VOLUME 72 DECEMBER 2012

COMING EVENTS 2013 Patron: The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC Governor of Victoria VOLUME 72 DECEMBER 2012 Saturday 26th January 4.20 pm Australia Day Flag Lowering Ceremony Shrine of Remembrance February 14th-16th National Conference Canberra ACT March 28th Visit to Old Treasury Building South Central Regional Group March/April Annual Cultural Luncheon (Details to be advised) 2014 February 13th 16th National Conference Melbourne Vic Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Shrine Following tradition on Australia Day, Members of the Order of Australia Association will hold a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in St Kilda Road, Melbourne. This project is being organized by the Order of Australia Association, Victoria Branch, and is a unique occasion for the National Association to showcase itself to the People of Victoria, on this very special day in our nation s calendar. The Ceremony is now included in the Official Program for Australia Day and the general public is invited to participate. The Ceremony will commence at 4.20pm, when members and friends will assemble at the Second World War Forecourt (in the vicinity of the Eternal Flame) adjacent to the Shrine. There will be a Wreath Laying by our Chairman David Mann OAM and other dignitaries, followed by the Flag Lowering Ceremony. The M.C. for this colourful Australia Day function is Don Kinsey AM. Following this Ceremony, Members and Guests move to Visitors Centre at the Shrine, for a Reception. To give the Ceremony an International flavour, a number of National Consulates will be represented. The Australian Navy Band and No. 1 Air Cadet Squadron will also be in attendance. Please note that ex Members of the Armed Forces in attendance, will be invited to participate in the March Past. Medals are to be worn on this occasion. Special allowances have been made by the Shrine of Remembrance Authorities for Access for the Disabled. This is temporary access only to the Shrine Forecourt prior to the Ceremony. An invitation form to attend this wonderful ceremony is enclosed with this issue of the Newsletter. Victoria to host 2014 National Conference Our Victorian Branch will host the National Conference, at Melbourne s magnificent RACV Club, on 13-16 February 2014. The draft program has been completed and contains a wide variety of tours, receptions, visits, addresses by notable speakers and superb entertainment. Each member of the State Executive has been allocated a specific responsibility for the organization of the conference and we are asking all regions to give their active support to ensure that every attendee at the conference will say this was the most friendly and hospitable ever To achieve this we will be seeking the assistance of all members. We are looking for at least 300 registrations from Victoria and also we need help through the regional organization to arrange tours for example to the Mornington Peninsula. There will be a need for guides, staff for the help desk, home hosts to invite two visitors to dinner and many, many other volunteers. Early in 2013 each regional chair will receive a DVD to screen at a group meeting, which will promote the conference activities and the planned program. We will distribute with the DVD Expression of Interest registration forms, which will contain incentives to register early. Vice Chairman Paul Wheelton, has the responsibility for obtaining support for the conference as we aim to have not only the most friendly and hospitable conference, but also the most economical. We do want each of you to attend, even if only for two or three sessions. More information will appear in the next edition of our News Letter. Duncan Stalker OAM, Conference organizer. We recognise the ongoing and generous support of the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria in the publishing of this Newsletter. Dec_2012.indd 1 4/12/2012 11:24:42 AM

2 2 CHAIRMAN S WORD As Chairman I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural meeting of the North Central Suburbs Regional Group held at the Greensborough RSL in August. Again congratulations go to Kevin Howard for his inspiration and leadership in establishing the regional groups resulting in the State of Victoria being now well serviced by the fourteen groups. The August State Branch meeting was held in the City of Greater Bendigo on Saturday the 25th and we were welcomed in fine style by Associate Professor Elaine Murphy, the Chairman of the Loddon Campaspe Regional Group and her committee. We conducted the meeting in the Bendigo Town Hall while partners and friends of Branch Members were taken on a walking tour to experience the sights and sounds of Bendigo. The Annual General Meeting and End of Year Luncheon took place at the William Angliss Institute on the 26th of November. We had as our excellent guest speaker Rob Gell, TV personality, Author, Environmental Geographer and Educator, Company Director, Sustainability strategist and Photographer. Rob has had so many experiences in life and he covered quite a few areas that he has excelled in and believes are relevant to today s society. During this enjoyable occasion we were privileged to be entertained by 18 year old Stephen Rossito singing with an extraordinarily strong baritone voice songs made popular by Frank Sinatra. I would like to acknowledge all members of the Order of Australia Association Victoria State Branch and each and every dedicated member of a Regional Group for your on-going commitment to the Association. I have said quite publicly that you are the future of the Association, particularly in the State of Victoria and I would like to publicly thank you via this newsletter for what you do. Anyone who knows me and has read my Chairman s message before, knows I am passionate about flying the Australian flag and seeing the flag present in more commercial premises as well as in private homes. Hopefully in the next newsletter we will have a contact from a prominent flag company in Australia who will offer members a good price, and whether it be the major exercise of installing a flag pole or simply having a flag on one s desk or in one s home, they will be our contact. My other topic I speak of is to honour those who have served and lost their lives, who have served and are now retired and also those who are currently serving within Australia and overseas in our Defence Forces. It has been pleasing recently to receive correspondence regarding my positioning on this topic, and although it s not an official Association policy, as Chairman I take pride in speaking about this whenever possible. The men and women in our Defence Forces are humble and I must say appreciative of the kind words. I am pleased to say that we are receiving a very good response to the letters I sent to all Australia Day and Queens Birthday Australian Honour Recipients to join the Association and the follow-up letter from the National Office. Hopefully our numbers will increase and Victoria will be a very strong contender in leading the way in making sure the Association lives on for many years. David G. Mann OAM, Chairman, Victoria State Branch Order of Australia Association National Conference 2013 In 2013, Canberra will be celebrating the centenary of its founding as the National Capital thus making it an ideal choice for the next Annual Conference. This will be held between 14 and 16 February and details with booking facilities can be found on the OOAA website. Members are encouraged to register soon. Among the many highlights will be the Chief Ministers Reception, the National Symposium Australia in the 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities, a Government House Reception hosted by Her Excellency the Governor General, Mrs Quentin Bryce AC CVO and an exclusive hosted viewing of the Toulouse Lautrec: Paris and the Moulin Rouge exhibition. Retirement of members of the Branch Executive After many years of devoted service, five members of the Victoria Branch executive retired at the recent Annual General Meeting. The Branch acknowledges the contribution of members whose presence and wise counsel will be sorely missed. During the meeting the Branch Chair David Mann OAM paid tribute to the following retiring members: Trevor Brown AM, Max Chester OAM, Kevin Howard OAM, Don Hyde AM and Jacqueline Taylor OAM. Reception for 2012 Award Recipients A most successful function, attended by 110 members, family and friends, was held at the Seasons Botanic Gardens Hotel to honour the new 2012 Award Recipients. This function was hosted by Marcus Tow and Lani Tio to whom we are deeply indebted for their support. Dec_2012.indd 2 4/12/2012 11:24:44 AM

3 3 Good News With the National Office of the Order of Australia Association not in a position to distribute the Branch Administration Grants for this year, we have put in place some good news for our fourteen regional groups regarding funding. On application, $400 will be made available to each regional group, who require this money for on-going administrative services. This has come about by the generosity of Paul Wheelton, Deputy Chairman Metropolitan for the Order of Australia Victoria Branch and his $10,000 donation via Budget Car and Truck Rentals. Thank-you to Paul Wheelton and Budget Car and Trunk Rentals and we hope that next year the National Office will once again be in a position to provide the distribution of the Branch Administration Grants. Regional Groups Report A Closing Word on Regions in Victoria - A short history As this is my final report as the Regional Groups Co-ordinator may I take the opportunity to express my most sincere thanks to Geoff Nielsen AM, Don Hyde AM and David Mann OAM, State Chairmen who have given me outstanding support and encouragement. Members of the State Committee, Regional Chairmen and Association members for their support and enthusiasm and the warm and generous welcome which I have received throughout Victoria. At this point it is perhaps a fitting time to summarise a little of the history of Regional development in Victoria. In the early 1990 s a number of Association members living in country areas realised that a local organisation would provide considerable benefits to them, as they were not able or interested in travelling to Melbourne to attend functions and events that were part of city life. The idea of a local group was strongly supported at National level by Sir Zelman Cowen, AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC and Mr Geoff Stevens AM. As a result of their enthusiasm and at their request the first Regional Group in Victoria was established in 1992 at Geelong and was known as the Barwon Regional Group. The following year the North East Victoria and Goulburn Valley Regional Group was established followed by Mornington Peninsula Regional Group in 1994. Shortly after the turn of the century Lance Woodhouse OAM from Shepparton took on the new role of Regional Co-ordinator and was successful in gaining increased support from the State Branch Committee for the development of Regions. Lance s efforts were further developed by John Rodda OAM until his untimely passing in 2007 when Kevin Howard OAM JP took up the role. Under Kevin s direction the entire State was divided into 14 Regions based on Municipal boundaries and management committees established in all newly created Regions, so that today there are Regions covering every part of Victoria, each with its own local committee and each conducting an amazingly varied and strongly supported range of activities and functions. The following table illustrates the growth of the Regions and the place of their first meeting: - 12/5/1992 Barwon Region Rosnashane House, Geelong 16/5/1993 North East Victoria & Goulburn Valley, Rafferty s Restaurant, Benalla 6/5/1994 Mornington Peninsula, Peninsula Country Golf Club, Frankston 4/8/1997 Central Highlands, Wendouree, Ballarat 9/5/1998 Loddon Campaspe, Shamrock Hotel, Bendigo 2004 (approx) Eastern Suburbs, Box Hill (exact date of formation is not available at the time of writing) 1/10/2006 Western Suburbs, Williamstown RSL, Williamstown 21/10/2007 South Central Suburbs, Mentone RSL, Mentone 30/11/2008 Central Suburbs, East Malvern RSL, East Malvern 2/5/2009 Gippsland, Esso BHP-Billiton Entertainment Centre, Sale 24/10/2009 South West Victoria, Dalvui homestead, Noorat 14/11/2010 Mallee, Mildura RSL, Mildura 8/11/2011 Northern Suburbs, Darebin RSL, Preston 28/8/2012 North Central Suburbs, Greensborough RSL, Greensborough After 5 years as Regional Co-ordinator Kevin has retired and Voi Williams OAM has been elected to the position. For the past 5 years Voi has been filling the role of Regional Minute Secretary. We all wish Voi well in this role which she will undoubtedly carry out with distinction. Kevin Howard OAM JP Signing off as Regional Groups Co-ordinator. Dec_2012.indd 3 4/12/2012 11:24:46 AM

4 4 Loddon/Campaspe Regional Group Recently, the Victoria Executive journeyed to Bendigo for their regular meeting. The local Branch was delighted with the generous offer by The City of Greater Bendigo to host a Civic Reception prior to the meeting, make the Council Chamber available for the meeting, and then preside over a delightful luncheon in the very grand Town Hall. Standing in for Mayor Cr Sandner was Cr Rod Fyffe who most ably made all feel welcome. Chairman, David Mann OAM, responding in his most eloquent style commented on the scope of the City of Greater Bendigo, its historical role, and the importance it has played in his own frequent visits. While the Executive Meeting was in progress friends and Regional members of The Association enjoyed a guided tour to the former Post Office and buildings, gardens and special historical markers under the skilful guidance of members of the local Historical Society, David Cotton and Tom and Libby Luke. After luncheon, all members enjoyed a tour of the six-star rating headquarters of The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Certainly a long way from the buildings in which a number of older members worked!! This state-of-the-art edifice incorporates comfort, special needs, colour coded decor, quietness of surroundings, water and energy saving features, linked with social areas and staff motivating features. The AGM was held on the 14th October in the Sports Club, Kangaroo Flat, a suburb of Bendigo. Recent recipient of an award in The Order of Australia, Roger Jones OAM was the guest speaker, so those present were afforded an interesting insight into the operation of Civil Defence Emergency procedures in Victoria and Australia. On 25th October Executive members of the Region were guests of The City of Greater Bendigo at a Civic Reception to acknowledge recipients of Awards in The Order of Australia over the last two years. The evening was a dazzling affair with seven new recipients honoured. The Bendigo Town Hall is an outstanding example of Victorian architecture and a most fitting venue. Outgoing Mayor Cr Alex Sandner performed his last official function by making all present aware of Bendigo s pride in its City and pride in its citizens. Mrs Val Broad OAM was delighted to showcase her internationally acclaimed Bendigo Youth Choir for the singing of the National Anthem. All new recipients were invited to address the gathering. Our Committee member, Mrs Patti Cotton OAM spoke last and then summed up the fine evening by complimenting the Council on their generous support to our group. South Central Regional Group Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated Bayside City Council joined with us in October, providing a delightful Cocktail Function at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club for our twenty one 2012 Honours recipients. The function alternates with our three relevant Councils, Glen Eira, Bayside and Kingston. We again recognised the successful A Grade regional finalists in the Debaters Association of Victoria schools debating competition, with presentations made at senior assemblies at Brighton Grammar School and Liebler Yavneh College. We were assisted in this by our bankers, Bendigo Bank Beaumaris. At our AGM held in October, a strong committee was elected, Geoff Oscar AM was reappointed Chairman for a final term. We were delighted that Cheryl Threadgold OAM was appointed Vice-Chairman. The Group has had a most successful year and is in a comfortable financial position. The meeting was followed by a guest speaker and luncheon at the Beaurmaris RSL. The most ambitious event to date was held at the iconic West Brighton Club on 29th November, when we recognised the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We were particularly delighted to receive a special message from Her Majesty, dated 29th November, 2012. In a busy luncheon program, we enjoyed the traditional formalities, singing of anthems, addresses by the Right Rev. Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE, former Governor-General of Australia and Past-President of the West Brighton Club Brian Hawdon OAM and cameos from our own committee members. With a capacity of 110, we had a long waiting list. The program for 2013 is now being developed, with a visit to the Old Treasury Building scheduled for 28th March and a possible repeat of our musical treat featuring theatre organist David Johnson OAM mid-year. Central Highlands Regional Group Order of Australia Association Citizenship Awards After two years of preparation the first OOAA Central Highlands Group, School Citizenship Awards for students in years nine and ten were recently presented at Ballarat Town Hall by the Chairman of the Group, Dr John Hurley AM and the Mayor, City of Ballarat, Cr Mark Harris. Approximately eighty people attended the presentation of awards to the ten recipients from Ballarat Secondary Schools. The proceedings were well received, the awards recognizing the significant commitment to community service made by the students and their positive contribution to Ballarat and District. The calibre of award winners was exceptional and has encouraged the Central Highlands Group to continue and expand the project. Dec_2012.indd 4 4/12/2012 11:24:46 AM

5 5 South West Regional Group Australia Day Lowering the Flag ceremony at Warrnambool 2013 At the mid-year meeting one of the Group s members, Dr. Nicholas Chantler, gave an absorbing address on cyber security. Nic is a recognized expert in this field and had recently retired as a Major in the Australian army. He instantly had our attention when he arose to speak, by telling each of those present whether or not their mobile was turned on, and the make and model of their phone. All of this from his own mobile! Nic s address raised many concerns for each of the members present and most, if not all, went home with a resolve to adopt the precautions with their computer and phone that he had recommended. He also explained the threat to our national security from cyber attack. This was particularly pertinent when a few days later the computer glitch in Melbourne s Domain Tunnel promptly grid-locked the freeways and the entire inner city area. The vulnerability of our power supplies, transport, communication and other essential services to cyber attack was starkly obvious from Nic s address. The group was in Port Fairy on December 9th when a newly admitted member, David Hawker AO, spoke on the topic From The Speaker s Chair. There were many light hearted observations reminiscent of the memorable ones from Billy Hughes and others. This meeting was also our AGM. Early next year our group will, in partnership with the Warrnambool RSL and radio station 3YB-882, conduct an Australia Day ceremony. It will mirror our State Branch s Lowering the Flag ceremony being held at the same time at Melbourne s Shrine of Remembrance. A determined effort has been made during 2012 to involve a substantial number of young people in the celebration. The Air Force cadets, primary and secondary schools will participate. The students in the schools have been invited to write, within 250 words, their thoughts on the topic: My Australia. Each participating school has been invited to send four entries to us for public display and to nominate one student to read their thoughts on Radio 3YB-882. One primary and one secondary student will then be invited to read their entry at our Australia Day service. The tyranny of distance is a major hindrance for our group as our area extends from Colac in the east to the SA border. Again this year, as with Anzac Day, our President Peter Habersberger AM RFD, laid a wreath from our group, at the Remembrance Day service There has been strong encouragement given to our members to nominate worthy people in their district to be members of The Order and hopefully we will begin to see more local people becoming members of The Order of Australia. Barwon Regional Group The Annual General Meeting and lunch were held at the Cafe-on-Track in Geelong on 16 November. The following members were elected to the Committee for the forthcoming year: Margaret Freemantle OAM, Lloyd Gosling AM, Wayne Myers OAM, Margaret Hughes OAM, Helene Bender OAM, Mary Lewis OAM, Barbara Ably AM, Alston Park AM JP, and Professor Lawrie Baker AM. Five long standing members retired from the Committee during the year and at the AGM. They did not offer themselves for re-election. The retiring members were John Robb AM, Will Bailey AO, Barry Smith OAM, Wendy Galloway OAM, and John Johnson AO, APM, QPM, FAIM. The Group was privileged to have as the guest speaker at the Lunch the Vice Chancellor of Deakin University Professor Jane den Hollander. The Regional Group has again organised a Reception for members and their guests to celebrate Australia Day. As usual the function will be held in the late afternoon of 26 January at the Geelong Club. The guest speaker this year will be Lieutenant-Colonel David Bullard OBE RFD ED the former Commanding Officer of the Fifth Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment. Western Suburbs Regional Group In 2011 with the help and encouragement of Kevin Howard OAM this Group was re-launched and has since met on a regular basis both as a Group and as an Executive Committee. The Chair is John Nicol OAM with Secretary/ Treasurer John Ravenhall AM. During 2012 the Group has visited Werribee Park and the Victorian Rose Garden, enjoyed two luncheon meetings at the Williamstown RSL and one at Quatrefoils Restaurant at the Catholic Regional College at Sydenham. The Guest Speaker at their Christmas Lunch was Dr Graeme Smith OAM, the CEO of the Lost Dogs Home. Northern Suburbs Regional Group The Group wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. They would welcome any suggestions which could help their Group increase activity and involvement of members. They are interested to hear how other Groups started snd are happy to try anything which would help expand their Group. Please contact Doreen.akkerman@gmail.com Dec_2012.indd 5 4/12/2012 11:24:46 AM

6 Eastern Suburbs Regional Group A full program of functions were arranged and completed during 2012. The following activities have been successfully completed by the Group to date this year: Guided tour and lunch at the Guide Dogs Facility in Kew 15 March Australian Navy Band At Home concert at Simpson Barracks 1 June Christmas in July celebration at Yarra Valley Country Club 19 July Cocktail reception for 2012 OOA Award recipients in the Eastern Region at Box Hill Town Hall Art Space 16 August AGM with guest speaker David Mann OAM at the Box Hill Pavilion 17 October. National Boy s Choir rehearsal for their Christmas Concert 18 November The final function for the year was a Multi-Faith Service at the Victoria Police Training Academy Chapel in Glen Waverley held on 11 December. The Service was followed by afternoon tea and a tour of the Academy. At the AGM an energetic committee was elected under the Chairmanship of Terry O Callaghan AM with the Activities Group planning an excellent program for 2013. Mornington Peninsula Regional Group The Annual Luncheon and Schools Awards held on Friday 17th August 2012 at Brooklands Tanti Ave Mornington was attended by 87 members and guests. Guest Speaker Rob GELL BSC(Hons) FRGS FEIANZ gave an enlightening, challenging but insightful address on Climate Change. The 13th year of the School s Award Program attracted 8 entries from secondary schools in the City of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The 2012 winner was Carrum Downs Secondary College for their Pastoral Care Program. The Annual Dinner and Roy Ward Prize was also held at Brooklands with 80 members and guests in attendance. They were delighted by State Chairman David Mann OAM reminiscing on his experiences when interviewing many of Australia s leading citizens and in his role as 3AW s Mann about Town. Musical entertainment was provided by Richard Thornton, grandson of Past President Harry Macdonald OAM. The Roy Ward Prize for outstanding leadership and community work was awarded to Janel Gibson from Mornington Secondary College for her involvement as School Captain, Lions Club Youth of the Year and her fundraising for the Cancer Council. In accepting the Award Janel displayed her fine personality and public speaking skills. As is the established practice we were invited to provide a speaker at all Shire Citizenship Ceremonies and were thus able to highlight the work of the Association and encourage the nomination of worthy citizens for the award of an Australian Honour. The Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 30th November followed by a normal Committee meeting. We continue to involve Association members, resident in the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong, in our activities as a means to encouraging them to form their own Regional Group in the future. Mallee Regional Group The next Mallee Regional Group activity will be combined with the Annual General Meeting at a date to be advised after Australia day 2013. As is customary, Mildura Rural City Council have advised that special tables will be set up for recipients of Order of Australia Awards at district Australia Day Ceremonies and the recipients will be introduced during the ceremonies. North East Victoria & Goulburn Valley Regional Group Members and guests enjoyed the annual visit to the Benalla Bowls Club for the Luncheon and AGM of the North East Victoria and Goulburn Valley Regional Group. Guest Speaker was Professor Richard Cotton AM who gave an interesting illustrated address on his work associated with the ongoing development of DNA technology. Richard was raised and educated in Wangaratta before moving away to further his studies but through the Association he still retains his links to the North East through our mailings and details of our functions. A feature of the lunch was the Annual General Meeting which saw Kevin Howard OAM JP elected for his third and final term as Chairman. Deputy Chairman is John Brown AO. Adrian Twitt continues as Secretary with Irene Cracknell OAM as Treasurer. Committee members are John Richards OAM, Isabel Dunstan OAM, Karen Harmon AM and Bruce Lloyd AM. We welcome Bruce to the Committee. During the proceedings the Chairman invited Lance Woodhouse OAM to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Margot Ballard OAM. Margot was the foundation Secretary/Treasurer of the Group and continued in that position for an unbroken period of 18 years. Next year brings the Group to its 20th anniversary and plans are proceeding to recognise this milestone with a special function at Brown Brothers Winery at Milawa on 28th April 2013. In his Annual Report Chairman Kevin urged all members to attend and where possible to participate in their local Australia Day celebrations and to fly the Australian flag with pride. Dec_2012.indd 6 4/12/2012 11:24:47 AM

7 Gippsland Regional Group Two successful recent events in the Region Gippsland Regional Group welcomed Regional Groups Coordinator Kevin Howard OAM to their well attended afternoon tea AGM in Traralgon on 28 October. The guest speaker was, as has been the recent practice of the Group, one of their members Doug Caulfield OAM RFD. Doug s topic The Challenges that inspired the greatness of Gippsland listed emergencies in the region over the past decade and how they had been overcome. Doug s expertise in this field made it an enlightening presentation. The previous function was a luncheon at Fulham in August attended by forty people from around Gippsland. Policing in other countries was the very interesting topic of guest speaker John Brookes OAM RFD. The group looks forward to another good year in 2013 continuing to promote the Order throughout the community and uphold the principles of the Association. Congratulations have been extended from the Group to Alex Arbuthnot AM on his recent National Farmers Federation Award of Honour, being only the 11th recipient in its 25 year history. Central Suburbs Regional Group The Annual General Meeting of the Central Suburbs Regional Group was held on 17th October 2012 when the guest speaker was Emeritus Professor David Penington AC, who spoke on the Challenges in Developing the Bionic Eye. A new Committee was elected with Commodore (Dr) Peter Habersberger AM RFD as Chairman, Squadron Leader Jed Macartney OAM as Secretary, Mr Julian Stock AM as Treasurer. Committee members are, Archdeacon Philip Newman OAM, Mr Tan Hai Nguyen OAM and Sister Margaret Noone AM. It is intended that three luncheon meetings will be held in March, July, and October during 2013. Victoria Branch Committee 2011-2012 Chairman: David Mann OAM Deputy Chairman. Metro: Paul Wheelton OAM Deputy Chairman. Country: Duncan Stalker OAM Immediate Past Chairman: Don Hyde AM Secretary: Marion Lau OAM JP Treasurer: Julian Stock AM Committee: Diane James AM Bill Horman AM APM Wellington Lee AM OBE RFD David Rayner OAM Richard Rozen OAM Brian Stahl OAM JP Richard Williams OAM Voi Williams OAM Regional Group Contacts Barwon Chair/Convener Mrs Margaret Fremantle OAM Ph: 03 5253 1974 Central Highlands Chair/Convener Dr John Hurley AM jhurley5@bigpond.com Central Suburbs Chair/Convener Mr Peter Habersberger AM RFD pghabers@bigpond.com Eastern Suburbs Chair/Convener Mr Robert (Bob) Law AM bob.law@optusnet.com.au Gippsland Chair/Convener Mrs Beth Delzoppo OAM bdelzoppo@bigpond.com.au Loddon Campaspe Chair/Convener Assoc. Prof. Elaine Murphy AM EM2B@activ8.net.au Mallee Chair/Convener Mr Ken Wright OAM wrightken@bigpond.com Mornington Peninsula Chair/Convener Mr Brian Stahl OAM JP ber.bri@bigpond.com N E V & G V Chair/Convener Mr Kevin Howard OAM kmpro@w140.aone.net.au Northern Suburbs Chair/Convener Doreen Akkerman AM doreen.akkerman@gmail.com South Central Suburbs Chair/Convener Mr Geoff Oscar AM genoscar@melbpc.org.au South West Victoria Chair/Convener Mr Peter Habersberger AM RFD peterhabers@bigpond.com Western Suburbs Chair/Convener Mr John Nicol AM john@nicolgroup.com.au How to Replace Lost Insignias The Order of Australia Association cannot replace lost insignia or lapel pins. Replacements can only be obtained from the The Secretary, Order of Australia, Government House, Yarralumla. ACT 2600. Telephone ( 02) 6283 3533. email: honours@gg.gov.au Dec_2012.indd 7 4/12/2012 11:24:47 AM

8 RACV Golf Membership. Play more. Pay less. Participating Courses RACV Courses: RACV Cape Schanck Resort RACV Royal Pines Resort (QLD) RACV Torquay Golf Club Melbourne Courses: Amstel Golf Club (Ranfurlie) Box Hill Golf Club Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows Eynesbury Golf Growling Frog Golf Course Keysborough Golf Club Kingston Links Long Island Country Club Medway Golf Course Moonah Links Patterson River Country Club Sandhurst Club Settlers Run Golf Club The Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club Waterford Valley Regional VIC Courses: Ballarat Golf Club Benalla Golf Club Bendigo Golf Club Bright Country Golf Club Hidden Valley Golf & Country Club Horsham Golf Club Lakes Entrance Golf Club Leongatha Golf Club Queenscliff Golf Club Thirteenth Beach Golf Links Warrnambool Golf Club Regional NSW Courses: Barham Golf & Country Club Cobram Barooga Golf Club Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Rich River Golf Club Resort Tocumwal Golf Club QLD Courses: Glades Golf Club Indooroopilly Golf Club Lakelands Golf Club Northlakes Resort Golf Club Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club Driving Ranges: Albert Park Driving Range Melbourne Golf Academy RACV Golf Membership allows you to enjoy great discounts at 40 of the best golf courses in Australia. You ll receive at least 20% off green fees for you and three friends, as well as one free and two half priced rounds at each RACV course. To find out more call 13 RACV, visit racv.com.au/golf an RACV golf course or RACV shop. Order of Australia Association Merchandise Endorsed at the A.G.M. Darwin April 2012 How to Order: Quantity Tie (new design) @ $40.00 plus $2.00 postage Tie (original design) @ $40.00 plus $2.00 postage Scarf @ $30.00 plus $2.00 postage Pen @ $10.00 plus $2.00 postage Cufflinks (sets) @ $35.00 plus $5.00 postage Brooch @ $20.00 plus $2.00 postage Decal (57mmx 78mm) @ $ 5.00 plus $1.00 postage Lapel badge (new) @ $15.00 plus $1.00 postage Mail your order and cheque to: Richard Rozen OAM, National Merchandise Officer 3/144 Were Street, Brighton. Victoria 3186 Phone: (03) 9592 8068. Email: rozenr@bigpond.com Make cheques payable to The Order of Australia Association Victoria Branch (only Members are permitted to wear Association merchandise) THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION VICTORIA BRANCH P.O. BOX 18389, Collins St East, Melbourne VIC 8003 Committee contacts Chairman David Mann OAM Tel: (03) 8667 3624 Deputy Chairman (Metro) Paul Wheelton OAM Tel: (03) 9294 9922 Deputy Chairman (Country): Duncan Stalker OAM Tel: (03) 5561 1329 Hon. Secretary Marion Lau OAM Tel: (03) 9527 2262 Hon. Treasurer Julian Stock AM Tel: (03) 9820 1158 To foster love and pride in Australian citizenship and to uphold the high principles and prestige of the Order of Australia Dec_2012.indd 8 4/12/2012 11:24:50 AM