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Lest We Forget
THE BRANCH
NEWSLETTER Of the Hervey bay rsl sub-branch Inc.
February 2020
See inside for information on ANZAC Day commemoration services in Hervey Bay
In memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrific
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Members, Welcome to the March issue of “The Branch”. Firstly, I would like to wish all members and their families all the best in health and happiness for 2020. By the time of publication, the AGM will have been held and I would like to congratulate those who were elected to the Committee and am looking forward to working with you in our pursuit of the wellbeing of our veterans. To the members who did not stand I thank you for your time working on the committee. The Pension section recently lost a very valuable member with the “crossing the bar” of Level 4 Advocate Terry Meehan AM JP (Qual.). Terry was a great Advocate and was also honest with veterans about their claims and took many to the AAT with nearly 100% positive outcome. Michael “Tiny” Anderson, who is a Level 3 Advocate, is coming from Nanango when required to help with claims and to mentor Brian Reckenberg who is our Trainee Advocate. We also receive assistance from RSL State Advocate who is based in Gympie. We are also pushing for a State paid Advocate to be based in Hervey Bay due to the workload that is occurring with Pensions. Wellbeing section is getting busier with veterans requiring assistance and this includes going outside our area of operations due to the lack of wellbeing practitioners at surrounding Sub-Branches. Until next issue, take care.
Brian Tidyman President.
Don't forget that you can keep abreast of what is happening with the Sub-Branch and ESO’s by checking out our website - herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au.
Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am - 12.30pm or ph: 4197 7477.
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Annual General Meeting Last Saturday in February each year February 29 10:30am (held in ‘Hervey House’ at the RSL Club) General Meetings May 9 10:30am August 8 10:30am November 7 10.30am (held in ‘Hervey House’ at the RSL Club unless advised otherwise) 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
DATES TO REMEMBER 2020
Ensure the RSL Club has your correct mobile phone details to receive event noti� cations and reminders by SMS text message
April 25 ANZAC Day July 5 Rimau Commemoration July 27 Korea Memorial Day August 15 VP Day August 18 Vietnam Veterans’ Day September 14 Peacekeepers Day November 11 Remembrance Day
Commemorations observed in Hervey Bay:
The Minutes of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Board Meetings and General Meetings are placed on the
Noticeboard in the Sub-Branch office for members to view once ratified.
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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 Wellbeing 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 Wellbeing 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 Wellbeing 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. The Pension and Wellbeing Office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm at
Suite 18, 2nd Floor of the Signature Building, 19-21 Torquay Road, Pialba .
Ph: 07 4184 9496
Welcome to Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Cherie Lewis,
the latest addition to our Wellbeing team located in the Signature Building.
Cherie comes to us with a load of experience and knowledge in the area of care and wellbeing.
Call or drop in to the Pensions & Wellbeing offices to see how we can help you.
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Our team of 18 Support Officers are trained and authorised to assist the ex-service community (Army, Air Force, Navy and Police). This is a free service. How can they help?
Support Officers are trained to assist with a range of services:
• Visits to Hospitals, homes and aged care facilities (these visits do not include the provision of information or advice); and
• providing services and support on behalf of the Sub-Branch,
including but not limited to emergency financial support, accommodation and welfare checks.
How to contact the Wellbeing Team:
Office (07) 4184 9496 After Hours (07) 4197 7444 Email: [email protected]
To make an appointment with Wellbeing phone Pam during office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 3:00pm.
We are looking for more volunteers for our Wellbeing 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. Advocacy Training and Development Program (“ATDP”)
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The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch will hold Commemoration Services at the
Light Horse War Memorial in Freedom Park, Pialba
Dawn Service Parade commencing at 5:15am
Dawn Service commencing at 5:30am
Main March commencing at 9:15am
Main Service commencing at 9:45am
All welcome
ANZAC Day 25 April 2020
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Young veterans
On Friday 13 December 2019, Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman was pleased to donate 2 x RSL Club Vouchers to Harry Ghitgos BHMS, ACA for the Fraser Coast Suicide Prevention Network Presents “Conversations for Christmas” that was held on the foreshore opposite the Beach House Hotel on 19 December 2019.
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The Light Horse War Memorial was completed in 2015 and had succumbed to the ravages to time and weather. Perides Art Foundry commenced refurbishment of the Light Horse War Memorial in Freedom Park on 10 February 2020. Unfortunately inclement weather held up the works so completion was delayed until 3 March 2020. Thank you to Perides Art Foundry for a great job and thanks also to Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Darren Everard for funding this important project for the Hervey Bay community.
Photos supplied by Perides Art Foundry
and Sub-Branch Secretary Kevin Collins
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Following the AGM the 2020 Sub-Branch committee is as follows:
President: Brian Tidyman Deputy President: John Beattie Vice President: Toby Tidyman Secretary: Kevin Collins Treasurer: Tracy Gillespie Committee: Christine Bell Paul Bloomfield Brad Gray Vic Jackson
Tony Lewis Simon Morley
Barry Toohill
At the recent AGM President Brian Tidyman presented Law Essentials Director / Solicitor Chris Thompson with a plaque thanking him for his
time and assistance given to the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch and
our Members.
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• 1 December 2019 - President Brian attended the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (Qld) Inc. Hervey Bay Branch Christmas luncheon on “The Deck” at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club.
• 2 December 2019 - President Brian attended the Air League Cadets presentation at the Hervey Bay Airport. • 7 December 2019 - President Brian and his wife, Rose, were invited guests to the Hervey Bay & District Veterans’
Association Christmas luncheon at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club. • 8 December 2019 - President Brian and his wife, Rose, were delighted to attend the RAAF Association Christmas
luncheon at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club. • 10 December 2019 - President Brian and his wife, Rose, joined the Old Salts for their Christmas luncheon in “Hervey
House” at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club. • 4 -5 January 2020 - The Sub-Branch matched funds raised at the RSL Club for the Bushfire Appeal in the sum of
$3,000.00. (see article page 15). • 13 January 2020 - preparations commence for ANZAC Day 2020. • 15 January 2020 - A “Thank you luncheon” hosted by Secretary Kevin Collins was held for the volunteers on “The
Deck” at the RSL Club (see article page 17). • 17 January 2020 - Deputy President John Beattie and Committee Member Brad Gray attended the Memorial Service
for the late Terry Meehan AM JP (Qual.) at Maroochydore. • 31 January 2020 - Nominations open for Committee positions for the 2020 year. • 31 January 2020 - Vicky Ney retires from her position as Wellbeing Admin Officer. • 10 February 2020 - Refurbishment commences of the Light Horse War Memorial in Freedom Park (see article page
10) • 11 February 2020 - President Brian attended the Women’s Auxiliary AGM and held the floor during elections. • 17 February 2020 - Cherie Lewis joins the Sub-Branch as Wellbeing Co-Ordinator (see article page 4). • 29 February 2020 - the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch holds its AGM in Hervey House. (see page 11 ). • For the months of December, January and February the Sub-Branch provided an RSL Poppy Service at six funerals. • Administrative assistance and/or supply of ordnance was provided to seven Ex-Service Organisations and cadets and
eight volunteer and welfare organisations in the Hervey Bay area.
New style bullet pens and keyrings are now available from the RSL Club reception. All items have been individually crafted by Joshua, a young veteran from Toogoom
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Getting to know you
In this edition we find out more about our Sub-Branch Committee Member Bradley Gray:
• Which service did you serve in and for how many years? Royal Australian Navy - 12 years in total including reserve time.
• Your job in the service? Anti-Submarine underwater weapons, and once that branch was redundant I became a Quarter Master Gunner.
• Most memorable moment whilst serving? Being in South East Asia at 17 years of age.
• What did you do after leaving the Military and for how long? Queensland Corrective Services in the Brisbane area for 35 years until retirement, of those I spent 14 years as a dog handler.
• Why did you choose Hervey Bay? I called in to Hervey Bay whilst sailing the east coast and I liked what I saw.
• Something we don’t know about you? Nothing, what you see is what you get!
• What’s your favourite time of the day and why? Dawn, because I enjoy the sunrise.
• If you could only ever eat three foods what would they be? Thai, Indonesian and Chinese cuisines.
• What are three things still left on your bucket list? Nothing! I’m still enjoying my everyday life.
• What are you passionate about? Assisting veterans where I can.
• What is the one piece of advice you would give to others about life? Live life to the fullest.
Don’t forget to visit our webpage for all the latest Sub-Branch news.
www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au
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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 Fraser Coast Sub-Section continue to meet at the Hervey RSL Boardroom
normally on the 2nd Sunday of the month (except Jan and May).
Application for membership is invited—please contact: Peter McDermott on 0409 260 255
or email [email protected] or
Greg McHugh on 0428 696 848 or email [email protected]
The Naval Associatio of Australia is commi� ed to four important principals; Care (i.e. the welfare of our members), Commemora� on, 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 a� eld. The Fraser Coast Sub-Secti n has now established a Wellbeing and Advocacy Service with a small team of accredited advocates. Our team supports the needs of former Naval personnel and their families with advice on access to services or assistance with DVA pension or compensa� on claims. If you want to know more about this service please contact our President Peter McDermo� on 0409 260 255 or email [email protected]� .com
Commemorati n: The Fraser Coast Sub-Secti n conti ues to commemorate signi� cant events in the history of the Royal Australian Navy. Recent events have included small ceremonies at Freedom Park. This year is the centenary of the Naval Associa� on in Australia which was established in 1920 in Melbourne. Significant dates for 2020 are: -
• 1 March Sinking of HMAS Perth & USS Houston • 4 March Sinking of HMAS Yarra • 9 April Sinking of HMAS Vampire • 30 April Loss of HMAS AE2 4 • 4 to 8 May Ba� le of the Coral Sea • 9 August Sinking of HMAS Canberra • 14 September Loss of HMAS AE1 • 19 November Sinking of HMAS Sydney • 20 November Sinking of HMAS Goorangi • 1 December Sinking of HMAS Armidale
Camaraderie: We hold several social events for our members and our social calendar can be found on our Subsection pa e on the Naval Associa� on website of via this link h� ps://navalassoc.org.au/sub-sections qld/fraser-coast or on our Facebook page h� ps://www.facebook.com/naafrasercoast
Cadets: TS Krait has sett ed in its new loca� on with the Hervey Bay TAFE. TS Krait is focussed on increasing the number of cadets on its books and provide unique opportuni� es for local youth to experience aspects of life in the Royal Australian Navy.
Membership Membership of the Naval Associa� on is open to former or serving naval personnel of Commonwealth Forces and Australia’s Allies and the declared partners thereof. Former Australian Army and RAAF personnel who have been posted to HMA Ships and Establishments are also eligible to join. We also have a level of membership open to people who wish to support the associa� on who do not meet the full membership criteria.
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Legacy has existed for 95 years, caring for the families of deceased veterans. We, at Hervey Bay Legacy Group, need to increase our volunteer body to serve our 340 benefi iaries, 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 Legacy on (07) 4194-5111.
On Saturday 4 January and Sunday 5 January 2020 the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club collected $3,000.00 from patrons. The Club and Sub-Branch pledged to match the funds raised, making a total of $9,000.00.
Thank you to all who
generously donated
and to
(L-R) Sub-Branch Treasurer Tracy Gillespie, RSL Club CEO Jason Lynch, Sub-Branch Secretary Kevin Collins and RSL Club Senior Floor Manager Sharon Ashton.
For the first time, Australia’s Defence community will be counted in the 2021 Census! More accurate information about how many veterans there are and where they are will help RSL Queensland provide the support services our Defence family needs, when & where they need them.
RSL Queensland is made up of State Branch, 10 Districts, 233 Sub Branches & over 30,000 members. Our youngest member is 18, our oldest members are over 100 & we have a canine member at Yeronga Dutton Park RSL Sub Branch.
S N I P P E T S F R O M R S L Q U E E N S L A N D F A C E B O O K P A G E
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B E QU E S T S A N D P L E D G E S
After carefully considering family and friends in your Will, making a bequest to the RSL ensures you will be remembered and will help those who served in their time of need. The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. humbly accepts all bequests.
Many people choose to offer pledges to the RSL in lieu of floral tributes at the time of someone’s passing, or to leave assets or funds to the RSL in their Will. Any and all forms of support continue to touch the people who need it most.
Advice regarding a bequest can be obtained from your own solicitor or from Law Essentials, the appointed solicitors for the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc. See their contact details on the back page of this newsletter.
Hello to all, Well another year is with us, we the members of the Hervey Bay RSL Women’s Auxiliary hope that all had a merry Christmas and that the new year brings all you wished for. In February we held our AGM with the election of Office Bearers for the coming year. Many thanks to Mr Brian Tidyman, President of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch for conducting this for us. We are looking forward to whatever this year holds in store. In April we will once again have the sale of our WHITE CROSSES for ANZAC Day, this has been a great success with many thanks going to you, the public. We look forward to your support as this gives you the public the opportunity to show your support to those who have served our country in any way. During the year we also arrange bus trips. This is really interesting as we get to see new places and meet many new friends. We also send a representative to our state congress each year. This is interesting as we learn more about the workings of the auxiliaries. The Hervey Bay Auxiliary meet the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30am. All new members are most welcome. Well, that’s about it for the moment so I wish you all a wonderful day.
Keep Smiling Be Happy Joan Hawkes Secretary February 2020
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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
Each January the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch hosts a ‘thank you luncheon’ for the volunteers who assist the Sub-Branch. Secretary Kevin Collins hosted the event for 54 people which was held on “The Deck” at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club.
Michael “Tiny” Andersen with Aileen Bennett and Margaret Harris. Luncheon on “The Deck”. Cherie and Tony Lewis. ➔ Kevin Collins thanking all the volunteers. Ian Allsop and Chaplain Jeff Jarvis. Florie Cook and Barry Toohill. Glyn and Carol Jenkins.
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M e m o r a b i l i a r e p o r t 2 0 1 9
The Memorabilia display continues to be well patronised with many positive comments forwarded to both the Sub-Branch and the Services Memorial Club (“SMC”). Over the past 12 months many new items have been donated to enhance our display. As always, my thanks to Vice President Toby Tidyman for his assistance as well as to the SMC committee and CEO Jason Lynch for their ongoing help and support which ensures that our display is one of the be st o f any RSL.
Simon Morley Sub-Branch C ommittee Member a nd Memorabilia Officer
Contributed by Victor Jackson
Warm Lemon Chicken Salad A very yummy and healthy lunch or dinner dish
Ingredients:
• 2 small (400g) skinned chicken breasts, skinless and trimmed of fat
• zest and juice of 1 lemon • 3 teaspoons honey • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 4 tablespoons fresh thyme or oregano
leaves • ½ cup currants • freshly ground or cracked black pepper, to
taste • 1 lemon, extra, thinly sliced • 4 cups baby spinach leaves (120g) • 2 medium carrots, peeled into long ribbons • 4 spring onions, finely chopped (including
green tops)
Method 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180ºC fan forced). 2. In a small baking dish place chicken, zest and lemon juice, honey, garlic, herbs, currants
and pepper. Toss chicken in marinade to coat both sides then cover with a layer of lemon slices.
3. Bake covered in the oven for 15-20 minutes until just cooked through and chicken juices run clear. Discard herbs, remove chicken to cool and reserve pan juices.
4. Place spinach leaves, carrot strips and spring onions in a large serving bowl. Top with thinly sliced chicken, lemon and pan juices. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed: Small Baking Dish, A large serving bowl and a sharp knife Enjoy!
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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 I N T H E L A N D T H E Y L O V E D .
VALE 30 NOV E M BE R 2019—29 FEBRUARY 2020
SMITH, Sheila 2803961 WRAF, England 02.12.2019
WATHAN, Roger 23675258 British Army 13.12.2019
DENNIS, Alfred H NX129853/
N271162) ARMY 15.12.2019
GOODLAND, William NX27745 ARMY 23.12.2019
MEEHAN AM JP (Qual.), Terrence R95917 RAN 23.12.2019
HURLEY, Bryan Joseph 3/773232 ARMY 25.12.2019
COPP, Rodney 3/123273 ARMY 28.12.2019
PATCH, Noel Douglas 4269NS RANR 05.01.2020
KING, Ronald David 13495 ARMY 07.01.2020
FRANCIS, James Joseph R50002 RAN 17.01.2020
APPLEBY, Trevor NX143497 ARMY 29.01.2020
WALDOCK, Ralph Ernest 151786 RAAF 01.02.2020
WRIGHT, Frederick Harold 14277693 British Army 09.02.2020
ANDERSON, Kym James 1205866 ARMY 29.02.2020
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Ex-Service Organization Meeting details
Hervey Bay & District Veterans’ Association PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
Second Thursday of the month 11 am Hervey Bay RSL Club
Hervey Bay Ex-Servicewomen’s Social Club, Hervey Bay Branch P.O. Box 3339 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
Second Monday of the month 10.30 am Hervey Bay RSL Club
Hervey Bay Legacy Group PO Box 3302 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
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.
Hervey Bay Old Salts PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
First Sunday of the month Alternating between the Hervey Bay RSL Club and a private residence
Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
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
Hervey Bay RSL Women’s Auxiliary PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
Second Tuesday of the month 10 am Hervey Bay RSL Club
National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Hervey Bay Branch PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY QLD 4655
Fourth Wednesday of the month 10.30 am Hervey Bay RSL Club
Naval Association of Australia Fraser Coast Sub-Section PO Box 3042 HERVEY BAY QLD 4655
Second Sunday of the month (excluding January) 11.00 a.m. Hervey Bay RSL Club
RAAF Association Hervey Bay PO Box 1076 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
Second Wednesday of the month 10.30 am Hervey Bay RSL Club
TPDSA (Fraser Coast) Inc PO Box 3241 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
First Wednesday of the month Alternating between Hervey Bay RSL Club and Maryborough RSL Club
Legacy Laurel Club PO Box 5482 TORQUAY Q 4655
Third Monday of the month 2 pm Hervey Bay RSL Club
Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia Hervey Bay City Sub-Branch PO Box 3243 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
First Monday of the month 10 am Veterans’ Social Centre, Main St, Pialba
War Widows’ Guild PO Box 1238 HERVEY BAY Q 4655
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 Ex-Service Organizations
65 Torquay Road, Pialba Q 4655 PO Box 3358, Pialba Q 4655 P (07) 4197 5600| f (07) 4197 5616
The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
use Chris Thompson at Law Essentials for all their
legal requirements.
