RSL NEWS. RSL Townsville Cup QUEENSLAND. Mates4Mates Trust, humility and mateship in times of need

Transcription

1 QUEENSLAND RSL NEWS EDITION 2, 2013 Mates4Mates Trust, humility and mateship in times of need ANZAC EVE CONCERT A musical celebration to honour our ANZACS RSL Townsville Cup RSL Townsville and RSL (Queensland Branch) join forces to take naming rights THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (QUEENSLAND BRANCH)

2

3 EDITION 2, 2013 RSL NEWS Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) PO Box 629 Spring Hill QLD 4004 Phone: Fax: Website: Editor: Lauren Swann Content: Meagan Jones imedia Corp Graphic Design: Adrian Wolsey VZ Graphics State Chairman: Terry Meehan Deputy Chairman: John Strachan OAM State Vice Chairman: Rodger Bow Chief Executive Officer: Chris McHugh CSC Deadline for Next Edition: May 15, 2013 Editorial: Editorial and photographic contributions are welcome. Please contact the Editor for guidelines. Preference will be given to electronic submissions, and those articles adhering to word limits. Originals of all material should be retained by contributors and only copies sent to RSL News. RSL News is published six times a year by the Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch). Advertising: The appearance of an advertisement in RSL News does not mean the product or service has the endorsement of RSL (Queensland Branch). We do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of any content provided by advertisers in RSL News, or for the provision of any goods or services which are offered through these advertisers. Printers/Distributors: GEON print & communication solutions Photographers: Various I thoroughly applaud this initiative to assist in the recovery of our military personnel. They have served their country and now Mates4Mates is helping to repay this debt. General Peter Cosgrove See Pages 4-9 Features: Getting by with a little help from their mates 4 Celebrating all our heroes 22 ANZAC Centenary 28 Gallipoli rations of war part five 46 An A Shau Air Force Cross 48 Travel: Two men in a boot 56 Retirement Living: Til death do us part 60 Health: Keep on moving without pain 62 News Bulletin: RSL announces naming rights for Townsville Cup 10 Frontline food heralds 2013 ANZAC Appeal 12 A musical celebration to honour ANZAC Day 14 Queensland industry working on JDAM 15 7 RAR Mortars return to the fight 16 Praise for Queensland flood relief efforts 17 Regular: President s Report 2 From the Editor 3 Editor s Mailbox 18 The Lighter Side 20 My Story 21 This month in Australian military history 24 Art Union 26 Veterans Affairs 30 RSL Merchandise 32 Sub Branch News 38 Last Post 42 RSL Care 52 Giveaways 59 Grape Expectations 65 Community Connect 67 Reunions 68 RSL Calendar of Events 69 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 1

4 President s Report State Branch not adverse to criticism In Edition 4 of RSL News 2012 I wrote at length in regards to some of the consequences that may result from sending s that contain defamatory remarks. This has prompted me to write to all District Presidents, all District Secretaries and to the Sub Branches in order to clarify a number of misconceptions in relation to the State Branch. I want to assure all members that the State Branch, including the State Branch Board of Directors, the CEO and myself in my capacity as the President/Chairman are not averse to criticism, particularly when it results in improvements to the manner in which the League conducts its affairs and delivers its services to the members. The State Branch is not just made up of the people who work at ANZAC House in Fortitude Valley; each and every member of the League throughout Queensland is a member of the State Branch. It has been suggested by numerous authors of s and letters that: The CEO has too much control in the running of the RSL The CEO acts without the authority of or direction from the Board The Board is charged by the Constitution with running the League between each AGM. It develops and adopts an annual business plan, strategic plan and succession plan (to mention but a few), and the CEO is then charged with the responsibility of implementing these plans/policies. In monitoring the implementation of plans/policies the Board is well aware of the work undertaken by the CEO and his senior management team. Additionally, the Board has delegated a number of functions to the CEO and monitors his performance in these roles as well. If that were not the case, the Board would look seriously at his position, as would any Board of any organisation acting responsibly. As your elected delegate to the National Branch of the League I am often asked to provide Queensland s view on a wide range of issues and, in particular, on submissions to be put to Government. This is not a task I take lightly and I always seek input from the Executive, the Board of Directors, the CEO, the Veterans Affairs Advisor and, when warranted, from you the members. RSL (Queensland Branch) is a team effort. I encourage all members to offer their views about the manner in which the League conducts its affairs through the appropriate channels, as one of the aims of the State Branch is continual improvement in the manner in which it delivers its services to all members. Following the example set by the national President, and as directed by the State Board of Directors, I have produced a President s Report that has been mailed electronically to all District and Sub Branch Secretaries. It is my intention to produce a report every two to three months to keep members abreast of events at both State and National level. I, along with the Deputy President, the CEO and members of the tax team, recently attended a presentation by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) in relation to the implementation of the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC), which was introduced into law on December 3, The forum focused on the governance requirements for Not-for-Profits. We have put a submission to Government in an attempt to streamline the governance and reporting procedures for Sub Branches so as to not add another layer of governance to the volunteers already busy schedule. The District Presidents have been briefed on this issue and I will keep them up-to-date as this issue progresses. In the last edition of RSL News I reported on the role of the Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary (QACCAC) for the period This committee does not in any way detract from the great work already being planned by Sub Branches and Districts; this is a State program (as in the State of Queensland, not RSL State Branch). Many of you will be aware that the Federal Government has announced The ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program, which will assist and encourage communities across Australia to undertake their own ANZAC Centenary projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in World War I. The program was announced by the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP and the Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of ANZAC, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, on April 24, The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is responsible for administering the program. Funding of up to $100,000 will be made available for each Federal Member of Parliament (MP) to support projects in their electorate commemorating World War I. I urge you to lobby your Federal Member to obtain more details of these grants. Since my last report, the Deputy President, the CEO and I have attended six District AGMs. Rather than simply going through the motions of conducting an AGM it is pleasing to see that the focus has shifted this year. At each of the meetings there was much debate and discussion on membership, corporate governance, the new constitution, the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission and a big focus on the achievements at District and Sub Branch level throughout It was particularly pleasing to see the emergence of many of our contemporary veterans seeking office, and even more pleasing to see some of them being elected. The Districts now have a balance of senior and junior members holding office, as do many of the Sub Branches. It is great to see some of our more senior members focused on succession planning and taking on mentor roles. Until next edition. Terry Meehan RSL (Queensland Branch) State President 2 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

5 From the Editor Hello and welcome to Edition 2 of RSL News for Our cover story introduces Mates4Mates, a new initiative of RSL (Queensland Branch) focused on helping the young servicemen and women of today s generation to rebuild their lives and overcome the traumas of war. On the cover, is young ex-serviceman Dwayne Anderson who served in Afghanistan and is just one of many young men and women in the defence community suffering from Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As we go to print on this edition, we are in full swing for ANZAC Day, rolling out our annual ANZAC Appeal, ANZAC Eve Concert and Brisbane City Ambush. This year will be our fourth ANZAC Eve concert with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra which, this year, will be held at Queensland s premier venue, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The next major event on our fundraising agenda is the 2013 RSL Townsville Cup which will be held at the Townsville Turf Club on Saturday 27 July. This is a new addition to the RSL (Queensland Branch) yearly calendar of events and one that I am confident will prove to be a great regional community event. In a previous life, I have had the blessing and absolute pleasure of travelling throughout the world. During my travels I became all too aware of Australia s almost continuous engagement in defence campaigns since As Australia continues to be actively engaged in global conflicts and peace keeping missions, we are reminded that support for our diggers and their families of today is just as important as it was for our ANZACs some 98 years ago. I hope that my work with the RSL (Queensland Branch) will serve to be an all but small contribution back to those who have, and continue to, dedicate their lives to serving our remarkable country. RSL News has been a long standing publication in our community and one that will continue to develop and grow into the future. I welcome your comments, suggestions and contributions towards enhancing the magazine for you, the readers. I look forward to sharing the RSL News magazine with you and I sincerely hope that you enjoy what we have in store for you with RSL News, Edition 2, Until next time, Lauren Swann RSL News Editor QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 3

6 Cover Story Getting by with a little help from their mates Words: Nick Ransley An initiative of RSL (Queensland Branch), Mates4Mates is helping today s Defence Force personnel, and their families, rebuild their lives and overcome the traumas of war. For many, the idea of a mate helping out a mate is not charity, it s simply the way you choose to live your life, even a reason to put it at extreme risk. So it s fitting that an initiative of RSL (Queensland Branch) is invoking the power of mateship to help Australian servicemen and women, and the families of those who never returned, overcome the traumas of war, attracting the support and star-power to expand its activities even in these tough economic times. Mates4Mates is a fully independent, non-profit organisation, without any political or religious affiliation. They re all about looking after the charity s Brave Mates, the current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel who ve returned to civilian life bearing a great physical or mental burden. By focusing on soldiers of modern conflicts, Mates4Mates can provide an up-to-date rehabilitation service for contemporary Armed Forces personnel, to help them see what they can achieve and offer them the skills and support to realise their ambitions. Mates4Mates exists to ensure that Australian servicemen and women have a mate to look out for them when they need it most, making sure they and their families receive the high level of care and assistance that they deserve, as many require all sorts of immediate and longer-term support, often involving ongoing medical treatment and physical rehabilitation. Mates4Mates works with the assistance of their Great Mates like Hugh Jackman, Pat Rafter and Natalie Cook, to name just some of the sporting stars, politicians, celebrities and everyday Australians who are donating their time and money to make sure that these people and their families receive the much deserved services, respect and understanding of their community. 4 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

7 Cover Story Mates4Mates welfare, treatment and recovery programs include on-base Soldier Recovery Centres, mental health support and research in partnership with the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation at Greenslopes Hospital, back-to-work rehabilitation and career monitoring programs. Mates4Mates are also finalising a research project in the area of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As much about building self-esteem and resilience as providing formal treatment and services, Mates4Mates invites renowned Australians to be a mate for returned Defence personnel to give them some encouragement and motivation to their rehabilitation. They also run a thrilling calendar of adventure fundraising activities that sees Brave Mates team up with serving ADF personnel to tackle the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, kayak from Sydney to Brisbane, walk the Kokoda Track or scale Mt Kilimanjaro. The Adventures are an initiative of Centori and RSL to allow our wounded, and the families of soldiers killed in combat, to share the experience of testing themselves in challenging environments and learning what you can overcome with your mates by your side. Mates4Mates does a lot for the families of injured veterans, providing accommodation and financial support for travel expenses and living costs of Mates undergoing treatment at the Family Recovery Centre in Brisbane, opened on March 15 this year. Mates4Mates work in partnership with the Australian Defence Force and other defence service charities, who are perhaps the most familiar with the physical and mental trauma that is an inevitable part of any military conflict. In the decade-long conflict in Afghanistan the Australian military has suffered 249 battle casualties (above and beyond the lives lost), many of whom are facing loss of limbs, major physical trauma, extreme stress and mental illness. Recent official data estimates that eight per cent, or 2491, of those deployed between 2002 and 2009 suffer from PTSD. These are the young people who come to Mates4Mates Soldier Recovery Centres. The purpose built facilities aid soldier recovery before their return to service or civilian life. Located at the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane and the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, each of these centres are equipped to provide specialist programs and activities tailored to individual needs. To widen the range and reach of services offered to returning soldiers, more Mates4Mates Family and Soldier Recovery Centres are planned for the future. Individuals and organisations are invited to make a donation to support the organisation s work, host their own fundrasing event or contribute directly to any one of the inspiring Soldiers Adventures. One of the events planned for this year is the inaugural Road2Recovery motorcycle run to raise money and awareness of the impacts of military life. It will begin in Townsville and make its way to Melbourne in time for the Remembrance Day Service on November 11. For more information on Mates4Mates and to show your support of their great work visit QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 5

8 Cover Story Big names celebrate opening of Family Recovery Centre Words: Nick Ransley On March 15, two of Australia s best-known soldiers joined a gathering of current and former servicemen and women in Brisbane to open a dedicated facility for the families of injured or ill Australian Defence Force personnel, and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh CSC spoke alongside former ADF Chief, Rtd General Peter Cosgrove AC MC, and VC winner Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia s most decorated serving soldier, at the opening of the Mates4Mates Family Recovery Centre. Located in the Brisbane riverside suburb of Albion, it is Australia s first off-base recovery centre and the first to cater specifically for families. Having seen the terrible reality of service-related injury in a number of conflicts, I know firsthand how important it is to have ongoing public support for wounded Defence personnel and their families, said General Cosgrove. The modern soldier faces many different challenges to the veterans of earlier conflicts. They must reintegrate into a highly connected, fast-paced society and have much higher expectations of quickly rebuilding their lives as happy and productive members of the community. That is where Mates4Mates steps in by recognising that the modern soldier is the product of a different generation and has different views and outlooks. I thoroughly applaud this initiative to assist in the recovery of our military personnel. They have served their country and now Mates4Mates is helping to repay this debt. General Cosgrove also commented that since 2002, 39 ADF personnel have been killed whilst serving in Afghanistan. Another 247 Australian soldiers and two sailors have returned home with amputations, fractures, gunshot wounds, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury and other severe injuries. Mates4Mates works closely with the White Cloud Foundation, whose patron, Corporal Roberts-Smith added, During my time in the military I have seen some of the tragic outcomes of active service. This centre will play a vital role in helping wounded soldiers make a productive and fulfilling transition out of Defence service, back into the general community. The event attracted considerable media attention, including national live TV, radio and press coverage. Brisbane s commercial network newsreaders in Brisbane showed their support by wearing M4M wristbands. Rtd General Peter Cosgrove sharing his words of support for Mates4Mates. Australia s most decorated serving soldier, VC winner Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, addresses the audience. 6 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

9 Cover Story Just before General Cosgrove and Mates4Mates Chairman Peter Davies unveiled the plaque to open the centre, perhaps the biggest star of the morning, Hugh Jackman, appeared via TV monitor. It is a great honour for me to be here today, to be able to lend my support to an incredible initiative called Mates4Mates. It s there to help Australian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan and the mums and dads of our fellow citizens who ve been killed there. Mates4Mates is doing incredible things in helping people get their lives back together and also to support those families who ve lost loved ones. I urge you to support Mates4Mates, it is an incredible initiative, started by terrific people and doing great work. Mates4Mates is an independent, non-profit initiative of RSL (Queensland Branch), providing practical assistance to current and former ADF personnel who have served and their loved ones. These services have grown to include physical rehabilitation, mental health services, financial advice, career guidance and a social hub. For many years, the RSL State Branch and Sub Branches have provided financial support for Defence s on-base Soldier Recovery Centres in Brisbane and Townsville, but they saw a need for more accessible rehabilitation programs, particularly for those from outside the military. We complement Defence services by supporting the families of ADF personnel who are also touched by traumatic experiences, Mates4Mates Chairman Peter Davies said. Mates4Mates takes a contemporary approach to providing good old-fashioned mateship to a new generation and meeting the modern challenges facing servicemen and women wounded in more recent conflicts and missions. RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh added, We re taking the age-old spirit of mateship and expanding it to include more holistic rehabilitation, so that our young service men and women can rebuild their lives outside the Defence Force. The Family Recovery Centre, which includes a gym, medical and psychological support services and a drop-in centre, addresses the fact that modern warfare s adverse physical and mental effects on military personnel can seriously impact the family unit at home. The centre is unique in that it provides practical and emotional support to the families and loved ones of service men and women in a demilitarised context, making it more accessible to families. This more open approach to recovery benefits both the veterans and bereaved families alike. The Family Recovery Centre is a model for Mates4Mates centres planned around the country. Learn more or make a donation at ADF Chief, General Peter Cosgrove, with former service man Michael Clarke, who was wounded in Afghanistan. Deputy Commander 1 Division Colonel Gavin Duncan. The launch of the Family Recovery Centre attracted wide-spread media coverage. Mates4Mates Chairman Peter Davies shares a laugh with General Peter Cosgrove and RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 7

10 Cover Story Our Brave Mates Dwayne Anderson Words: Nick Ransley Mates4Mates Brave Mates are the wounded, injured and ill current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. Nick Ransley catches up with Brave Mate Dwayne Anderson. Dwayne Anderson is one of the many Australian returned service men and women suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A veteran of the conflict in Afghanistan, Dwayne left the Army a year ago, but has reconnected through the Mates4Mates organisation. Last year he successfully tackled the RSL Soldiers Kokoda trek, covering 96km of the mountainous terrain and dense jungle of the Owen Stanley Ranges in seven days. Dwayne is one of the growing number of Brave Mates returned soldiers whose combat experiences have left them with mental and physical injuries. Originally from Adelaide where his family still lives, Dwayne trained at Singleton Army Base before joining the infantry in He had finished an appreticeship but, like many who join the Armed Forces, was looking for experience and a good start. The reality of combat duties is one thing that you can t ever be trained for, says Dwayne. Many, if not the majority of the Brave Mates injuries are a result of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Dwayne describes them as the biggest threat the Australian troops faced as they were hidden and sudden. He believes there is a great difference between Australian soldiers relationship with the Afghans compared to that with the stretcherbearing angels on the Kokoda Track in World War II. In Afghanistan, We were engaged with the locals, but they were not as helpful as that, explains Dwayne. The Afghans feel that we were there just to help them, and that we re different people, not their people. He comments that initially reaching out to Mates4Mates was tough and that the outcome with them was uncertain, but he now feels it was a great decision. He has become more involved with Mates4Mates than ever and is helping other veterans to come forward. It is early days yet, says Dwayne, but the organisation is getting better known, especially the Soldiers Adventures Program, whose Patron is former ADF Chief, Rtd General Peter Cosgrove. The plight of returned service men and women is a growing issue. It s just starting to emerge, says Dwayne, but it s good that there s growing awareness in the community. The Mates4Mates initiative is doing fantastic things and the time for their work is now. In July this year, Mates4Mates will take up to 50 injured Australian service personnel and the families of those who have died in Afghanistan on the RSL Soldiers Kokoda 2013 challenge, bringing the wounded and the bereaved together to help heal the mental and physical scars of war. If you would like to participate in this fantastic adventure or help our Brave Mates, visit the Mates4Mates website 8 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

11 Cover Story Our Great Mates Hugh Jackman Words: Nick Ransley An international star of both stage and screen, Hugh Jackman is not only one of Australia s most beloved entertainers, he is also the first Great Mate of the RSL (Queensland Branch) Mates4Mates initiative. The first of a growing number of Australian heroes to jump on board the Mates4Mates initiative, international superstar Hugh Jackman is proving to be a Great Mate to our wounded, injured or ill Defence personnel and their families. Jackman says the Mates4Mates project has won his heart. Jackman is joined by a number of outstanding individuals supporting the Mates4Mates initiative, including football star Darren Lockyer, retired Chief of the Defence Force Angus Houston and former News Limited Chairman John Hartigan. He is known for his many contributions to worthy causes, such as the Global Poverty Project, World Vision and the Bone Marrow Institute in Australia. In 2009 he posted on Twitter that he would donate $100,000 to a follower s favourite non-profit organisation, which he ended up splitting between two. Jackman is also one of the prominent Australians who have provided support to the Mates4Mates RSL Soldiers Adventures, to take current and former ADF personnel on extremely challenging, morale-building journeys around the world. Jackman is just one of the many Australians who have chosen to make a valuable contribution to Mates4Mates. If you wish to join him visit Appearing via TV at the opening of the Mates4Mates Family Recovery Centre in March this year, he urged all Australians to back a mate and make a donation. Mates4Mates is doing incredible things in helping people get their lives back together and also to support those families who have lost loved ones, Jackman said. I urge you to support Mates4Mates, it is an incredible initiative, started by terrific people and doing great work. You can see the video of his speech on the Mates4Mates website. Jackman is one of Australia s most successful entertainers; a singer, dancer and actor known globally for his roles in major film, TV and stage productions. Recently, his work in Les Misérables earnt him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Born in NSW in 1968, his parents were Ten Pound Poms who had migrated from England the previous year. He attended Sydney s Knox Grammar School and later earnt a BA in Communications from the University of Technology. His calling to the stage was realised when he was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. On the night of his graduation performance, Jackman was offered a role in the ABC drama Correlli, and it was working on that project he met his now wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. Hugh s profile outside Australia was given a huge boost in 1998 when he played the leading role in the stage production of Oklahoma! in London. The following year he was cast as Wolverine in X-Men, the character that made him hot property in Hollywood and one that Jackman has reprised in four other X-Men movies to date, with two more yet to be released. Continuing his passion for song and dance, in 2004 Jackman won the Tony Award for his Broadway portrayal of Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz. Soon after, Jackman formed a production company, Seed Productions, with longtime assistant John Palermo to produce Australian films with local talent. In 2008 Baz Luhrmann cast Jackman in his much-publicised epic Australia, alongside Nicole Kidman, cementing his reputation as one of Australia s leading actors. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 9

12 News Bulletin RSL announces naming rights sponsorship for the $100,000 RSL Townsville Cup L-R: Chris McHugh, CEO, RSL (Queensland Branch); Michael Charge, CEO, Townsville Turf Club; Karla Malouf, GM, Townsville RSL; Bill Whitburn OAM, Sub Branch President, Townsville RSL and Kevin O Keefe, President, Townsville Turf Club, at the launch of the Townsville Cup naming rights agreement. (Photo Courtesy Townsville Bulletin) Formerly the Jupiter s Townsville Cup, RSL Townsville and RSL (Queensland Branch) have forged a joint partnership with the Townsville Turf Club to take naming rights sponsorship of the North s premier racing event for the next three years. The $100,000 RSL Townsville Cup is set to inject an estimated $2.5 million into the local economy when 15,000 attendees from across Australia converge in Townsville this July. RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh CSC said the partnership between RSL (Queensland Branch), RSL Townsville and the Townsville Turf Club was a fantastic opportunity to support an event in a city that is home to around 22,000 defence personnel. Public administration, including defence, is the largest sector of the Townsville North Queensland Regional economy, contributing 17.6 per cent $2.1 billion to the Gross Regional Product. Townsville is home to the largest defence base in Northern Australia and has a rich defence history dating back to 1942 when personnel stationed on Townsville s coastline defended against Japanese invasion, Mr McHugh said. We feel there are significant links between the demographic that attend this event, Townsville s large presence of defence personnel and the vision of RSL (Queensland Branch) as the ex-service organisation dedicated to the welfare of former and current serving members of the defence force. 10 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

13 News Bulletin Mr McHugh, together with RSL Townsville Sub Branch President, Bill Whitburn OAM and Chief Executive Officer of Townsville Turf Club, Michael Charge, officially launched the naming rights agreement on Tuesday, April 2, The Townsville Cup was first established in 1884 and has since been widely recognised as the premier racing event for North Queensland, held at Townsville Turf Club annually. This will be the first time Jupiter s Townsville has not held the naming rights for the event since It is also the first time RSL (Queensland Branch) has entered into such an arrangement for naming rights sponsorship. We believe exposure at this event will yield, among other benefits, a greater awareness of our many community initiatives across a very relevant audience, Mr McHugh said. President of Townsville RSL Sub Branch, Bill Whitburn OAM, agreed that the event would increase RSL s exposure with a younger crowd. Our veterans are dwindling significantly because of their age and we are now looking at a young generation of veterans, Mr Whitburn said. It is great to be able to have an event like the Townsville Cup and be part of it. While RSL (Queensland Branch) and RSL Townsville are hoping the sponsorship deal will increase the organisation s visibility to a younger crowd, Townsville Turf Club is looking to raise the profile of the event among an older demographic. The event has always been perceived to be a young crowd, and while it will always appeal to that crowd, having the RSL on board will help attract numbers of those above 25 years old, Townsville Turf Club CEO Michael Charge said. Townsville will also be the host destination for the 2014 RSL (Queensland Branch) Annual General Meeting, which is set to attract in excess of 500 attendees. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 11

14 News Bulletin Frontline food heralds 2013 ANZAC Appeal The ultimate in reality cooking took centre stage at 2013 ANZAC Appeal launch events held throughout Queensland. RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh CSC joined Army cooks, veterans and local children in sampling the best and worst of frontline food at the 2013 ANZAC Appeal launch events in Brisbane, Townsville and Mackay. Mr McHugh paid tribute to modern day Australian Army Catering Corps (AACC), which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Congratulations to a part of the military whose role often goes unsung, Mr McHugh said. As Napoleon said, an army marches on its stomach and the ADF s support personnel must not be forgotten on ANZAC Day when we honour all those who have served our nation in battle. AACC cooks may work behind-the-scenes, but their sense of duty and dedication is just as strong as the combat troops and it is terrific to have them here to help launch our annual fundraising appeal. The RSL s vital welfare work supports all veterans, no matter their rank or responsibility and we need Queenslanders to dig deep this month so we can continue to provide that support. The ANZAC Appeal runs from April 5-25 and aims to raise at least $1 for every Queenslander who has served in Australia s defence forces since the first ANZAC Day in 1915 more than 420,000 men and women. Donations to the Appeal ensure that the RSL (Queensland Branch) can continue to offer current ex-service men, women and their families, a range of practical services, including low-cost housing, hospital visits, care packs and emergency funding. Army cook SGT Daniel Robertson said providing a nutritious, tasty spread was key to keeping the troops happy and healthy. We work nonstop preparing food and keeping the kitchen and mess areas clean, but the guys really appreciate fresh meals instead of ration packs, SGT Robertson said. Defence food has changed enormously over the years and it s interesting to compare what they ate 90 years ago and what we serve up now. Today s favourites are much more nutritious and palatable, pasta and grilled food like steak and chicken. We urge all Queenslanders to dig deep and buy a badge or make a donation during the ANZAC Appeal. All proceeds go directly to helping those who have fought, and cooked, for our country. For the first time, ANZAC Appeal badges can be bought at more than 800 newsagents as well as The Coffee Club cafes across the State. Queensland Newsagents Federation CEO Ann Nugent said many newsagents have a personal link to ANZAC Day and know how important it is to their communities. Queensland newsagents are proud to be supporting such important work by the RSL, remembering those who fought and died in battle and the ongoing commitment by defence personnel, Ms Nugent said. Newsagents are an intrinsic part of their neighbourhoods and, like the RSL, play an important role in connecting, building and caring for their local communities. Official ANZAC biscuit taste testers! 12 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

15 News Bulletin The Coffee Club Director John Lazarou added that he was pleased to be able to support the appeal with such a hands-on approach. I m thrilled to have The Coffee Club associated with such a worthwhile cause, Mr Lazarou said. I feel very strongly about supporting our defence personnel, both ex-serving and current, especially those returning from Afghanistan. ANZAC Appeal badges will be on sale April 5-25 from: Queensland newsagents The Coffee Club cafes Officeworks stores Bunnings Warehouse stores RSL Sub Branches and clubs RSL volunteers at selected shopping centres statewide. Donations to the ANZAC Appeal can also be made online at Youth Development Program grant recipient Sakisha Dovey from All Saints Anglican School with RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh. Local children getting into the ANZAC spirit LCLPL Alison James, Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch President Merv Brown and SGT Daniel Robertson QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 13

16 News Bulletin A musical celebration to honour ANZAC Day Queensland Symphony Orchestra and RSL (Queensland Branch) present the ANZAC Eve Concert, featuring conductor Benjamin Northey, musical theatre vocalist Anne Wood and tenor Kang Wang. As a fitting finale to their annual ANZAC Appeal, RSL (Queensland Branch), in partnership with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, once again present the ANZAC Eve Concert. Since 2010, this free community event has promoted awareness of the importance of ANZAC Day and its history to those who may not ordinarily be involved with the nation s most important commemorative day. The ANZAC Eve Concert has been staged at the South Bank Piazza since its inception but, as the event has become so popular, this year the concert will be presented at one of Queensland s premier venues, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is a tribute to honour our veterans and serving men and women. This year s concert will be directed by highly renowned Australian conductor Benjamin Northey. ANZAC Day represents the sacrifices made by our ancestors to help give us the freedom we have today, says Mr Northey. It also embodies our character; tough, loyal and we look after our mates. The spirit of the ANZAC is at the core of our national identity and this concert is a wonderful way to celebrate what that means to us all. RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO Chris McHugh CSC says the concert was a fitting tribute to those who have fought for our freedom. It s a very appropriate way to spend the evening before one of our most important national days, says Mr McHugh. RSL (Queensland Branch) is very proud to support this opportunity for the community to come together and honour Australian service men and women while enjoying a wonderful night of fine entertainment. The orchestra will also perform with musical theatre sensation Anne Wood, tenor soloist Kang Wang, the Queensland Choir directed by Kevin Power and the Brisbane Concert Choir directed by Debra Shearer-Dirie. Music featured will include Australian classics and a range of orchestral pieces and performances by the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums and the Australian Army Band, Brisbane. Join the QSO and RSL (Queensland Branch) for this special community concert and support those who have dedicated their lives to Australia. The ANZAC Eve Concert commences at 6.30pm, Wednesday April 24 in the Great Hall Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Corner of Merivale and Glenelg Streets, South Bank, Brisbane. To register for your ticket please visit 14 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

17 News Bulletin Queensland industry working on JDAM Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly has welcomed the Boeing Company s selection of Queensland supplier Ferra Engineering Pty Ltd to manufacture a new extended range wing kit that will enhance the performance of the Royal Australian Air Force s Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). Dr Kelly said the JDAM Extended Range (JDAM-ER) bomb was an Australian initiative to extend the range of an existing JDAM weapon, used by Australia s fleet of F/A-18A/B Hornets, by combining it with the newly developed wing kit. The wing kit will almost triple the weapon s current range, making the JDAM- ER a very cost effective weapon, Dr Kelly said. The wing kit is based on the Kerkanya glide technology initially developed by Australia s Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). Boeing Defence Space and Security (BDS), as the original equipment manufacturer of the JDAM, was selected to develop the JDAM-ER. Through its Office of Australian Industry Capability established under Defence s highly successful Global Supply Chain program Boeing has demonstrated its confidence in Australian industry by selecting a local manufacturer to produce the wing kits. Based in Queensland, Ferra Engineering is one of the largest independently owned Australian manufacturers specialising in the precision engineering of aerospace parts. Ferra Engineering is well recognised across industry and by Government as a leader in its field. In 2011 they received Boeing s International Supplier of the Year award from a supply base of over 13,500 suppliers, Dr Kelly said. The wing kit will almost triple the weapon s current range, making the JDAM-ER a very cost effective weapon. Dr Kelly noted Ferra Engineering had received financial assistance and other support from Defence, including through the New Air Combat Capability Industry Support Program (NACC-ISP) and as a regular participant in Team Australia displays at international defence exhibitions. The first wing kits will be used for the JDAM-ER flight tests scheduled to be conducted later this year. Initial production orders are expected to be completed by This program provides potential for future worldwide sales and exports. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 15

18 News Bulletin 7 RAR mortars return to the fight The current group of mortar personnel serving in Afghanistan are the first mortar element from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR), to deploy to a war zone since Vietnam. A section of nine soldiers provides a combat ready, offensive support capability for the 330 personnel of the 7 RAR Task Group and remain on constant standby to react to short notice tasks. They are deployed to Tarin Kot, Uruzgan province, in support of 7 RAR TG s mission to advise the 4th Brigade Afghan National Army through transition. (L-R) Privates Darislav Besedin, Bradley Maidment and Joel Aynscough from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Task Group, ready their mortar position at the commencement of a live fire practice at Multi National Base Tarin Kot. Mortar Section Commander, Corporal Nathan Smith, said his men have developed into a close-knit, professional unit after months of training, exercises and live fire practices. I was originally 5 RAR mortars and moved to 7 RAR to help raise the platoon. I got these guys as basic soldiers, trained them up and now they are deployed overseas as part of the mortar section. To build something from the ground up is an amazing feeling, Corporal Smith said. I am definitely proud to be here with them. I ve watched these guys grow into mortar men and their attitude towards everything they do is very professional. It s a great honour to be their section commander, he said. The 7 RAR Mortar Platoon was re-raised on January 27, 2011, following the delinking of the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR) in Until now, the 7 RAR mortars hadn t seen operational service as an independent battalion since their tour of Vietnam in We are a part of that tradition now and it goes down in military history. It s a great feeling and I know the rest of the boys will never forget it, Corporal Smith added. Second in Command of the Brigade Advisory Team and 7 RAR Mortar Platoon Commander, Captain Luke Hagerty, said the mortar section has achieved much since their addition to the ranks of the Adelaidebased infantry battalion. It s been a long road since we raised the platoon, conducting a lot of exercises, training and now operational service to get us to our peak. I know the boys have bonded together. We are a solid crew who are very professional and know our jobs. We are doing an important job well, Captain Hagerty said. Coalition medical team saving lives in Uruzgan A Coalition team of United States and Australian medical specialists are saving lives every day in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. Thirty-nine personnel from the US Navy, US Air Force, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force are working together to provide medical care to military and civilian casualties, including Coalition and Afghan soldiers, policemen, local residents and insurgents wounded in battle. In late February, the Tarin Kot Role 2 hospital staff performed lifesaving treatment on an Afghan National Army soldier who sustained extreme facial injuries from an insurgent-laid Improvised Explosive Device. US Navy Commander Michael Lavor, Officer Commanding of the Role 2 facility, said the wounds were potentially fatal. It was classified as a Category Alpha (CAT A), which is the most severe type of injury. The patient arrived via helicopter; he was picked up by our ambulance and then rushed into our trauma bay. In this case there was a major laceration and fracture in the jaw, caused by a bullet lodged in the left lower area. The patient was intubated to protect the airway, the wounds were irrigated, inspected manually and the bullet was removed before the lacerations were sewn up, Commander Lavor said. The patient was then taken from the operating room to the intensive care unit for stabilisation and subsequent aero medical evacuation to the Afghan Government operated Kandahar Regional Medical Hospital (KRMH). The patient will receive further surgical treatment in Kandahar where Afghan physicians will wire his fractured jaw. The chance for recovery is very good for him, Commander Lavor said. The mortality rate of casualties is highest from the time of injury through until medical evacuation, but if a casualty is brought to the Role 2 or the KRMH, their chance of survival is 98 per cent. Once a patient comes through our door, it makes no difference if they are Afghan National Army, Special Forces, regular army, or even an insurgent; they will receive the same level of medical care and survival rate. It s been an honour to work with this team, Commander Lavor said. The purpose of the Role 2 is to receive, stabilise and control major injuries before preparation and transportation to tertiary facilities. The team includes surgeons, medics, pathologists, nursing officers, physiotherapists and X-ray specialists. Royal Australian Air Force Pathologist Flight Lieutenant Helen Webb said all areas of medical expertise assist in the survival of each patient. We are working very well together. When this particular patient came in we ran a trauma panel, we did blood typing in case he needed a transfusion, we did blood gases and basic coagulation pathology. We all do as much as we can for the patient, Flight Lieutenant Webb said. 16 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

19 News Bulletin Defence forces praised for Queensland floods emergency efforts The Government has thanked the hundreds of ADF personnel involved in the emergency response to the Queensland floods and storms. As flood-affected Queensland communities move from emergency relief to the rebuilding phase, the ADF has started to draw down its forces to allow local government and contractors to begin the task of long-term recovery. Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP thanked the ADF for their rapid response as the crisis unfolded. The ADF deployment began with Army Black Hawk helicopters flying continuous rescue missions to those stranded by the floods, undertaking dramatic midnight airlift rescues from rooftops across Bundaberg and the surrounding region, he said. In 2011 we partnered with the Queensland Government to form a National Partnership Agreement providing funding of more than $6 billion to help rebuild communities devastated by the floods. We will again partner with Queensland to develop and deliver a special package that meets the needs of the State to rebuild, be stronger, and get back on its feet. We have been working closely with the State Government and local councils to rebuild that s what people rightly expect of their governments during natural disasters. Hundreds more troops were deployed in the following days and we thank these fine men and women of the ADF led by Brigadier Greg Bilton for coming to the assistance of Queenslanders in this incredibly distressing time. We also recognise the magnificent efforts of police, the SES workers, Centrelink workers and volunteers, who are continuing to provide support to people in the most severely affected communities. Minister for Defence, the Hon Stephen Smith MP said that at the peak of the emergency response, the ADF Joint Task Force had more than 300 soldiers on the ground in the Bundaberg region working with State and local authorities. In addition to the Black Hawks, the ADF also deployed C-130 Hercules aircraft to evacuate patients from the Bundaberg Hospital, and a C17 transport plane to fly in emergency stores and other specialist equipment from Brisbane. After the initial support provided by the Army and the Air Force, an Emergency Support Force moved from Brisbane to Bundaberg to assist in debris removal and clean-up operations alongside the Mud Army. These personnel did a tremendous job and the Government thanks them for their remarkable efforts. Minister Assisting on the Queensland Flood Recovery Senator Joe Ludwig said that now the emergency is over, communities are looking to clean up and rebuild. Just as the Federal Government was there during the emergency, we ll be there in recovery and reconstruction, Senator Ludwig said. Queenslanders want to see assistance rolled out and work under way to rebuild their communities, and that s what the Federal Government is going to work with State and local governments to do. Sapper Tyson Pringle from 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment helps to clear fallen trees at a river crossing near Mundubbera, Queensland. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 17

20 Mailbox The beginning of the end in North Africa I would like to add a story to the Turning Point of WWII article by Emma Campbell (RSL News Christmas Edition; page 12). I agree with her that you can t pinpoint any one particular action or battle as the turning point of WWII. When people write or refer to any particular action they always refer to the Army, Navy or Air Force. All did a fantastic job, but I never hear of anybody referring to the Merchant Navy. The turning point of WWII in North Africa was a battle fought largely by the Merchant Navy. This battle was Operation Pedestal of August 1942 and lasted day and night for five days. On the water, under the water and in the air, Operation Pedestal set out from the UK to relieve Malta. If Malta was not relieved then the island was to surrender on September 1, If that happened then the German forces would have a clear supply line to their forces in the Middle East who were then only 60 miles from Cairo and Alexandria. They were very keen to get to the Suez Canal and the Middle East oil fields, but Malta was standing in their way. The biggest problem for the Germans was that they had to get all their supplies from Italy to their front via Libya. It was vital that Malta be saved, hence Operation Pedestal. Operation Pedestal started out as a convoy of 14 heavily armed merchant ships with a very strong escort, comprising two battleships, five aircraft carriers, 13 cruisers, 22 destroyers and 12 other sundry ships. Two aircraft carriers left us and returned to Gibraltar after flying off 42 Spitfires for Malta on the morning of the 11th. We found out later that we had ranged against us 546 German and Italian aircraft, 18 cruisers and destroyers, 19 MAS boats, four E boats and 18 submarines. We passed through the Straits of Gibraltar in the night of August 10. There was no sight of the enemy until the next day when we hear thump, thump, thump, thump. Four torpedoes had hit the aircraft carrier Eagle. Everybody went to action stations. The Eagle went down in seven minutes. That afternoon the battle started in earnest. Next day at daylight we were at action stations again, all day and into the night. No hot food, the galley had shut down. We were all dead tired and slept at our guns. At 7:15pm on August 12 all the capital ships, together with their myriad escorts, turned tail and proceeded back to Gibraltar. It was said that there was not enough room to manoeuvre through the Narrows between Sicily and Malta. Within 30 minutes of them leaving, the battle started in earnest with the might of the German and Italian Air Force coming in at little more than masthead height. This was then a battle of merchant ships and a much reduced naval escort. The losses on this operation were one aircraft carrier, three cruisers, two destroyers, nine merchant ships and approximately 650 men, but those who survived were enough to save Malta. Field Marshal Rommel said that Malta had the lives of many thousands of German and Italian soldiers on its conscience. This was definitely the beginning of the end for the axis forces in North Africa. Philip Andrews RSL Care Murrumba Downs Something for everyone A letter of thanks for the excellent presentation of RSL News. There is something of interest for everybody on health issues, support, encouragement and memories. My husband is a veteran, and I am appreciating him more as I learn through your articles how important his service was to our country. He is receiving excellent help and we now have a quality of life. Thank you again Barbara H Leonard Take that NSW Thank you for your wonderful work. Queensland RSL News beats the s#*@ out of the NSW one! Bob Stone Return to service training I must say I enjoyed the first print of the year, especially Offering an Insider s View (RSL News Edition 1, 2013; page 15). Being an ex-serviceman (Vietnam), I am an advocate for the return of some type of service training (compulsory) for both males and females. I wrote two letters to two important politicians. I have also sent other letters to local newspapers on the subject. Some were printed, most were not (too political). If service training was introduced, it would soon fill the female ranks. Bob Raper 18 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

21 Mailbox US Presidential Unit Citation VADM Ray Griggs is quoted (RSL News Edition 1, 2013; page 12) as saying CDT-3 was the only Navy Unit or establishment to be awarded a US Presidential Unit Citation. I believe this to be incorrect in that I was a member of HMAS Perth s ship s company in 1968/69 and we were awarded a US Presidential Unit Citation, which I wear with pride, as I am sure members of CDT-3 also do. Peter Andrew Ashton R59665 Petty Officer Weapons Radio What a photo doesn t show I got your Christmas 2012 edition and I hung on to it. On the cover is a group of Aussies in their gear sitting on a hill with a gun. I recognised their gear. I don t remember how I got to Nundah Northgate RSL Sub Branch, but Max Shadlow took me in as a NASHO and put me down for a NASHO Medal. He was working on a memorial for the Battle of Milne Bay on the northern side of New Guinea. The Aussies had fought a Japanese landing and won. Tell us what you really think! Like something you saw or read in an edition of RSL News? Did something get under your skin, spark a memory or make you think? Then we would love to hear (and publish) your thoughts. An artist showed a soldier with a rifle shooting at a Japanese tank. After the battle the Japanese were put in a mass grave. A sign was placed on top recording the event. That was that. The memorial was based on that event. Someone in the know said It stunk. You don t see that in a photograph. War ain t pretty. Back in the 70s there was a song about someone who stepped on a mine. They were only 19. You see Americans getting around with only a thin pipe for their lower leg. Back from Afghanistan. I was in a group that painted Ted Snovy, one of the last survivors of WWI. He didn t mind. I offered it to Max and he took it. I ran into Max a while back and he said he had hung it down there in the quarters. I missed out on war. My brother did NASHO. He was a sergeant in signals. They wanted him to go to Korea, but Dad refused. With the Christmas edition they could all be gone now. Still, it s nice to see how it was. Robert A. Bowly Send us your musings to rslnews@rslqld.org or PO Box 629, Spring Hill, Qld, 4004, and we will do our best to get them in print. So we can publish as many submissions as possible, please ensure articles are no longer than 250 words. Photos are also encouraged. For digital images please keep image file is in its original size (not reduced for ing) and attached to the as a separate jpg file (not embedded in the body of the or inserted into Microsoft Word document). Preference will be given to electronic submissions. Submissions may be edited and should include full contact details for this reason. Original material should be retained by contributors and only copies sent to RSL News. We look forward to hearing from you. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 19

22 The Lighter Side The Air Test Words: Tony Tubbenhauer June 15, I m settled in my seat in my Baltimore airplane, harnessed tight, twin 1700 horsepower radial engines burbling happily away. The trip stretches away ahead, I ve had a green from the controller; time to go. This is an air test, the location Benghazi in Libya, recently prominent in the news for the wrong reasons. There is a Brit Army camp across the road. Soldiers with time off often come to us to see if they can go for a ride. One such has. I ve strapped him into the navigator s seat in the nose. Surrounded by Perspex he has a great view, best in the house, so to speak. We ve chattered before clambering in. He has never flown he tells me and is looking forward to his first flight. How did I come to be here? Always crazy to fly, I used very scarce pocket money to buy a joy flight when a light plane, visiting a couple of times a year, landed on the golf links. In the air I was close to heaven. Volunteering for the RAAF as air crew when the war broke out, I found I was a natural pilot. I was solo in six hours, sent to Egypt by the Queen Mary, flew to Kenya for conversion to twin-engine Blenheims, back to Egypt, then on to Iraq via Palestine and Syria, where I spent several months flying ancient planes with Communication Flight. I led the first of its Blenheims to 244 Squadron RAF at Sharjah, an Arab Emirate, and spent eight months there chasing enemy submarines. I then moved to 203 Squadron RAF at Benghazi, roaming the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas photographing enemy-held harbours and airfields. All is clear ahead. I ease the twin throttles forward, feel the surge as the big propellers bite, the speed builds, a little back stick and we leave the earth. A magic moment always for me. Wheels and flaps retracted, I climb and call my passenger on the intercom. Bai Goom, capital, he replies in a broad accent. So far, so good. There is a Hurricane fighter squadron nearby. Whenever we meet one of their pilots in the air we both practise; him trying to get on my tail, me trying to stop him. At 4000 feet I spot one of the Hurri boys. He makes for my tail. Completely forgetting about my passenger, I pull the Balt into a vertical turn. For the next 20 minutes we go at it, finishing up at treetop level. Having had enough, he waggles his wings and turns away. Suddenly, I remember the passenger. I call him on the intercom and get a garbled response. I do a quick circuit, put the Balt on the ground, tax in and shut down. The ground crew drop the steps where the navigator gets out. The poor soldier staggers down them, is violently ill, throwing it about 10 metres. He s green. As he limps off I say, Come again any time. This being a family magazine, I can t tell you his reply. Great Read We sent Tony s story to our artist Craig Smith who thought it was a great read so much so he would like to send his original artwork to Tony as a memento. Craig is a staunch supporter of our diggers, his own father having spent four years in a German POW camp after being wounded in Crete. So, congratulations Tony Tubbenhauer, you will be receiving the original A3 acrylic of the above artwork on 100 per cent watercolour paper, signed by Craig Smith. If you would like the opportunity to see your story in print and receive an original artwork from Craig, please send in your Lighter Side stories to rslnews@rslqld.org or PO Box 629, Spring Hill, Qld, Should we think they re a great read, we will publish them alongside one of Craig s illustrations. Submissions may be edited and should include full contact details for this reason. Original material should be retained by contributors and only copies sent to RSL News. We look forward to sharing your stories. 20 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

23 My Story Almost unbelievable Words: Hugh Williams, Past National President of the National Servicemen s Association of Australia On January 7, 2013, it would have been my father s 116th birthday. I received a phone call from a total stranger in Sydney who informed me that my father s ID Tag from WWI was for sale on ebay. As you can imagine, I found this a bit hard to believe. This gentleman had all my father s details; correct initials, correct Regimental Number, correct Battalion, etc. It appears he is a collector and when he found this article on ebay he decided to do some research and found the web page I had built some years ago at and that is how he was able to confirm the details on the disc and contact me. He offered to buy it for me and I accepted his offer as I was not conversant with the ebay procedure. So he went ahead with the bidding. Unbeknown to me, a friend in Queensland also saw the item and, knowing my father s details, started bidding as well with the idea of giving it to me as a present. Due to this the price rose considerably. My friend in Queensland dropped out and the fellow in Sydney bought it for me. I was able to trace it back to an Englishman who had lived in Spain; he got it at a car boot sale somewhere in Spain. Of course, no previous history could be obtained. The English gentleman decided to return to England and was selling up his collection, so that is how it ended up on ebay. The amazing thing is that it should be found and end up in my hands 90-odd years later. All I can do now is to try and trace the origins of the disc; it is either Turkish or Arabic. Boy soldier Words: Stig Siren, member of Beenleigh RSL I am Staff SGT Stig Siren, who was serving overseas at the age of 15 in Finland s war against Russia. As it was not going well at the time, I decided to join the Finnish boys in the Army, which finished in the year 1944 at the end of the war. During my army service I collected fresh photos taken from the frontline at Astoria Theatre s bomb shelter and took them to the Head Post Office s bomb shelter at Helsinki to be cleared for printing in all papers. We had a room where we paraded and learnt everything about weapons once a week. I had to pedal my pushbike along underground footpaths, particularly across a large parade ground in front of the Head Railway Station. During the whole time I was living at 48 Eric s Road, some 600 metres from the city centre. At the same time I went for a test to see if I could start to study at the grade at the Second Swedish Lyceum, because I had done six years at my primary school. We were preparing for the coming events of the 1940 Olympic Games when the Russians, without any declaration of war, started to bomb us in QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 21

24 Opinion Celebrating all our heroes Words: Director of the Australian War Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson If we had been able to present the Vietnam War a little sooner, perhaps those men might not have suffered quite as much. Having examined all viable options, the only space for the Afghanistan exhibition is that currently occupied by the online gallery. Honouring soldiers should transcend generations, writes director of the Australian War Memorial Brendan Nelson. Success in life requires three things: show humanity towards others, nurture the inner integrity of your intellect and keep an open mind open to new ideas and people. When recently in Afghanistan, an Australian soldier remarked, Sir, when I take my son to the War Memorial, I can show him what his great-grandfather did. I can show him what his grandfather did. But I can t show him what I m doing. He s right. Australian men and women in Afghanistan have been serving our nation in our name, our uniform and under our flag for over a decade. Their story needs to be told through their eyes and voices now. It should encompass the entire Middle East area of operations and three services. It should show Australians not only the danger and valour of sharp-end operations, but also the heroism of those who train Afghans, counter the threat of explosive devices, build bridges and schools, maintain aircraft and patrol the Persian Gulf among many others. It should also reveal the remarkable sacrifices made by families in support of them. This exhibition will be in the Australian War Memorial this year and remain in place until there is a permanent display. The Afghanistan story needs to be told now to educate Australians about the conflict and the extraordinary efforts made on our behalf. There is also a significant and growing therapeutic need for what is now a small army of veterans, many of whom are still serving. They must know their story is being told through their eyes and voices. They should be able to visit the memorial to see, hear and feel something of their service. Established in the late 90s, this gallery has provided a greatly appreciated service to Australians researching their family s military history, guided by volunteers on computers. Long before the ubiquitous availability of laptops, tablets and smartphones, it has helped thousands of visitors. While the search can be undertaken anywhere from any computer outside the memorial, having a person help is a comfort. However, it occupies the memorial s most precious commodity beyond its staff and volunteers space. We are looking at alternative delivery models for the service fewer computer terminals in another area, tablets and online advice among them. But, whatever the outcome, Afghanistan is an urgent priority going to the very core of the memorial s mission. On another front, others have criticised me for being photographed with Ben Roberts-Smith VC in front of the memorial with a Bushmaster promoting ANZAC Day. The fact is, we should be concerned that Australia s young veterans from contemporary conflicts are not joining RSL marches around the nation on ANZAC Day. Many attend the Dawn Service, but think marches are for an earlier generation of veterans. I asked Roberts-Smith to consider coming to ANZAC Day at the War Memorial in Canberra and to march. That he agreed to do so reflects deep leadership qualities and a sense of service. Young veterans of Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and the Solomon Islands should know it is for them as much as their forebearers, that we are proud of them. About 25,000 people attended the Dawn Service at the memorial last year. That is likely to grow. Some begin arriving about midnight to get a spot where they can see. One father told me he had stopped bringing his children because they couldn t see. From midnight we will project in light on to each side of the memorial the names of the biggest battle sites over a century, from Gallipoli to the Chora Valley, across land, sea and air. As one name fades, another will appear. So too on the inner pillars we plan to project images of Australian service and sacrifice from the memorial s rich pictorial archive. 22 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

25 Opinion From 4.30am there will be readings to the crowd Charles Bean s description of the Gallipoli landing, diary entries and letters from soldiers, and Kokoda as examples. At 5.00am, Roberts-Smith will similarly read evocative descriptions from Afghanistan. All will be quiet and dark at 5.15am with the Dawn Service starting at 5.30am. Two large screens will be placed either side at the roadside edge of the parade ground, well in front of the memorial so people can actually see the service. The only musical addition will be the Defence Wives Choir and other groups singing hymns during the service. Far from detracting from its ambience, this can only enhance the experience. Change for its own sake is dangerous. Change can also be very painful. But in facing new and distant horizons, the stories told within the memorial and the experiences it provides on ANZAC Day are paradoxically more about our nation s future than its past. An Australian soldier on patrol in the Mirabad Valley in Afghanistan. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 23

26 History THIS MONTH IN AUSTRALIAN MILITARY HISTORY 1 April 1921 First AIF disbanded During the four years of WWI the First AIF gained a reputation for military prowess that remains very much in the consciousness of Australians to the present day. 3 April 1885 Tamai Tamai was the largest and most significant engagement in which the 770-man New South Wales contingent to Sudan were involved. In comparison with the British units involved in the battle, Australian involvement was minimal. 4 April 1918 First action at Villers-Bretonneux Villers-Bretonneux was a principal objective when the German Spring Offensive was in its dying stages in early April. They were repulsed by the 9th Brigade from the 3rd Australian Division and some British units. 5 April rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, involved in Operation Rugged, Korea Operation Rugged involved United Nations forces crossing the 38th Parallel and occupying strong defensive positions formed by a line of hills codenamed the Kansas Line, and including Hills Salmon, Cod and Sardine, 45 kilometres north of Seoul. 6 April st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, arrives in Korea The battalion remained in Korea until September April 1916 Australians reach the Western Front First Australian units of the 2nd Division arrived on the Western Front and were introduced to fighting on the Western Front in what was called the nursery sector in the relatively quiet area around Armentieres, France. 8 April 1918 Repatriation Department established Once soldiers were demobilised all tasks aimed at their rehabilitation and return to civilian life became the responsibility of the Repatriation Department. 9 April 1942 HMAS Vampire sunk The destroyer HMAS Vampire and the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes were sunk by Japanese bombers off Colombo in the Bay of Bengal. 9 April 1968 HMAS Sydney arrived at Vung Tau The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, disembarked and the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, embarked. Sydney made 24 voyages to Vietnam during the war. 10 April th Division engage the Germans in Greece The Greek campaign, involving forces from Greece, Britain, New Zealand and Australia, resulted in heavy losses to the 6th Australian Division and ultimately an evacuation of Allied forces from beaches in southern Greece. 10 April 1941 Siege of Tobruk, Libya, begins Tobruk was surrounded on three sides by the German Afrika Korps in April and remained besieged, but able to be re-supplied by sea, until December. Most Australians, however, left Tobruk between August and October. 11 April 1917 First battle of Bullecourt, Western Front The 4th Australian Division and 62nd British Division attempted to penetrate the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt where they were unsuccessfully supported by tanks. Over 1000 Australians became prisoners of war, the largest number in a single action in WWI became casualties. 11 April 1951 General MacArthur dismissed from command in Korea MacArthur was dismissed from his command in Korea for the perception in Washington that he was too intemperate and likely to escalate the war. 12 April 1918 Battle of Hazebrouck, Western Front Hazebrouck, a crucial rail centre, 30 kilometres west of Armentieres, was threatened by the German offensive on the Lys. The 1st Australian Division repelled several heavy German attacks. 12 April 1941 ANZAC Corps reformed in Greece by General Blamey Australian and New Zealand troops fought alongside soldiers from Greece and Britain in the ill-fated Greek campaign. Blamey, however, conducted a skilful evacuation of 24 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

27 History the ANZAC Corps from southern Greece at the end of the campaign. 13 April 1916 Jifjaffa A squadron of the 9th Light Horse Regiment captured this Turkish outpost in the Sinai, about 60 kilometres from the Suez Canal. The encounter, the first engagement for the Light Horse in the Sinai, demonstrated their potential for fighting in the Middle East. American Lightnings from Guadalcanal. Yamamoto, Commander of the Japanese Combined Fleet, was the architect of the attack on Pearl Harbor. 19 April 1968 Dedication of the Desert Mounted Corps memorial The memorial, on ANZAC Parade, was dedicated by Prime Minister John Gorton. The memorial is based on the original unveiled at Port Said, Egypt, by former Prime Minister William Morris Hughes in It was destroyed during the Suez Crisis of April 1915 First half-flight, Australian Flying Corps, sailed for the Baghdad expedition This was the first use of Australian aircraft and aircrew in war. troops drove them out in a daring night attack at a cost of 1469 casualties. 25 April 1915 Landings at Gallipoli British, French, Australian and New Zealand troops were involved in a series of coordinated landings. Although the Gallipoli campaign was a military failure, the anniversary of the landing has become a national day of commemoration in Australia. 13 April 1983 Dedication of the Rats of Tobruk memorial The memorial, on ANZAC Parade, was dedicated by the Governor-General of Australia, the Right Hon Sir Ninian Stephen. The memorial commemorates the Australian and Allied servicemen who died during the siege of Tobruk in April 1941 Second attack against Tobruk by Afrika Korps fails The besieged town of Tobruk held out against German attacks until December 1941 when the siege was lifted. 17 April 1917 Second battle of Gaza A second attack on the Turkish coastal stronghold at Gaza. Reinforced and prepared for an attack, the Turks repulsed General Sir Archibald Murray s assault, inflicting over 6000 casualties on the attackers. 18 April 1941 Tempe (or Pinios) Gorge, Greece The 2/2nd and 2/3rd Battalions, AIF, and New Zealand s 21st Battalion stemmed a German advance in a rearguard action that enabled the main Allied force in Greece to establish a new defensive line across the Thermopylae peninsula. 18 April 1943 Admiral Yamamoto, Imperial Japanese Navy, killed American Intelligence decoded signals that provided the timetable for Yamamoto s flight. His aircraft was intercepted and shot down near Bougainville by Photographs courtesy of the Australian War Memorial. 21 April 1917 Foundation of the Imperial War Graves Commission The Imperial War Graves Commission was later renamed the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is responsible for erecting and maintaining war memorials and cemeteries. 22 April 1941 Evacuation of Greece begins The evacuation marked the end of the illconceived Greek campaign, which lasted only three weeks. 23 April 1918 Ostend and Zeebruge, Belgium, raided Eleven volunteers from HMAS Australia took part in a raid that aimed to prevent the Germans using these Belgian ports as a base for their submarines. 23 April 1951 Battle of Kapyong, Korea The most well-known Australian action of the Korean War, Kapyong involved the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). The fighting at Kapyong blunted the Chinese advance on Seoul during the 1951 Spring Offensive and prevented a Communist breakthrough on the United Nations central front. 3RAR was awarded a United States Presidential citation for their part in the battle. Photographer: Claude Rudolph Holzheimer April 1918 Second battle of Villers-Bretonneux, Western Front When the Germans captured the town that had been the centre of fighting just three weeks previously, Australian and British 26 April 1944 Alexishafen occupied Alexishafen, New Guinea, was occupied by Australian troops. 28 April 1952 Australia ratifies peace treaty with Japan and official ending of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) From the end of 1948 Australia had taken on the largest role in BCOF. When the state of occupation ended the Commonwealth organisation in Japan was redesignated British Commonwealth Forces Korea and continued supplying and administering Commonwealth forces then fighting in Korea. 29 April 1915 HMA Submarine AE2 sunk in the Sea of Marmara AE2 was the first submarine to penetrate the Dardanelles. For five days the AE2 carried out orders to disrupt Turkish shipping. When her torpedoes were exhausted and she was attacked by Turkish gunboats the submarine was scuttled and her crew captured. 29 April 1965 Prime Minister Menzies announces the commitment of an infantry battalion to Vietnam Australia s involvement in Vietnam was a gradual process. By April 1965 there were 100 members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam in Vietnam. The commitment of a bat - talion represented a major step in Australia s involvement and precipitated further increases in the number of Australians serving in Vietnam until reductions began in April 1941 Last evacuation ship leaves Greece Australian and New Zealand troops fought alongside soldiers from Greece and Britain in the ill-fated Greek campaign. General Blamey conducted a skilful evacuation of the ANZAC Corps from southern Greece at the end of the campaign. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 25

28 Art Union

29 Art Union

30 ANZAC Centenary Funding announced for ANZAC Centenary Program Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon, will provide $83.5 million over seven years to implement the Anzac Centenary Program The Anzac Centenary is one of the most significant commemorations in our nation s history and every Australian should have the opportunity to take part in events across the country and at historic battlegrounds around the world. The ANZAC Centenary will run from 2014 to It will mark 100 years since the Gallipoli landings and major Western Front battles. It will also recognise other significant military anniversaries throughout the past century. Just as the first ANZACs helped define our national character, the ANZAC Centenary will be an important time to honour and reflect upon the service and sacrifice made by members of our Defence Force, past and present. The suite of initiatives is based on the recommendations of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary and have been developed in consultation with the ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board. Speaking from Villers-Bretonneux in France, Minister Snowdon thanked both the National Commission and the Advisory Board for their contribution. There is plenty of hard work ahead as we develop and review the program, so we will continue to draw on the Board s valuable strategic advice as the Centenary draws near. The ANZAC Centenary Program will also be developed and implemented in partnership with local governments, communities and ex-service organisations as well as with State and Territory Governments and international partners. Chair of the ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret d), welcomed the funding package. The Board will play an important role in advising the Government on the detailed planning, development, prioritisation and scheduling of the Centenary Program and liaising with the community, Air Chief Marshal Houston said. The Board and its Business Group will also have an essential role in encouraging appropriate private sector sponsorship in relevant Centenary activities and projects, he said. 28 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

31 ANZAC Centenary Additional $5 million for ANZAC Interpretive Centre Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of ANZAC Warren Snowdon, have announced an additional $5 million for the establishment of an ANZAC Interpretive Centre on Mount Adelaide in Albany, Western Australia. This funding will ensure the new centre is up and running by November 2014 the centenary of the first convoy. Speaking in Albany, the Prime Minister said it was important Australians understood the role Albany played in World War I history. Albany was the gathering point for the first convoys carrying the Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Expeditionary Force, which departed from Albany in November and December These troops, later collectively to be known as the ANZACS, were initially destined for Egypt for training before sailing on to Turkey, landing on the shores of Gallipoli from April 25, Sadly, many never returned home. Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon, have announced $27 million for the refurbishment of the World War I galleries at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Speaking at the Australian War Memorial, the Prime Minister said the site was a very special place for Australians to come and remember the many thousands of soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We want to upgrade this gallery so visiting Australians can say, with full appreciation and gratitude we will remember them. Today, not a single Gallipoli veteran remains. Those who survived the Turkish guns have been claimed by time, and this epic wartime story now belongs to the ages. But ANZAC is no myth, and we want to make sure our record of this battle stands the test of time for generations of Australians to come. Minister for Veterans Affairs Warren Snowdon said the refurbished exhibition would be visited by around 850,000 people from around Australia and the world each year. The new centre will offer panoramic views of King George Sound where the convoys gathered. It will also house interactive displays to follow the journey of ships that set sail and trace an individual soldier s or nurse s journey. A number of these displays will also be available on the internet so Australians can access the history of Albany from anywhere in the world. Albany, Western Australia Refurbishment of the World War I Galleries at the Australian War Memorial The upgrade will also introduce new technologies to the galleries providing new ways to illustrate the courageous battles our soldiers fought. The refurbishment of the First World War galleries will be a fitting tribute to the 400,000 Australians who served in the First World War and the more than 60,000 who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The upgrade will be completed in time for the Anzac Centenary in The refurbishment of the World War I galleries will help generations of Australians learn about our nation s involvement in World War I, the significant battles and to see firsthand the equipment, aircraft and weaponry they used. Artist s impression of the entrance to the new World War I galleries QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 29

32 Veterans Affairs Government delivers more support to veteran and Australian Defence Force communities Current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families, will benefit from improved military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements through new legislation introduced to Parliament. In introducing the Veterans Affairs Legislation Amendment (Military Compensation Review and Other Measures) Bill 2013, the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the improvements stemmed from recommendations announced in the Federal Budget as part of the Government s response to the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements. The Government allocated $17.4 million over four years to respond to the comprehensive report and agreed to implement 96 of the 108 recommendations from the review. These amendments continue to deliver on the Government s commitment to evolve our support for the veteran and defence communities, and their families, to better meet their needs, Mr Snowdon said. Key amendments include: The introduction of a repatriation health card to former members of the Australian Defence Force with specific conditions where longterm treatment is needed. Greater flexibility for wholly dependent partners of deceased members. From July 1, 2013, instead of a single choice between receiving ongoing compensation payments or a lump sum payment, wholly dependent partners will be able to choose to convert either 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent or 100 per cent of the periodic compensation amount to an age-based lump sum payment. An increase in the amount of compensation paid for financial advice for those required to make a choice about the nature of the benefits they receive. A one-off increase to the rate of ongoing compensation for eligible young persons. Earlier payment of compensation for permanent impairment for claimants with more than one accepted condition. The eligibility criteria for special rate disability pension will be expanded. The claims process for conditions accepted under the Veterans Entitlements Act will be simplified. An expanded definition of member to include persons holding an honorary rank, persons who are an accredited representative of a registered charity and former members undergoing career transition. The measures in the Bill clearly demonstrate the Australian Government s support and high regard for our Defence Force members, Mr Snowdon said. The Government is committed to continuously improving and adapting to the needs of veterans, serving and former members and their families. Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade On March 21, 2013, the Senate referred the provisions of the Veterans Affairs Legislation Amendment (Military Compensation Review and Other Measures) Bill 2013 to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 May You, your department or related agencies are invited to make a written submission to the committee. The bill, explanatory memorandum and other materials to assist in preparing submissions are available from or the committee secretariat, phone or fax The committee is also seeking to publicise its work as widely as possible and would appreciate you referring this invitation to any colleague, group or organisation you think would like to contribute to the inquiry. It would assist the committee greatly if you could advise the secretariat of anyone you think the committee should contact. The committee asks that submissions be lodged by April 18, 2013, to allow members adequate time to consider them before the committee prepares its public hearing program. The committee would prefer to receive written submissions in electronic form submitted online at or sent by to fadt@aph.gov.au as an attached Adobe PDF or MS Word format document. The must include full postal address and contact details. Alternatively, written submissions may be sent to: Committee Secretary Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Submissions are usually made public following a decision of the committee. Please indicate if you want your submission kept confidential. 30 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

33 Veterans Affairs New pension rates for veteran community New pension and income support payments rates for veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers across Australia came into effect on March 20, The Minister for Veterans Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the increase is part of the bi-annual indexation process. Veterans, partners, war widows and widowers will also receive a boost to their payments through the Clean Energy Supplement, a regular payment under the Household Assistance Package to help meet household costs associated with the carbon price. The first payday to include payments under the new rates was April 4, Pension Old Rate New Rate Indexation Clean (per fortnight) (per fortnight) increase Energy component Supplement component Service Pension Single $ $ $22.30 $13.50 Service Pension Couples $ $ $33.60 $20.40 couple couple $ each $ each $16.80 $10.20 War Widow Pension $ $ $23.40 $13.70 Income Support $ $ $7.10 Nil Supplement Special Rate (TPI) $ $ $35.50 $20.70 Pension Intermediate Rate $ $ $24.10 $14.00 Disability Pension Extreme Disablement $ $ $19.60 $11.40 Adjustment 100 per cent General $ $ $12.60 $7.40 Rate of Disability Notes (1) Veterans in receipt of a Disability Pension below 100% will receive $7.40 for the Clean Energy Supplement. (2) Veterans in receipt of Disability and Income Support Pensions are entitled to receive both payments of the Clean Energy Supplement. A full list of the new pension indexation rates is available at or by calling or from regional Australia. Reductions to deeming rates have also been introduced. The lower deeming rate will decrease from 3 per cent to 2.5 per cent for total financial investments up to $45,400 for single pensioners or $75,600 for a couple. The upper deeming rate will decrease from 4.5 per cent to 4 per cent for balances over these amounts. Around 70,000 members of the veteran and defence communities will benefit from these changes. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 31

34 Get Involved with the ANZAC Appeal Today! Funds raised during the ANZAC Appeal will ensure RSL (Queensland Branch) can continue to provide vital programs and services for our veterans and the ADF community. Army Teddy Bear (15cm) $8.00 (1007) Air Force Teddy Bear (15cm) $8.00 (1041) Navy Teddy Bear (15cm) $8.00 (1040) Nurse Teddy Bear (15cm) $8.00 (1042) Contact our Merchandise Team on (07) or to place your order 32 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

35 Army Hat Badge $5.00 (1000) Air Force Hat Badge $5.00 (1001) Navy Hat Badge $5.00 (1002) Support Our Troops Badge Army $5.00 (993) Support Our Troops Badge Air Force $5.00 (993) Support Our Troops Badge Navy $5.00 (993) Contact our Merchandise Team on (07) or to place your order QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 33

36 Rising Sun Badge $5.00 (1006) Afghanistan Badge $5.00 (1012) Iraq Badge $5.00 (1013) Gallipoli Badge $5.00 (1016) Women In War Badge $5.00 (1021) Contact our Merchandise Team on (07) or to place your order 34 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

37 ANZAC Day Pen $2.00 (1015) Rosemary Badge $5.00 (1026) Jewel Badge $10.00 (1027) Rosemary Pen $5.00 (1026) ANZAC Day Wrist Band (Red) $2.00 (1008) ANZAC Day Wrist Band (Blue) $2.00 (1009) RSL Car Magnets $5.00 (1030) Contact our Merchandise Team on (07) or to place your order QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 35

38 Show Your Support Purchase RSL merchandise and help support those in need. RSL Stubby Cooler $8.00 (MS3013L) RSL Coffee Mug $12.00 (MS2973L) RSL A5 Pad Folio $22.00 (510) RSL Seminar Bag $25.00 (133) RSL Golf Umbrella $18.50 (126) Contact our Merchandise Team on (07) or to place your order 36 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

39 RSL Cap Australian Flag $14.50 (1043) RSL Cap $14.50 (1044) RSL Tie $25.00 (MS3075L) RSL Polo Shirt $31.00 (Ask our Merchandise Team about sizes) Contact our Merchandise Team on (07) or to place your order QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 37

40 Sub Branch News Gold Coast District Exciting changes to dawn service at Currumbin in lead-up to ANZAC Centenary Currumbin RSL s iconic ANZAC Remembrance will once again be held at Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach. In the lead-up to the Centenary of ANZAC in 2015, this and 2014 s events are set to be precursors with some new and significant inclusions. Each year since 2006 this service has been televised nationally and viewed by hundreds of thousands of Australians unable to attend a dawn service. Elephant Rock is largely chosen for similarities to Gallipoli s foreshore and the service is a touching collage of ceremony and speech. Ron Workman OAM, Chairman of the Currumbin RSL Memorial Club and President of the Sub Branch, dedicates much of his time throughout the year to ensure the event runs smoothly and without any glitches. It is evident through his heartfelt speech at the service, a speech that is always full of significant, relevant and timely messages, how much these days of remembrance mean to him. Helping with managing the event for the Currumbin RSL Group is Ray Maguire, a logistics specialist for the entertainment component of World Expo 88. Both Mr Workman and Mr Maguire recently hosted a group of key stakeholders to gear up for the massive logistic exercise. Attendees included police, SES, Gold Coast City Council, ambulance and other local associations and businesses. This year s ANZAC service will include exciting changes in the lead-up to the Centenary, says Mr Maguire. Involvement particularly means a lot to me. Especially the passion Ron Workman has and the dedication and time he gives each year to ensure the event s success. The dawn service begins with a march along Murraba Street. The Mudgeeraba Light Horsemen on steeds and the Albert Battery provide visual representation and act as a reminder of our past times of conflict. The march ends at Elephant Rock at Currumbin Beach at 5.00am and a lone piper plays, signifying the commencement of the official service. The service runs for approximately one hour and takes place with the vast open ocean as backdrop, symbolic of the Gallipoli foreshore where the ANZACs met their fate in The service includes a laying of wreaths at the Memorial Plaque and video footage from wars throughout history, a poignant address by the Chaplin, Father Tony Gunter, the New Zealand and Australian National anthems, all interspersed with reverent words spoken by Mr Workman. Currumbin RSL incorporates a variety of young community members from Surf Life Saving Nippers to local school children who assist Currumbin RSL Sub Branch members in the traditional releasing of the doves as a symbolic gesture for world peace. With Ron Workman at the helm, the roll of honour precedes the veterans ashes being taken out to sea. The burial ashes released at sea is a final and fitting gesture, unique to Currumbin RSL. This part of the service first took place in 2008 with the number of requests increasing each year. This year there has been an extraordinary request so far with 14 ashes being put to rest at sea on ANZAC Day as a final and fitting gesture, said Mr Workman. This includes two couples who wish to depart together. Attendees are invited back to the club following the service for breakfast (gold coin donation) and to join current and ex-service men and women in a day that is set to revere them. Yeronga Dutton Park RSL Sub Branch continues to promote the ANZAC spirit of helping others during tough times by providing a total of $18,000 in financial support through a range of grants to RSL members throughout QLD impacted by the recent floods. A grant was also sent to Dunalley RSL Sub Branch in Tasmania to assist that Sub Branch rebuild the Memorial lost in the fires in December as well as financial assistance to four of its members who lost everything in the bushfire. A total of thirty RSL members have benefited from the initiative of the Yeronga Dutton Park RSL Sub Branch. SUBMISSIONS To ensure as many submissions as possible are included a limit of 300 words applies. Preference will be given to electronic submissions and those articles that adhere to the abovementioned word limit. Original material should be retained by contributors and only copies sent to RSL News. For more information rslnews@rslqld.org. 38 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

41 Sub Branch News North Queensland District Home Hill s history on display An important piece of Home Hill`s history was on display for the community with the launch of the book Home Hill Remembers at the Home Hill Sub Branch RSL hall on Sunday, February 24. Over 40 people attended the afternoon, with RSL President Herb Lennox conducting proceedings. In excess of 4000 hours were painstakingly needed for research and editing by Allan Petersen (RSL) and Glenis Cislowski (Family History) to achieve the production of 300 copies for sale by the RSL. The book entails names, many photos and a brief of service of approximately 180 personnel from the Home Hill District who served during the Boer War and WWI. A very interesting presentation by Brig. Neil Weekes provided the background and the relevance of the history in the book for the community. During his talk he emphasised the need for young people to be educated about our country s history and the history that is being created today with deployment of our armed forces. This was particularly appropriate as representatives from the local high school were in attendance. Other guests who offered congratulations on the compilation of the book were local MP Rosemary Menkens, Shire Chairman Bill Lowis Glenis Cislowski and Allan Petersen sign copies of Home Hill Remembers at the book launch in February and Richard Korner, OC. 27 Squadron RAAF Townsville. Home Hill Remembers is available for purchase for $ $3.00 P&H. Contact Allan on or allanandelaine@bigpond.com Brisbane North District Banyo feeds 40 Another successful lunch was held for the frail and aged, veterans and widows of ex-servicemen from the Banyo RSL Sub Branch and Citizens Auxiliary on March 1 at the Pine Rivers Bowls Club. Participants were all locals or had a local association with the Banyo Sub Branch area. Two mini buses and a number of private cars ferried around 40 people to the venue, where a two-course lunch was served and enjoyed by all. This was one of around four or five lunches or morning teas to be held in Fay Coman, Dawn Rode and Carol Anderson at the Banyo RSL lunch held on March 1 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 39

42 Sub Branch News North Queensland District Applause for Hamilton Island ANZAC Day observance Hamilton Island Resort was recently honoured with a presentation by the local Airlie Beach/Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch in recognition of the respect shown to the significance of ANZAC Day. The visiting participants, all of whom are guests of the spectacular Reef View Hotel, assemble the afternoon before for a complete rehearsal, which includes PA technicians checking the sound system. The management of the popular Whitsunday resort has for some years conducted an impressive observance of this important occasion, with participation of many staff under the direction of the resort s Special Events Department. The high standard of their involvement has resulted in attendance increasing each year. In 2012, 600 chairs were set out, all of which were occupied, with an estimated standing a very large proportion of the island s population. Although the service starts at 5:30am, resort staff are on duty serving complimentary tea, coffee and ANZAC biscuits well before that. Currently, the hour-long service is conducted by a RAAF Chaplain from RAAF base at Townsville, supported by a RAAF catafalque party, with ceremonial swords and a flag orderly also from the base. As the resort s former resident bugler is no longer available one has been flown up from the Sydney Conservatorium for the past three years. The service is addressed by the island s CEO, Glen Bourke. Airlie Beach/Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch Deputy President Bill Rose and member Graham Wyatt presented resort management with a mounted RSL badge inscribed In appreciation of the manner in which management of Hamilton Island honours ANZAC Day. The ceremony was performed before an audience of the resort s management staff in the Outrigger Centre where the ANZAC service is conducted. It was obvious the recognition was warmly received as the CEO confirmed in his reply to Bill Rose s speech. Glen Bourke, on behalf of Hamilton Island management, then made an unexpected presentation to RSL member Graham Wyatt in appreciation of his ANZAC Day addresses over the previous eight years. The presentation was a framed photo of Graham on the dais with the background of the sea and the RAAF catafalque party with swords reversed, and the flag at half-mast in the foreground. Bill Rose, Deputy President of Airlie Beach/Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch, makes his presentation speech to Hamilton Island Resort at the beachside location where the island s annual ANZAC Day ceremony takes place. Airlie Beach/ Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch member Graham Wyatt studies the framed photo presented to him by CEO Glen Bourke in appreciation of his ANZAC Day addresses over the previous eight years. Deputy President Bill Rose presents the appreciation plaque to Hamilton Island CEO Glen Bourke. 40 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

43 Feature Event Experience Life as a WWI Soldier at the Emu Gully Air and Land Spectacular Laser battles, photos in authentic costume, wartime food and simulated air bombing raids are just some of the new additions at the nationally renowned military history event, the Emu Gully Air and Land Spectacular, allowing visitors to experience what some of life was like as a WWI soldier. The event has put a major focus this year on interactive features, so visitors of all ages will not just watch the action and the living history displays, but now can sample the same foods, wear authentic clothes and enter replica, furnished bunkers in an unprecedented move to immerse attendees in the wartime culture. The popular network of WWI trenches has been made longer and deeper, and enhanced with an underground bunker furnished with a WWI telephone system, a gramophone, and a serving of bully beef, biscuits and a mug of hot tea, so visitors can experience just how the troops lived, ate and entertained themselves during their long stays in the trenches. Event organiser Barry Rodgers says the Air and Land Spectacular is always looking to combine education with fun and excitement, and believes experience is the best form of education. The event has always been about bringing history to life for people of all ages, and about finding new and better ways to keep the legacy of the Anzacs alive in modern society, and this year we have really outdone ourselves, Mr Rodgers said. In an exciting first, a replica Anderson bomb shelter will give visitors a realistic portrayal of what it would have been like to endure an air raid, complete with a complex sound system that fully simulates the bombs falling and exploding all around. The shelters were designed to withstand nearby bomb blasts that would routinely destroy houses. More than 200,000 shelters were built in Australia in WWII, and the replica gives visitors a real sense of the terror the families would have felt as they waited out the air raid, wondering if their homes would still be standing when they emerged. While one of the most popular attractions of the Emu Gully Air and Land Spectacular has always been the war planes, this year will feature the biggest ever collection of replica WWI planes involved in a mid-air dogfight, including a Fokker Triplane, a Nieuport 17, a Nieuport 11 and a Tiger Moth, in addition to a huge aerial fleet. We are really proud to display 14 war planes this year at the Spectacular, some replicas and some restored originals, all in excellent condition and working order, said Mr Rodgers. Attendees can get right up close to the planes and see the authentic paintwork, then watch as they roar to life on the runaway and perform mock battles overhead, so for the kids it really is a chance to see history in action. There will be plenty of activities for all ages on the day with a photo booth, costumes and props, battle re-enactments, laser skirmish, a 1940s fashion parade, live entertainment, petting zoo, militarythemed rides, tank and military vehicle parades and many living history displays of army encampments from all over the world. The Emu Gully Air and Land Spectacular will be held in Helidon Spa, Toowoomba, on May 18 and 19. For more information and tickets, visit Bren Gun carrier WW2 scene North African battle scene DR1 with smoke Andrews sisters tribute band Centurion tank in action, Vietnam war scene QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 41

44 Last Post Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Alechnowicz Jerzy Beenleigh Sub Branch Cairns Brian Douglas R30016 Innisfail Sub Branch Allan Ronald D Goomeri Sub Branch Andrew William M Q28817 Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Armstrong William Toowong Sub Branch Baker June C F2/722 Mount Isa Sub Branch Baker Ronald J VX Currumbin/Palm Beach Balfour Edwin Charles Caloundra Sub Branch Beardsley Geoffrey A A36748 Rosewood Sub Branch Beasley Robert William Tin Can Bay Sub Branch Inc. Best Rollo Holt NX17606 Clayfield-Toombul Sub Branch Biggs Robert Oliver FX Maroochydore Sub Branch Inc. Binney Desmond J Stanthorpe Sub Branch Inc. Birtles Gordon SX3583 Redlands Sub Branch Inc. Bobbin John A 2/ Finch Hatton Sub Branch Inc. Bohan Robert M 0/ Yeppoon Sub Branch Booth Graeme E NZ Maroochydore Sub Branch Inc. Bourke Bruce Ipswich Sub Branch Britton Edwin N VX31303 Bundaberg Sub Branch Brockhurst Philip S QX26855 Goomeri Sub Branch Broome Francis J Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Brown Kevin J 1/ Herbert River Sub Branch Bryant John J D/SSX Hervey Bay Sub Branch Buck Frederick A Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Buckley Norman A Beenleigh Sub Branch Burrows* Leslie J Wynnum Sub Branch Inc. Caldwell-Cook Carl Boris Gympie Sub Branch Inc. Caselberg Anthony J A29250 Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Cathcart Elizabeth Alice A14785 Maryborough Sub Branch Inc. Caughey Lloyd Lamont VX Cairns Sub Branch Charlesworth Kenneth J N89206 Tewantin/Noosa Sub Branch Clark John H Bribie Island Sub Branch Inc. Clarke Earle G NX Greenbank Sub Branch Inc. Collett Francis K Ipswich Sub Branch Cook Stanley J Gracemere & District Sub Branch Cooper James Robert B5423 Beachmere Sub Branch Copeman* Claude J VX Maroochydore Sub Branch Inc. Coppin Raymond C Burleigh Heads Sub Branch Cottrill Norman B VX82723 Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Crawford Kevin S VX9764 Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Crimp David Michael / Wynnum Sub Branch Inc. Crittenden Edward J N Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Cronk Iaian Edward R Hervey Bay Sub Branch Cross Hugh William Caloundra Sub Branch Crump* Daniel Ian / Bardon Sub Branch Inc. Cunneen Edgar R QX62975 Yeppoon Sub Branch Cunningham Donald Sydney Cairns Sub Branch Day Leslie S Beerwah-Peachester Sub Branch Day* Warren QX48817 Magnetic Island Sub Branch Inc. Dedman James R W Sherwood-Indooroopilly 42 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS RSL News has published the list at the request of RSL members. RSL News takes no responsibility for any inaccuracies outside of RSL (Queensland Branch) control.

45 Last Post Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Delaney Michael Joseph Cairns Sub Branch Graham-Measor Ewart L W30783 Tewantin/Noosa Sub Branch Dennis Cyril B QX47787 Goodna Sub Branch Dickinson Ronald Hervey Bay Sub Branch Diggles Stoddart QX34313 Warwick Sub Branch Inc. Dihm Jack VX978/12217 Gaythorne Sub Branch Duncan William E QX42981 Wynnum Sub Branch Inc. Dunell Thomas J Q Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Eggins Lester R NX Burleigh Heads Sub Branch Ellis Donald N Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Elworthy William J QX18488 Tweed Heads & Coolangatta England Lesley James Burleigh Heads Sub Branch Finglas Darcy B QX63474 Beaudesert Sub Branch Flanagan Leslie F QX54157 Unattached List Sub Branch Fletcher Alan John B4713 Maroochydore Sub Branch Inc. Flood L QX5884 Stanthorpe Sub Branch Inc. Flynn Barry F Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Foley Gregory A59787 Ipswich Railway Sub Branch Ford Douglas C NX Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Fordyce Keith D 3/101 Gaythorne Sub Branch Franklin Douglas P S9248 Samford Sub Branch Frisch Edward John Cairns Sub Branch Garde Colin Leslie Nerang Sub Branch Georgees George C QX54803 Townsville Sub Branch Inc. Giffin Graham C A14426 Malanda Sub Branch Goldsworthy Frederick W Logan & District Sub Branch Inc Gravenall John Francis VX Kenmore/Moggill Sub Branch Griffiths-Marsh Roland VX /2011 Guymer Leslie Fredrick QX52833 Currumbin/Palm Beach Hack Nicky I Kenmore/Moggill Sub Branch Hagen William Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Hall Geoffrey Alan /A Caboolture-Morayfield & Dist Hall Leslie F QX62894 Hervey Bay Sub Branch Halton John Fredrick 3/3681 Beerwah-Peachester Sub Branch Harrison Mervyn 1/37018 Bribie Island Sub Branch Inc. Hayes Percy H QX60308 Coorparoo & District Sub Branch Hegarty* David Goold / Bardon Sub Branch Henderson James R QX53108 Yeppoon Sub Branch Hoffman William W / Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Hughes Donald B NX Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Humphreys Harold Joseph Beenleigh Sub Branch Irving May Darra & District Sub Branch Jamieson Jack B NX Caloundra Sub Branch Jesse Clifton Henry Cairns Sub Branch Johnson Alfred T Hervey Bay Sub Branch Joseski Norman D Q Gympie Sub Branch Inc. Jurd John William A24478 Nerang Sub Branch Karlsen Errol 13283/75/55 Cardwell Sub Branch Kelly Daniel Joseph Greenbank Sub Branch Inc. Kiely George R QX29265 Mackay Sub Branch QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 43

46 Last Post Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Kildey Harold Stephen NX46015 Burleigh Heads Sub Branch Moon Keith R Tewantin/Noosa Sub Branch King John Samford Sub Branch King Reginald K A33678 Bribie Island Sub Branch Inc. Kirkels Joannes M Caloundra Sub Branch Krebs Edna M QF Kenmore/Moggill Sub Branch Lacey Charles Francis Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Le Grand Michael G Beachmere Sub Branch Levey Gordon Francis QX44678 Sandgate Sub Branch Inc. L Hullier Eugene D Ayr Sub Branch Lovell Glenford John Cardwell Sub Branch Luck Robert Keith QX34897 Highfields Sub Branch Lyons Maisie Cairns and Dist Ex-Servicewomen Mabley Eric Frederick Samford Sub Branch Mackay Oswald Caboolture-Morayfield & Dist Mackenzie Harry Hinkler Redlands Sub Branch Inc. Maclean Douglas Lesanto QX7689 Redcliffe Sub Branch Inc. MacQueen Sween Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Marshall Clyde A A Goodna Sub Branch Maurer Neil Dalby Sub Branch Inc. May* Ronald A PJX Darra & District Sub Branch McCormack William J VX Harlaxton Sub Branch McIntyre David D Q Gaythorne Sub Branch McNaught Kenneth M 3089 Burleigh Heads Sub Branch Miller Stephen J Wynnum Sub Branch Inc. Modrich Stephen Tewantin/Noosa Sub Branch Mould John Bribie Island Sub Branch Inc. Mugridge Cedric Lionel Gaythorne Sub Branch Mullins Ronald Phillip QX35395 Caboolture-Morayfield & Dist Mutton William G A Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Nash John H NX Yeppoon Sub Branch Naumann Ronald QX35481 Toowoomba Sub Branch Inc. Newell James S NX Unattached List Sub Branch Nicholson Roy Allen Beenleigh Sub Branch Norton Leslie Charters Towers Sub Branch Inc. O Brien George E Beenleigh Sub Branch O Donnell James Caboolture-Morayfield & Dist Otto Kevin Roland Caloundra Sub Branch Palmer Reginald C Goomeri Sub Branch Parkinson Graham C Caloundra Sub Branch Payne Ivor Cooroy-Pomona Sub Branch Peatey Graham B A Pine Rivers District Sub Branch Pervan Jack George Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Plummer Neville Clyde S6255 Currumbin/Palm Beach Plunkett John Roland VX4485 Runaway Bay Sub Branch Inc. Poppi Jean Marie NF Maryborough Sub Branch Inc. Purdon Patricia F F1/368 Ex-Servicewomens Sub Branch Rasmussen Sidney J QX30059 Townsville Sub Branch Inc. Regan Frederick S VX57565 Bundaberg Sub Branch Renowden John C VX31697 Tweed Heads & Coolangatta 44 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

47 Last Post Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Last Name First Name Service No. Sub Branch Richardson Ronald M Beenleigh Sub Branch Taylor Norman C NX Southport Sub Branch Ritter Tom H QX38564 Redlands Sub Branch Inc. Robinson Maurice B4594 Innisfail Sub Branch Robke Roland Walter A Mirani Sub Branch Rose William F NX Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Ross Neil William Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Ross Noel A R47727 Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Rowse Peter W Pine Rivers District Sub Branch Royce William F Q Yeronga-Dutton Park Sub Branch Ryan M F 1/ Stanthorpe Sub Branch Inc. Shorter Barry Maryborough Sub Branch Inc. Skoien Roald L B3252 Nerang Sub Branch Smith Bernard Cairns Sub Branch Smith George Arnold QX34122/Q4654 Goodna Sub Branch Smith Joshua Currumbin/Palm Beach Smith Norman Oswald Caloundra Sub Branch Smith Ray C QX48610 Ravenshoe Sub Branch Sneath Patrick Charles R36823 Caboolture-Morayfield & Dist Southwell John H Mudjimba Sub Branch Inc. Stevens Arthur A QX45334 Gin Gin Sub Branch Sutherland Alan M Edmonton Sub Branch Symonds Anthony John Leyburn Sub Branch Inc. Tayler Francis Joseph Runaway Bay Sub Branch Inc. Taylor Cyril R H1308 Bundaberg Sub Branch Taylor Gordon W QX41876 Ipswich Sub Branch Tennent John A A Redlands Sub Branch Inc. Thornely James A QX45263 Quilpie Sub Branch Tregea Francis C QX49769 Coorparoo & District Sub Branch Tyers George Lewis QX63190 Caboolture-Morayfield & Dist Victor Keith QX44771 Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Walker Derek A Greenbank Sub Branch Inc. Walker George R VX Surfers Paradise Sub Branch Inc. Ward Clifford Burrows A1334 Caloundra Sub Branch Wardle Sydney J QX60962 Coorparoo & District Sub Branch Ware Arnold W SSX Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Warland James Pemberton Sherwood-Indooroopilly Wearing Allan V Currumbin/Palm Beach Weise Wilfred C Wynnum Sub Branch Inc. Welsh Thomas Bundaberg Sub Branch White Cecil Herbert QX60287 Gaythorne Sub Branch Wilkes John Redlands Sub Branch Inc. Williams Neil H VX82716 Burleigh Heads Sub Branch Wingeatt William Edward Nerang Sub Branch Withers Douglas A B4631 Coorparoo & District Sub Branch Wood William M VX Currumbin/Palm Beach Woolfe Graham Innisfail Sub Branch Wright Keith Arthur R58291 Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch Wright Thomas Gordon QX13509 Boonah Sub Branch Zischke Alan L Sarina Sub Branch Surnames flagged with an asterisk (*) have an unconfirmed Date of Death QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 45

48 Feature Gallipoli Rations of War Part Five In the last of J. D. Nelson s fivepart series, Jim leaves a treasury of prose and an enduring memory. Words: J. D. Nielsen It s a curious thing to contemplate the past. It s incongruous with the present and therefore alien and irreconcilable. To listen to the tales told by this old digger is to partake in a dream of the unimaginable. You cannot fully comprehend that which is not lived or experienced by yourself; you can only empathise, which just doesn t seem enough. Yet here I was, engrossed by this man s cantankerous presence. He spellbound and mystified me and I wanted to learn more. The Kiwis put on a good show then, I said. Yes, they were bloody marvellous, Jim replied enthusiastically. Don t know why we are not bound together as one nation. Should have done it at Federation. After all, it s only a bit of sea that separates our two countries, yet we act as if we are completely remote from one another. Think about it, son, we share so much; our Queen, our histories, our language. We really should be one nation united, not just in war, but always. An Australasia if you like. God knows we have always stood by each other in times of need. We are brothers in arms and kin in culture. Jim fell instantly into a recitation, which must have been from memory as he didn t refer to his book. We are nations fraternal Some say mates Our bonds are eternal Ideals and traits And when the world may threaten As it sadly often does We shall stand together As brothers and kin Gallipoli is just as important to them as it is to us you know, Jim continued. They share the Gallipoli spirit. It helped cement their nationhood much like ours. In fact, it was a turning point for the Turks as well as other nations. It was an ending of empires. I nodded in agreement, as he was quite right. The empires have since all but fallen and been replaced by independent and selfgoverning nations. Three nations were forged through this conflict, becoming selfdetermining and staunch friends. Australia, New Zealand and Turkey all shared the bitterness of those years and were consequently strengthened by the ordeal. It lent meaning to an otherwise meaningless waste of lives. We arrived at an awkward pause, sitting silent among the slumber. Jim s eyelids dropped with the weight of fatigue. My mind scampered about, searching for ideas to alert his interest. I thought of the evacuation; the most dramatic and well executed passage of the war, where the Allies silently slipped away into the night unbeknown to the Turks who remained warily at their posts, fearing the reduced commotion of war was some sort of a ruse. Most probably they, like the Allies opposing them, were just worn out by the ferocity of the conflict and rested their guard momentarily. Pre-emptively, I enquired dramatically, And so you were evacuated? No, son, I wasn t evacuated, Jim said slovenly. Got wounded and shipped to the Mediterranean Nurse to recover. Were you hurt badly, Jim? No, not really. Bloody Turks shot me in the bum while I was having a swim. Bloody cheek. Fancy shooting a man while he s having a dip. Very embarrassing. Got me shipped out of there though, so I was very grateful to whoever it was. Better shot in the arse than a wingy or leggy, he joked. Anyhow, didn t do me much good. They got me fixed up and sent me to the Western Front, which was another kind of hell. And all I got out of that was a congratulatory note and a cough. At least your actions helped bring peace into the world, I said in an honourable and edifying manner. Don t fool yourself, son, Jim corrected. There will never be peace while men walk this Earth. It s not their nature. Unless you can figure out how to change human nature and remove man s tendency towards violence, there will never be peace in this world. Nice ideal, son, but I ve seen better. We all crave it, for sure, but every day we do the opposite. It s who we are. We would have to embrace the object of peace and find a way to live with the connotations. Until then, we are always destined to have some sort of conflict going on. In a rush of idealism, I wanted to interject and assure him that peace is always a probability, but he cut me off midstream in my perambulations and said, Look, I m tired, son. A quick last one and I m off. OK? You want to know about peace then hopefully this short poem will answer some of your questions. I don t know who wrote it, but I think it sums things up pretty well. Peace The presumption of peace Is that all wars will cease And man will evolve at his leisure Into passive vessels of harmonious pleasure But peace is an ideal Whose charms are not real Where men s hearts are prone to malice And where man sups fear from a poisoned chalice The only true path in reality Is to challenge men s minds with charity Avoid the nationalistic pride of belonging Where it too easily becomes a cause for dying And when conflict arises Talk compassioned compromises For there can be no accord Through the forging of the sword 46 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

49 Feature We need not live as angels refined For in truth it is not in our nature To nurture the soul towards the divine There lies the path to our future Peace by itself cannot choose whom to embrace Though they who choose peace will enjoy its grace Order is valid without oppression Liberty without enslaving aggression We must learn to traverse our appetites and vices A civilised mind need not contemplate barbarous devices Tolerance and compassion must be trumpeted So peace may come silent in its quelling triumph And with these words Jim stood up and quietly shuffled away into the darkness, like a ghostly shadow of an age long past. It was now three in the morning and I was the only one awake. I held out until about four, reviewing Jim s poems in my mind, when sleep finally overtook me and I fell into a deep slumber, strewn across the two very hard chairs that made my bed. I awoke with a jolt, to a frenzied exodus. Mattresses were being hoisted upon flat trolleys; men were rushing about in clamorous haste. The sound of revving engines and shouts of enthused relief advised me that the waters had dropped and it was safe to start heading off. I looked for Jim in the commotion. He was nowhere to be seen. Where s Jim? I asked of the barman. Jim who? He replied You know. The old Digger. Oh. That old man you were with. He s gone, mate. Left early this morning. I felt shattered and somewhat bereft that this grand man had left without a farewell. I thought we had forged a strong and intimate bond. I must have had a look of despair on my face, as the barman reached down behind the counter and placed a small book in front of me. This is from the old fella; he said he wanted you to have it. It was the book that Jim recited from; an old ration book dishevelled through the passage of time. Its worn buff covers crumbling away from constant use, and the words Ration Book partially erased. A strip of silver duct tape an inch wide ran down its spine as remedial binding, attempting to hold its contents where rusty staples had failed. It bulged uncomfortably with the strain of additional papers, for the original pages had been conscripted as framework to attach a litany of prose in every guise. The poems were an assortment of printed text torn from books or handwritten on a variety of note paper. Some were glued on top of the existing leaves, or held fast by yellowing strips of cello tape. A couple were simply loose, folded and inserted at random. Black smudges and curled tattered edges betrayed a regular thumbing of the pages. It was a treasury of prose themed by passages of war and must have been collected over many years as appealing to Jim and his recollection of grievous times. Just why he chose me to be the keeper of this obviously significant treasure I do not know. Our chance meeting a fortuitous opportunity to bestow his legacy to one he considered worthy maybe. Either way, I was humbled to be entrusted this way. And so that was that. Jim had gone. Vanished like some phantom, leaving behind his treasured book. I didn t even ask him his full name, nor for that matter did he ask mine. It was like some surreal dream, born from a strange collision of circumstance. I never saw him again. He is a mystery that lingers and leaves an emotive presence. His lyrical narration conveyed a regal eloquence, yet, in truth, he was a gruff old man of complex nature. One part drew you in with a hypnotising allure, the other sent you scuttling in terror looking for an avenue of retreat. Maybe his experiences in the war made him this way or maybe this was just how he was. I guess I ll never know. This fateful meeting has always bemused me and has remained with me in my thoughts daily. He was a man who never asked my name and only referred to me as son. An enigmatic person who had travelled the pathways of hell. Who fought for our nation and for our future. Self-effacing, honest and humble, yet capable of a voracious fortitude I guess I ll never know. I am proud he called me son, because I would be proud to be his son. In fact, we are all his sons. Sons born through hardship and strife; born through the courage of men who willingly or unwilling tested their fears in the cauldron of World War 1. A war to end wars, but a war that ended none. Epilogue Many years have passed since I met that old digger in 74. His face I ll never forget. Or the sweet poetry that fell from his lips. I made it my promise to attend every ANZAC Day service since, in remembrance of Jim and the many others who gave their lives. I remember one particular ANZAC Day. The day was overcast, with dark, brooding skies; an early shower had put a glistening gleam upon the roads and pathways. The black tarseal oozed a sticky humidity into the air. Standing before the Cenotaph, and with Jim s memory keeping reflective company, I could not help but glance into the milling clouds. Every now and then a sliver streak of light would break the morass and spotlight some random object on the ground. The ecclesial beams seemed to be on an ethereal mission to highlight the drama of the ANZAC service, by illuminating the poppies in the wreaths that surrounded the memorial. It was a strange phenomenon that sent a shock of epiphany through me, of which I now write. ANZAC Day On ANZAC Day crowds do gather Beneath dawn s chilly morn arrayed Around cenotaph solemn and demure Heads bowed low we prayed As first morn s light through clouds did break And as drizzle weeping fades Gaze transfixed upon floral wreaths I noticed A fallen petal upon cold ground was laid Distracted from ceremony s reverence Upon rose petal blood red, I stared Observing a shaft of light, in autumn s gold Pierce cloud to illuminate rose petal blood red The silky beam that shone was pure and bright Fallen petal glowing crimson, entrancing thought Its blood red ochre leeching unto earth As like blood spilled in wars once fought My imagination or God s truth revealed Lost sons revered in nations grieving A million petals fallen to man s aggressions A million blood red petals in God s blessing The End! QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 47

50 FAC Stories An A Shau Air Force Cross USAF Forward Air Controller Phil Maywald was awarded a US Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism in South-East Asia on May 21, 1968; an award second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor. His ingenuity, bravery, experience and flexibility in getting the job done were extraordinary but had he not broken a few rules the outcome of that day could have been quite different. Words: Phil Maywald, Nail 48, Raven, 1968 On May 21, 1968, I was a 27-year-old USAF Captain, Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron, 23rd TASS, whose home was Nakhon Phanom Air Base, NKP, Thailand. My call sign was Nail 48 (all of the 23rd TASS pilots had Nail call signs). We flew the O-2, a military version of the Cessna 337, a light twin with a push-pull engine configuration. I had been in South-East Asia since early August of 1967, first flying the O-1 Bird Dog, a single-engine tail-dragger Cessna, and then transitioned to the O-2 in November. I spent September, October and part of November flying as a Raven FAC inside of Laos. In early May 1968, the 23rd sent a detachment of FACs to Ubon, RTAFB, Thailand, to replace a detachment from the 20th TASS out of DaNang, South Vietnam, SVN, the Coveys. Major Jerry Dwyer was the detachment commander. Prior to this time, the 23rd s patrol area was Laos north of Route 9 while the Coveys had Laos south of Route 9. Route 9 was an old French road that ran east and west across Laos, entering Vietnam at Khe Sanh. Route 911 was the main supply route from North Vietnam into South Vietnam, running from Mu Gia Pass south into southern Laos, where it had a myriad of branches into SVN. Tchepone, at the intersection of those routes, had once been a village with a French airfield. Tchepone was an overlap area, the southern part of the northern patrol area and the northern part of the southern area. We flew both day and night. Most of the action happened at night when the North Vietnamese (NVA) trucks would try to run the roads and we would try to stop them. During the day we tried to find where the trucks had stopped and hidden and would make some attacks against the roads. Occasionally we would have a good strike in the daytime, but most of our damage was done at night. At night, of course, all the NVA anti-aircraft gunners were awake and shooting. They knew it was more difficult for us to attack them at night, therefore, unless we were actually putting in an airstrike, it was uncommon for us to be shot at in the daytime. We had an unwritten rule that if a FAC got shot at in the daytime we would put fighters on the guns. In the daytime we flew about 3000 feet above the ground to minimise the effectiveness of the guns. The primary NVA AAA in our area at that time were machine guns, ZPUs, with an effective range of about 1500 feet, and the 37mm, with an effective range of about 5000 feet. The 37mm fired clips of seven shells that came up relatively slowly. If we saw it in time we could dodge it. But dodging one gun might expose us to five or six others. The 23mm, which was new at that time, came up too fast to dodge and in a Gatling gun-like stream of shells with a range of over 5000 feet. Radar-controlled 57mm guns ran us out of Mu Gia Pass, but were not yet seen elsewhere in Laos. When a pilot bailed out, all the rules for safe altitudes were forgotten. I had been at Ubon for about two weeks and patrolling the northern part of southern Laos, flying just south of Tchepone in the early afternoon, when I heard the call on guard, the emergency frequency. Nail 55, I ve been hit and am bailing out. Nail 55 was Jerry Dwyer. I pressed my mike button, 55, 48 here, where are you, I am on my way. He gave me a rough location about 25 miles to the south and then he was gone. I made the decision to give up my altitude for more airspeed and timed my descent to arrive at Jerry s location at about 500 feet AGL, and for the rest of the afternoon my altitude ranged from 50 to 500 feet AGL. In the eight to 10 minutes it took me to get down there I was on the radio requesting fighters from the C-130 that was the Airborne Command and Control Center (ABCCC). I was told that nothing was available, but that they would get some ASAP. I was also on the radio to Crown, the C-130 that was the rescue airborne command post. Our location was at maximum range for the HH-3s, Jolly Greens out of either NKP or DaNang who were on alert with A-1s for support. However, there was a HH-53, Super Jolly, at Ubon that did not have A-1 support. The HH-53 had never participated in a SEA rescue at that time. They were launched along with A-1s from NKP for support, but it would be over an hour before the HH-53 could get there. Because I had been a Raven FAC (a FAC stationed in Laos flying in civilian clothes working with Air American and the Laotian Air Force) I knew all the Air America frequencies. I went around Crown and rounded up an Air American H-34 and a Huey that could beat the USAF there and arranged for them to meet me. An Air America Porter also showed up. Jerry had landed at the bottom of a hill in fairly heavy jungle. The hill had a clear area about the size of a football field extending from the jungle at the bottom to a grassy area at top. The field had trees on each side extending up from the jungle. There was another hill on the other side of the jungle area that was more heavily forested, but had some clear area at the top that was higher than Jerry s hill. As I arrived and was able to talk to Jerry on his survival radio, he could hear searchers in the jungle with him. The clear area had an erosion ditch in the middle that ran from about two-thirds of the way from the jungle towards the top. Somehow, Jerry got into the ditch and crawled up it out of the jungle to where it ended. There he put his West Point Army training to work and scraped himself into a foxhole and we fought a war for him and over him for the rest of the afternoon. I arrived, got a rough verbal description of his location, brought in the Air America helicopters and provided cover with my rockets while they made two tries to pick him up after Jerry popped a smoke for a positive position. From then on the bad guys knew exactly where he was. Neither helicopter had a hoist. The H-34 landed in the clear area at the top of the hill and came under small-arms fire, which I suppressed. Jerry reported afterwards that he saw the bodies of NVA that I had hit during my multiple passes. He would not, however, leave his hole to try to run the 48 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

51 FAC Stories 30 yards or so to the helicopter and the Air America choppers had to pull out because the enemy was getting a machine gun set up on the next hill that would have made them sitting ducks. Of course, all this time I was yelling for fighters! One of my friends who had flown B-52s with me at Minot, Ben Fuhrman, was flying F-105s on a mission to South Vietnam and heard me when I first requested ordinance while I was on my way down there. He requested and was refused permission to divert to me. But, two other F-105s arrived just in the nick of time and I hit the ZPU on the hill with them, just as it was starting to fire at Jerry and me. Just after I hit the ZPU, the H-53 arrived, screaming that he was out of gas and had to make an immediate pickup. The normal procedure was no pickups without A-1s, but I knew that I just CBUd the area, that the Air America helicopters had survived, and that we had the F-105s deliver with no hits to them, so I told him to go on in. Jerry popped another flare and the Super Jolly went in, but missed his hover (he had gone to the wrong location). He pulled out and then came back and hovered again for what seemed like an eternity. He took some hits (one of the crew chiefs or PJs was slightly wounded) and he was forced to pull out. I commended his bravery, but his skill was lacking! Crown came down from his orbit and refuelled him, which was the first combat helicopter refuelling ever!!! As that was happening, the first A-1s, three of them, arrived from NKP and we constantly delivered ordinance along the two tree lines and the jungle from then on. Eventually, I had 13 A-1s in a pattern that revolved around me (I was flying lower and tighter in the middle... like the ringmaster in a three-ring circus). Normally, the senior A-1 pilot (Sandy Lead) was designated as the on-scene rescue commander. I think Crown designated me as the on-scene commander since I had the rescue going before the A-1s arrived. Designated or undesignated, I was the commander! The leader of the last flight of A-1s to arrive wanted to discuss why I was the on-scene commander and was told by the Sandy Lead to shut up and get in the pattern. The bad guys tried to follow Jerry up the ditch. One crawled up outside the ditch and tossed a grenade in Jerry s hole. It failed to go off. Jerry tossed it out, looked over the side of his hole and saw the tosser lying there with his hand over his ears waiting for the grenade to go off. Jerry shot him with his.38! I carried 14 rockets and had used seven or eight with the Air America helicopters and marking the ZPU for the F-105s. I used the others hitting the guys coming up the ditch firing within yards of Jerry without any sights for my rockets. In essence, I got so close that I could not miss! After I ran out of rockets the Sandy Lead A-1 pilot took over my job. While this was going on the NVA were attempting to capture Jerry. Two made it close enough for Jerry to hit with his pistol. I saw several grenades go off near his hole. This went on for almost two hours after the H-53 missed the pickup. After the HH-53 had missed the pickup, the HH-3s from DaNang had been scrambled. They were about 20 minutes out when they called and said they did not have enough gas to get there and back and Crown told them to abort the rescue and return to DaNang. At that time it was less than an hour until dark when we could not have continued the SAR. I did not want to leave Jerry so it was critical that we get the pickup completed ASAP. In addition to the A-1s, after the first F-105s, I always had at least two flights of fighters holding high overhead. My plan was that if there was no pickup by dark I would ask Jerry to move back deep into the jungle, and then I would use the fighters to pound the area where he had been to discourage NVA pursuit. When Crown told the Jollys to abort I did what others would not have the knowledge to do. I got on the radio directly to the HH-3s, usurped command from Crown, and promised them that if they would come on I would guarantee that they would get gas at a safe location in Laos. I knew from my Raven days that about 20 miles away there was an Air America STOL strip that had gas. Crown was prohibited from authorising rescue Helos to land in Laos, so I had to take matters into my own hands. The HH-3s listened to me and kept coming. The Air America Porter had remained in orbit about 10 miles away, just in case I needed him. I told him to set up the gas at the Lima Site and to expect us for refueling after the pickup. AC-130 refueling a Super Jolly Green helicopter QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 49

52 FAC Stories When the HH-3s came in, Jerry was out of flares. I directed them towards our location and then flew under them directly over Jerry s position to show them where he was. I pulled up and they pulled out almost immediately and my heart sank into my shoes I thought, What am I going to have to do now, they too have pulled out. But, after hovering only a matter of seconds, they had picked him up! It was about 20 minutes until dark and I was out of gas too. I could make the STOL strip in Laos, but not much further. Ubon, an hour away, was impossible. I did not even have the gas to direct the fighters, which clobbered the whole area as we pulled out. I just told them to hit it and headed for the STOL Strip. I got back on the radio to Air America and found out that since they did not think we could make the STOL strip before dark and there were no lights there, they had set up the landing at the airfield outside the largest town in that part of Laos, about 35 miles away, where they had lights. The Jolly Greens and the Nail landed and were gassed up while the A-1s orbited overhead attracting unwanted attention (I fully expected to be court-martialed for exposing what everyone in that part of the world knew, and what the politicians would not tell the US public; that the USA was fighting a war in Laos). After a great reunion with Jerry, he climbed into my O-2 with me (with several beers supplied by the Air America troops) and we flew back to Ubon in a very good mood. No, I did not drink any of the beer! The champagne at Ubon was a different story. The next day I was told to return to NKP. When I got there, I was told that I was grounded from combat because I had been submitted for the Medal of Honor and that Jerry was being submitted for the Air Force Cross. Jerry had bailed out before in non-hostile, but not necessarily friendly, territory and was picked up with out any excitement. This was his second shoot-down. Supposedly, there was a policy (the two shoot-down rule) that said that if you were rescued twice you got to go home and he wanted to go home! The Air Force wanted him to go to 7th AF Hq. He was not amused. Then the politics got messy. About three weeks later, the 504th Commander came to NKP. He and the 23rd Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Starr, conferred with the Task Force Alpha Major General and then I met Lieutenant Colonel Starr. He told me that I would receive the Air Force Cross, because I had not been wounded, my aircraft had not been hit, and also because the whole story could not be told due to the classification of our operations in Laos. He also said that Jerry would receive the Silver Star. If I had been on the ground and Jerry or any of the other Nail FACs had been in my place, I would have expected them to direct the air strikes, take the risks of being hit and do exactly what I did. They would have done their best in that regard and most of them would have done as well as I did. But, at that time, no other Nail FAC had the knowledge of Air America activities that I had picked up as a Raven FAC in Laos. Thus, it is unlikely they would have been able to attempt the pickup with Air America resources. I d like to think that if I had been on the ground, I would have attempted the run to Cessna O-2 FAC aircraft A Jolly Green helicopter rescuing a pilot 50 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

53 FAC Stories the Air America helicopter, made it, and that everything else would have been unnecessary. But, I was not on the ground, Jerry was. If someone else had had the knowledge of the STOL site, they might or might not have taken the career risk of usurping command of the rescue from Crown and persuading the HH-3s to keep coming when their command post was telling them to turn around. If it worked, I was a hero, if not, I was a goner. But, it never entered my mind that I was making a career threatening decision, I was just trying to get Jerry out! I hesitate to be so honest, but I did not expect to make it back if the rescue had not been successful. Nor could I have I was out of gas and I was NOT going to leave my fellow airman. I had told Jerry I would get him out or be down there with him and I fully meant it. Afterward The Medal of Honor submittal said nothing about the Air America pickup attempt, and I am certain that it said nothing about my continuing the SAR after Crown called off the rescue. It also said nothing about the mutual landings in Laos. I doubt that even today the USAF could officially admit everything that happened that afternoon. I am very proud to wear the Air Force Cross. When I was awarded it at Bitburg AB Germany in November of 1968, Colonel Bernie Fisher, the first Medal of Honor winner in Vietnam, was stationed there and was at the ceremony. He shook my hand and said, Phil, you deserved the Medal of Honor. I really appreciate that people feel that way, especially when they really believe it, but you will never hear me say it, because it was all in a day s work for a Nail FAC! This is one of 488 real-life stories written by USAF and RAAF pilots who participated in the Vietnam War as Forward Air Controllers, and included in two books titled Cleared Hot and Cleared Hot Book Two. Both are available for sale at These 570-page books are produced by and for the FAC Association, Inc, in the USA (printed in Melbourne). Submitted by WGCDR Peter Condon (Retired) petercondon@icunet.com.au An A-1 Skyraider In the hospital at Ubon after the pick up QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 51

54 HOMECARE RETIREMENT LIVING RESIDENTIAL CARE CHOICES THE LATEST NEWS FROM RSL CARE EDITION Fairways residents and staff say thank you RSL Care management have hosted a thank you BBQ for staff and members of the aged care and local community who helped Fairways Residential Care Community get back on its feet after the Bundaberg flood. RSL Care CEO Mr Craig Mills said Fairways residents and staff had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support following the evacuation of 108 residential care residents during the Bundaberg flood on Monday, January 28. Within 24 hours of the water receding RSL Care staff and volunteers, the Australian Defence Force, the Regional Fire and Rescue Service, the Mud Army and members from the local community arrived on site to lend a hand, Mr Mills said. Thanks to their tireless and courageous efforts as well as the work of Hutchinson Builders, recovery is progressing faster than expected. Our first 20 residents moved back into the special care unit the week beginning March 11 as part of a three to four-month phased relocation, and have settled back into their home very well. Mr Mills said barbecues are a quintessential part of the Australian tradition and he couldn t think of a better way to officially thank the generous people of Bundaberg and welcome residents and staff back into their community than with some good food, cold drinks and the opportunity to catch up with one another. Around 130 Fairways residents and staff, the Mayor of Bundaberg, Councillor Mal Forman, and members of the local community including the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, the Queensland Country Women s Association and the RSL Bundaberg Sub Branch shared stories and lunch together. So many people have played an important part in helping Fairways get back to where we are today, Mr Mills said. From RSL Care staff who have been in constant contact with families, to colleague providers who have helped to accommodate residents, through to members of the local community who have helped with the clean-up it has been a real team effort all the way. Some of our RSL Care team members were personally affected by the floods, with their homes and properties suffering varying degrees of water damage. In selfless acts of service and mateship that typify the ANZAC and Australian spirit, many of these same people put their own needs aside to be there for our residents and their families who were also coming to terms with their own loss. They say the worst in Mother Nature often brings out the best of human nature. At RSL Care and within the aged care community as a whole this is true. Understandably there has been a lot of heartache and loss as a result of the flood but there has also been a lot of goodwill and generosity of spirit. While we still have a bit of a journey ahead, we are getting back on our feet; we have made significant progress and we thank everyone within the local community and the aged care community for their support. RSL Care CEO Craig Mills and Executive Manager Service Delivery Luke Greive with Fairways residents Fairways Residential Care Community flooded when the Burnett River broke it banks. In a mass operation, 108 residential care residents were evacuated to higher ground. Residents were later transferred to accommodation at other RSL Care Communities and colleague providers where they continue to receive care and support. RSL Care staff Regional Fire and Rescue Service

55 RSL Care residents share a special morning tea RSL Care residents and staff played host to the Minister for Ageing, the Honourable Mark Butler, and Federal Member for Moreton, Mr Graham Perrett MP, at the aged care provider s Cazna Gardens Retirement Community in Sunnybank Hills, Brisbane last month. RSL Care CEO Mr Craig Mills said staff were delighted the Minister chose to share morning tea with Cazna Gardens residents and staff while visiting Brisbane, and appreciated the opportunity to showcase the residential care facility, including the innovative secure dementia unit, which opened in October last year. Cazna Gardens is one of 28 RSL Care retirement and residential care communities throughout Queensland and New South Wales, Mr Mills said. Our 4000 staff and volunteers place our clients and their needs at the heart of everything they do, and were delighted the Minister and Federal Member were able to see first-hand the difference they make to the lives of so many older Australians. The secure dementia unit was actually designed based on best practice research into person-centred care and dementia care, staff observations and client feedback. It is a perfect example of RSL Care s commitment to better meet the needs of our consumers, and our commitment to meet the increasing demand for residential care as recognised in the Federal Government s Living Longer Living Better Aged Care Reforms. Mr Mills said the Government reforms will give older Australians the opportunity to take a greater role in their care. As a consumer-focused provider who cares so much about our clients and works hard to make their lifestyle the best it can be, we encourage and support any reforms that enable us to improve their experience with us, he said. RSL Care s strong track record of providing quality care combined with the commitment and capability of our workforce will place us in good stead as we continue to respond to the changing needs and wants of older Australians. We thank the Honourable Mark Butler and Mr Graham Perrett for making the time to visit and share morning tea with residents and staff at Cazna Gardens, and for seeing first-hand the work we are so proud to do. Minister for Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler; Lifestyle Manager Heather Matthews; RSL Care CEO Craig Mills speak with Cazna residents Mr and Mrs G. Squires.

56 Talbarra Community Club opens! After a much anticipated wait, the new Community Club at RSL Care Talbarra Retirement Community has opened. Retirement Living Manager Kim Hook said the Community Club called Cooinda is a welcome addition to the community s vegetable garden and fruit orchard, the BBQ area and the bushwalking paths, all of which have been developed and implemented for residents by residents. Every feature and aspect of this Club including equipped open-plan kitchen, lounge and meeting areas, outdoor heated pool, BBQ and shaded sails and toilet and shower facilities has been considered and designed with residents specific wants and needs in mind, Kim said. We look forward to the Club enjoying a particularly high volume of traffic in between the Card Club, Craft Club and the dozens of other resident and family get-togethers that take place here at Talbarra! Talbarra residents open Cooinda Ex-WRAN (Women s Royal Australian Navy) Bette Stokes shares her story Bette Stokes is a National Treasure and Ex-Service woman who served in the Navy during WW11. Bette remembers 1942 when the Japanese attacked Sydney Harbour and many homes were hit with shells. Bette remembers Pearl Harbour, Darwin, the Coral Sea, Midway and Milne Bay. Bette remembers how close Australia came to being invaded. She is passionate about ensuring Australians remember the men and women who stepped forward to defend Australia. With her mates, Bette has made it possible for generations of women to join the Navy and proudly serve Australia. Many of these women today live with RSL Care, secure in the knowledge that RSL Care goes the extra mile to make life enjoyable and fulfilling for all Ex-Service men and women. Soon, Bette will move into a RSL Care retirement community, surrounded by people who understand the ANZAC spirit and the spirit of the men and women of WW11. to ensure all Veterans are remembered in their retirement years with RSL Care. To make your early donation, visit or telephone More of Bette s inspiring story will soon be available through RSL Care s 2013 Chairman s Appeal which aims to raise $100,000 Bette Stokes laying a wreath at the Darwin War Memorial

57

58 Travel Two men in a boot Words & Photography: Tim Dawe Two mates take to the Western Australian bush and discover that, perhaps, a guide would have been a useful investment. Two men in a boot; forget Jerome K Jerome s tale of three toffs on the Thames who finish a day s row on the river with a three-course dinner, a few ales and a down-filled bed. This is about two blokes in late middle age scrambling up and down Western Australia s famous Bibbulmun Track perhaps for the last time. My partner in boots, Roger the dodger, and I are on a two-and-a-halfday hike through pristine bush of the water catchment area in the Perth hills. This is a test of resolve: of nostalgia and optimism over age and creaking knees. My wife drops us off on a lonely stretch of country road 52 kilometres south-south-east from the Mundaring Weir Hotel, a distance seemingly doubled with the weight of 15 kilograms on old shoulders. The vegetation before us is lush; not usually a word associated with the Australian bush. Unlike Perth s coastal hinterland or bush in agricultural areas, where often one species of wildflower dominates, every plant is in flower. The variety of colour, size and display is astonishing. So thick is the undergrowth there are times when the track becomes a tunnel with high sides of flowering vegetation. A machete would be useful. The Bibbulmun track celebrates its 15th anniversary in Aboriginal readers may find 15 years rather risible as their ancestors, the Bibbulmun tribe of Noongar people, tracked the area for seasonal food and important ceremonies tens of thousands of years ago. 56 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

59 Travel Officially 963 kilometres long (and marketed as 1000 km nearly ) from Kalamunda to Albany via eight country towns, the world-class Bib is WA s best known long-distance walking track and one of the longest in Australia. My tiny view of this mighty track has proved a wildflower delight, but it belies the huge range of plants and animals in the remaining untrodden 900 kilometres. More than 2000 species of plants grow along the track that slices through sparse Jarrah bush, mighty Karri and Tingle forests and windswept coastal heathland. We meet our first fellow traveller at Brookton campsite finishing his ablutions. He is alone and in no hurry. With a mouth full of toothpaste he tells us he is going to visit his grandmother at Albany, down the track. Spirits continue to soar as we stop for lunch surrounded by a profusion of wildflowers. Then it is all uphill as we skirt Mt Dale, so busy in conversation we miss the turn-off to the next campsite. Fortunately, it s not our intended overnight stop. The ongoing score to find campsites is not looking good: found 1; lost 1. We meet another couple, then another, both heading south. We seem to be the only ones going north. Most of them are going all the way to Albany. Once upon a time, only a handful of hardy souls did the Bibbulmun end to end. Now it is de rigueur. Next we meet Red Dog and Chunky, optician and dentist we later discover. They are the first to tell us of Cobber, the wiry 62-year-old Bibbulmun legend. We shrug off the lightest of drizzles onward and upward as I recall the weather forecast: Occasional light showers, becoming heavy by late afternoon. The conversation becomes animated as we climb to yet another ridge. At the top a track leads off, but there is no familiar Aboriginal Rainbow Waugal sign to guide us. So we pass on, descending steeply to a road strangely similar to the one we crossed earlier. Our overnight campsite must be along this road: Just around that corner. As the setting sun turns grey into gloom it finally dawns, things look bad the campsite score is now: found 1; lost 2. There s nothing for it. We have to camp by this empty logger s road to nowhere. With bivvy tents erected in a freshly dug pine plantation there is time for one cup of red with cheese and biscuits before the heavens open. Exhausted with both the 20-kilometre day and the rising anxiety of being lost, we crawl into our tents around 5.30 pm to rest a while, only to emerge 12 hours later very damp. The morning ground is sodden and the groundsheet supports a small lake, but at least it s not raining. But there are other concerns. We have no idea where the track is and we have almost no water left. Fortunately the spring rainfall is good and the Darkin River flows freely, so we replenish. Within minutes not one, but two brand new signs appear at a turn-off on a road thought to be without sign or hope: Nipper Road and Godfrey Road. Godfrey! I remember that from previous porings over my disintegrating map. Yes, it does cross the Bibbulmun. We are on track! Thank God for Godfrey! QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 57

60 Travel The relief is palpable. For a short while backpacks are lighter, feet are less flat and taut muscles are freer. Vows are taken to be more vigilant and to stay off roads after all, it is called a track! Despite this, a stop to boil the billy, a talkative lapse, and momentarily we miss another Waugal sign. We don t miss the next campsite Waalegh named for the wedge-tail eagle. From a high ridge we look down on tributaries that flow into the Mundaring Reservoir. We cook our lunch and dry our wet sleeping gear. Campsite score: found 2; lost 2 improving. The afternoon is testing. Nostalgia and optimism are definitely giving way to age and creaking knees. Stopping times become more frequent and longer. However, by 4pm we arrive at Helena, our overnight campsite perched on a rim among tall timbers of jarrah and white gum. Campsite score: found 3; lost 2 better. With no rain likely we choose to pitch our tents rather than stay in the eight-person wooden hut overlooking the valley. Before we finish, the young couple and the loner man are joined by three more in the hut. John, another end-to-ender and the only south to norther we meet, arrives soon after us, but he walks in one day what takes us two 39 kilometres. An engaging fellow, he takes charge of fire lighting. Blue, with an open face and manner and the large hands of a farmer, is from Geraldton. He s a former military man and off to Collie, some weeks off, where his daughter will pick him up. But the one we all talk about is not here. Cobber the legend. He has been here; we know that, we ve seen his cryptic evaluation in registration books: OK. That I have never seen him (was that a whoosh passing?) only adds to the mystique. The legendary Cobber not only holds the record for doing the Bib end-to-end in 28 days he does it in thongs! Some say thongs and socks! The sun sets, the campfire crackles, the remaining claret in a sac is consumed as stories of a legend are greatly embellished. The next day starts cold, but we re up to it. With only an 11-kilometre half day to go, we can just about taste that first beer at the Mundaring pub. So what s the verdict for Roger and me? A wonderful walk in beautiful bush with spectacular scenery at the best time of the year. And another thing the dodger and I may be mates, but we re certainly not Cobbers. For us, future bushwalks will be with just a day pack, an organised tour, oh, and a guide! All I can say is, thank God for Godfrey! For further information visit or 58 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

61 Giveaways Win these... The Landing at ANZAC, 1915 The Landing at Anzac, 1915 challenges many of the cherished myths of the most celebrated battle in Australian and New Zealand history myths that have endured for almost a century. Told from both the Anzac and Turkish perspectives, this meticulously researched account questions several of the claims of Charles Bean s magisterial and much-quoted Australian official history and presents a fresh examination of the evidence from a range of participants. Author and highly awarded retired serviceman Chris Roberts takes a forensic look at this iconic battle, providing a tactical analysis of the terrain, scrutiny of the misplaced landing and the two fateful decisions that determined the initial course of the battle, and examines the performance of both Anzac and Turkish commanders and troops. Long considered a ragtag army, the Ottoman forces proved tough, well-trained opponents who outclassed an inadequately trained, inexperienced and poorly prepared Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. For your chance to win one of three copies, mail your name and address to: The Landing at ANZAC, 1915, PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD Competition closes Friday May 10, The Landing at ANZAC, 1915 can be purchased online at To celebrate ANZAC Day 2013, RSL News readers will receive a special 30% discount on any books purchased online. To claim your discount, enter the promo code RSLQ at the checkout. Shadows of ANZAC Shadows of ANZAC: An intimate history of Gallipoli presents an international perspective of the ANZAC experience. Viewed from both sides of the trenches, this is the story of the ordinary men and women who personally experienced the Gallipoli campaign from April to December Drawing on letters, diaries and other primary and secondary sources, David Cameron creates a vision of what these men and women from all walks of life experienced during the bloody nine months of the campaign. Author and historian David W. Cameron is a Canberra based author with a passion for recording the overarching history of Gallipoli. David is an expert on the ANZAC campaign, with this being his sixth book specifically focused on Gallipoli. For your chance to win one of three copies, mail your name and address to: Shadows of ANZAC, PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD Competition closes Friday May 10, Shadows of ANZAC can be purchased online at To celebrate ANZAC Day 2013, RSL News readers will receive a special 30% discount on any books purchased online. To claim your discount, enter the promo code RSLQ at the checkout. The Hunt Release Date: 2 May 2013 Rating: MA 15+ Stars: Mads Mikkelsen Mads Mikkelsen (A ROYAL AFFAIR) delivers a superb, award-winning performance in this electrifying new film from Thomas Vinterberg, the acclaimed director of THE CELEBRATION (FESTEN). Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is beloved by his students and fellow teachers at his local kindergarten. After a divorce, made especially painful when his wife moved away from town with their teenage son, Marcus, Lucas life is recovering with a new girlfriend, and the reforging of his relationship with Marcus. His world comes crashing down, however, when a young girl in his class accuses him of inappropriate behaviour. It s a simple lie that spirals out of control and the small community suddenly finds itself in a collective state of hysteria. Long held friendships are tested as mistrust takes hold, and Lucas must summon all his strength in a brave fight for his life and dignity. For your chance to win one of 10 in-season double passes, mail your name and address to: The Hunt, PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD Competition closes Friday 10 May The Codgers After touring Australia as a beloved, sold out, live theatre tour, Codgers is now available to own on DVD! Codgers follows five everyday Aussie codgers who meet at the gym each week to exercise, chew the fat, sling off, sing and have a bloody good laugh! Among the jokes and the secrets, the back strain and biceps, they learn that difference is more to do with your point of view and that no matter what, you wouldn t be dead for quids! The film stars Shane Porteous, well known for his role as Dr Terrence Elliot in A Country Practice. To purchase your very own copy of the film or to do a group screening with your mates, please call Titan View on (02) Products available: Personal use DVD for $19.95 Small Group Screening DVD (groups up to 10 people) for $35.00 Small Group Screening DVD (groups over 10 people) for $55.00 For your chance to win one of 10 DVD copies, mail your name and address to: Codgers, PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD Competition closes Friday 10 May QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 59

62 Retirement Living Til Death Do Us Part Words: Eva Bennett Increased life expectancy is putting new strains on the institution of marriage. Eva Bennett offers some practical advice to get you through the tough times. Til death do us part These words are in the wedding vow, for making a commitment for life between a newly wedded couple. It originated in the Book of Common Prayer back in 1662, to be used in marriage services in England. Back then most people didn t live beyond 40, so the typical lifespan of a marriage was about 20 years. How times have changed! Today, with more people reaching 100, a marriage could last 80 years! In fact, my husband s parents, who are both in their early 90s, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. My husband s parents are of the generation where the husband s role was seen as that of the good provider and the wife s role was seen as the good homemaker and good mother. If you performed those roles well, you were expected to be satisfied with those roles. Personal happiness was less important. Very few women from that generation had a career and divorce was uncommon. My husband and I married in the late 1960s. We baby boomers were at the turning point of major changes in married life. Because more women were now working, we had different expectations, such as expecting the husband to share the house duties. By the end of the 1970s, women s liberation was fighting for the rights of women. Paid maternity leave came in and divorce became a solution if a marriage was no longer working. It s interesting to note that the divorce rate in the age group has doubled in the past 20 years. A recent American study calls it The Grey Divorce Revolution. Because we are living longer, the norm of marriage as a lifelong institution is weakening. As people move into the age group, it is a chance to reflect on the prospect of spending another years with the same person. The marriage may be OK, but not particularly satisfying. Retirement can have a big impact on relationships. You are used to the routine of one or both partners being at work during the week and mainly seeing each other in the evenings and on weekends. Many couples don t realise how daunting it can be to suddenly be together 24/7. Being in each other s space more often can give you the opportunity to either rekindle your relationship or widen the cracks. 60 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

63 Retirement Living Some of the issues that can arise from spending too much time together are sharing tasks around the home, respecting each other s time for privacy and time for your own interests. The findings of the Relationships Indicators Survey carried out in Australia in 2008 listed communication difficulties (37%) and stress about money issues (35%) as the main causes of a relationship breakdown. The survey found that the reasons why older couples, those over 50, separate are: People only stayed together because of the children 34% They had grown apart 32% Wanted a change 26% Midlife crisis seeing life as too short to stay stuck in a marriage that was no longer satisfying All relationships have issues of some kind. Most can be solved with open communication. A good heart-to-heart talk can clear the air, as long as you are both on the same wavelength. Listening is so important as misunderstandings can lead to tension, arguments, distance, stress and hurt feelings. If not resolved, they can eventually lead to divorce. A study done in the UK gives the following seven secrets to a happy relationship: Full body hugs are proven to stimulate endorphins that help you bond with the person you are hugging. If there has been an issue, it is good to be able to go up and give your partner a body hug and make peace. Keep lines of communication open it is easy to drift apart if there are long periods of silence. Regular talks keep you connected, which is what a relationship is about. Accepting that we are all different and respecting each other s differences. Learn to simply enjoy each other s company, without always needing to be with other people. Going on a special date once a month helps bonding. It doesn t always mean going out to dinner. It can be going on a bike ride and taking a picnic hamper. Romantic gestures can be a win-win for both people. The pleasure the person receives by doing the gesture and the pleasure the recipient receives. Share housework without being asked. Have separate nights out occasionally to maintain your own identity, not taking each other for granted and show that you are happy to come home. I do think it is worth doing what it takes to put the spark back into a relationship that has become bland. Extract from As Time Goes By Dealing with Life s Changes by Eva Bennett. eva.bennett@bigpond.com QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 61

64 Health Keep on moving without pain Words: Olwen Anderson How are your joints? Arthritic pain can have an immense impact on your life. Olwen Anderson offers some simple dietary adjustments to help you move better and enjoy life more. If you re beyond a certain age, a particular topic may be appearing more frequently in your conversations: Who is having trouble moving due to joint pain, which person has joined forces with a walking frame to get around, and which unfortunate friend s lifestyle has become severely restricted due to pain? You may have superstitiously touched wood in the hope that you never have to face joint problems. No-one wants to experience chronic pain, so at the first sign of troubles you may worry that you re heading down the path towards reduced mobility. Fortunately, there are powerful diet choices you can make to reduce pain, ease stiffness and stay mobile. There are three main types of joint problem that call for slightly different diets. 62 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

65 Don t let me stop The first kind of joint pain creeps up on you gradually. You may notice that when your feet hit the ground in the morning it takes a few steps to get going. Your joints feel stiff when you don t move them, and ease up the more you move. This is the rheumatoid style of arthritis, brought on by your immune system attacking your own joint cells. A focused immune attack like this produces lots of toxic waste materials that cause pain when they make contact with nerve endings. When your limbs have been still for a while, like overnight, your circulation diminished. So in the morning your joints are likely to feel stiff or even painful until a certain amount of movement has flushed away the waste products of that immune attack. As the months pass, it can take longer and longer to get moving, and your joints can feel painful as well as stiff. Relieving rheumatoid-style arthritis is all about reducing inflammation, so, to ease your symptoms, you should eat less of the foods that can amplify inflammatory processes. Generally speaking, that s foods high in saturated fat and sugar, or highly processed foods like butter, high-fat dairy, deep-fried food, pastries, cakes, etc. There are also foods that actively fight inflammation: Oily fish like tuna, salmon and sardines, fresh vegetables (especially leafy greens and fresh fruit), and some plant oils like macadamia. If you want to tone down the inflammation in your joints, plan your menu with these foods in mind. An active lifestyle that includes plenty of movement will help keep circulation up and your pain levels down. Prevention better than cure Even if you don t have any joint problems, it s good to take steps that could prevent problems developing in the future. Here s how: Nourish your joints. Good oils in food literally oil your joints by making cell membranes more flexible. Plant oils and oily seafood are especially good. To get enough, eat a serve of oily fish almost every day; perhaps with your daily salad, which you have dressed with olive, avocado or macadamia oil. Brightly coloured vegetables are good too, packed with jointmaintaining vitamins and minerals. Enjoy treats occasionally. We have an immense range of delicious foods available, making it all too easy to indulge regularly. But these foods can lead to joint problems: Pastries, biscuits, cake, and generally over-processed food that your grandmother wouldn t recognise. It s good to enjoy a treat every now and then; just check that the quantity isn t elbowing better quality nutrition out of your diet. Use it or lose it. Movement encourages movement: Your health practitioner can advise you of the safest fitness training program that will bring you the best results. You want to stimulate the muscles that hold your skeleton in place and ensure good circulation to your joints. Make fitness fun too, you ll be more likely to stick with it. Attend to problems. That annoying gip in your knee or hip is unlikely to resolve itself. See your health practitioner. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 63

66 Health Don t make me move The second type of joint pain can also creep up on you gradually. When joints feel painful the more you move, it s osteo-style arthritis. Osteoarthritic joints also contain an inflammatory process, but for a different reason. Here, the protective layer of cartilage that covers the end of your bones has worn away and not regenerated. As unprotected ends of bone grind together you feel pain. This is why osteoarthritic joints can cause you to spend increasing amounts of time in the lounge chair rather than moving. If you have osteoarthritis, you may be sensitive to vegetable members of the deadly nightshade plant family (although not everyone is). That s potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and chilli. Also, foods that have an acid-forming effect on your body ph may make your symptoms worse: Tea, bread, biscuits, cakes and dairy food. The meal plan of a person with osteoarthritis, like someone with rheumatoid arthritis, should contain lots of antiinflammatory foods like oily fish and unprocessed vegetables; just give the deadly nightshade family of vegetables a miss if you re sensitive to them. Don t touch that joint The third type of joint pain appears suddenly, and with a vengeance. Gouty joints can deliver excruciating pain due to dysfunctional biochemistry. This condition is often inherited, due to an inborn metabolic defect in processing purines in some kinds of food. What happens as a result is that the unprocessed molecules form crystals when they gather and concentrate. The smaller blood vessels in areas where there is naturally low circulation, like your feet, are where the crystals are likely to form. Crystals have sharp edges; hence the pain. For people with gouty arthritis, avoiding foods high in purines is a top priority, and can give a great deal of relief. High purine foods are salty seafood, stock cubes, offal (like liver and kidneys), alcohol, coffee and black tea. The purine content of foods is readily available on the internet. Whatever type of joint pain you have, experimenting with including and excluding foods from your diet can make a positive difference. Keep a written record of your pain levels over a week, along with what you ate, while maintaining your usual diet. Then exclude a suspect food group from your diet for two weeks while you keep the record keeping going. Finally, reintroduce the suspect food group and keep records for another week. You might uncover some interesting results. Now you have a new topic of conversation to mull over with your friends: What diet changes made the most positive difference for you? Olwen Anderson is a naturopathic nutritionist. Visit TESTIMONIAL My name is David Turner* and I live on the Gold Coast, QLD. I am delighted with my new bidet, so is my wife. My only complaint is that I should have had it years ago! Having read about them over the years I have wanted one but never knew where to get it. Last Monday we popped into Australia Fair Shopping Centre to do a bit of shopping and saw The Bidet Shop. After being talked through a demonstration by a lovely sales person named Steve, we decided to go ahead and buy the Bidet there on the spot! We were told it would be installed for us that day. To our delight the installer arrived within an hour after we got home from the shops and within 20 minutes he had it installed and operational. I have had problems with hemorrhoids for many years now and after just 4 days I can confirm that the Bidet has been the best thing I have purchased for my health in a long time and for that I am more than delighted with our purchase. Many thanks, David Turner, QLD *Name changed for privacy reasons. Please contact The BIDET SHOP on or free call number and speak with our friendly staff today! Online store also available at 64 QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

67 Grape Expectations Open the ipad door, Hal Max Crus Four hundred and twenty-seven people wished me happy birthday recently, all of whom now think I am rude because I didn t post thank you. Cumulus Shiraz 2010 $35 There s plenty going on here, which, like young rock bands, may take time to harmonise. But you still want to listen now. 8.9/10 Sorry, guys, that s because I got a new device. OK, the device is the 11th piece of electronica I own that can access the internet, all of which work although the fridge crashes a lot but it was a new toy. It s a upad Mini (un-named Padlet). ABC-style commercial restrictions prohibit using its true name, but the logo is a piece of fruit, from which the owner has taken a bite, didn t like it and left it on their laptop where the sun baked a permanent Adam and Eve metaphor indelibly into the case. That s where the trouble began although perhaps it really began by putting my birthday on Facebook as with any modern device, one must log on and register to use it. Use your Fruit Id and Password to register and enjoy your upad s many delights. Cuttaway Hill Sauvignon Blanc, 2012 $20 Great wine for open-cut miners, if only they drank wine instead of XXXX. Lucky they don t or prices would skyrocket. 8.8/10 (Juniper Estate) Higher Plane Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 $44 Great wine for an airline, especially out of those clever little Marc Newsome airline glasses. 8.8/10 I used one from a previous Fruit life Sorry, your username and password are invalid. OK, they want a username, not an Id. Thirteen combinations later Sorry, your session has timed-out. Give up and register as a new user Sorry, that address is already used. Luckily I have two, and get to the next level Please choose a password. Sorry, your password is not secure. It must have 27 characters, contain two of everything, upper case characters, and no digits of your birthday, address or car rego. Warning: Avoid identity theft, do not record this password anywhere. Ravenswood Lane The Lane Single Vineyard (Adelaide Hills) Block 1A Chardonnay, 2012 $20 You can t judge a book by its cover except the Little Red School Book, or Encyclopaedia Britannica, but this has a nifty capsule and equally nifty contents. 8.7/10 Dog Rock Grenache, 2011 $28 When roadside motels turn bad, where do you turn? The telly and a glass of red, and think of your dog at home. Good boy. 8.8/10 How does anybody remember? Then, To confirm your identity, please choose three security questions, among which are such gems as What was your first pet s star sign?, What football team did your first teacher barrack for? and What was your grandmother s favourite doily? OK, if you got that right, you would get it right next year too, but, struth, I have trouble remembering where my car s parked, let alone the 14 passwords I already have. Yellow tail Merlot, 2010 $10 Merlot is a strange brew, yet people love it, and I was one of them. Haven t tasted one like Lindemans Nyrang for 20 years though. 8.1/10 Paradoxically, I can always remember what I drank last night, and just how good it was. QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 65

68 WE NEED YOU! RSL (Queensland Branch) is calling all volunteers to lend a hand at the 2013 RSL Bulimba Festival & 2013 RSL Poppy Appeal Raise funds for your Sub Branch at the 2013 RSL Bulimba Festival! The 2013 RSL Bulimba Festival returns on Sunday August 25 and is set to be bigger and better than ever before. The Bulimba community in Brisbane s southeast will come alive with a vibrant mix of markets, music, food, fashion, arts and crafts. We need volunteers to man the Volunteers BBQ and sell raffle tickets throughout the day. What is in it for you? A percentage of the funds raised from raffle tickets on the day will be gifted back to your local RSL Sub Branch or Auxiliary. A donation will also be given to the RSL Sub Branch or Auxiliary who run the Volunteers BBQ on the day. Get involved today! Register your interest at volunteer@rslqld.org But be quick! Volunteer roles will be offered on a first in, best dressed basis. All participating volunteers will be provided with free food, water, sunscreen and snacks throughout the day for all RSL (Queensland Branch) fundraising activities RSL Poppy Appeal RSL (Queensland Branch) will be manning the Field of Remembrance in ANZAC Square from October 29 to November 11 inclusively. We need RSL Sub Branches and Auxiliaries to volunteer and man the field for a day. On Remembrance Day, we will also be running our annual City Ambush fundraising initiative in Brisbane s CBD. We need volunteers to sell Poppy Appeal merchandise and accept donations from the community throughout the day. What is in it for you? A percentage of the funds raised will be gifted back to your local RSL Sub Branch and Auxiliaries.

69 Can You Help? Community Connect Are you looking for someone, something or seeking information? Are you in need of help from your local RSL community? Would you like to make contact with an RSL contributor? your request to Stories That Should Be Told My father is an ex-serviceman and, at 93 years young, he still lives on his half-acre property in Gympie, mows his own yard and tends to his garden with special care and attention to his roses. I live with my family in Brisbane and every time I visit him he has another spectacular story to share of his time in the Australian Defence Force. I wonder if anyone in the local Gympie community would be interested in taking the time to record my father s stories so that they can be shared with the generations to come. Anyone who can help can contact me at lindsay.marcia@bigpond.com Yours sincerely Marcia Lindsay A Man I Was Privileged to Know I was privileged to meet Horrace Raymond George Tipping (X. POW. CHANGI. QX21785) or Harrie as we all knew him in 1948 at Ramsays Crossing at The Narrows in central Queensland (the waterway between Curtis Island and the mainland of Australia). In 1949 I started working for and boarding with Harrie, his wife Joan, son Ken, daughter Patricia and later on their youngest son Jimmie for four years. I worked for and with Harrie, we went fishing together and we had an occasional few beers too. Harrie was a baker by trade and ran his own bakery at Mt Larcom. He was a real trickster and would often play pranks on me and us all. Harrie often said that he thought of me as a son and I truly cherish the time I spent with his family. Harrie served in the Australian Army Service Corps in World War II where he was captured and held as a Prisoner of War. After leaving Changi, Harrie was sailed around the Pacific, like most POWs, for three months to fatten them up a bit before arriving home to Australia. I have known several people to ask Harrie about Changi and this was the only subject that was taboo to almost everyone. The only people he ever discussed Changi with were his daughter Pat, his fellow servicemen, POWs and I. Sadly I have lost contact with Harrie s family. I would like to make contact with any of Harrie and Joan s relatives as I would very much like to meet them. Anyone who can help can contact me at postal address: 7 Archer Street, Gladstone, Queensland, Yours sincerely A. C. Dunnet X.NASHO 1/ Success with Community Connect! Every year, in the small village of Marcols les Eaux in the Ardeche region of France, a ceremony is held to honour the six aircrew of a Halifax bomber that crashed there in Every 10th anniversary there is an extra special service to which the mayor of the village invites the relatives of the crew to the service and hosts a dinner afterwards, which is attended by civic dignitaries. The 2014 dinner will be the 70th anniversary of the crash. The daughter of one of the airmen was asked by the mayor to find relatives of all six airmen so that they could be invited to the 70th anniversary. She managed to find the relatives of all but one of the crew and sought our help. I did a bit of sniffing around and we also put a notice in the RSL News. Now, thanks to someone reading that notice, she has found them all. What a result! Steve Eaton RSL Community Link Co-ordinator (Volunteer) QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 67

70 Reunions Reunions Balcombe Barracks Commemoration 4 May 2013, Balcombe. For all those who served or trained at Balcombe Barracks. Contact Frank Maloney on or visit Field Workshops and LADS Association Inc Reunion 5 May 2013, Joint Logistics Barracks, Bulimba. Open to all ranks and partners. Special invite to all NASHOs who served in the barracks. For security purposes, please notify of intention to attend. Contact Bob Martin on (07) or via at mardell9@bigbond.com I 20th Anniversary Reunion 1 RAR Battalion Group Somalia May 2013 at Lavarack Army Barracks. Open to all serving and ex members of the 1 RAR Battalion Group who served on Operation SOLACE in Somalia For more information, please contact Jon Daniels: jon.daniels@defence.gov.au) or Paul Von Kurtz: paul.vonkurtz@baesystems.com). Battle of FSB CORAL 45th Anniversary Reunion May 2013, Rockhampton. All those who served in the 1 RAR battle group May 1968 are welcome. For more information visit Contact Jack Parr on (07) or via at parralanj@hotmail.com Bomber Command Commemorative Ceremony 2 June 2013, RAAF Base, Amberley. Commemorative ceremony for the air and ground crew who served in Bomber Command during World War II. Contact Ted Vowles on (07) or Jim Hutchinson on (07) RAAF GEMS/GEMF Musterings Reunion 29 June 2013, North Ipswich. All current and former RAAF personnel who served in any GEMS or GEMF throughout Australia at any RAAF Base are invited to attend. Contact Greg Lyons on or via at jacko@ipswichjets.com.au I 1 WRAAC Company 60th Birthday Celebrations Saturday 6th July 2013 to be held at THE SHIP INN, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane am for a 12 noon start. Cost $55. Ex-members of 1 WRAAC Coy please contact Jan or Dell no later than 24 June 2013 for bookings and further details. 42nd Infantry Battalion Association Mackay Branch Reunion 27 July Former members of the 42nd RQR, 42nd AIF, 9th Field Ambulance, Sarina and their partners are invited to attend. Contact Garry Edwards on (07) or via at garry_edwards53@hotmail.com HMAS Quiberon Reunion August 2013, Hervey Bay. Contact Bill Facey on (07) or via at billrob45@bigpond.com 1 Field Squadron RAE Reunion August 2013, Twin Towns Services Club. Contact Robin Farrell on (07) or via at info@1fieldsappers.org I National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony On the 31st of August 2013, starting at 1030 the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association of Australia (Queensland and Brisbane Branch) will be holding their annual Wreath Laying Ceremony to honour our fallen service personnel. The Service will be held at the Enoggera Barracks. For further information contact Laraine on or kody@oneseniors.com.au A Field Battery Association Inc. Annual General Meeting and Reunion A cordial invitation is extended to all serving and former members of the A Field Battery Association (including all attached members) and their partners, to attend the Annual General Meeting and Reunion on Monday 9th, Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September 2013 at the Sawtell RSL Club, First Avenue, Sawtell NSW. Please forward all enquiries to: The Secretary, A Field Battery Association Inc., 6 Harveys Road, Beaconsfield QLD I Naval Health Services Reunion October 18-19, 2013, Noosa. Former and current serving members of the Naval Health Services are invited to attend. For more information, contact Dave JOHN on or johndnd@bigpond.com. Naval Dockyard Police 100th Anniversary 2-3 November 2013, Twin Towns Services Club. All serving and non-serving personnel are invited to attend. Contact Rod Clarey on or via at rod.clarey1@bigpond.com I RAR Catering Pl Inaugural Reunion 16 November 2013, Coffs Harbour. All retired, ex-serving and current members are welcome to attend. Contact John Noonan on or via at 1stbnaacc.dinner@gmail.com To list your upcoming reunion, rslnews@rslqld.org EXTREMELY DISABLED WAR VETERANS CENTRAL & NORTH QLD ASSN. INC As a member of The National Association our aims are to: Promote the Welfare of Veterans, their Wives, Carers & Widows Monitor Legislation which may affect you Work in conjunction with other ex-service organisations to receive a better deal from D.V.A. JOIN NOW! You may be missing out... Those on an intermediate rate are most welcome If receiving 100% we may be able to assist you to obtain E.D.A. Monthly Notice Papers available Contact: June Harper (Secretary) (07) or Waverley Lohmann (President) (07) Write: P.O. Box 3114, Pialba, QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS

71 2013 Calendar of Events National Serviceman s Day February 14 Youth Development Program Leadership Forum, Gold Coast March 9 Kapyong Day (Korean War) April 24 ANZAC Appeal April 5 26 ANZAC Eve Concerts, Brisbane April 24 ANZAC Day April 25 Youth Development Program Applications Open April 25 Victory in Europe (VE) Day May 8 Indigenous Veterans Ceremony, ANZAC Square, Brisbane May 29 RSL Queensland Annual General Meeting, Brisbane June Reserve Forces Day July 1 RSL Soldiers Kokoda, Papua New Guinea July Korean Veterans Day July 27 Sandakan Day (World War II) August 15 Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day (World War II) August 15 Vietnam Veterans Day (Vietnam War) August 18 RSL Bulimba Festival, Oxford Street, Brisbane August 25 Merchant Navy Day September 3 Battle for Australia Day (World War II) September 4 National Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Day September 14 United Nations Day (Peace Operations) October 24 Poppy Appeal October 29 November 11 Poppy Appeal City Ambush, Brisbane November 11 Remembrance Day November 11 Youth Development Program Applications Close November 11 RSL SERVING THE NATION IN WAR AND PEACE For more information call or visit *Please note these dates are correct for QUEENSLAND RSLNEWS 69

72