the needs of the Australian Defence Community: past, present and future’

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National Defence Community Forum 3rd - 4th March, 2011 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Gold Coast QLD

This independent national Forum will bring together representatives of all key stakeholder groups including government, ex-service organisations (ESOs), providers of ex-service accommodation and care, research and academia in a multidisciplinary approach to collate, prioritise and respond to the current and emerging support, health, care and accommodation needs of the Defence community in Australia over the next 10 years.

Who makes up the Defence Community?

In this context the term Defence Community refers to: • All Australian and Allied ex-service personnel living in Australia and their Spouses or Partners (including Widows) and dependent Children • All current serving ADF personnel and their Spouses or Partners (including Widows) and dependent Children and all future ADF serving personnel and their dependents • In the case of single people it may also extend to their parents and or carer.

Who should attend?

Senior decision-makers drawn from: • All Australian National ESOs • The Returned and Services Association of NZ and other interested International ESO’s; • Departments of Defence, Veterans Affairs, Health and Ageing, Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Human Services;

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All Australian Ex-Service Providers of Accommodation and Care Services; • Centre For Military & Veterans Health and other relevant Academic Research bodies.

Forum Objectives: Through the participation and collaboration of the stakeholders working together, the Forum seeks to: 1. Source actual experiences from the Defence Community about their current and emerging needs at key transition points in their life; 2. Collate this feedback into themes for the Forum; 3. Broker consensus between stakeholders on the priority issues, and workshop possible responses which may require working together differently going forward; and 4. Document the agreed paths forward to meet the short, mid and long term needs identified by the Defence Community.

Examples of key transitions include: Case Studies during service: •Transitions arising from deployment; •Transitions due to major injury or illness from any cause, or death; •Transition from service into retirement Case Studies post service: •Transition from service to civilian life •Transitions impacting financial wellbeing and self sufficiency •Transition from the paid civilian workforce into retirement •Post retirement and end of life issues

For more information: Contact: Robert Lippiatt, Director of RSL Care Email: defenceforum@rslcare.com.au Visit: www.defenceforum.com.au Forum is proudly hosted by RSL Care

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

Edition Three | December 2010

RSL Media Release — 28 October 2010

National Launch of the RSL Support Pack The RSL has regularly supported all men and women from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF).

RSL AFOF had its beginnings in the early 1960’s when it regularly provided comfort packs and recreational equipment to Australians serving overseas.

AFOF now provides a package twice a year to every serving member of the Australian Defence Force serving overseas. The package contains items such as ANZAC Biscuits, salted peanuts, glucose confectionary, muesli bars, lollies and a letter of appreciation on behalf of all Australians. AFOF regularly provides around 7,000 of these packages every year.

Since February 2010, the Chief of Army has provided a Simpson Pack to soldiers injured on operations.

This contains items such as a track suit, t-shirt, shorts, cap, toiletries and a phone card.

RSL AFOF has identified a further need to provide more positive support for those ADF members who require further and more extensive periods of hospitalisation.

AFOF is delighted to be able to provide the RSL Support Pack to every ADF member seriously wounded on overseas service and who requires treatment through the NATO medical facilities in Germany and later long term hospitalisation back in Australia.

The RSL Support Pack consists of an airline style carry case, tote bag, throw rug, ANZAC Biscuit Tin, sports shirt and shorts, socks, notebook, pen, a broad range of toiletries such as toothbrush/paste, razors, shampoo/conditioner, shaving cream, chapstick, deodorant, face cloth, combs, soap, wet pack, and a large Australian Flag.

All these items are intended to provide some form of comfort to each member and remind them that the thoughts of all Australians are with them through these most difficult times.

It is appreciated that our wounded are well supported by the Defence logistic system but this pack is intended to provide a more personal link between the serving member and the broader Australian community. The RSL has subtly branded the support pack on the inside, with a simple message ‘RSL—Supporting the ADF’ so that the bag can remain within that family for the future as a personal reminder that this was provided as a personal gift on behalf of a grateful nation. Each of the items contained in the pack are also intended to provide a more personal connection for the member and as a reminder that ‘our thoughts are always with you and that we appreciate your contribution to our nation’s overseas commitments’.

Above all, the RSL has been particularly conscious of providing this pack to each wounded member on behalf of the broader Australian community.

The RSL Support Pack is being launched by the RSL National President, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (R’td) with the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AO DSC CSM, at RSL National Headquarters, cnr Constitution Ave and Blamey Crescent Campbell at 10.30am on Monday 1 November.

For more information, contact: Mr Derek Robson (National Secretary) (02) 6248 7199 OR Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (R’td) (02) 6248 7199 or 0410 627 873

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

Edition Three | December 2010

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Vietnam Veterans Day 2011 Role of the R.A.N. in Vietnam The Tasmania Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia will host a special commemorative event highlighting the role of the Royal Australian Navy during the Vietnam War as it pays tribute to all servicemen who fought and fell.

Vietnam Veterans Day 2011 will be held on Thursday18 August 2011 The broad and varied role of the R.A.N. is little known or understood and inevitably as the years begin to slip by with increasing rapidity, a valuable and important part of our heritage is gradually in danger of being lost.

While Vietnam Veteran’s Day has been set aside in the calendar to remember and pay tribute to our fallen comrades, we must never lose sight of the fact that our losses were incurred across all the service arms.

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Special guest speaker Vice Admiral David Leach A.C., C.B.E., L.V.O., R.A.N. (RTD) has graciously accepted an invitation to attend the event as special guest speaker. VADM Leach, a former Chief of Navy Staff, is one of only two surviving Commanding Officer’s of the DDG’s HMA ships HOBART and PERTH, both of which were heavily engaged in North Vietnamese waters during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Venue The city of Hobart will be the venue for the 2011 commemoration. The R.A.N. has been requested to consider facilitating a goodwill visit to Hobart of the FFG HMAS PERTH to coincide with the commemoration. The symbolic relationship of the two names and their association with the Vietnam War was an over riding consideration in determining the venue.

Order of events 16 August 2011

Arrivals commence. Free day.

17 August 2011

Morning/afternoon free.

Formal Dinner with invited guests, representing Ship’s Associations, Clearance Diving Teams, RANHFV and Veteran ESO’s.

18 August 2011

Commemoration Event Commemorative Lunch/Dispersal

Travel and accommodation We are currently endeavouring to negotiate discounted arrangements for both air travel and hotel accommodation in and around Hobart.

Airport transfers will be arranged for those arriving by air to and from their accommodation, and event venues.

Registration Early registration is strongly encouraged, and is open to all Vietnam Veterans, their wives and partners, irrespective of their Service Arm, and those who although not Vietnam Veterans, may have an affiliation with a particular ship, team, corps or unit.

Early registration is essential to help us with planning the logistics to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in Hobart, and a successful outcome for the commemoration.

Where possible please include an email address with your registration details so that updates and information on travel and accommodation may be forwarded as they become available.

To register, please contact either myself, or the Tasmania Branch Secretary Mrs Ann Cash vvtassec@yahoo.com.au with your name and the names of those accompanying you together with your full contact details, and ship or unit.

We need your support to ensure that the Role of the RAN in Vietnam becomes an informative and memorable event.

Warwick Luttrell President,Tasmania Branch Inc. Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Tel: (03) 64312627 Mob: 0408 333 360 Email: vvaataspres@aussiebroadband.com.au

Vietnam Veterans Day 2011

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

Thursday18 August 2011 Hobart, Tasmania

Edition Three | December 2010

RSL ACT Branch Sub-Branch Contacts and Meetings

www.actrsl.org.au

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 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: Yamba Sports Club, Phillip

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:

Mr Ross Thomas (02) 6288 3223 (H) 0414 883 224 (M) rthomas@netspeed.com.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) bloods@actewagl.net.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 Three | December 2010

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