The Order of Australia Association Q U E E N S L A N D B R A N C H B U L L E T I N A unique opportunity on our next Brisbane morning tea to tour THE OFFICERS MESS, GALLIPOLI BARRACKS, ENOGGERA On Wednesday 16 April 2014 we will be visiting Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera in Brisbane to enjoy a unique tour of the Officers Mess in the next of our series of interesting Brisbane morning tea events. The event runs from 9am to 11:30am. During the visit we will learn about the development of the Australian Defence Force s emerging amphibious capability and the role and function of the HQ of the 1st Division / Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (DJFHQ). This visit is made possible by the kind invitation of the Commander of the 1st Division, DJFHQ. We have arranged for a bus to take us there. Please take advantage of this service in view of the limited car parking options within Gallipoli Barracks and nearby off street parking. Taking the bus will also facilitate a smoother signing in process by the security staff. The bus will leave from the bus bays at Brookside Shopping Centre, 159 Osborne Road, Mitchelton at 8:30am to ensure we arrive at the Barracks in good time to be signed in. If driving, you can park your car for free at Brookside Shopping Centre or you can get to Brookside by train on the Ferny Grove line, alighting at Mitchelton Railway Station, then a short 5 minute walk. The bus will return to Brookside at around 12 noon. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a tour of the Officers Mess, morning tea and bus transport. PAGE ONE WELCOME from Queensland Branch Chairman Tony Webber AM Read his report on page 2 Don t miss out on this unique experience. Book up now. A flyer with further details including an RSVP form is included with this Bulletin. For enquiries contact Geoff Cowles OAM, our Secretary, on 3351 4991 or email geoff.cowles@aanet.com.au CELEBRATE WITH OUR 2014 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS AT A SPECIAL LUNCH ON TUESDAY 13 MAY One hundred and two Queenslanders received awards in the Order of Australia on Australia Day this year. The Association extends congratulations to these outstanding members of our community, each of whom has made a significant contribution to our nation or to humanity at large. The Association is organising a special lunch to celebrate with these wonderful Australians where members may meet them in person and offer their congratulations. We hope many of you will join us on Tuesday 13 May 2014 at Hillstone St Lucia for this memorable celebratory lunch. The event will take place in very pleasant surroundings in the ornate Grand View Room incorporating the Victorian Long Bar and the Mango Tree Terrace affording stunning views of the St Lucia Golf Links in Brisbane. For $69 a head you will enjoy a delicious two course lunch, tea and coffee and peppermints and mini hot nibbles on arrival from 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start. A strings trio from Brisbane Boys College (BBC), Toowong, will provide musical accompaniment on the Mango Tree Terrace while you enjoy your mini hot nibbles and pre-lunch drink. BBC will also provide a brass quintet to play two verses of the national anthem to commence the formal proceedings. This is a great opportunity to meet our newest Order of Australia award recipients and hear their stories about how they received their awards. A flyer with further details is included with this Bulletin incorporating a payment and RSVP form. The flyer is also available on the Queensland segment of our website at www.theorderofaustralia. asn.au For all enquiries please contact Secretary Geoff Cowles OAM on 07 3351 4991 or email geoff.cowles@aanet.com.au This page proudly sponsored by Cox Rayner Architects, Level 2, 2 Edward Street, Brisbane, Queensland. Telephone (07) 3210 0844; through the kind generosity of Michael Rayner AM, Principal Director. COX RAYNER ARCHITECTS: ARCHITECTURE / PLANNING / URBAN DESIGN/ INTERIOR DESIGN To foster love of and pride in Australian citizenship and to uphold the high principles and prestige of the Order of Australia Visit to the Officers Mess, Gallipoli Barracks Australia Day recipients special lunch Message from Queensland branch chairman Celebrating outstanding senior volunteers Membership survey results Our newest members News from our regional groups Honours news and notices MARCH 2014 ISSUE 1, 2014 ABN 40008612664
The Annual General Meeting of the Queensland branch of the Association was held on 25 November 2013 prior to the Annual Dinner. I was happy to report increased attendances at various morning teas and new awardees lunches and the fact that we finished the year in a much stronger financial position than in previous years. The Branch welcomes Peter McMurtrie AO, a 2013 Australia Day awardee, as a member of the branch committee. At the dinner it was with much sadness that I advised the passing in November last year of Phillip Blakey OAM, our long standing Committee member of 10 years. It was wonderful that representatives of his family were present to receive his plaque of recognition for his services to the Association. Phillip will be sorely missed. At the Annual Dinner, the Queensland branch s first Senior Volunteer Awards were made to three worthy recipients. Details of these recipients are set out in a separate report in this Bulletin. Our after-dinner speaker was Rupert McCall OAM, a noted poet and one of our newer members. Message from Queensland Branch Chairman Tony Webber AM Rupert s inspiring and entertaining speech sprinkled with some of his wonderful poetic verse made this event a night to be remembered for the 112 in attendance. Australia Day 2014 saw 102 Queenslanders honoured with awards in the Order of Australia. Congratulations to these outstanding members of the community. Royce Voss OAM, Mick Davis AM ASM, Simon Newcomb OAM and I attended the Association s exhibit in the investiture room at Government House in Brisbane as part of the annual Open Day. A beautiful day brought a large crowd and we were busy encouraging people to nominate worthy members of the community for an award in the Order. A 25 strong delegation from Queensland attended the 28th National Conference of the Association in Melbourne from 13 to 16 February 2014. The Victorian branch is to be congratulated for A Queensland Salute to The G A selection of the 25 strong Queensland contingent at the 2014 National Conference in February savour a moment in the Members Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the National Conference Farewell Lunch in the Members Dining Room, from L to R - Di Harden; John Harden AM; Mick Davis AM ASM; Jill Chamberlain OAM; Geoff Cowles OAM; Tony Webber AM; Paul McNally OAM and Valerie Webber. a marvellous event that included a reception at Government House and another hosted by the Victorian Government. After the Governor s reception, 19 of the Queenslanders dined together at an Italian restaurant close to the main accommodation and conference venue, the RACV Club, for an informal get-together. For me, the high point of the Conference was the National Oration delivered in the historic St. Michael s Church by the Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO. On the activities front I represented you at the Commonwealth Day Celebrations on 10 March at Parliament House in Brisbane in the presence of Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, the Governor of Queensland. continued on page four IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND - The audience at the Annual Dinner were spellbound listening to the poetry of Rupert McCall OAM, Queensland s modern day poet (at the lectern far top right) PAGE TWO
Geoff Cowles OAM, our Secretary, reflects on the many outstanding highlights from our Annual Dinner held at The Pavilion, Alan Border Field at Albion, Brisbane on Monday 25 November 2013. The 112 guests enjoyed great food, great fellowship and were thoroughly entertained by Rupert McCall OAM, our very talented Queensland modern poet, who was an outstanding guest speaker. While all of these aspects were memorable, the most significant highlight of the evening was the announcement of the three winners of the inaugural 2013 Senior Volunteer Awards presented by the Queensland branch. Ten outstanding Queensland senior volunteers were nominated by Association members for the 2013 awards. The Queensland branch committee is satisfied with this response from members given that this was the first year the branch had conducted the awards. The three winners for 2013, as determined by a panel of three judges, were Dorothy Jeffrey, Marian Johnson and Barry O Driscoll. Dorothy Jeffrey was recognised for her outstanding contribution to various organisations, most particularly, the Queensland Family History Society. Since joining the Society in 1990, Dorothy has undertaken a variety of roles that has helped the fostering of the Society s aims. As part of her commitment, she has given over 4,000 hours of voluntary work to the preparation of primary records of Queenslanders with the result that in excess of 520,000 records are now indexed. Dorothy has also given generously of her time to promote the Queensland Family History Society at various open days and fairs. Her contributions for other organisations include retrieving and indexing the records for the Boonah State School s 125th anniversary in 2003 and similar work for Newmarket State School as part of its centenary celebrations in 2004. Marian Johnson, for the past seven years, goes three days every week to the RSPCA Queensland Veterinary The three inaugural winners of the Association s Senior Volunteer Awards with their awards received at the Annual Dinner at The Pavilion, Alan Border Field, Albion on Monday 25 November 2013 seated from L to R Barry O Driscoll from Alexandra Hills; Marian Johnson from Toowong and Dorothy Jeffrey from Mitchelton. Behind them is Tony Webber AM, Qld Branch Chairman (left), and Michael Rayner AM from Cox Rayner, Architects, the Senior Volunteer Award sponsor. Celebrating the achievements of three outstanding senior volunteers in grand style Hospital to work in a voluntary capacity. It does not matter whether it is a public holiday or not; Marian is there because our furred and feathered friends have no concept of holidays. Their needs are ongoing and Marian is always present for them. She is prepared to undertake all manner of work from cleaning cages, to washing bed linen, walking dogs and feeding cats. However, her support in the operating theatre is where she is particularly valued. Her knowledge of the day to day processes of the hospital enables her to actively search for ways in which she might be of further assistance without ever needing to be asked. Barry O Driscoll has given superior extended and continuing voluntary service to two organisations the Victoria Point Something Marine for Rescue everyone. and historic Ormiston House. For over 20 GRAPHIC BUSINESS LARGE MARKETING DIRECT DESIGN PRINTING FORMAT SERVICES MAIL years, Barry has been a Duty Skipper at the Victoria Point Marine Rescue. This sees him responsible for the base and all rescues every fourth week. He is also on call for all mid-week rescues. Holding a Marine Licence Mas- Client: ter Grade 4 has meant Project: that Barry has been well qualified to teach seamanship and boat handling No. of Copies: to other less experienced members of the group. PAGE THREE WEB2PRINT Not content with all this effort, he also pitches in to help his wife, Meg, as she undertakes her role as the Honorary Administrator of historic Ormiston House. From manning the gate to maintenance of the antique clocks, Barry s unassuming presence is felt about the House and its beautiful grounds. Three more humble people you could not meet. They were simply ecstatic about being the inaugural winners of these awards. It was a privilege to witness these three outstanding Queenslanders receive their awards at the Annual Dinner from Michael Rayner AM, principal director of Cox Rayner, Architects in Brisbane, who kindly provided the sponsorship for the event. Nominations are now open for the 2014 Senior Volunteer Awards and we would welcome receiving nominations of outstand- West End ing senior volunteers from our membership. Information on how to nominate and the nomination form are available at the Queensland segment of the Association s website under Senior Volunteer Award at www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au Members have until Friday 29 August 2014 to nominate. If you know of some outstanding senior volunteer who should be nominated then please submit a nomination. Remember they must be at least 65 years of age but they don t have to be a member of the Association. West End We look forward to offering Senior Volunteer Awards to three more outstanding senior Queenslanders at this year s Annual Dinner in November. For Websites and Print Something for everyone. GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS PRINTING Client: Project: LARGE FORMAT Natmah Pty Ltd ABN: 75 812 026 139 Kwik Kopy Printing West End 6 Greet Street West End QLD 4101 T (07) 3844 3377 F (07) 3844 4299 print@kkwe.com.au www.westend.kwikkopy.com.au MARKETING SERVICES Kwik Kopy Printing West End 6 Greet Street, West End QLD 4101 Tel: 07 3844 3377 Fax: 07 3844 4299 Email: print@kkwe.com.au DIRECT MAIL West End WEB2PRINT Natmah Pty Ltd ABN: 75 812 026 139 Kwik Kopy Printing West End 6 Greet Street West End QLD 4101 T (07) 3844 3377 F (07) 3844 4299 print@kkwe.com.au www.westend.kwikkopy.com.au Ph: 07 3844 3377 print@kkwe.com.au
Membership of the Order of Australia Association The Order of Australia Association invites and encourages all women and men who have received an award in the Order of Australia to become members of the Association. Our Association has branches in each state and territory, in the United Kingdom and in the United States. The national body and each state and territory branch undertake activities in support of the community and social activities for our members. We promote and encourage the nomination of our fellow Australians for awards within the Order. For lots of information about the Association go to our website: www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au Lost and damaged insignia Replacement insignia and lapel pins can be obtained from: The Secretary The Order of Australia Government House Yarralumla ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6283 3533 Email: honours@gg.gov.au from page two Branch Chairman s Report Secretary Geoff Cowles and I will host a lunch for members of the Far North Queensland Regional Group on 29 March at the Cairns RSL Club where the guest speaker will be Dr Patrick O Neil OAM, Director of Medical Services at Cairns Base Hospital. Finally I report that at the national board meeting of the Association held during February 2014 it was Vale List Alan John Beattie OAM Reginald Beauchamp OAM Phillip Blakey OAM Walter Staffsmith Elton OAM Rayham Stanley Francis AM David Gamson OAM Membership survey Thank you to the many members who responded to the survey in November/December 2013 on levels of satisfaction with Queensland branch activities and services. On the issue of the most important services and activities, members placed in order - 1. the Bulletin; 2. functions and events; 3. Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards; 4. regional functions and events; and 5. Annual Dinner and Annual General Meeting. Ninety-three per cent of respondents expressed their satisfaction with the functions and events conducted and 84% expressed satisfaction with the Annual Dinner and AGM. The Bulletin has been well received with 94% of respondents expressing their satisfaction. The website was well scored by 79% of respondents, suggesting that it has growing interest but requires stronger promotion. The results of the survey have already been reviewed by the Queensland Committee and will provide input to this year s review of the Branch strategic plan. Members wishing to view more detailed analysis of the survey results will find the full report available at the home page of the Queensland segment of the Association s website. resolved, as foreshadowed in the Summer 2013-14 edition of the national magazine The Order, that all branches of the Association should participate in a twelvemonth trial of quarterly editions of The Order incorporating dedicated pages for all eight state and territory branches. This is in lieu of individual branches sending their members their own newsletters. PAGE FOUR Robert James Gear AM Neville George Halligan OAM John Hipwell OAM The Rev Canon Thomas Hood OAM Marian Fay Langdon OAM Geoffrey Robert Lund OAM Gloria Marshall OAM Douglas James McIntyre OAM Stephen Charles Milazzo AO Erno Peter Vecsay-Dalos OAM Peter William Woodruff AM OUR NEWEST MEMBERS A big welcome to the following five new members of the Association who have joined since the October 2013 Bulletin was circulated. Gail Ker OAM (Queen s Birthday 2010) Trevor Beckingham OAM (Queen s Birthday 2013) Donald Graham OAM (Australia Day 2012) Hon Michael Horan AM (Queen s Birthday 2013) WO1 Michael Johnson OAM (Australia Day 2007) We hope you will find membership satisfying and we look forward to meeting you at some of our events and activities. We also welcome WO1 Lynette Dowsett OAM (Ret d) who has recently transferred from the NSW Branch to our Queensland Branch. Geoff Cowles OAM, our Secretary, reports that since Australia Day 2011 we have welcomed 172 new Queensland members (129 annual and 43 life members). We look forward to welcoming many more from the list of 102 Queensland recipients who received Order of Australia awards in this year s Australia Day Honours. As such, this may be the last edition of the Queensland Bulletin for the foreseeable future. During the trial period promotional flyers for all Branch events will be made available to all Queensland members where necessary. I welcome members comments and views on this proposed trial over time.
NEWS FROM THE REGIONAL GROUPS Bundaberg Regional Group Report: Donna Duncan OAM, Convener Twenty-six members and guests enjoyed an interesting morning at Maryborough Military Museum on 14 December 2013. John Meyers OAM and his wife, Elsie, treated the group to morning tea and a very informative and extensive tour of the museum. On Saturday 22 February 2014 twenty-nine members, their partners and guests travelled from Bundaberg by coach to Eidsvold for lunch. We met at the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre. After a brief tour and tutorial at the Centre the group moved to the bowls club for lunch arranged by Dot Hamilton OAM. Anthony Coates AM spoke of some of the history of the farming area around Eidsvold. He was supported in his remarks by Robert Strathdee OAM and Bill Reedman AM. We were able to welcome Janet Tallon OAM to our group after receiving her award last year. Our next gathering will be in June or July at the Tom Quinn Community Centre in Bundaberg. Members from the Bundaberg Regional Group enjoy their visit to Eidsvold. Central Queensland Regional Group Report: Raymond Young OAM, Convener Members of the Group held a morning tea on 10 March 2014 at the Rockhampton Leagues Club. The guest speaker was Sandra Thomson, whose topic was Aged Care Today. Darling Downs Regional Group Report: Paul McNally OAM, Convener The first activity for this year for members of the Darling Downs Regional Group will be a visit to the Downs Steam Tourist Railway and Museum on 30 May. As well as an informative tour of the facility s railway rolling stock and equipment led by Robert Ketton, members and their guests will be treated to morning tea in the dining car. Invitations will be sent in early April. This will be an event not to be missed. Five members of the Darling Downs community received awards in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2014 Dr Carol Cox AM, Mrs Edna Hindle OAM, Mrs Joan St Clair OAM, Mr Douglas Adam OAM and Mrs Joan Scott OAM. Congratulations to each of these outstanding Australians. Far North Queensland Regional Group Report: Geoff Cowles OAM Branch Secretary As mentioned in the Chairman s report there will be a lunch organised by the Queensland Branch Committee at the RSL Club in Cairns aimed at reinvigorating the Group. The cost will be $45 per person and we have secured Dr Patrick O Neill OAM, the Director of Medical Services at Cairns Base Hospital, who will present an interesting tribute to remote medical doctors, Rewards and Challenges for the GP in Remote Control. Letter invitations have been sent to all members of the Group inviting their attendance. Tony Webber AM, the Queensland branch chairman, and Geoff Cowles OAM, the Queensland branch secretary, will represent the Queensland branch committee at the event. Gold Coast Regional Group Report: Bill Collins AO, Convener The Regional Group held a garden party on 26 October 2013 at Jabiru, the home of Mrs Alison Kearney and the late Mr John Kearney AM QC. Despite John s death earlier in October 2013, Mrs Kearney made it clear that she wished the previously arranged function to go ahead. There were 34 members, relatives and friends attending, many of whom joined Mrs Kearney in guided tours of her beautiful home. The fine sunny mild conditions made for a very pleasant afternoon in the Jabiru grounds. As in previous years the Gold Coast City Council invited Regional Group members of the Association to attend the Council s official Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony at the Council Chambers on 26 January 2014. More than 20 accepted the invitation and each was recognised by name during the function as having received an award in the Order of Australia. Also recognised by name were local citizens in this year s Australia Day Honours List. Professor Bill Caelli AO, Peter O Reilly OAM and Professor Errol Maguire AM at the Gold Coast garden party. Sunshine Coast Regional Group Report: Keith Swan OAM, Convener The Sunshine Coast Regional Branch will hold a luncheon at Tranquil Park Maleny on Thursday 24 July. This is a popular venue where a great meal is always served. We have arranged to have the lunch in the larger dining room this year which has a great view and is very accessible. New recipients will be individually invited to attend as it is a great opportunity to meet members of the Association and discover the advantages of membership. The possibility of having one other function per year will once again be discussed and ideas for this would be welcome. Consideration is now being given to the selection of a guest speaker and suggestions from members to the convener will also be considered. Townsville Regional Group Report: Mick Johnson OAM, Convener The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, presided over an Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony conducted at Jupiter s Townsville on 15 October 2013. At this ceremony Emeritus Professor Richard Speare was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division for his significant service to medical and biological research. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division were: Mr Warren Hegarty for service to veterans and their families and the community of Townsville; Mr Trevor Maltby for service to the community of Bowen; Lieutenant Commander Christopher Mills RFD, RAN (Ret d) for services to PAGE FIVE
the community of Townsville; and Mr Scott Stidston for services to the community through the Spinal Injuries Association. Due to the relatively small number of recipients the Governor was able to provide a touching and personal insight to each individual s award. The Townsville Regional Group plans to have its annual dinner in September, once again at the Townsville RSL Club where we hope new recipients in this year s Honours lists will attend so we can meet them personally. REGIONAL GROUP CONVENERS Bundaberg: Donna Duncan OAM donna_dd@bigpond.net.au Central Queensland: Raymond Young OAM raymond@cyberoz.com.au Darling Downs: Paul McNally OAM pmcnally1@bigpond.com.au Far North Queensland: To be advised Gold Coast: Bill Collins AO wmandrjc@qld.chariot.net.au Sunshine Coast: Keith Swan OAM swanslaguna@bigpond.com Townsville: Mick Johnson OAM michael.johnson25@defence.gov.au Order of Australia Association Merchandise Associate Professor Brian J Miller AM will be available at major Queensland Branch functions with a broad selection of the Association s quality merchandise exclusively for sale to OAA (Q) members. The range includes ladies scarves ($30.00), men s ties ($40.00), cuff links ($35.00), pens ($10.00) and car decals ($5.00). The Association s merchandise is also on sale through Mr Richard Rozen OAM, National Merchandise Officer, The Order of Australia Association, 3/144 Were Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186. Tel: 03 9592 8068. Fax: 03 9592 1767; and through the website: www.theorderofaustralia. asn.au/membership/merchandise. php CONTACT US: The Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch c/- Geoff Cowles OAM, Hon Secretary, OUR WEBSITE Have you visited the Queensland Branch section of the Association s website? www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au. It contains lots of useful information for members. You access the Queensland section by way of a menu at the top right of the website s home page. We encourage all of our members to visit the website on a regular basis it s full of surprises and is always changing! Whenever possible, details of forthcoming Queensland Branch functions are posted on the website together with booking forms for you to download. If you become aware that a function is coming up and it is not listed on the website and you do not appear to have received forward details, please email Geoff Cowles OAM, the Secretary, at geoff.cowles@aanet.com.au or phone Geoff on 07 3351 4991 and details will be provided to you. NOMINATING FOR AN AWARD IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Members of the Association are encouraged to nominate outstanding Australians for awards in the Order of Australia. If you know a person you consider might be a worthy recipient of an award, you can obtain a nomination form on-line at the Honours website www.itsanhonour. gov.au or you can leave your name and postal address on the Honours free call, 24 hour answering service phone: 1800 552 275. You can also write to The Secretary, The Order of Australia, Government House, Yarralumla ACT 2600. DATES TO REMEMBER Saturday 29 March 2014 Far North Queensland Regional Group luncheon, RSL Club, Cairns Wednesday 16 April 2014 Visit to Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera Tuesday 13 May 2014 Australia Day Award Recipients luncheon, Hillstone St Lucia Friday 30 May 2014 Darling Downs Regional Group visit/morning tea, Downs Steam Tourist Railway and Museum 16 Kanturk Street, Ferny Grove, Qld 4055 Telephone: 07-3351 4991 (Geoff Cowles - home) PAGE SIX Queensland Branch Patron: Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland Branch Committee: Emeritus Professor Tony Webber AM, Chairman Tel: (H) 07 3848 0939 (M) 0419 701 177 Mr Geoff Cowles OAM, Hon. Secretary Tel: (H) 07 3351 4991 (M) 0413 833 720 Mr Royce Voss OAM, Hon. Treasurer Tel: (H) 07 3410 0348 (M) 0419 729 953 Dr Christine Bundesen AM, Member Mr Mick Davis AM ASM, Member Assoc. Professor John Harden AM, Member Mr Bruce Howden OAM, Member Dr Mary Mahoney AO, Member Mr Peter McMurtrie AO, Member Mr Paul McNally OAM, Member, Bulletin Editor Assoc. Professor Brian Miller AM, Member Mr Simon Newcomb OAM, Member Mr Raymond Young OAM, Member Thursday 24 July 2014 Sunshine Coast Regional Group luncheon, Tranquil Park, Maleny Thursday 28 August 2014 Second Brisbane Morning Tea Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Toowong Friday 29 August 2014 Closing date for nominations Senior Volunteer Award Friday 19 September 2014 Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards Presentation Parliament House, Brisbane Email: geoff.cowles@aanet.com.au Website: www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au