THE BRANCH NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc. September 2018 CENTENARY OF ARMISTICE Lest We Forget 1
Members, Half the year is already gone and it is only 4 months to Christmas. They say time flies when you are having fun. Do not forget the Special General Meeting on the 1 September as it is a very important one for the Sub-branch. It is D day as to the location of the Pension/Welfare building. As you, the members, will be making the decision I urge everyone to attend. At the moment Pensions have only one advocate working as two are away on holidays so if you are wanting an appointment please be patient and if you have a claim in progress again please be patient. Welfare is also very busy with veterans needs and I would like to thank Carol, Vicki and the volunteers for their dedication with Welfare. On the 31 October 2018 a Service will be held in Freedom Park for the Charge at Beersheba and the unveiling of the 5 stands explaining the major battles of the Middle East theatre of WW1 which the Australian Light Horse were part of. The Service will start at 1600hrs. More information will follow. As always, I thank the Committee for their ongoing support and dedication to the Sub-Branch. Remember for all information regarding Sub-Branch activities go to www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au or phone the office on 41977477 between 0900and 1230Hrs Monday to Friday. Until next edition, Brian Tidyman President 2 Ensure the RSL Club has your correct mobile phone details to receive event notifications and reminders
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 Don t forget to visit our webpage for all the latest Sub-Branch news. www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au 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 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 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Pension Office is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Due to the overwhelming demand for our Pension Advocates, we advise that appointment times and interview times may be delayed. We apologise for any inconvenience however the wellbeing of our few volunteers is paramount and your cases deserve time and due diligence by our dedicated team. By Kevin Collins Secretary May 2018
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) 4197 7477 ext 458 After Hours (07) 4197 7444 (RSL Club for call forwarding) T h e W e l f a r e T e a m a r e n o w l o c a t e d a t L e g a c y H o u s e 1 B r y a n t S t r e e t, P i a l b a (on the corner of Hillyard Street, across from the Catholic Church) 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
On Sunday 8th July 2018 the Hervey Bay RSL Sub- Branch held a commemoration service for Operation Rimau at the Krait Memorial in Dayman Park, Urangan. President Brian Tidyman led the service and TS Krait cadets acted as catafalque party. Chaplain Jeffery Jarvis led the prayers before the 60 strong crowd. The tolling of the bell added solemnity as reminder to the significance of this operation. Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial, Queens Park, Maryborough 21st July 2018 Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull making his address at the opening. RSL State President Tony Ferris with Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman and Mrs Rose Tidyman The 9th Battalion Ceremonial Guard Fraser Coast 6
Legacy has existed for 95 years, caring for the families of deceased veterans. We, at Hervey body Bay Legacy Group, need to increase our volunteer to serve our 360 beneficiaries, who are the widows and children of deceased veterans. Would you, or someone you know, consider joining us as a legatee? Interested? Need more information? Contact Barry on 0481 276 402 Getting to know you In this edition we find out more about our Sub-Branch Deputy President, John Beattie: Which service did you serve in and for how many years? I served in the Infantry for a period of 25 years. I served in Vietnam 1968/1969 and Singapore 1971/1974. Your job in the service? Rifleman, Driver, Section Commander, Platoon Sgt, Transport Supervisor. Most memorable moment whilst serving? Probably the time I spent in Vietnam, the memories from my time there stick with me today, many years later. What did you do after leaving the Military and for how long? I had many positions in the civvy world, mainly in the Transport and Scrap Metal industries. I also worked as a Security Manager on one of the tourist islands for a short while and even tried my hand on the land as a farmer. Why did you choose Hervey Bay? After living in Brisbane, Warwick and Townsville for most of my life, my wife and I decided a seachange was needed. After an unplanned stop in Hervey Bay on returning to Brisbane, we decided to move here. Something we don t know about you? One night while hitching a ride back to barracks, my mates and I got picked up by Malcolm Fraser in his limousine! What s your favourite time of the day and why? Mornings because I have more energy. If you could only ever eat three foods what would they be? Fried hot chips, any kind of fruit and seafood. What are three things still left on your bucket list? Travel, own a race horse and attend the Melbourne Cup one day. What are you passionate about? Football and horse racing. What is the one piece of advice you would give to others about life? My advice to others about life would be to always look towards the future and do not dwell on the past. 7
On Tuesday 10 th July 2018 the Hon. Keith Pitt congratulated the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch on its successful application to the Veteran and Community Grants program for funding towards the purchase of a new bus. Reducing social isolation is an important part of the work the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch does and a new bus will make this job easier. Mr Pitt said. Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman said the funding meant the organisation could replace its current bus, which was nearing the end of its life. The new bus will allow us to continue transporting veterans and community groups to social and commemorative functions, which is the only way some of them are able to attend these events, he said. 8
The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch will hold a Service of Commemoration on Australian Peacekeepers Day Friday, 14th September, 2018 1100 hours Freedom Park, Pialba Anyone wishing to lay a wreath should contact the Sub-Branch office on 4197 7477. 9
Commencing 1st October 2018 Call in to the RSL Sub-Branch to get your tickets Winner will be notified All funds raised will be used towards Veteran welfare work Quilt (1.4m x 1m) made and donated by Denise Smith RSL WOMEN S AUXILIARY NEWS On the 18th July our ladies went on a mystery bus trip. All who attended had a most enjoyable day s outing. Thanks to Esmé. Our next bus outing will be held on Thursday 27th September 2018 where we are hoping to go to Maryborough visiting the markets, looking at the new War Memorial and also seeing the many murals around the area. Our lunch shall be at the Old Sydney Hotel. This should be a very interesting outing. If you wish to attend could you please let Esmé know as soon as possible. Our thanks to the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch for providing us with the bus for this day. This month, we as an auxiliary, were fortunate enough to celebrate our 89th birthday. Eighteen of our members helped celebrate the day and an enjoyable luncheon followed our monthly meeting. Esmé Fay and Barbara Roberts did us the honour of cutting our birthday cake. We also celebrated Suzie s 65th birthday on the day. We, as an auxiliary, are looking forward to celebrating our 90th birthday next year. We wish you all a very pleasant day. 10 Joan Hawkes Secretary August 2018
On 11th June 2018 the Sub-Branch was successful in applying for a Spirit of Service Grant for interpretive signs at Freedom Park to enhance the War Memorial. The signs are expected to be in place in October 2018. President Brian Tidyman and Secretary Kevin Collins attended the RSL Queensland Branch State Congress in Cairns over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June, 2018. You can watch the congress via webcast by typing this link into your address bar: https://www.rslqld.org/live. Saturday 7th July 2018 President Brian attended the Naval Association Fraser Coast Sub-Section Anniversary Dinner at the Hervey Bay RSL Club. Sunday 8th July 2018 President Brian officiated for the Rimau Commemoration at the KRAIT Memorial in Dayman Park, Urangan (see article on page 6). Tuesday 10th July 2018 President Brian was present with the Hon, Keith Pitt in announcing funding from the Veterans and Community Grants Program towards a new Welfare Bus for the Sub-Branch (see news article on page 8). Wednesday 11th July 2018 President Brian was invited to participate in the Flag Raising Ceremony at St Stephens Hospital as part of NAIDOC Week 2018. Brian stayed to enjoy the Traditional Smoking Ceremony and Indigenous Dancing. Tuesday 17th July 2018 the Sub-Branch committee attended a small service held by the National Servicemen s Association for the 50th Anniversary 13th Intake Reunion. President Brian was invited to conduct the service at the Cenotaph in Freedom Park. Saturday 21st July 2018 Secretary Kevin attended the RSL Wide Bay District Meeting at Agnes Waters. Kevin was disappointed that the dress code specified no thongs and budgie smugglers at the beach/hawaiian themed evening buffet dinner. Saturday 21st July 2018 President Brian was part of a contingency of delegates at the official opening of the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial as part of the Military Trail in Maryborough. Brian and his wife, Rose, mixed with the representatives of the embassies of Turkey, France, Belgium and Israel as well as Prime Minister The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, The Premier of Queensland, The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP and Director of the Australian War Memorial, The Hon. Brendan Nelson AO BMBS FRACP (Hon) FAMA FRSN. (see article on page 6). Friday 27th July 2018 the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch commemorated the Korea War at the Cenotaph in Freedom Park. A luncheon for the Korea War veterans was held at the RSL Club afterwards. (see news article on page 13). Saturday 4th August 2018 President Brian co-ordinated with Hervey Bay Community Radio Day organisers and the Michael Anderson (RSL Member and Level 3 Advocate) to have the Mobile Welfare Van at the Open Day. It was well received by the Hervey Bay Locals with many enquiries about the Sub-Branch and volunteering. Saturday 11th August 2018 President Brian presided over the quarterly General Meeting at the RSL Club. Tuesday 14th August 2018 President Brian spoke to the RSL Women s Auxiliary meeting. Wednesday 15th August 2018 President Brian officiated at the VP Day Service at the Cenotaph in Freedom Park (see article on page 15). The Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Hervey Bay City Sub-Branch, invited President Brian to lay a wreath at the cenotaph on 18th August 2018 in remembrance of those who served in the Vietnam War. Monday 20th August 2018 President Brian and Secretary Kevin took delivery of the new Welfare Bus. It will be ready for use once the signwriting has been completed. Monday 20th August 2018 Deputy President John Beattie attended at Yarrilee State School to discuss Youth Development with the Deputy Principal, Di Walker. Monday 27th August 2018 the Sub-Branch assisted the TS Krait cadets enabling use of their lock up storage facilities for their equipment until the group re-locates to another headquarters. For the months of June, July and August the Sub-Branch provided an RSL Service at three funerals and three memorial services. Administrative assistance and/or supply of ordnance was provided to 13 Ex-Service Organisations and cadets and 13 volunteer and welfare organisations in the Hervey Bay area. 11
12 When you join the RSL, you haven t joined a club. You ve become part of an organisation that has been there to support those who have served our country and their dependants for 100 years. At RSL Queensland, our vision is simple: We support you, the military family According to our Constitution, the objects for which the RSL (Queensland Branch) is established are to: 1. Provide for the sick, helpless, wounded, aged, vulnerable, destitute and needy among those who are serving or who have served in the Australian Defence Forces and their dependants. 2. Perpetuate the close and kindly ties of friendship created by a mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or in the forces of nations traditionally allied with Australia and the recollections associated with that experience 3. Maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present members of the Defence Forces of the nation and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour 4. Preserve the memory and the records of those who suffered and died for Australia, erect monuments to their valour, provide them with suitable burial places, and establish and preserve, in their honour, the annual commemoration days known as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative days 5. Encourage loyalty to Australia and secure patriotic service in the interests of Australia 6. Protect the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Australian Defence Force 7. Encourage Members, as citizens, to serve Australia with that spirit of selfsacrifice and loyalty with which they served as members of the Australian Defence Forces 8. Provide welfare to the sick, helpless, wounded, vulnerable, aged, destitute and needy.
27th July 2018 Freedom Park Cenotaph Korea War Veterans L-R: Bill Boswell, Bernie Devine, Victor Fay, Peter Collins & John Hammond Above: Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman conducting the service at the Cenotaph in Freedom Park. Above Left: President of the Naval Association Fraser Coast Sub-Section Peter McDermott, Sub--Branch Advocate Terry Meehan AM and Hervey Bay Ex-Servicewomen s Social Club President Pam Lock laying wreaths. Left: Hervey RSL Sub-Branch Committee Members Buster Crabb and Tracy Gillespie with Korea Veteran Bill Boswell (centre) at the RSL Club after the service. Photos taken by Vic Jackson and Colleen Crabb 13
The Naval Association of Australia Fraser Coast Sub Section Each for All-All for Each Postal Address: Fraser Coast Sub-section of N.A.A. c/-hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club Inc. PO Box 3042, Pialba QLD 4655 The Naval Association of Australia is committed to four important principals; Care (i.e. the welfare of our members), Commemoration, Camaraderie, and we assist our local naval Cadet units. Care: We endeavour to visit any of our members/family who might be in hospital, or disadvantaged locally, and use our network to provide support to those who might be in hospital further afield. We pay home visits to members who are alone, and unable to easily get out and about. A number of our members are committed to supporting the welfare and pensions needs of our ex-service community. As a side line, we deliver a free copy of Navy News to our ex-navy veterans. On a sad note, one of our elderly members, John Hinchcliffe, recently crossed the bar. Welfare support was provided to John for several years. Vale John! Any eligible person with welfare needs are invited to attend the Welfare office at Legacy House, Bryant St, Pialba. Commemoration: Another very good roll up of members attended the RIMAU commemoration, held at Dayman Park on Sunday 8 th July. This was followed by Korea Memorial Day which was held on Friday 27 th July at Freedom Park. Since then, we have attended VP Day on August 15 th, followed by Vietnam Veterans Day on Saturday 18 th. Coming up is Peacekeepers Day. Camaraderie: We saw 64 attendees to our 3 rd Annual Dinner held on the 7 th July; I m sure that those who attended would agree that it was an excellent night. Along with our other committee members, Sue and Terry Meehan were instrumental in ensuring that the night was first class. Some of our ex-jr members attended the second local get-together, at the Club House on Friday 13 th July. This is in concert with the Tingira Association and was organised locally by Peter Dore. We participated in a national hook-up which involved six separate parties. This was followed, on Sunday 29 th with a social BBQ held at Point Vernon. Cadets: Locally; the depot where TS Krait used to operate from has been condemned. As a result, the unit is locked-out. Apparently, there is no easy answer to the current range of issues, so the building is to be demolished. This leaves the cadets without a home until a solution is found. It is understood that some of their equipment is now stored in the Sub-branch garage opposite the club, whilst other gear has been farmed out to other local cadet units. Where we can, the Sub-section will continue to offer our support. Further afield; Thanks to V.P. Marty Price for attending TS Maryborough s Navy League of Australia presentation on Sunday 19 th May. Coming up is the units National Inspection. 14 The Fraser Coast Sub-Section continue to meet at the Hervey Bay 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 president@naafc.onmicrosoft.com, or Rod Beckinsale on 0409 625 570 or email secretary@naafc.onmicrosoft.com
The President of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, Brian Tidyman, conducted a service at the Cenotaph in Freedom Park on Wednesday 15 August 2018 to commemorate Victory in the Pacific. On this day 73 years ago Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, in effect bringing the war to an end. Above: P resident B rian Tidyman, Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch conducting the service at Freedom Park. Wreath Layers at the Cenotaph: Left: Ted Sorensen, MP, Member for Hervey Bay, John Beattie, Deputy President of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch and Darren Everard, Deputy Mayor Fraser C o a s t R e g i o n a l Council. Right: June Harper, assisted by Gary Crockett. 15
Remembrance Day 11 November 2018 CENTENARY OF ARMISTICE The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch will hold a Commemoration Service at the War Memorial in Freedom Park, Main Street, Pialba Commencing at 10:45am All welcome to this Service 16
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 132 500 Entire Fraser Coast region Disaster Coordination Centre (when activated) 1300 79 49 29 Entire Fraser Coast region Emergency services Police Police Link 131444 Hervey Bay Maryborough Blog site Howard Water Police 4128 5333 Fraser Island 131444 Eurong Tiaro 4128 5333 142 Torquay Road, Scarness 4123 8111 176 Lennox Street MyPolice.qld.gov.au/Maryborough 4129 4555 98 William Street 4129 2555 Mayne Street Fire Hervey Bay 4125 2133 227 Torquay Terrace 4150 7990 17 Lennox Street Maryborough Rural Fire Service (area office) 4190 4839 98 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. www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/disaster-management 17
Emergency services (cont d) Ambulance Enquiries, authorised non-urgent 131 233 Entire Fraser Coast region transport Hervey Bay 4199 7404 118 Torquay Road, Scarness 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 4120 1200 1 Medical Place, Urraween 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 RSPCA 1300 363 736 to report a lost or found animal Help for injured or trapped native animals 1300 ANIMAL / 1300 264 625 18
VALE 1 JUNE 2018 31 AUGUST 2018 McCluskey, Joseph 3800982 Army 03.06.2018 Webster, Alexander Joseph A25197 RAAF 07.06.2018 Evans, Paul Ross 303378 RNZAF 11.06.2018 Souvlis, Constantine Michael W15037 42 Aust. Inf. Bn 16.06.2018 Abraham, Tom 0113720 RAAF (CAF) 17.06.2018 Tremelling, Raymond Noel 4714050 8th Army Engr Regt 18.06.2018 Golding, Russell S113551 RAN 06.07.2018 Mayfield, Maurice R. CJ/X808916 R.N. 08.07.2018 Walker, Noel Thomas 132960 RAAF 09.07.2018 Beck, Raymond C. 163834 Army 14.07.2018 Smith, Harold Bernard Francis Marsh 414268 RAAF 20.07.2018 Morgan, William Terence 3807562 RAF 27.07.2018 Howlett, Keith Thomas 2/768535 RAEME 30.07.2018 Hinchliffe, John Barry 31476 RAN 12.08.2018 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 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 10.30 am Hervey Bay RSL Club 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 Hervey Bay RSL Club and a private residence Committee: General Meeting: Fourth Thursday of the month Feb, May, Aug, Nov 10.15 am 10.30 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 10.30 am Hervey Bay RSL Club Second Sunday of the month (excluding January) 11.00 a.m. Hervey Bay RSL Club Second Wednesday of the month 10.30 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 4197 7477 Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. uses Chris Thompson at Law Essentials for all their legal requirements. 65 Torquay Road, Pialba Q 4655 PO Box 3358, Pialba Q 4655 p: (07) 4197 5600 f: (07) 4197 5616 20