THE BRANCH. Lest We Forget. NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc. March Bugler at Dawn, ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli

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1 THE BRANCH NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc. March 2019 Bugler at Dawn, ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli Lest We Forget 1

2 Members, Another year has gone and we are full swing into I hope all members had a successful festive season. By now the AGM will have been held and I congratulate and thank those who have been elected to the Committee and also those that did not stand for any position. ANZAC Day operational requirements are well and truly underway and a few changes are in the pipeline. One major change will be the route of the Main March. The assembly area will be as per last year and the March will exit onto Main St instead of Hunter St as in the past. The reason for this change is to cut the cost of barricades and, as our Veteran community ages, to reduce the distance and also to limit the exposure to the elements. The Pension and Wellbeing sections have experienced an increase in clients and this has created extra workload to the volunteers that perform these functions. If anybody feels that they have some time to spare for volunteering with either Pension or Wellbeing work, please come and see me and have a chat. By now you would have seen a Hervey Bay RSL Welfare Donated by the Estate of the late Fay Jones vehicle driving around the area. This bequeath came about because of the help that the Wellbeing Section afforded Fay, particularly Carol Edwards who went above and beyond her duty of care in assisting Fay. Thank you, Carol. Remember that my door is always open to any member who wishes to come in and have a chat. Until next edition, Brian Tidyman President. 2 T h e H e r v e y B a y R S L Sub-Branch Inc. is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission. Don't forget that you can keep abreast of what is happening with the Sub-Branch and ESO s by checking out the Sub-Branch's website Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am pm Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. PO Box 3042 Hervey Bay Qld Torquay Road Pialba Telephone (07) Fax (07) A.B.N

3 DATES TO REMEMBER 2019 Annual General Meeting Last Saturday in February each year February 23 10:30am (held in Hervey House at the RSL Club) General Meetings May 11 10:30am August 10 10:30am November am (held in Hervey House at the RSL Club) Committee Meetings Usually held the fourth Thursday of the month (no meeting December). There will be a variation in April when the Committee meeting is held before ANZAC Day. Check the website for updates and variations. Commemorations observed in Hervey Bay: April 25 ANZAC Day July 7 Rimau Commemoration July 27 Korea Memorial Day August 15 VP Day August 18 Vietnam Veterans Day September 14 Peacekeepers Day November 11 Remembrance Day Don t forget to visit our webpage for all the latest Sub-Branch news. Ensure the RSL Club has your correct mobile phone details to receive event notifications and reminders by SMS text message 3

4 Who are we? The Hervey Bay Sub-Branch of the RSL offers a FREE Pensions and Advocacy service that is staffed and operated by qualified Compensation Advocates and Wellbeing Advocates. Our staff provides professional advice and assistance on obtaining eligible benefits under the: Veterans Entitlement Act (VEA); Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (SRCA) and Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (MRCA) In addition, the RSL State Branch Pensions, Advocacy and Wellbeing Service have advocates throughout Queensland who are: Highly experienced in lodging claims under the Veterans Entitlements Act (VEA), Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (SRCA) and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA); Caring and qualified to practise in their areas of expertise; Able to draw on a wealth of operational and broad-based peacetime experience; and Having served overseas and in the ADF for many years. Services We Offer The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch s Pensions and Wellbeing Service covers disability pensions, compensation payments, associated allowances, income support payments and treatment available to entitled veterans and former serving members of the Defence Forces and their dependents. Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Pension Office is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Pensions and Wellbeing are on the move! Come and see Pensions and Wellbeing at their new city address from 1st April 2019 Suite 18 on the 2nd floor of the Signature Building, Torquay Road, Pialba 4

5 Our team of 14 Wellbeing Visitation Officers are trained and authorised to assist the ex-service community (Army, Air Force, Navy and Police). This is a free service. How can they help? Wellbeing Visitation Officers are trained to assist with a range of services: Visits to Hospitals, homes and aged care facilities (these visits do not include the provision of information or advice); and providing services and support on behalf of the Sub-Branch, including but not limited to emergency financial support, accommodation and welfare checks. How to contact the Wellbeing Team: Office (07) After Hours (07) (RSL Club for call forwarding) welfare@herveybayrsl.com.au To make an appointment for an interview please phone the Sub-Branch during office hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm. We are looking for more volunteers for our Wellbeing and Pension teams and you do not have to be ex-service to help out. It would be an advantage if you have been involved in nursing, Community Services or Lifeline and could give a couple of hours per week. Advocacy Training and Development Program ( ATDP ) training and mentoring will be offered to those wishing to do more. 5

6 ANZAC Day 25 April 2019 Bugler at Dawn, ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch will hold Commemoration Services at the War Memorial in Freedom Park, Main St, Pialba Dawn Service Parade commencing at 5:15am Dawn Service commencing at 5:30am Main March commencing at 9:15am Main Service commencing at 9:45am All welcome See pages 10 and 11 for more information on ANZAC Day services 6

7 Getting to know you In this edition we find out more about our Sub-Branch Secretary, Kevin Collins: Which service did you serve in and for how many years? Royal Australian Navy 12 years. Your job in the service? Storeman. Most memorable moment whilst serving? Living in the U.S.A. for two years for the commissioning of the HMAS Darwin. What did you do after leaving the Military and for how long? Senior Shift Supervisor at Mrs Mac s Pies in Western Australia (14 years) and Custodial Correctional Officer at Maryborough Prison (9 years). Why did you choose Hervey Bay? I came over from Western Australia to look after my parents. Something we don t know about you? I was on the HMAS Darwin while she escorted the HMY Brittania from Melbourne to Adelaide and I opened the car door for the Queen upon disembarkation in Adelaide. What s your favourite time of the day and why? Whatever time the clock shows when I have my first beer! If you could only ever eat three foods what would they be? Steak, Fish & Chips, Mrs Mac pie. What are three things still left on your bucket list? Haven t found the bucket! What are you passionate about? Lawn Bowls, What is the one piece of advice you would give to others about life? Enjoy yourself now life is short. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip on the HMY Brittania being escorted by the HMAS Darwin leaving Australian waters Picture supplied by Kevin Collins (Kevin is offering $20 to anyone who can pick him out on the deck of the Darwin!) 7

8 The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch hosted a luncheon for the volunteers who assist the Sub-Branch. President Brian Tidyman thanked the pension officers, wellbeing visitation officers, welfare bus drivers and the Sub-Branch committee for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. The luncheon was held on The Deck at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club on Wednesday 16th January As usual, the meal was delicious and all present acknowledged the outstanding service from the catering and bar staff on the day. Above Left: President Brian Tidyman thanking the volunteers. Above Right: Deputy President John Beattie, Jenny Beattie, Ian Allsop, Committee Member Christine Bell, Diane Tidyman and Committee Member Simon Morley. Middle: Alan and Margaret Harris (rear) Judy and Mal Toy. Below Left: Glyn and Carol Jenkins, (front) Lyn and David Fricke (rear) Below Right: Margaret Harris (rear) Patrick Darcy and Sue Darcy, Sheryell Lockhart 8

9 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Annual General Meeting Saturday 23 February 2019 Following the AGM the 2019 Sub-Branch committee is as follows: President: Deputy President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Brian Tidyman John Beattie Toby Tidyman Kevin Collins Tracy Gillespie Committee: Christine Bell Paul Bloomfield Buster Crabb Brad Gray Vic Jackson Terry Meehan AM JP(Qual) Simon Morley Glen Tancred RSL WOMEN S AUXILIARY NEWS March 2019 Welcome to We hope all had a safe and happy New Year. During the year we will continue to go on our bus outings where we plan to visit some new places and hopefully meet some interesting people. Our tombola morning is something we look forward to as this is one of our main activities for the year. The morning is special as we are able to meet the people and also make many new friends. In April we will be once again having our White Crosses available for ANZAC Day these will be on sale from Monday 15th April in the foyer of the RSL Club. The cost will remain the same as last year, being $2.00 each. The crosses have proved to be very popular as it gives the public the opportunity to say thank you for the services given so freely. This year we, as an Auxiliary, are very proud to announce that we shall be celebrating our 90th birthday. To achieve this milestone is something really special. If you would like to come along and join our group of ladies please do so, you will be most welcome. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30am. For more information call President Trish Hummerston on or Secretary Joan Hawkes on or Treasurer Barbara Roberts Have a great day! Joan Hawkes Secretary 9

10 ANZAC DAY 2019 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Private Function for Members and their guest D AW N SERV I C E Parade outside Club in Main Street car park - form up from Step off at Dawn Service at Freedom Park (approx) March back to RSL for drinks/breakfast P RE-MAIN MARCH Last drinks Bar closes Vacate premises M A I N MARC H Parade from RSL car park Step off (via Main Street car park exit) at Service at Freedom Park (when all participants in position) On completion Return to Club. P O S T-MAIN MARCH Sub-Branch function will commence at conclusion of service approx. Buffet food served Sub-Branch function closes 5:00 am 5:15 am 5:30 am 6:00 am 07:30 am 8:00 am 8:30 am 8:45 am 9:15 am 9:45 am approx. 10:45 am 11:30 am 12:45 pm 1:00 pm 10

11 ANZAC Day 2019 Cost of Entry Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Members (must produce 2019 card) All functions No charge Guest (1) for breakfast $30.00 Guest (1) for lunch $30.00 All day ticket only available for 1 guest of Hervey Bay members $50.00 War Widows... No Charge Carers must produce proof from recognised State or Federal Government Carer organisation... (half price) $15.00 Still Serving ADF Members (must produce current ID) All functions No Charge Guest (1) for breakfast $30.00 Guest (1) for lunch $30.00 All day ticket only available for 1 guest of still serving ADF members only $50.00 Members of other Sub Branches/Ex-Service persons (must produce proof) Breakfast $30.00 Lunch $30.00 Guest (1) for breakfast $30.00 Guest (1) for lunch $30.00 Sorry, no day tickets Wristbands will be available from the Sub-Branch Office from 3 rd to 18 th April (numbers required for catering purposes) 11

12 2nd December 2018 President Brian and his wife, Rose, were guests at the National Servicemen s Christmas Lunch held on The Deck at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club. 2nd December 2018 President Brian attended the Australian Air League Hervey Bay Squadron. 3rd December 2018 the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. took possession of Suite 18 on the second floor of the Signature Building. These offices will house the Pension and Welfare sections. 4th December 2018 President Brian and his wife, Rose, were guests at the Hervey Bay Old Salts Association Christmas lunch at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club. 6th December 2018 Treasurer Tracy Gillespie attended the End of Year Thanksgiving Service at St James Lutheran College. 9th December 2018 President Brian and his wife, Rose, were guests at the RAAFA Christmas Luncheon held at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club. 14th December 2018 President Brian and his wife, Rose, attended the annual Christmas Dinner Dance held at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club by the Hervey Bay RSL Social Bowls Club Inc. 16th December 2018 President Brian and his wife, Rose, were guests at the Burrum District Sub-Branch Christmas Luncheon held at the Grand Hotel Howard. 5th January 2019 Sub-Branch Committee Member Buster Crabb and his wife, Colleen along with Diane Tidyman and John Kelsey collected donations from patrons in the Sports Bar at the RSL Club for Jane McGrath Day (see article page 15). 10th January 2019 preparations start for ANZAC Day th January 2019 President Brian and the Sub-Branch committee hosted a Thank you Luncheon on The Deck at the RSL Club for all the volunteers in appreciation of their commitment and dedication (see article page 8). 21st January 2019 preparations start for the Annual General Meeting. 30th January 2019 President Brian took delivery of the new Welfare car paid for with the proceeds from a bequest to the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch from the Estate of the Late Fay Jones. 4th February 2019 refurbishment of the new offices in the Signature Building commenced. 6th February 2019 the old Welfare Bus was sold. 7th February 2019 President Brian attended a meeting in Maryborough with the Fraser Coast Regional Council Coordinator Community Development and Engagement in relation to the Fraser Coast Veterans Initiative. 12th February 2019 President Brian presided over the RSLA Women s Auxiliary Annual General Meeting. 20th February 2019 Fitout completed at the Signature Building. Minor touches are needed and IT to come. 23rd February 2019 President Brian chaired the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Annual General Meeting at the RSL & Services Memorial Club. For the months of December, January and February the Sub-Branch provided an RSL Poppy Service at 9 funerals. Administrative assistance and/or supply of ordnance was provided to 6 Ex-Service Organisations and cadets and 8 volunteer and welfare organisations in the Hervey Bay area. 20th February 2019 Greater recognition for veterans and their families Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester advised The Government has introduced this legislation to provide a formal way for all Australians to show their appreciation to the men and women who secured the freedoms we enjoy today and to their families who have supported them. The covenant, card and lapel pin will allow the community, whether they are employers, businesses, community groups, veteran or sporting organisations, the opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. The Government has received a positive response from businesses which are supportive of the recognition program. The covenant includes an oath, which all Australians will be encouraged to take at community commemorative events, and is underpinned by the new Veteran Card and an Australian Veteran Lapel Pin and a Reservist Lapel Pin. 12 For further information please see the DVA website:

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14 The Naval Association of Australia Fraser Coast Sub Section Each for All-All for Each Postal Address: Fraser Coast Sub-section of N.A.A. c/-hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club Inc. PO Box 3042, Pialba QLD 4655 The Naval Association of Australia is committed to four important principals; Care (i.e. the welfare of our members), Commemoration, Camaraderie, and we assist our local naval Cadet units. Care: We endeavour to visit any of our members/family who might be in hospital, or disadvantaged locally, and use our network to provide support to those who might be in hospital further afield. We pay home visits to members who are alone, and unable to easily get out and about. A number of our members are committed to supporting the welfare and pensions needs of our ex-service community. As a side line, we deliver a free copy of Navy News to our ex-navy veterans. Eligible persons with welfare needs are invited to attend the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Welfare office at Legacy House, Bryant St, Pialba. Commemoration: The Fraser Coast Subsection continues to commemorate significant events in the history of the Royal Australian Navy. Recent events have included small ceremonies at Freedom Park, to remember of the loss of HMAS Voyager (10 th February 1964), and the loss of HMAS Perth in the Battle of Sunda Strait in WW2 (1 st March 1942 ). Camaraderie: We have our 2019 social calendar prepared and ready to go and we are looking forward to some changes to last year s events. Cadets: TS Krait s hierarchy are negotiating with Hervey Bay TAFE to provide their cadet unit with a venue (on campus) for the immediate future. This will be a far better option than the requirement of the cadets having to use the Sub-Branch bus to travel to Maryborough for training. The Sub-section continues to offer support. Membership Membership of the Naval Association is open to former or serving naval personnel of Commonwealth Forces and Australia s Allies and the declared partners thereof. Former Australian Army and RAAF personnel who have been posted to HMA Ships and Establishments are also eligible to join. We also have a level of membership open to people who wish to support the association who do not meet the full membership criteria. 14 The Fraser Coast Sub-Section continue to meet at the Hervey RSL Boardroom on the 2 nd Sunday of the month (except January). Application for membership is invited please contact: Peter McDermott on or president@naafc.onmicrosoft.com, or Greg McHugh on or secretary@naafc.onmicrosoft.com

15 On Saturday 5 January 2019 at the Hervey Bay RSL Sports Bar, Committee Member Buster Crabb and his wife, Colleen, along with John Kelsey and Di Tidyman dressed up in pink and collected money for the Jane McGrath Foundation during the Jane McGrath Pink Test Cricket match. The amount of $ was donated by Club patrons. The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch committee voted to match that donation. Jason Lynch, CEO of the RSL Club said the RSL Club would top up the donation to a total of $2, Thank you to all and well done! Legacy has existed for 95 years, caring for the families of deceased veterans. We, at Hervey Bay Legacy Group, need to increase our volunteer body to serve our 340 beneficiaries, who are the widows and children of deceased veterans. Would you, or someone you know, consider joining us as a legatee? Interested? Need more information? Contact Barry on

16 16 Christine Krupa (AKA Sub-Branch ) has decided that the time is right for her and Alex to enjoy retirement. Christine has worked for the Sub-Branch for 25 and a bit years and in that time has made many friends who will remember her for her efficiency, knowledge and friendliness. Chris has worked under several Committees in her tenure and her work ethic has not changed even with different Committees which shows her ability to adapt to varying personalities. To count the number of Veterans and others that Chris has helped throughout the 25 years is impossible to estimate, however I doubt if any of them would have a complaint about not getting the right information or not being pointed in the right direction to solve their problems My association with Chris began in 2005 when I became Parade Marshall for Anzac Day Services. I only had to ask for assistance and Christine would be there to help. In 2008 I joined the Committee and the working relationship continued to this day and I can say with absolute truth that without her I would not have the knowledge of the workings of the Sub-Branch that I have at present. Chris will be sadly missed but on behalf of all the Sub-Branch members I wish her and Alex a happy retirement. Brian Tidyman President

17 Disaster contact information Important phone numbers Police / Fire / Ambulance Emergency 000 (112 from mobiles) Life-threatening emergencies only Entire Fraser Coast region State Emergency Service (SES) Emergency Entire Fraser Coast region Disaster Coordination Centre (when activated) Entire Fraser Coast region Emergency services Police Police Link Hervey Bay Maryborough Blog site Howard Water Police Fraser Island Eurong Tiaro Torquay Road, Scarness Lennox Street MyPolice.qld.gov.au/Maryborough William Street Mayne Street Fire Hervey Bay Torquay Terrace Lennox Street Maryborough Rural Fire Service (area office) Lennox Street Check the Disaster Management page on the Fraser Coast Regional Council website and download your copy of the Fraser Coast Emergency Guide. This is a great reference and contains lots of important and useful information. 17

18 Emergency services (cont d) Ambulance Enquiries, authorised non-urgent Entire Fraser Coast region transport Hervey Bay Torquay Road, Scarness State Emergency Service (SES) Burrum Heads Burrum Heads Road Hervey Bay Old Maryborough Road, Pialba Howard Lot 1 Steely Street Maryborough Reed Avenue Sandy Strait Eckert Road, Boonooroo Tiaro Copenhagen Street Woocoo Boundary Road, Oakhurst Glenwood (depot) Pepper Road Hospitals Hervey Bay (public) Maryborough Base (public) St Stephens (private) Cnr Urraween and Nissen Sts, Pialba Walker Street Medical Place, Urraween Electricity (Ergon Energy) Customer service Entire Fraser Coast region Faults (24 hours) Entire Fraser Coast region Life-threatening emergency Entire Fraser Coast region RSPCA to report a lost or found animal Help for injured or trapped native animals 1300 ANIMAL / B E QU E S T S AND PLEDGES After carefully considering family and friends in your Will, making a bequest to the RSL ensures you will be remembered and will help those who served in their time of need. The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. is a registered charity and humbly accepts all bequests. Many people choose to offer pledges to the RSL in lieu of floral tributes at the time of someone s passing, or to leave assets or funds to the RSL in their Will. Any and all forms of support continue to touch the people who need it most. Advice regarding a bequest can be obtained from your own solicitor or from Law Essentials, the appointed solicitors for the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. See their contact details overleaf. 18

19 VALE 1 DECEMBER FEBRUA RY 2019 Ollis, Albert William 1/ National Service Bremner-Young, John Eustace RAF Stumer, Kenneth Leonard A11180 RAAF Mullins, James W A Sexton, Leslie Kenneth NX Anti Tank Regt Jones, William Thomas RAR Spencer, Roger James Lockwood, Dean Patrick 4/ Fd Regt Sengstock, Donald Allan A19937 RAAF Muir, Barbara Anderson RAAF Craven, Norman James R50641 RAN Stehbens, Brian Edwin A RAAF T R A N Q U I L T H E Y L I E, T H E I R K N I G H T L Y V I R T U E P R O V E D. T H E I R M E M O R Y H A L L O W E D IN T H E L A N D T H E Y L O V E D. L E S T W E F O R G E T 19

20 Hervey Bay Ex-Service Organizations Ex-Service Organization Hervey Bay & District Veterans Association PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Hervey Bay Ex-Servicewomen s Social Club, Hervey Bay Branch P.O. Box 3339 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Hervey Bay Legacy Group PO Box 3302 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Hervey Bay Old Salts PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Hervey Bay RSL Women s Auxiliary PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 National Servicemen s Association of Australia Hervey Bay Branch PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY QLD 4655 Naval Association of Australia Fraser Coast Sub-Section PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY QLD 4655 RAAF Association Hervey Bay PO Box 1076 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 TPDSA (Fraser Coast) Inc PO Box 3241 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Legacy Laurel Club PO Box 5482 TORQUAY Q 4655 Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Hervey Bay City Sub-Branch PO Box 3243 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 War Widows Guild PO Box 1238 HERVEY BAY Q 4655 Meeting details Second Thursday of the month 11 am Hervey Bay RSL Club Second Monday of the month am Hervey Bay RSL Club Contact Legacy House on The office is open Tue-Fri 9:00am to 1:00pm. There is an answering service for after-hours. First Sunday of the month Alternating between the Hervey Bay RSL Club and a private residence Committee: General Meeting: Fourth Thursday of the month Feb, May, Aug, Nov am am Hervey Bay RSL Club Hervey Bay RSL Club Second Tuesday of the month 10 am Hervey Bay RSL Club Fourth Wednesday of the month am Hervey Bay RSL Club Second Sunday of the month (excluding January) a.m. Hervey Bay RSL Club Second Wednesday of the month am Hervey Bay RSL Club First Wednesday of the month Alternating between Hervey Bay RSL Club and Maryborough RSL Club Third Monday of the month 2 pm Hervey Bay RSL Club First Monday of the month 10 am Veterans Social Centre, Main St, Pialba First Monday of the month 10 am Hervey Bay RSL Club For further information contact the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch on The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. use Chris Thompson at Law Essentials for all their legal requirements. 65 Torquay Road, Pialba Q 4655 PO Box 3358, Pialba Q 4655 P (07) f (07)