HOBART LEGACY 1 INC A voluntary organisation dedicated to the care of the dependants of those who served in war and other operational areas (including peacekeeping) and who died on service or subsequently. Legacy also supports the dependants of members of today s ADF who lose their lives as a result of their service. PRINT POST APPROVED 100002413 ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO: THE SECRETARY HOBART LEGACY INC 159 MACQUARIE STREET HOBART TAS 7000 LEGACY LINKS MARCH 2013 The Spirit of Legacy is Service PHONE: (03) 6234 6581 (03) 6234 9245 FAX: (03) 6231 2346 EMAIL: admin@legacyhobart.com.au WEB: www.legacy.com.au/hobart BULLETIN EDITOR - LEGATEE CHAD SUTTON MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN GELLIBRAND (1872-1945) BY REG A WATSON Major-General Sir John Gellibrand was an amazing son of Tasmania, and one of the greatest Tasmanian heroes of World War 1. Having served in two wars, Gellibrand, as a man of compassion, saw the horrors of violent conflict. He also looked beyond the time when hostilities ceased. In the days before government assistance, Gellibrand came to the fore to give support to the bereaved families of Tasmania. His efforts soon spread to the whole of Australia. This is his story... Continued page 9
News from the Northern Suburbs (Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, 1pm at the Glenorchy RSL) 2 Well ladies, the festive season is well and truly over. I do hope that everyone had an enjoyable time, and are now looking forward to 2013. Not a great deal of news about at the moment. Our first meeting for the year was held last Wednesday. This was very well attended. Our guest speaker was very interesting and spoke about gardening and water usage. The next trip will be to Geeveston which I am looking forward to. Our thanks go to Norma for organizing such interesting places to visit. No doubt ladies, this year will slip by quickly. Two months have already passed! My thoughts go to those who have been affected by the recent bushfires. Memories take a long time to fade. To everyone, may you all stay in good health and my best wishes to all clubs for a successful and happy 2013. Esma Coombe - President LEGACY HOUSE 159 Macquarie Street, Hobart, 7000 Phone - 6234 6581 Email - admin@legacyhobart.com.au Staff - Kaye Bailey & Renee Patterson The office is open Monday to Friday 9am 4pm DEADLINE for the next bulletin is 1 JULY 2013 Could the President, Secretary or an office bearer have their report in by this date please. News from Clarence Legacy Widows Club (Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10.30am at Rosny Library) welcome to you, rich autumn days, Ere comes the cold, leaf picking winds W.H Davies lines (above) prepare us for the next few months. Those who have suffered from the fires will find a welcome relief from the hot summer days the rest of us have enjoyed. Our club has started off the new year with a trip to Levendale and then a trip to South Arm for a Legacy fundraiser soup and sandwiches lunch. Both enjoyable days. Next will be the AGM and ANZAC Day: so we will be busy. I look forward to seeing other club members at both. We have had one new member since our last Legacy Links but sadly we have lost a dear member: Nancy Crew. Some of our members were able to say farewell to her. We will all remember our dear friend. Thanks to all at the Legacy office and to Peter, our mentor for all their help over the last months and also my Committee. Good health to you all for winter. Nola Patten - President OUR PRAYER Let us be genuine with one another And see in each the best that we can find. So many lives depend on us for brightness, Lord, keep us brave and help us to be kind. Badge Week 2013 will be 1st - 7th September.
News from Sorell (Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, 11am at Sorell RSL) 3 First, I would like to send all ladies and those at Legacy my best wishes for 2013. Thanks to Legacy for the lovely Christmas luncheon at Hellenic Hall and also the Christmas luncheon held at Legacy House. The highlight for us was meeting the Governor, His Excellency, Peter Underwood. We appreciated the invitation and the fine meal. We attended our own Christmas luncheon at South Arm RSL with invited guests, Legatee Stephen Miller and Legatee Bob Wilkinson. Everyone had a happy time and the meal was excellent. Good wishes to all officer bearers for 2013. Cheers for now Nancy Weeding President VETERANS HOME MAINTENANCE LINE SERVICE The Veterans Home Maintenance Line (VHML) is a toll-free service that provides advice on general property maintenance matters and referral to local, reliable and efficient tradespeople. The tradespeople have appropriate qualifications and both professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover. The service can also arrange home inspections to identify current or possible future maintenance problems. Who is eligible? Any member of the veteran community is eligible to use the service. How many services can be received? You can receive an unlimited number of services. Do you need to pay? The VHML advice is free but you will need to pay for work done by tradespeople, including callout fees. How do you access the Veterans Home Maintenance Line? By calling 1800 80 1945. What time is the service available? The property maintenance and home inspection advice is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Emergency property advice is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. DVA factsheet HAC03 - Last updated 28 Sept 2012
4 BEQUESTS TO HOBART LEGACY INC AND THE LEGACY TORCH SOCIETY LEAVING A BEQUEST A gift in a Will is called a bequest. You can leave a gift to Hobart Legacy as you can to a person. In one way, a bequest is the easiest gift you can ever give to a charity, as unlike giving a cash donation, writing a charitable bequest leaves you no poorer the next day. Bequest giving is a simple and effective way of continuing your support for Hobart Legacy and also a real investment in Legacy s future service to the Legacy community. THE LEGACY TORCH SOCIETY The Legacy Torch Society (named after the symbol of Legacy), has been formed to recognize the support of those who make a bequest towards the vital work of Hobart Legacy Inc. All too often, the first heard about a bequest to Hobart Legacy is after a supporter has died. The Torch Society allows the recognition of the support of benefactors whilst, at the same time, encouraging others to consider this form of support. Membership of the Legacy Torch Society is open to anyone who confirms in writing that they have left a bequest of any nature (the size of a bequest is never asked) to Hobart Legacy Inc. Its members are highly valued supporters. Torch Society members are invited to a yearly function such as the launch of Badge Week in southern Tasmania and other activities from time to time. YOUR BEQUEST TO HOBART LEGACY CAN TAKE A NUMBER OF FORMS A percentage of the value of the estate (meaning the bequest will grow in proportion to the size of the estate). The residue of the estate AFTER FAMILY AND OTHER BENEFICIARIES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR. A specified amount of money or item of property (be aware that a specified gift may alter in proportional value to the rest of your estate). YOUR BEQUEST Your bequest will be a lasting gift that will: help meet the changing needs of widows and dependants; and help Hobart Legacy continue to provide other important services. IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A BEQUEST TO HOBART LEGACY INC, THE SUGGESTED WORDING IS: I give and bequeath free of all deduction to Hobart Legacy Inc, 159 Macquarie Street, Hobart (ABN 80 732 318 565): the whole of my residuary Estate, or % of my residuary Estate, or the sum of $... to be applied tor the general purposes of such Fund and I direct that the receipt of an authorized person of such Fund shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees. HOWEVER, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONSULT A QUALIFIED SOLICITOR WHO WILL ENSURE YOUR WISHES ARE CLEARLY AND LEGALLY STATED. Pictured at their Christmas Luncheon last year are members of the Huonville Widows Club with Legatee Graham Knight and Legatee President Stephen Miller. News from the Huon (Meets 4th Wednesday of the month, 11am at the Huonville Ex-Service Club)
5 Thanks to the Public Trustee who have contributed to the costs of production of this bulletin. THANKS FOR CHRISTMAS CARE PACKAGES From a Hobart Legatee serving in Afghanistan: We do enjoy the care packages and they provide some joy especially to some deployed members who receive very little mail or gifts for a variety of personal reasons... I can assure you all that Legacy is the No. 1 charity for which we fund-raise continually. From a female Army Medic Warrant Officer serving in Afghanistan:... It truly does feel like Christmas when everyone is given a parcel to open not knowing what to expect inside. All of the items are appreciated and will be put to good use or eaten!!! Thank you. Smoke Alarms - It is time to change the battery! Maintaining smoke alarms is crucial so as to alert you to a house fire. Some simple steps can save your life - Test alarms monthly by pressing and holding the test button. Change the battery at least once a year. Make it a habit to change your battery at the end of daylight saving in March. Clean alarms regularly with the fine nozzle of your vacuum cleaner. Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
6 A DECADE OF SERVICE REMEMBERED FORTY YEARS ON Forty years ago today (January 11, 2013), Australia s involvement in the Vietnam War ended with the then Governor General, Sir Paul Hasluck, proclaiming the cessation of hostilities after more than a decade of fighting. Minister for Veterans Affairs Warren Snowdon urged all Australians to take time to remember the more than 60,000 men and women who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1972. We especially remember the sacrifice of more than 500 Australians who died in Vietnam and the more than 3000 who were wounded and many more who continue to suffer the effects of the conflict long after coming home. This anniversary is a timely reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as well as civilians, who bravely went to Vietnam in an effort to stem the communist threat in South East Asia, he said. Australian military involvement in the Vietnam War commenced in July 1962 with the dispatch of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in a bid to assist the government in South Vietnam. Many Australians served under the National Service Scheme, introduced in 1964. The scheme was highly controversial among the Australian public and saw more than 15,000 National Servicemen serve in Vietnam. Of these men, some 200 lost their lives. Thanks to Suncorp Bank who have contributed to the costs of production of this bulletin.
Results of End of Year (2012) and 2013 Fundraising Activities Nov/Dec 2012 - Raffle of donated painting raised $1060.00. Tickets were sold at the widows Christmas Luncheon and the Members Christmas Luncheon along with the Anglesea Barracks Mess on Melbourne Cup Day. The lucky winner was Ms T Webb. 14-24 Dec 2012 - Gift Wrapping and the Donations and sale of Christmas puddings etc at Northgate Shopping Centre raised $1900 approximately. 26 Jan 2013 - RAR Stomp for Hobart Legacy. Funds raised for Hobart Legacy exceeded $400. 9 Feb 2013 - Visit by RAN Ship to Hobart. Collection of donations were made shipside by Legatees and raised over $270. 7 Pictured above at the RAR Stomp for Hobart Legacy are (l-r) Legatees Graeme Manning and David Waddle and organiser of the Stomp, Mr Tim Sproule. 2013/2014 ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Hobart Legacy have copies of the Tasmanian Entertainment Book for sale. Valid for twelve months from June, the book features the best restaurants, attractions, cinemas, sports, hotel accommodation and much more offering discounts and special offers. The cost will be $60.00 with $12 of this sum being donated back to Hobart Legacy. Possible gift idea (eg Mother s Day). Orders are being taken now. Contact Renee in Legacy office for more information and to secure your book!
8 Thanks to Turnbull Family Funerals who have contributed to the costs of production of this bulletin. PRESIDENT S REPORT As you are aware this year is the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Remembrance Club (soon after called Legacy) by Major General Sir John Gellibrand. A celebratory Church service will be taking place at Ouse (Gellibrand s birthplace) on Sunday 24th March. A reception at Government House will take place later in the year. ANZAC Day is approaching and we will once again have our annual luncheon at Legacy House for widows, widowers, Legatees and Junior Legatee Children at Legacy House. More details are included on page 11 of this bulletin. Fortunately for our widows who live in the areas recently affected by fire: no homes have been lost. We remain in contact with them. They remain in our hearts and minds. We were pleased to receive positive feedback from our ADF members serving overseas who received the care packages that Hobart Legacy sent just prior to Christmas. Very best wishes to you all, yours in Legacy. Stephen D Miller - President RETURN YOUR UNWANTED MEDICINES TO YOUR PHARMACY FOR SAFE DISPOSAL Most medicines in our medicine cabinet we need, but what about the yellow pills in a jar that s lost its label and the eye drops we have had for a long time? Old medicines lying around the home just in case are dangerous if taken when they re out of date or if they are not prescribed for you. By returning out of date and unwanted medicines to your local pharmacy (for free and safe disposal), we can make our home a safer place. STEP 1 - Sort through your medicine cabinet and draws, putting to one side the out of date and unwanted medicines. STEP 2 - Take them to your local pharmacy and give them to your pharmacist for safe disposal. THINK BEFORE YOU THROW - Unwanted medicines are often dumped into the toilet, tipped down the sink or put out with the garbage, which starts a journey that can seriously harm the environment (over 500 tonnes of medicines find their way into our waterways or landfill each year). We need to change our behaviors to solve this problem and give the environment a chance. Thanks to Melbourne Legacy
Continued from page 1... 9 MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN GELLIBRAND (1872-1945) - BY REG A WATSON Gellibrand was born in the rural community of Ouse, Tasmania on 5 th December 1872. His grandfather Joseph Tice, being the first ever Attorney-General of colonial Tasmania, during Governor George Arthur s administration (1825-1836). His father, Thomas, was a Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly and was a captain in Third Rifles, Southern Tasmanian Volunteers. Young John (Jack) left his isle home and attended school in England and toured Europe. He entered the military academy, Sandhurst. He became a great sportsman; and enjoyed the theatre and music halls. He graduated at the top of his class in 1893. During a dance he met his future wife, Elizabeth (Elsie) Helena Bruel (1869-1949). Elizabeth was German whose father had moved to England to open an antique shop. After marriage on the 27 th July 1894, Gellibrand (as part of the British Army) was sent to Ireland. He also took to writing, submitting work to various military magazines. One of their main concerns of married life was continual financial strain; he had a small legacy from his late father, but this proved to be inadequate. In the end, as was quite common for military personnel he had to borrow against his future pay. With the coming of the Boer War, Gellibrand was about to put all his army experience into practice. Gellibrand was with the South Lancashire Regiment and so was not offered command of the first Tasmanian contingent. Operations in South Africa for Gellibrand began in February 1900 where he commanded a company assisting the relief of Ladysmith, then under siege from the Boers. He saw a great deal of action. Ladysmith was eventually relieved, but Gellibrand contracted the dreaded enteric fever and went into a coma. His recovery took some months and the authorities decreed his return to England. Recovering sufficiently in England he was transferred as captain to the Manchester Regiment in Aldershot. Nineteen months later, on the island of St Helena, he was responsible for guarding 6000 Boer prisoners. He then served on the staff at Camberley College and as Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, in Ceylon, from where he was gazetted out of the Army on retired pay. On 27 th April 1912 he returned home to Tasmania and became a farmer by working an orchard at Risdon. Oddly enough, the author of this work lives on the farm Gellibrand once had. War in 1914 saw Gellibrand immediately offer his vast military experience. He was present on 25 th April 1915 at Gallipoli where he was later wounded twice. Recovering from his wounds, he was to continue to serve at Gallipoli until contacting severe typhoid. Receiving the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his outstanding service at Gallipoli, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given command of 12 th Battalion AIF (a Tasmanian Unit) on 4 th December 1915. Promotion to Colonel, then Brigadier, and in command of 6 th Brigade AIF in France on 31 st May 1915, Gellibrand was again wounded. Returning to lead 6 th Brigade in the fighting at Pozieres, severe influenza intervened, but he soon returned to command. A bar to his DSO followed for fighting at the Hindenburg Line, and then after a period in England in administration, a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). In November 1917, he returned to the Western Front and on 1 st June 1918, was promoted to Major General and given command of 3 rd Division AIF, which he commanded to war s end. Further awards followed; Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) and an Officer of the Legion de Honeur. Although he had had disagreements with other Generals, including Monash, over tactics and battle plans, Gellibrand had performed outstanding service. He noted in his diary (2 nd May 1919), had the honour of being received by the King for an hour. Sir John Gellibrand (on return to Hobart in June 1919), was received with great honour by the Hobart community. Later he was to become Tasmania s Public Service Commissioner briefly (he clashed with his political masters) and then Victoria s Police Commissioner. Returning to Hobart in 1923 with a concern to help the plight of ex servicemen and their families he contacted a number of prominent Hobart business and professional people. He put to them that they should form a cobbers club as he termed it with the motive A desire to co-operate in promoting welfare of the independent R.S. of securing for them such measure of support from their comrades and the general public as may suffice to fill the national pledge and since we are now civilians again for keeps we hope to deserve well of the state by doing what in us lies to further progress in state and commonwealth. Thus the Remembrance Club was formed. The inaugural meeting was held over lunch at Anzac House, the headquarters of the RSL. The Remembrance Club and Gellibrand s influence inspired those who began the Melbourne Legacy Club. The new club rekindled the spirit of optimism and national idealism and filled a great need. The Club s first publicity stated, to safeguard the interests of soldiers and developing a broad outlook on national problems. Legacy was born and has been strong ever since.
10 The 90 th celebrations of the founding of the Hobart Remembrance Club (later to become Hobart Legacy) which will take place at the John the Baptist Church, Ouse, on 24 th March 2013 the birthplace of Gellibrand will be joined by two grandchildren, Miriam and John. John lived with his grandparents for two years, when he was seven and eight years old in central Victoria. John remembers his grandfather as tallish, although not over six foot. By this time of course, he had white hair and was still suffering from his war time wounds and sickness. said John. He was quite strict. He never hesitated to correct me with pronunciation and grammar. He read hugely and I remember him as a very erudite gentleman. John Gellibrand, grandson, who spent twenty five years in the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force also remembers his grandfather as being very neat and tidy, things had to be ordered. In essence, however, I remember him as a lovely old fella. He was very gentle, spoke excellent English. We used to read to each other, many works starting with Kipling, (Jungle Book, Kim, etc) and then moving on to Mark Twain et al. When I lived with him and Elsie those many years ago, he was quite frail as was she. He never walked very well, but his mind was as astute as ever, said John. Gellibrand entered Federal politics in November 1925, as member for Denison, Tasmania. He was defeated in the elections of 1928 and 1929. He returned to farming; first in Tasmania and then from 1937 near Yea, Victoria. Often asked by the Federal Government to comment and recommend procedures for the nation s defence, the years began to take a toll. Both he and Elsie left Tasmania for the last time on the 27th March 1937. On the 3 rd June 1945 death came from a mild cerebral haemorrhage. After a short private service at Balaclava, he was buried at the Yea Cemetery, Victoria. Elsie died 13 th August 1949 in Hobart. They left two children, Cynthia (1901-1994) and Thomas (1908-1981). Recommended reading: The Paladin a Life of Major-General Sir John Gellibrand Peter S. Sadler. Legacy the first fifty years - Mark Lyons. A more comprehensive account of this article can be found at www.legacy.com.au/hobart * Reg. A. Watson is a Tasmanian historian and author. Mr Watson has long supported Legacy and is a very active Friend of Hobart Legacy SAVE THE DATE! THE LEGACY WIDOWS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD AT HELLENIC HOUSE, NORTH HOBART ON SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2013 FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE GIVEN IN YOUR OCTOBER BULLETIN HELP WITH DISTRIBUTION OF TIN HATS Hobart Legacy has an ongoing program to find locations where Tin Hats can be put for ongoing collection of donations for Legacy. The collection of small change throughout the year soon adds up! No doubt you or perhaps one of your children or grand-children can identify a suitable, secure location for a Tin Hat. If so, it would be very much appreciated if you could pass contact details such as managers name and telephone number to Kaye or Renée at the office for action. Successful donation gathering sites include, but are not limited to, hotels, newsagents, factories and banks.
11 Legatee Bill Eggins (pictured) with the Legacy Team Assist vehicle. Team Legacy Assist was on top of the podium (twice) at Targa Wrest Point with the assistance of three Junior Legatees as crew. The team aims to win races, but it also aims to raise awareness and funds for Legacy. Now in its third year the Team Assist members invited some Junior Legatees to travel to Hobart to join them - assisting with maintaining the car in peak condition and to promote Legacy through their personal stories. Many thanks to the ladies who continue to send material in for Legacy Links. Please keep it coming, especially your stories, there will always be an interest in the items that you send so if you have a favourite recipe, a photo, a poem or some humour you would like to share, then we would love to consider it for one of the next editions. Other contributions to the Widows Bulletin are always welcome. ANZAC DAY - WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL 2013 If you require transport to the Cenotaph for the Anzac Day ceremony on Thursday 25 April, a bus will leave from outside the Macquarie Inn at 10.30 am and return to Legacy House following the ceremony in time for a two course Luncheon which commences at 12.30 pm. All widows are invited to both the Cenotaph and the luncheon, (The luncheon is provided by Legacy). If you are unable to attend the Cenotaph, please come along to the luncheon. For catering purposes, please indicate if you will be attending the luncheon by completing the cut-off section below and returning it to Legacy House, 159 Macquarie St, Hobart, TAS, 7000 or by telephoning 6234-6581 by 19 April. ANZAC DAY LUNCHEON I wish to advise that I will be attending the Anzac Day Luncheon on Thursday, 25 April 2013. RSVP BY 19 APRIL 2013 NAME: PHONE:...
If undelivered please return to: 12 HOBART LEGACY INC 159 MACQUARIE STREET HOBART TAS 7000 HOBART LEGACY WIDOWS BULLETIN Print Post Approved 100002413 SURFACE MAIL POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA. If your address on this wrapper is incorrect, fill in the panel below and return the completed wrapper to Hobart Legacy CHANGE OF ADDRESS DETAILS Name Address Telephone (Home)