THE BRANCH. Lest We Forget. NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc. March Gallipoli Cove

Transcription

1 THE BRANCH NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc. March 2018 Gallipoli Cove Lest We Forget 1

2 Brian Tidyman President. President Brian is on a well earned holiday and has asked me to write this edition s report. The AGM for 2018 was held on Saturday 24 th would like to thank all who attended. February and I The building of new office premises for the Compensation Advocates did not get passed at the AGM due to cost blowout however the Committee are prioritizing relocating the Pensions and Welfare sections off-site. The Committee for 2018 is on page 15 of this newsletter. You will see some new names on the list. Planning has already started for ANZAC Day This year the Queensland Police Service require anti-terrorism road blocks to be in place to keep the community safe. These will stay in place from early morning until midday. Please see our website to find out details of the ANZAC Day commemoration services and times: The Sub-Branch, together with the RSL & Services Memorial Club, are sponsoring a student to participate in the Kokoda Trek in PNG over the ANZAC Day period with his veteran father. We wish them well and look forward to hearing about their experiences on their return. When getting your wristbands from the Sub-Branch please let us know your and mobile phone details so we can keep you informed of Sub-Branch news and upcoming events. Otherwise, call the Sub-Branch or send us an with your current contact details. Stay safe and remember that the Sub-Branch is here for the members. Kevin Collins Secretary Don't forget that you can keep abreast of what is happening with the Sub-Branch and ESO s by checking out the Sub-Branch's website Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am pm or ph:

3 Annual General Meeting Last Saturday in February each year February 24 10:30am (held in Hervey House at the RSL Club) General Meetings May 12 10:30am August 11 10:30am November am (held in Hervey House at the RSL Club) DATES TO REMEMBER 2018 Committee Meetings Usually held the fourth Thursday of the month (no meeting December). There will be a variation in April when the Committee meeting is held before ANZAC Day. Check the website for updates and variations. Commemorations observed in Hervey Bay: April 25 ANZAC Day July 8 Rimau Commemoration July 27 Korea Memorial Day August 15 VP Day August 18 Vietnam Veterans Day September 14 Peacekeepers Day November 11 Remembrance Day Ensure the RSL Club has your correct mobile phone details to receive event notifications and reminders Don t forget to visit our webpage for all the latest Sub-Branch news. S U P P O R T I N G T H E EX- S E R V I C E C O M M U N I T Y O F H E R V E Y B A Y 3

4 Who are we? The Hervey Bay Sub-Branch of the RSL offers a FREE Pensions and Advocacy service that is staffed and operated by qualified Compensation Advocates and Welfare Advocates. Our staff provides professional advice and assistance on obtaining eligible benefits under the: Veterans Entitlement Act (VEA); Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (SRCA) and Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (MRCA) In addition, the RSL State Branch Pensions, Advocacy and Welfare Service have advocates throughout Queensland who are: Highly experienced in lodging claims under the Veterans Entitlements Act (VEA), Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (SRCA) and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA); Caring and qualified to practise in their areas of expertise; Able to draw on a wealth of operational and broad-based peacetime experience; and Having served overseas and in the ADF for many years. Services We Offer The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch s Pensions and Welfare Service covers disability pensions, compensation payments, associated allowances, income support payments and treatment available to entitled veterans and former serving members of the Defence Forces and their dependents. 4

5 Our team of 11 Welfare Visitation Officers are trained and authorized to assist the ex-service community (Army, Air Force, Navy and Police). This is a free service. How can they help? Welfare Visitation Officers are trained to assist with a range of services: Health Care Community Services available Concessions Respite Care Home/hospital/nursing home visits Arrange access to financial advice Assist with bereavement Assist with DVA services Liaise with Compensation Advocates to prepare claims. How to contact the Welfare Team: Office (07) After Hours (07) (RSL Club for call forwarding) We are looking for more volunteers for our Welfare and Pension teams and you do not have to be ex-service to help out. It would be an advantage if you have been involved in nursing, Community Services or Lifeline and could give a couple of hours per week, but the necessary Advocacy Training and Development Program ( ATDP ) training will be provided. 5

6 Hervey Bay Old Salts Association The Old Salts meet on the first Sunday of every month at the Hervey Bay RSL and members homes, alternately. We are a non-profit organisation and funds raised are principally for the benefit of our members. We also gather monthly for social outings a bus trip, lunch at a restaurant. Membership is open to members of any water-borne service, military or civilian, retired or serving, RAN, RN, RNZN & allied Navies, Army water-borne units, Water Police, Coastguard, professional fishermen and their respective partners. We also cater for social members, at the discretion of the Committee. Check out our website at New members are made welcome, so come and join our friendly group. For further information contact: President: Roger Widdowson on UNITY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY Sub-Branch Membership Draw The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch is now holding a weekly membership draw for 7 x $ vouchers redeemable at either the RSL Club or The Clubhouse. The draw will take place each Monday at the Sub-Branch office and winners will be contacted by phone. Each voucher is valid for six months from date of issue and must be collected within a week of the draw. Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date with the Sub-Branch as we might be calling you! Good luck everyone! 6

7 H e r v e y B a y S u b - B r a n c h T h a n k y o u l u n c h J a n u a r y The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch held a luncheon for the volunteers who assist the Sub-Branch including the welfare bus drivers, pension officers, welfare support officers and the Sub-Branch committee at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club on Wednesday 17 th January President Brian Tidyman thanked everyone for the commitment and dedication to their jobs. 7

8 ANZAC DAY 2018 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Private Function Information Sheet D A W N SERV I C E Parade outside Club in Torquay Road at a.m. Step off at a.m. Dawn Service at Freedom Park (approx) a.m. March back to RSL for drinks/breakfast... 06:00am 07:30 a.m. P RE- M A I N MAR C H Last drinks Bar closes a.m. Vacate premises a.m. M AIN M A R C H Parade from RSL car park a.m. Step off at a.m. Service at Freedom Park (when all participants in position) approx :45 a.m. On completion Return to Club. P O S T - M AIN MAR C H Sub-Branch function will commence at conclusion of service approx a.m. Buffet food served a.m p.m. Sub-Branch function closes p.m. Games from President s nod p.m. Games cease p.m. 8

9 ANZAC Day 2018 Cost of Entry Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Members (must produce 2018 card) All functions No charge Guest (1) for breakfast $30.00 Guest (1) for lunch $30.00 All day ticket only available for 1 guest of Hervey Bay members $50.00 War Widows... No Charge Carers must produce proof from recognised State or Federal Government Carer organisation... (half price) $15.00 Still Serving ADF Members (must produce current ID) All functions No Charge Guest (1) for breakfast $30.00 Guest (1) for lunch $30.00 All day ticket only available for 1 guest of still serving ADF members only $50.00 Members of other Sub Branches/Ex-Service persons (must produce proof) Breakfast $30.00 Lunch $30.00 Guest (1) for breakfast $30.00 Guest (1) for lunch $30.00 Sorry, no day tickets Wristbands will be issued from the Sub-Branch Office from 3 rd to 20 th April (numbers required for catering purposes) 9

10 M E MBER BENEFITS F L I GHT CENTRE Flight Centre offers RSL members and their businesses access to a range of services, including airfares and holiday packages. Our relationship provides you with access to a dedicated travel manager, corporate airfares, accommodation rates and car rental, as well as frequent flyer benefits, discounted lounge memberships and 24/7 after-hours emergency support. Contact Flight Centre on or rslqld@flightcentre.com.au. RSL MONEY RSL Money is a joint initiative between the RSL and the Australian Defence Credit Union (ADCU). We have partnered to provide a range of low cost, high value banking products that can make a real difference to the RSL and greater Defence community. Products on offer through RSL Money include: The RSL Money Low Rate Visa Credit Card The RSL Money Deeming Account The RSL Money Sub Branch Account Visit RSL Money to find out more. N AT I ONAL SENIORS INSURANCE National Seniors Insurance offers RSL members competitive rates on a range of insurance products including home, car, travel and pet insurance. A donation of $20 is made to RSL (Queensland Branch) for every policy purchased. For more information on our partnership with National Seniors Insurance, please call

11 RSL WOMEN S AUXILIARY NEWS March 2018 The Auxiliary held its Annual General Meeting on 13 February The committee elections were conducted by Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman and the following committee was elected. President, Barbara Campbell; Vice President, Esme Fay; Secretary, Joan Hawkes; Treasurer, Barbara Roberts; Committee Members, Maggie Devine, Jan Neilsen, Trish Hummerston. The Auxiliary is looking forward to another busy year of fun and friendship. The first bus trip for 2018 was to Tiaro on Wednesday 7 March where we had morning tea and shopped. Lunch was at Maryborough on the way home. In May we will be going to Bundaberg to meet the members of the Bundaberg Women s Auxiliary for lunch and to do some sightseeing. Visitors and friends are welcome on our bus trips but seats are limited so please book with Esme Fay on or Joan Hawkes on if you would like to come. Bus travel is free of charge with lunch and admission fees at our own expense. Our bus trips are friendly and relaxed and the days are not too long. Along with other auxiliaries in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, we are participating in the Invictus Games Laundry Bags Project, and our ten very well made bright cotton bags with their Australiana fabric panels will contribute to the 500 bags it is aimed to provide for the athletes competing in the Games in Sydney in October. The bags will be displayed proudly beside our commemorative crosses in the RSL Club foyer next month. For ANZAC Day 2016 we introduced small white commemorative crosses. They were made available again last year for $2.00 each, complete with a red poppy and a notecard on which a veteran s name or a brief message could be written. Each cross is a personal commemoration that becomes part of the ANZAC Day services and they will be available again this year in the foyer of the RSL Club from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Friday 20 April to Monday 23 April. The Auxiliary will place the crosses in the ground below the flagpole on 24 April and we will retrieve them following the second ANZAC Day service. Last year 350 crosses provided a moving commemorative display. They always remain the property of the Auxiliary. Our annual tombola will be held in Hervey House on Tuesday 26 June, having been brought forward successfully last year from its usual date in October. Good prizes are being accumulated and tickets assembled. Our tombola days are always enjoyable with lots of prizes, raffles and lucky doors and a complimentary morning tea a fun way to spend a morning at this quieter, cooler time of the year. The Hervey Bay Auxiliary is now in its 89 th year. Our monthly meetings are held at the RSL Club from February- December at 10:30 am on the second Tuesday of the month. New members are always welcome at our monthly meetings, and to join us for lunch at the club afterwards. We are a small, friendly group and new members are made very welcome. Please contact Barbara Campbell on or Joan Hawkes on if you would like further details. FROM THE AUXILIARY S ARCHIVES GENERAL MEETING MINUTES 8 JUNE 1954: Fancy Dress Ball: Mrs Parsons reported that the hall had been booked for September 4 and Max Peter s orchestra had been engaged. Mrs Wheeler gave 15 shillings for the prize for most economical costume and Mrs Parsons gave 1 pound for the best costume. (For many years the Auxiliary ran, and catered for, an annual ball as a fundraiser for the Sub Branch.) Regards Barbara Campbell, President RSL Women s Auxiliary Hervey Bay 11

12 Article Fraser Coast Chronicle Thursday 1 March 2018 JOINING THE TRAIL: Hervey Bay RSL Sub- Branch President Brian Tidyman in front of the Light Horse Statue at Freedom Park. The park will join the Fraser Coast Military Trail once additional plaques and signs are erected near the statue. (Blake Antrobus) 12 Fitting tribute: Interpretive centre to honour Light Horse by Jessica Grewal THE next powerful component of the Fraser Coat Military Trail could centre around Hervey Bay's acclaimed Light Horse Statue. Should it go ahead, the Hervey Bay Australian Light Horse Interpretive Centre would tell the story of the Middle East campaign during World War I. Permanent displays would detail the reason for Australia's involvement in the Middle East, tracing main battles and focusing on the legendary Beersheba charge depicted by the sculpture at Freedom Park, Pialba. The Hervey Bay RSL Sub Branch, which raised funds to make the statue a reality four years ago, is in the process of applying for a government grant. Sub Branch President Brian Tidyman said there had already been great interest in the project and hoped it would attract support in business and government ranks. He said the success of the Middle East campaign was largely due to a combination of sturdy and courageous men from the Australian Light Horse Brigade, Australian Camel Corps and the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, who stayed behind to guard the Suez Canal after the main Anzac forces went from Egypt to the Western Front. The interpretive centre would form an important part of the region's developing military trail and dovetail into the Queen's Park "Gallipoli to Armistice complex being built in Maryborough. The $3.2 million Queen's Park project traces the journey of the original Anzacs from Gallipoli to the Western Front. The Maryborough complex, due to open in July, will make brief mention of the Middle East campaign and link directly to the Australian Light Horse Interpretive Centre in Hervey Bay, which would follow the complete journey from Sinai through Saudi Arabia and Palestine to Jerusalem and Damascus. Would you like to see this project become a reality? jessica.grewal@frasercoastchronicle.com.au

13 McGrath Foundation fundraiser Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club On Saturday 6th January 2018, Tracy Gillespie from the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch and John Kelsey, from the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club dressed up in pink and roused the Club patrons for donations for this very worthy cause. They raised a total of $ The President of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, Mr Brian Tidyman and the President of the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club, Mr Ray Eustace, will be matching the amount raised, making a total of $1, being donated to the McGrath Foundation. L-R Tracy Gillespie, John Kelsey and Colleen Crabb fundraising in the ANZAC Sports Bar at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club! 13

14 The Naval Association of Australia Fraser Coast Sub Section Each for All-All for Each Postal Address: Fraser Coast Sub-section of N.A.A. c/-hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club Inc. PO Box 3042, Pialba QLD 4655 The Naval Association of Australia is committed to four important principals: Care (i.e. the welfare of our members), Commemoration, Camaraderie, and we assist our local naval Cadet units. Care: We endeavour to visit any of our members/family who might be in hospital, or disadvantaged locally, and use our network to provide support to those who might be in hospital further afield. We pay home visits to members who are alone, and unable to easily get out and about. Commemoration: In the past quarter, there being no scheduled RSL Sub-branch commemorations, we have taken the opportunity to remember the 82 Voyager crew lost in the collision with HMAS Melbourne on 10 th February, 1964 (the number of lives lost included one civilian worker). This was followed on the 1 st March with a service to remember the 1,046 sailors and US marines lost in the Battle of Sunda Strait (1942), which involved the cruisers HMAS Perth and USS Houston, against a vastly superior Japanese naval force. Another 106 were to die as P.O.W. s. Both memorial services were held at the cenotaph at Freedom Park, Pialba. Camaraderie: We are ramping-up our social calendar for this year, starting with a member s meet and greet BBQ which was held at ESA Park, Point Vernon on Sunday 4 th March. A total of 43 nominated including existing members, newly joined members, and a good number of potential members in the mix. The weather was fine and sunny and a good time was had by all! Cadets: There is not a great deal to report on TS Krait, due to their shut down over the Christmas holiday break. It was very pleasing to see the unit s C.O. and X.O. join the Sub-section as full members. The Sub-section AGM was held on the 11 th February, with the following executive members elected: President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Junior vice president: Peter McDermott Steve Zahra Rod Beckinsale Jim Dellar Marty Price We welcome Marty and Jim to our executive committee. 14 The Fraser Coast Sub-Section continue to meet at the Hervey RSL Boardroom on the 2 nd Sunday of the month (Except January). Application for membership is invited please contact: Peter McDermott on or pmcd@southernphone.com.au or Rod Beckinsale on or rbeckins@bigpond.net.au

15 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Annual General Meeting Saturday 24 February 2018 Following the AGM the 2018 Sub-Branch committee is as follows: President: Deputy President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Committee: Brian Tidyman John Beattie Toby Tidyman Kevin Collins Tracy Gillespie Christine Bell Paul Bloomfield Buster Crabb Vic Jackson Terry Meehan Simon Morley Glen Tancred Welcome to our new Committee Members Christine, Terry and Glen. Glen has previously assisted in welfare work with visitations and the Diggers Lunches. Terry has been our Level 4 Advocate at the Sub-Branch since 2016 and an integral member of our Pensions team. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Craig Standen and Ian Allsop for their past contributions to the Sub-Branch. Craig and Ian will still be knocking around the Sub-Branch with Ian concentrating on welfare work and visitations, and Craig still organising activities for the Young Vets and assisting with the front desk, funerals and commemorations. Picture: Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman presenting Bob Schultz, Chairman of Hervey Bay Legacy Group, with a cheque given annually by the Sub-Branch to assist the Legacy Scholarship funding. 15

16 H O N O U R S, MEDA L S AND A W A R D S The Department of Defence is responsible for presenting medals and awards. If you want more information about obtaining a medal or award, contact Defence. C E RT I F I C A T E S OF APPRECIATION The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides Certificates of Appreciation to certain people under the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorations program. Overview Certificates of Appreciation are available under the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorations program. They are a way of expressing the nation's gratitude to those who served in the defence forces or on the home front in the Second World War or in wars, conflicts and peace operations overseas since. They do not confer any eligibility for entitlements under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 or the Safety, Rehabilitation or Compensation Act What certificates are available? Certificates of Appreciation are available in respect of the following conflicts and events: Second World War, for service in the Australian armed forces or on the home front British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) Japan Korean War Malayan Emergency Indonesian Confrontation Vietnam War Gulf War Iraq War War in Afghanistan Peace Operations Who can apply? Veterans and those who served in the wars and conflicts for which certificates are available Family members or friends on behalf of eligible persons Where can more information be obtained? Enquiries about eligibility should be directed to the Federal Member. Enquiries from MPs' electorate offices should be directed to DVA via to Commemorative Grants or by phone on freecall

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

18 Emergency services (cont d) Ambulance Enquiries, authorised non-urgent Entire Fraser Coast region transport Hervey Bay Torquay Road, Scarness State Emergency Service (SES) Burrum Heads Burrum Heads Road Hervey Bay Old Maryborough Road, Pialba Howard Lot 1 Steely Street Maryborough Reed Avenue Sandy Strait Eckert Road, Boonooroo Tiaro Copenhagen Street Woocoo Boundary Road, Oakhurst Glenwood (depot) Pepper Road Hospitals Hervey Bay (public) Maryborough Base (public) St Stephens (private) Cnr Urraween and Nissen Sts, Pialba Walker Street Medical Place, Urraween Electricity (Ergon Energy) Customer service Entire Fraser Coast region Faults (24 hours) Entire Fraser Coast region Life-threatening emergency Entire Fraser Coast region RSPCA to report a lost or found animal Help for injured or trapped native animals 1300 ANIMAL /

19 VALE 1 DECEMBER FEBRUA RY 2018 HARRIS, Raymond Frank RAAF UILDRIKS, Oomke Pieter Dental Unit STEVENS, Norman Charles 3/ National Service ROBERSON, Alfred William QX /5 Arm d Regt PRASOLIK, Tadeusz Roman R93562 RAN MASON, James Henry R.E.M.E GREEN, Derek Sydney Q /3 Field Ambulance EVANS, Victor Richard RAAF SMITH, Gregory James R59165 RAN NEY, Bernadette Christina F RAANC LUXFORD, Allan Geoffrey 2/ National Service T R A N Q U I L T H E Y L I E, T H E I R K N I G H T L Y V I R T U E P R O V E D. T H E I R M E M O R Y H A L L O W E D IN T H E L A N D T H E Y L O V E D. L E S T W E F O R G E T 19

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