THE BRANCH NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc. DECEMBER 2017 Lest We Forget 1
The Sub-Branch office will be closed from 12noon on Friday 22 December and re-open on Tuesday 2 January 2018 Another year has passed and one wonders where the time has gone. Remembrance Day 2017 was a moving service with a large crowd in attendance and was well received by them. Next year I feel will be special with it being the day the war to end all wars finished and the guns fell silent on the Western Front and the Middle East. Your Committee has been busy with the organizing the new premises for Pensions and Welfare. To date nothing has been finalised as we are waiting for the updated quotes for Peters Lane. It is imperative that Pensions are relocated as their workload is increasing daily. A new addition to the Sub-Branch is the RSL branded car for the Welfare section to use to carry out their duties. Your Sub-Branch Welfare team now look after Burrum Heads, Howard and Torbanlea. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Brian Tidyman President. 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 - www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am - 12.00pm or ph: 4197 7477. 2
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 3 10.30am (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. www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au 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
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 Pensions Officers, Advocates & Welfare officers. 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
Our team of 12 Welfare Support 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 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 Pension Officers to prepare claims. How to contact the Welfare Team: Office (07) 4197 7477 After Hours (07) 4197 7444 (RSL Club for call forwarding) Email: welfare@herveybayrsl.com.au 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
L-R President Brian Tidyman, receiving the Certificate of Appreciation, Allan Brown, Secretary Kevin Collins next to the car Allan transformed into an ambassador for organ donation. DonateLife The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. donated the sum of $500.00 to Allan Brown who is raising funds on behalf of DonateLife Organ Donation. The Sub-Branch is pleased to support Allan and this worthy cause. Allan presented the Sub-Branch with a Certificate of Appreciation. Visit the DonateLife website https://register.donatelife.gov.au/ for further information and to add your name to the Australian Organ Donor Register. 6
The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch presented a Remembrance Day ceremony for veterans and locals alike at Freedom Park on Saturday 11 November 2017. Keith Pitt, Federal Member for Hinkler and Ted Sorensen Member for Hervey Bay, laid wreaths while Pipe Major Hugh McBroom from the Hervey Bay RSL Pipe Band played the bagpipes. Many local ex-service Organisations and students from the local schools laid wreaths. Geoff Harper was outstanding as bugler and Jeffery Jarvis said prayers for past and present service personnel. The 9RQR supported as Catafalque Party. The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch would like to thank the Committee and all parties involved in making this a memorable service and keeping the memory alive of those who fell in the line of duty during the First World War. Lest We Forget 7
T S KRAIT PRESENTATION DAY 2 DECEMBER 2017 Left: Jenny Pullen presenting the winning cadet team with the Arthur Jack Pullen Memorial Award for Sailing, named in honour of her father (Ex R.A.N. & ANC Instructor). The shield and a prize were sponsored by a Community Award kindly provided by the, all arranged by the Fraser Coast Naval Association. The winning cadets were LS Peter Kuzmanovic, LS Jemma Brown, AB Casey Bates, and SMN Matthew Baker. Right: The TS Krait cadets marching demonstration ANZAC Community Service Awards 2017 Congratulations to Kevin Lategan of Volunteer Marine Rescue Hervey Bay. As the winner, Kevin nominated Volunteer Marine Rescue Hervey Bay to receive the $1,000.00 award cheque. Kevin takes home a trophy and VMR Hervey Bay hold the Perpetual Shield for one year. Visit our webpage and follow the link to read the winning nomination submitted by Theresa Harris, Secretary of the VMR. Left to Right D a v e M a r s h m a n, Operations Manager of the VMR Hervey Bay with Kevin Lategan receiving his award from Brian Tidyman, President of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. 8
Australian Peacekeepers Day 14th September 2017 Address by Tracy Gillespie Australian men and women have participated in peacekeeping operations since 1947 starting with the Independence of Indonesia from the Dutch. Australia has made a significant contribution to worldwide peace operations including commanding operations in Kashmir, Cambodia, Sinai, Iraq and East Timor. Australian peacekeepers have served in theatres of war and conflict around the world, from the Americas to Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. Currently, we are deployed on operations in the Middle East, Cyprus and South Sudan. Do not forget that most of these ADF and Police are unarmed standing up to armed opponents with no protection except for UN light blue headwear. 47 have paid the ultimate price. On this day we will remember those 47 and all of the peacekeepers who have served during these operations. Lest we Forget. Padre Vic Burgess at the Cenotaph. Col Payne, VVAA; Peter McDermott, The Naval Association Fraser Coast Sub-Section and Simon Morley, HB & District Veterans Association laying wreaths at the Cenotaph. Tracy Gillespie, Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Committee Member and Ex Royal Australian Navy Veteran delivering the address 9
HERVEY BAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL visit to the Sub-Branch on 10 October 2017 10 On Tuesday 10 October 2017 Tinka Welton from Hervey Bay State High School invited President Brian Tidyman and Deputy President John Beattie to speak of their experience in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Ros Richards, ex RAAF Nurse and the only female Vietnam Veteran in Australia, was also there as part of the team. Students came to the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch and were captivated by the words of Brian and John (ex-army) and Ros, which was evidenced by the questions asked during the session and afterwards. The students, along with their teacher, gained a better understanding and newfound respect for the Vietnam War Veterans, especially as to their personal experiences during the conflict and when they returned home.
RSL WOMEN S AUXILIARY NEWS December 2017 2017 has been a busy and productive year for the Auxiliary which is now in its 89th year of service and support to the Sub Branch and the local community. Our year began with the Annual General Meeting in February. The first bi-monthly bus trip to the Maryborough Markets and Hospital Museum in March was cancelled by Cyclone Debbie but we finally got there in May, and bus trips followed to Childers, Woodgate Beach and the Australiana Cottage Crafts and Herb Farm, Takura. A mystery bus trip and lunch was arranged for November and was good fun despite the rainy day. Visitors and new members are welcome on our bus trips but as seats are limited it is necessary to let us know that you are coming. We also enjoyed lunches together at local restaurants and at the Miners Arms Hotel, Torbanlea. The small white commemorative crosses we introduced for ANZAC Day 2016 were made available in April for $2.00 each and they were very well received with more than 300 taken. Laid out in the form of a cross below the flagpole in Freedom Park with their red poppies attached they were an impressive and touching sight. The crosses will be available again prior to ANZAC Day 2018. The Auxiliary was represented and placed a wreath or flowers at most of the commemorative services held during the year. The annual Tombola was brought forward from October to June. This proved popular and was a very successful event and will be held in June again next year. All funds raised by the Auxiliary from the commemorative crosses, Tombola and the RSL Club lucky number raffles are returned to the local community by donations made in June and November. Recipients include Riding for the Disabled, three rural fire brigades, Burrum Heads Girl Guides, Comfort Kitchen and the Navy and Army Cadets. The Auxiliary was invited to attend the TS Krait Inspection Parade in May and we were represented by members of our committee who will also attend the Inspection Parade in December. It is always a pleasure to see the young Navy Cadets on parade and we appreciate receiving an invitation. Membership increased during the year. The monthly meetings, bus trips and lunches were all well attended and volunteers for memorabilia sales for the Sub-Branch were readily available for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. It is not necessary to have a military affiliation to join the Auxiliary and new members are always welcome at our meetings that are held on the second Tuesday of the month from February to December at 10:30 am at the RSL Club. Further information is available from Barbara Campbell 4128 9110 or Joan Hawkes 4125 4049. Bus trip bookings can be made by phoning Esme Fay on 4194 0666. A new initiative for the Auxiliary is our participation in the Invictus Games Laundry Bags Project which will supply 500 laundry bags to the athletes competing in the Invictus Games in Sydney in October 2018. We are working on the project with auxiliaries from New South Wales and Victoria and we are looking forward to displaying our laundry bags with their Australiana panels before they go to the State Council of Auxiliaries in Brisbane in the new year. FROM THE AUXILIARY S ARCHIVES MAY 1949 MISS L. TOOTH, PRESIDENT: On ANZAC Day we provided, as usual, the dawn breakfast for about 60 men, and at midday dinner for about 100 people including exservice men and women, guests from the ANZAC committee, Ministers Fraternal and press representatives, etc. After the concert at night the Auxiliary provided supper for the male choir and other artists. We also did a roaring trade selling tea and scones to members of the audience at sixpence a cup which, as well as swelling our funds a little, cleared the surplus food left from breakfast and dinner. The new sink that we just purchased, and Mr List kindly installed for us, was well tried out and proved to fulfil a long felt need. Regards Barbara Campbell, President RSL Women s Auxiliary Hervey Bay L-R Mal Toy, Jan Nielsen, Lucille Kirkwood, Janice Chick The members of the Auxiliary extend their very best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy new year. 11
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 principles: 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 our Sub-section members assisted the RSL Sub-Branch by combining with Tri-service to sell Remembrance Day memorabilia at Urangan shopping centre. We also participated in the Peacekeeper s Day, Beersheba, and Remembrance Day Commemorations. Camaraderie: To finish off 2017 we celebrated with our Christmas function which was held in the. On the same day we drew out the winners of our Christmas raffle which was the culmination of a huge effort by our members. Cadets: The month of December saw TS Krait hold its Annual Inspection, followed by the presentation of awards. The Fraser Coast Sub-section facilitated the award of a perpetual shied for the best cadet/s in sailing. The award was named after one of our past members Arthur Pullen. Arthur was an ex-navy veteran, and also a cadet instructor for over 20 years. A keen yachtie, he passed his knowledge on to many young cadets. Contribution by Peter McDermott President December 2017 12 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 0409 260 255 or email pmcd@southernphone.com.au or Rod Beckinsale on 0409 625 570 or email rbeckins@bigpond.net.au
Beersheba 2017 Remembering the 100th Anniversary of the Light Horse Charge At 1630 hours, on Tuesday 31 st October 2017, President Brian Tidyman, along with the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch committee, led a poignant ceremony to commemorate 100 years since the Battle of Beersheba at the War Memorial in Freedom Park, Hervey Bay. You can see the President s speech (condensed) on our website http://www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au Sub-Branch Membership Draw The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch is now holding a weekly membership draw for 7 x $100.00 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! 13
Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation Head of Veteran Mental Health initiative Dr Madeline Romaniuk shares insights from her experience as a clinical psychologist on how you can cultivate contentment and build resilience. Build Relationships Social connections and relationships are particularly important when faced with adversity. Social support has been repeatedly demonstrated to be protective against mental health difficulties when faced with tough situations. It is important to prioritise regular contact with friends and family. Live by your values Having a life purpose is important for a sense of worth but for some it can feel like a daunting prospect. It can be better to look at it in terms of living by your values. Those who live by their values have a greater meaning and life satisfaction. Be present moment focused Spending too much time thinking about the past or the future can lead to rumination about past mistakes or unhelpful worry about future challenges. Try to live in the moment as much as you can, and remain focused on the task at hand whether it is completing a work deadline, doing the washing, cooking dinner or spending time with others. Cultivate optimism & express gratitude Being optimistic doesn t mean you have to be positive about everything all the time, it means being able to have a balanced view of things, having a wider perspective and seeing the good with the bad. Optimistic people view setbacks and difficulties as transient and believe they have the skills and abilities to overcome challenges. Expressing gratitude can help you to have a more balanced view on life. Be proactive and problem solve Research suggests that those that are proactive with problems generally have much better outcomes, and have greater well-being while those that avoid problem solving have greater levels of stress. Take care of yourself and practice self-compassion Regularly engaging in enjoyable activities can protect against mental heal difficulties. Selfcompassion involves responding to our own mistakes, failures, or strong emotions with kindness rather than judgment, guilt or shame. Those who are self-compassionate recognise that imperfection is part of being human, and they are able to express and manage emotions more adaptively. If you or a loved one needs assistance or support, help is only a phone call away. Contact the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. 14 September 2017
On Monday 23 October 2017 Sarah Laidler from Hervey Bay High School presented her speech to the President Brian Tidyman, and Deputy President John Beattie, of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch. Sarah will be giving her speech at the ANZAC Day Main Service on Wednesday 25th April 2018. On Monday 30 October 2017 Daniel Haskins and Cassidy Dobson from St James Lutheran College and Lachlan Grumley from Xavier Catholic College presented their speeches to the President, Deputy President and Tracy Gillespie, Committee Member. All speeches were well received and Cassidy Dobson will be giving her speech at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service on Wednesday 25th April 2018. The Sub-Branch Committee was impressed with the all the presentations and look forward to sharing the winning speeches with Hervey Bay next ANZAC Day. For their hard work, effort and researching the topic, Sarah and Cassidy have won $2,000.00 each towards their further education. Well done and thank you to those students and schools who participated in the ANZAC Centenary Youth Competition for 2017. Left to Right Deputy President John Beattie, Lachlan Grumley from Xavier Catholic College, Cassidy Dobson from St James Lutheran College and Daniel Haskins from St James Lutheran College with Sub-Branch committee member Tracy Gillespie 15
INSURANCE Defence Service Homes Insurance offers a range of home, contents and other insurance policies. They provide comprehensive cover with value-for-money premiums. We give you the care and attention you deserve and peace of mind you can depend on. 16 DSHA offers the following insurance policies: Building insurance Home & Contents insurance Caravan, trailer, motorcycle Travel insurance Residential Landlord Private pleasure craft Private motorcar Compulsory Third Party Who can insure? The following are eligible to take out policies with Defence Service Homes Insurance: An Australian veteran Current or former ADF members, Reservists or Peacekeepers Widows or widowers of any of the above Members of the ex-service community Those that provide services to the above communities Please Note: There are specific eligibility criteria for DSHI Building Insurance. OPERATION LIFE KEEP CALM, STAY SAFE The new Operation Life mobile application (app) is designed to help those at risk deal with suicidal thoughts and is recommended to be used with the support of a clinician. The app provides on-thego access to emergency and professional support and self-help tools to help users regain control, keep calm and take action to stay safe. The app also contains web links to online resources, including information on suicide awareness, prevention training and counselling. The app is available free from the App Store or Google Play. For more information about suicide awareness and prevention see the Operation Life Online website.
Disaster contact information Important phone numbers Police / Fire / Ambulance Emergency 000 Life-threatening emergencies only Entire Fraser Coast region State Emergency Service (SES) Emergency 132 500 Entire Fraser Coast region Disaster Coordination Centre (when activated) 4190 4999 Entire Fraser Coast region Emergency services Police Hervey Bay Maryborough Blog site Howard CIB 4123 8111 Water Police 4123 8111 Fraser Island Tiaro 4123 8111 142 Torquay Road, Scarness 4123 8111 176 Lennox Street MyPolice.qld.gov.au/Maryborough 4123 8111 98 William Street 4123 8111 Eurong 4123 8111 Mayne Street Fire Hervey Bay 4125 2133 227 Torquay Terrace Maryborough 4190 4801 98 Lennox Street Rural Fire Service (area office) 4190 4839 Locations include: Aldershot, Bauple, Bidwill, Brooweena, Burrum Heads, Dundowran, Dunmora East Booral, Elliot Musket Flat, Eurong, Gigoomgan, Glenwood, Gundiah, HappyValley, Howard/Torbanlea, Miva, Mungar, Yerra, Nikenbah, Orchid Beach, River Heads,Sandy Straits, Takura, Toogoom, Tinana, Tinnanbar, Tiaro and Yengarie 17
Emergency services (cont d) Ambulance Enquiries, authorised non-urgent transport Hervey Bay Happy Valley Maryborough 131 233 Entire Fraser Coast region 118 Torquay Road, Scarness Warry Street, Fraser Island 21 Winston Noble Drive State Emergency Service (SES) Burrum Heads 132 500 223 Burrum Heads Road Hervey Bay 132 500 103 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba Howard 132 500 Lot 1 Steely Street Maryborough 132 500 Reed Avenue Sandy Strait 132 500 55 Eckert Road, Boonooroo Tiaro 132 500 6 Copenhagen Street Woocoo 132 500 5 Boundary Road, Oakhurst Glenwood (depot) 132 500 Pepper Road Hospitals Hervey Bay (public) Maryborough Base (public) St Stephens (private) 4325 6666 Cnr Urraween and Nissen Sts, Pialba 4122 8222 185 Walker Street 4123 8555 182-198 Nissen Street, Hervey Bay Electricity (Ergon Energy) Customer service 131 046 Entire Fraser Coast region Faults (24 hours) 132 296 Entire Fraser Coast region Life-threatening emergency 131 670 Entire Fraser Coast region 18
VALE 1 SEPTEMBER 2017 30 NOV E M BER 2017 WHEELER, Barry John A123294 RAAF 04.09.2017 FRAHM, Wallace Ewart QX47058 33Wks Coy 07.09.2017 GILVEAR, Betty Margaret W225896 RAAF 08.09.2017 SMITH, Dennis John 22275233 REME 12.09.2017 SMITH, Keith Oliver R45881 RAN 17.09.2017 WEIR, Alfred Dean PA5674 RANR 30.09.2017 PADGET, Lionel William QX39849 2/2 Aust. Inf. Tps W/shops 03.10.2017 KING, Keith Jack 138154 RAAF 11.10.2017 GREER, John Henry 2734364 RAA 01.11.2017 HOWELL, Robert 6/705259 RAA 01.11.2017 LEADLEY, Edmund NZ433704 RNZAF 04.11.2017 THOMSON, Donald R56886 RAN 06.11.2017 FROST, Geoffrey 3115NS RAN 10.11.2017 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
Hervey Bay Ex-Service Organizations Ex-Service Organization Hervey Bay & District Veterans Association PO Box 3042 Hervey Bay Ex-Servicewomen s Social Club, Hervey Bay Branch P.O. Box 3339 Hervey Bay Legacy Group PO Box 3302 Hervey Bay Old Salts PO Box 3042 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc PO Box 3042 Hervey Bay RSL Women s Auxiliary PO Box 3042 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 TPDSA (Fraser Coast) Inc PO Box 3241 Tri Services Hervey Bay PO Box 3042 Ph: 0438 996 753 Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Hervey Bay City Sub-Branch PO Box 3243 War Widows Guild PO Box 1238 Legacy Laurel Club PO Box 5482 TORQUAY Q 4655 Meeting details Second Thursday of the month 11 am Second Monday of the month 10.30 am Contact Legacy House on 4194 5111 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 and a private residence Committee: General Meeting: Fourth Thursday of the month Feb, May, Aug, Nov 10.15 am 10.30 am Second Tuesday of the month 10 am Fourth Wednesday of the month (in odd months only) 10.30 am Second Sunday of the month (excluding January) 11.00 a.m. Second Wednesday of the month 10.30 am First Wednesday of the month Alternating between and Maryborough RSL Club Get-together: Every Thursday & Saturday from 10am in the Sports Bar First Monday of the month 10 am Veterans Social Centre, Main St, Pialba First Monday of the month 10 am Third Monday of the month 2 pm General Meeting: First DVA pay day of the month 10.15 am For further information contact the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch on 4197 7477 20