1963 HMAS LEEUWIN WEEKLY NEWS
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 31 July 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. On Monday evening on 'Your ABC' at 2000 'Australia Story' will feature a show called 'A measure of courage'. It is about Teddy Sheean and Hec Waller - should be a must to check out. These blokes could be the first VC's awarded to men of the RAN.
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Due to popular demand from some of those who intend to turn up, on completion of the service, we will be returning to the Rocks area to see whether the Hero of Waterloo is still in place. Join us for lunch have a bit of fun in a old pub and be part of the happy little band of Vegemites. It will be our final function prior to Mildura. Let me know if you intend to attend.
Jungle Jim Carroll forwarded the following email:
A quick note. As a Junior Recruit in early 1964 I had doubts that the Navy was for me and wrote to my father saying I wanted out. He being an ex Leading Stoker wrote to the Commanding Officer, HMAS LEEUWIN of my concerns. Well CPOQMG Buck Rodgers took me aside and turned my life around. I did nearly thirty years in the Permanent Navy. Since then I have been in the Reserves doing service for nearly nineteen years and served at least 20 days each year, bar two years that there wasn't the money to employ Reservist. I've been awarded the sixth Clasp to my Defence Long Service Medal in February 2011 but the bloody thing has been lost between the Directorate of Honours in Canberra and the Commanding Officer, HMAS CAIRNS so I haven't been presented with it yet. I am currently employed a couple of nights a week as the Duty Overnight Military Officer (DOMM) with the Defence Indigenous Development Program - North Queensland. I passed my Pussers Medical on Monday to continue service. I am in the process of putting together a request for a two year extension of service past Compulsory Retirement Age of 65 which happens 4FEB12, so that I can hope to say that I did 50 years in the Royal Australian Navy. Cheers James Carroll
Who is it going to be the longest serving member of our intakes Brian Gorringe, Eddie Sheavils or Jungle's - Have I missed someone?
Ken and Marilyn Fielding are bringing a friend with them to the reunion. If you would like to bring a mate, feel free, they are very welcome, as you know, our motto is " 1963 Leeuwin JR's and interested parties". All those that are coming to the reunion please forward your payment, check to see who is attending by following the link http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
A further reminder that all DFRDB Issues and ESO information is now contained on a page on our site. There is a lot of traffic again this week. Check out Minister Smith's performance during his ABC interview. https://secure.mrsite.co.uk/pw.asp?mode=simple&editcurrpage=27
Ross Fullarton forwarded a dit on reunions in the form of a poem - a good read this is included on the website:
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page20.htm
The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 3 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
Birthdays this coming week are celebrated by John Kean, Alan McManus, Errol Delaney, Ron Lockwood, Phil Longdon and Phil Narramore, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Cheers
Ron
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/Credit Card Scam.pdf
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 24 July 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Peewee Petherick forwarded an email last week, part of it 'I"ve been talking to Larraine Uttley this morning, and she informed me that Kev has had a couple of seizures and is back in Greenslopes hospital. His heart is enlarged, and apparently needs a new valve, but she was saying that Kev indicated that he wasn't sure about the op. The heart surgeon is giving them a bit of time to think about it, and will have another talk to them in a month's time'.
Mal Chatfield retires next Friday. Congratulations from all of us Mal, hope you and Rob have a fun time in your retirement.
Received the following email from Ken Railton:
Ron, Just a quick note to wish you all a great time in Mildura! I had a chance to have a chat with Russ Crane a couple of weekends ago and if he and you guys don't prove what a great scheme Junior Recruit Training was, I don't know what will! Old Bill Storrie would certainly agree and it is great that so many of you are now enjoying your time together.
By the way, I think Dick Llewellyn might have been in touch with you a while back or at least lurking like I have been. He has recently been diagnosed with Leukaemia and already had macular degeneration so he is not having a really good time. So if anybody should ask about him I can provide phone No and email address if needed.
Again, all the very best for your reunion. You guys have something that is very precious in this world today and I mean identity! I have met a few detractors, but they were essentially blokes who were too immature to deal with the adult life we threw you all into.
Please remember me to anyone who might remember this grumpy old tur+ too, if you would be so kind!
Enjoy!! Oh, and tell them that ADSO and DFWA are still working very hard for them, but to be prepared to write to their pollies (not email, registered letters!). DFWA.org.au is easy enough to remember and has all the answers on ADSO (The Alliance) and DFWA itself!
Cheers! KenR Ken Railton 70 Dunlin Drive BURLEIGH WATERS Q 4220 Tel: 07 5576 5985 Mob: 0407 591 597
Dave Hanlon forwarded the following email: Ron, You might want to pass this on to all the boys. I went to the movies today at Hoyts and found out that all Gold Card holders can get in for $1. That's right $1. Pass it on. I do not know about the others. Dave Hanlon
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Due to popular demand from some of those who intend to turn up, on completion of the service, we will be returning to the Rocks area to see whether the Hero of Waterloo is still in place. Join us for lunch have a bit of fun in a old pub and be part of the happy little band of Vegemites. It will be our final function prior to Mildura. Let me know if you intend to attend.
All those that are coming to the reunion please forward your payment, check to see who is attending by following the link http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
A further reminder that all DFRDB Issues and ESO information is now contained on a page on our site. There is quite a bit of new material even a poem this week. https://secure.mrsite.co.uk/pw.asp?mode=simple&editcurrpage=27
The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
Birthdays this coming week are celebrated by Tony Zajer, Stew Dewar, Dennis Elliot and John Ryder, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Have a look at the attachments, both are worth the look and one is very encouraging for us that are climate change skeptics.
Also this week:
Credit Card scam (attached)Credit Card Sccam.pdf
Carbon Emissions (from the horses mouth) (attached)
cheers
Ron
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 15 July 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. I have had more than a few phone calls this week from members of our group who are bloody crook. Get well blokes and hopefully in quick time. For those that are well, go out and buy your vans and get on the road, enjoy your health. On that note it was sad to have to report the death of Bryan McInnes in UK which occurred in 2008
The numbers are increasing for the reunion, Buck and Nelly Rogers and Max Lampo and Ann Fitton have paid up for Mildura. I am getting excited, we have only a little over three months to go, make the commitment and let me know your intentions. Check to see who is attending by following the link http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Due to popular demand from some of those who intend to turn up, on completion of the service, we will be returning to the Rocks area to see whether the Hero of Waterloo is still in place. Join us for lunch have a bit of fun in a old pub and be part of the happy little band of Vegemites. It will be our final function prior to Mildura. Let me know if you intend to attend.
DFRDB Issues and ESO information. Due to the increasing traffic, particularly on DFRDB issues we now have a web page dedicated to all DFRDB issues and Newsletters and Updates from the various ESO's. I will hyperlink the address each week as they occur. Don't forget to get out there and support this cause, these people are fighting a battle which benefits us, our families and our mates. There are some interesting items for this week. Read and enjoy https://secure.mrsite.co.uk/pw.asp?mode=simple&editcurrpage=27
The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
Birthdays this coming week are celebrated by Jessie James (hope you are on the mend Jess), Ross Gowers and Peter Jorgensen, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Also this week:
Sailors and Rum
Carbon Price Household Assistance Measures Veteran Community (attached)
RAN Centenary Book
cheers
Ron
SUBJECT RAN CENTENARY BOOK
THE BOOK FEATURES HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY IMAGES AND ARTICLES BY BOTH NAVY PERSONNEL AND PROFESSIONAL AUTHORS. THE BOOK IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO NAVAL ASSOCIATIONS AND RSL HEADQUARTERS. THE BOOK IS NOT FOR SALE BUT AN ONLINE VERSION IS FREELY AVAILABLE AT WWW.RAN100.COM.AU.
SUBJECT SAILORS AND RUM
England conquered Jamaica in 1655, and an enterprising local captain started issuing a daily ration of rum to his sailors, instead of the official Royal Navy beer ration of a gallon a day.
The Royal Navy took over officially in 1740. From that date, each sailor in the Service was issued with half a pint of strong rum each day, half at noon, half at sunset. Before and after a battle, double rations were issued.
It was issued neat for a few years, but (oddly enough) some sailors stored up their rations, and then got completely blotto on them. So from 1756, the standard "grog" rum was issued - 2 parts water to 1 part rum, mixed with lime or lemon juice, and cinnamon. It's thought that the nickname "limey" comes from this practice of adding citrus juice to the rum, a habit which combated scurvy.
The Up Spirit Ritual - The issuing of the rum ration became an elaborate ceremony. At 11am, the boatswain's mate piped the tune "Up Spirits", and a procession ladled out the rum, into portions for the more senior, and the rest mixed with water (etc) for the ratings.
At midday, the boatswain's mate piped the tune, "Muster for Rum", and the crew came and got their half-pints of grog. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the officers' rum rations were accompanied by toasts - first the Loyal Toast (to the King or Queen) followed by a different toast for each day of the week:
Monday, "Our ships at sea"
Tuesday, "Our men"
Wednesday, "Ourselves"
Thursday, "A bloody war, and quick promotion"
Friday, "A willing soul and sea room"
Saturday, "Sweethearts and wives, may they never meet"
Sunday, "Absent friends, and those at sea"
On 31st July 1970, the last rum was issued to ratings - on a day known as "Black Tot Day".
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 10 July 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Thanks to all who have responded (it was a lot) and indicated their intentions in respect of the Mildura reunion, for those that still have not indicated their status please do. Please feel free to tell me you will not be attending. It is the only way I will know. Received an email from Bongo indicating he and Jo will not be attending, he further indicated he has been crook as Rookwood, he has had to have 5 transfusions as he lost so much blood. All the best for a speedy recovery Mate.
The CANBERRA I referred to last week is HMAS CANBERRA the FFG. Did anybody else serve in her, if so please let me know as I have some info you may be interested in.
The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
Irish O'Leary forwarded the following email re his application for a claim to DVA, hopefully somebody can help
Hi Ron
Could you enquire through the network if anyone has had any success on a claim for toxic chemicals, paints, smoking etc.
It would be appreciated if they would contact me at my email address.
I am at the moment preparing a case for my lung problem, it is creating a few problems, one thing I have is that it is recorded in my medical doc's.
I have tried before but couldn't get it through this time the specialist is on my side.
Thanks for this Take care & stay safe Cheers Irish
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Hope to see you there.
Birthdays this coming week are celebrated by Trevor Elias and Jim Wilson, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. I made a blue last week and included Glen Singline, Glen as you know passed over the bar some time ago. Sorry about that.
Have received emails this week about attendance at the Mildura weekend Butch Cousins and Rod Hazell, will be attending; Rocky Freier, Glenn Forno, Barry and Margaret Parker, Ken Dobbie, Ronny Gall, Tony and Ann Gysen, Stan and Margaret Church, Bill and Alison Godenzie, Chris and Angela Jamieson, Irish and Sue O'Leary, Bongo and Jo DiBetta, Davo Davison, Knobby and Rhonda Clark, Guy Irwin, Vic Dzodz, Stew Dewar, Jock McGregor, Ted Hase and Max Hart have indicated they will not be there. Thanks very much to all for signalling your intentions.
Also this week:
DFRDB FIGHT
cheers
Ron
SUBJECT DFRDB FIGHT
A CALL TO ARMS - WE NEED YOU!
We have won Round 1 of this fight. We are united as never before. ….
The groundswell of discontent, anger and frustration is palpable and continues to grow rapidly in the Defence Community, both serving and ex members, as a result of the Senate's rejection of the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010. There is also a growing sense of betrayal by our Politicians as, despite this huge outpouring of disgust, they appear to be ignoring our plight….
This unity of purpose would not have been possible without the outstanding support and contributions from you, including hundreds of emails from our serving members.
WE MUST WIN THIS FIGHT FOR ALL PAST, PRESENT AND SERVING MEMBERS OF THE ADF AND THEIR FAMILIES
There will be attempts by the Politicians, their spin doctors and the media, to divide us to set one group of superannuants against the other.
WE MUST STAND UNITED, AS PEOPLE POWER WITH RESOLVE & COMMITMENT WILL WIN OUT
This will be a long hard slog and we ask you all to stay the fight.
Please continue to bombard the politicians, especially the ALP members in marginal seats as well as the Greens and the Independent members. Remember to send your letters by registered mail. (it does not cost much) as our politicians simply delete emails. We must retain our professionalism and our integrity so please do not use abusive or inflammatory language as this will only discredit our cause.
In addition, we must undertake an "airwaves war", prosecuted by everyone contacting their local radio stations and continue to do this daily.
While it is acknowledged that this a difficult request, we need people who are in difficult financial situations and the surviving spouses of DFRB/DFRDB recipients to come forward and speak out. This will mobilize the general community to come out to support our fight for "A FAIR GO."
Remember the average annual Superannuation "Pension" is a misery $22,559 which is indexed against the CPI, and the spouses of the DFRB/DFRDB recipients only receive 5/8 of this $14,100, which is absolutely appalling. Some of our members are really doing it tough. COULD YOU LIVE ON $22,559, I BET YOU OUR POLITICIANS CAN'T…….!!!!!!!!
This is a National disgrace and it is time this terrible injustice, to those who have committed 20 years or more to the service of our Nation, often in harm's way, was righted.
There are so 56,000 DFRB/DFRDB members and it has been estimated that there are approximately 3,000,000 people in the wider Defence community. This represents approximately 13% of the Australian population, so we have considerable clout at the polling booths, PROVIDED WE REMAIN UNITED.
The economic rationalists will argue that any increase to the Indexation method will create "a huge black hole" in the Australian economy. The Defence Force Welfare Association and other people, including Peter Thornton, have repeatedly said that this is garbage!
The Defence Force Welfare Association estimates that it will cost approximately $20 million per year. As a percentage of our GDP, this is a miniscule amount and pales into insignificance when compared with the Government's wasted millions of dollars spent on failed projects.
By now, most of you will know that TESS LAWRENCE, journalist with the online Independent Australia publication has led our media campaign. Tess has been inspirational and she writes with such pathos and conviction. Without her assistance, we would not have won this first fight to establish our unity.
If you have not done so already, I encourage you to log on to the Independent Australia web page and their Facebook page to read Tess's articles and all the comments you have made which are added below. I am sure you will immediately gain the sense of anger and betrayal that has been under the surface for many years. Tess has provided a voice for all of us to speak out.
Those links are as follows:
1. (www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news
2. (www.independentaustralia.net/2011/defence/exclusive-diggergate-continues-the-march-for-justice/
3. www.Facebook.com/IndependentAus
Finally, we have breached the code of silence by the major media outlets and in today's (2nd July) Daily Telegraph, Gemma Jones has written an excellent article on our situation. It is hoped that this will galvanize the other major media outlets into action. In the interim, we should take advantage of this story and I encourage you to send your letters to the Daily Telegraph and other newspapers, referring to the Daily Telegraph article and ask them to follow up on Gemma's story.
The link for the Daily Telegraph article is:
www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/a-diggers-true-worth-politicians-are-snubbing-war- heroes/story-e6freuzr-1226085922768
There will also be an article in the Northern Services Courier which will be released early next week.
We acknowledge the courage and integrity of Ian McManus, a former ALP member in the NSW Government and a former Veteran, who has come out publicly to support us. Thanks Ian.
Contributions to the exclusive editorial in the Independent Australia clearly demonstrate the growing groundswell of discontent and anger within the Defence community, including ex members and serving members, as well as the general public. The fact that their plight has not been covered by the National media is inflaming their sense of betrayal.
Regardless of this situation, WE MUST AND WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE as we owe it to all past, present and future members of the ADF and their families. The media and our politicians are hoping that we will give up the fight as we have done in the past. Do not let this happen!
The battle lines have just been drawn. Please stay the fight with us until the end.
We need your own going support. We need you to stay in touch with us and with each other and remember that there are those who are no longer with us who would expect us, nay they would demand us to do nothing else.
Evil will only prevail when good men and women do nothing.
Remember Lest we forget.
PLEASE REDISTRIBUTE THIS EMAIL TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 3 July 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Due to the poor response I have been sending out personal emails asking all for their status on attending the reunion. Please feel free to tell me you will not be attending. It is the only way I will know.
Did anybody else serve in CANBERRA, if so please let me know as I have some info you may be interested in.
The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Hope to see you there.
Birthdays this coming week are celebrated by Allan Kirkman, Bob Scharper and Glen Singline, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Have received emails this week about attendance at the Mildura weekend Barry Andrew, Wally and Robyn Gawne, Roger and Marian Pearson will be attending; Wayne and Judy Chapman, Don and Kathy Churchward, James Carroll, Tony and Mary Bath, Kev Bock, Larry and Penny Kent, and Darby and Frances Ashton have indicated they will not be there. Thanks very much to all for signalling your intentions.
Also this week:
Mobile Phones (again)
Letter to Politicans re the DFRDB Outcome
cheers
Ron
SUBJECT MOBILE PHONES
Worth a go especially this bit '' YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR TELERMARKETING CALLS''
I gather you are charged when the calls go onto voice mail. This is for Australian phone numbers
REMEMBER: Mobile Phone Numbers Go Public next month. REMINDER all mobile phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.
YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR TELERMARKETING CALLS
Below is a link where you can enter your phone numbers online to put an end to telemarketing calls. Don't just delete those calls
otherwise you will find that you have been signed up for all sorts of extra services that you didn't want or know about. Like special
chimes, music etc.
https://www.donotcall.gov.au/ I found the online registration easy to use, and you can register mobiles and home phone numbers. You then receive a swift confirmation.
SUBJECT LETTER TO POLITICIANS RE THE DFRDBY OUTCOME
30 Hinchinbrook Drive,
Kirwan, Townsville, 4817 QLD
Telephone (07) 477 39632
22nd June, 2011
Senator Nick Xenophon
Senator Penny Wong
Senator Bob Brown
Senator Kate Lundy
The Hon. Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP
The Hon. Tony Abbott MP
Following the Senate's rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011, I forwarded a number of emails to your office to express my bitter disappointment on the Senate's decision as, in my view, it was a shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
I was appalled that this decision was primarily based on financial restraints and yet our Politicians, including you, never hesitate to approve an increase to your own salaries, despite the financial state of the Nation!!
It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute's silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and yet you reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants' pensions with our old age pensioners. This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Party lines, has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuants will see their measly pension (average annual pension is approximately $23,600) continue to lose its purchasing power. This will be exacerbated by increases to the cost of electricity, increased vehicle registration, increased cost of food, increased cost of petrol, increased insurance cost, increased medical costs and the list goes on and undoubtedly will include new taxes!!
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 5/8th of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants' pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Does this mean that a politician's spouse makes such a huge contribution to the defence and well-being of our Nation when compared to the spouse of a lowly soldier, airman or navy personnel? Where is the justice in this?
Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants? If this is a legitimate argument, then please explain to the Veteran Community why your pensions are not indexed against the CPI when you retire?
The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the Government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. Why was the PBCLI not accepted as a fair indexation for military superannuants?
Apparently my emails, to which I referred in my opening paragraph did not reach your office. Consequently I am enclosing copies of both emails for your attention. Please note that they have been distributed to a very wide distribution list and most recipients have in turn redistributed them to their own mailing lists.
You should be aware that this decision has angered the Veteran Community and we will continue to fight for a "fair go", especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment
to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
This is immoral, it lacks the principle of "a fair go" espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meet its International commitments and to ensure our Nation remains free?
I formerly request that you acknowledge receipt of my letter and that you provide me with your answers, not your Party line answers, to the questions I have posed in this missive.
Yours sincerely,
Neil Weekes, AM, MC
Brigadier Retired
Patron of The Townsville Sub-Branch of the RSL
Patron of The Townsville Branch of Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia
Patron of The Townsville Branch of the National Servicemen's Association of Australia
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 26 June 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. It has been a quiet week in downtown Dee Why. Things must be slowing down as the financial year draws to a close. The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
There is a Ginger Megss cartoon attached - have a look and see what you think.
Tony Zajer forwarded this email asking for assistance Hi Ron, If possible could you please mention this item in the newsletter and maybe someone could help us (Bunbury RSL). The RSL maintains a military museum in the Dardanup Heritage Park about 9kms out of town and is open to visitors each Wednesday and Sunday. The museum has large array of items and military paraphernalia from various areas of conflict. Our latest acquisition is a Leopard Tank. We are now searching for items to increase our naval display. We are hoping to locate a 12" Signalling Lamp. If anyone from the 63 intake is able to point us in the right direction or provide contact details that could assist us in our search we would be most appreciative See you in Mildura Cheers Tony Zajer PO Box 1647 BunburyWA 6231 tngzajer@bigpond.com 0448 094 153
Glen Butller is leaving Adelaide to work in the States for about three years and as a result will miss the reunion. All the best Mae it was good having you at our functions.
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Hope to see you there.
In this edition we celebrate the birthday of the youngest bloke of the 6th intake. Guess who it is? I must have had one too many reds last weekend, I have missed out on some birthdays, sorry about that blokes. John (Dolly) Gray, Bill Smith, Chris Bayly Lindsay Stiles, John Law, celebrated their birthdays this week. Next week Spook Cairns, Ron Mitchell, Alex Vujic, Billy Bacon and Russ Loane will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Has anybody have a photo of Winjan 4. If you have could you please scan it and forward it to me. I will include it in the website.
Also this week:
June 2011 Newsletter Victoria (attached)
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 26 June 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. It has been a quiet week in downtown Dee Why. Things must be slowing down as the financial year draws to a close. The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
There is a Ginger Megss cartoon attached - have a look and see what you think.
Tony Zajer forwarded this email asking for assistance Hi Ron, If possible could you please mention this item in the newsletter and maybe someone could help us (Bunbury RSL). The RSL maintains a military museum in the Dardanup Heritage Park about 9kms out of town and is open to visitors each Wednesday and Sunday. The museum has large array of items and military paraphernalia from various areas of conflict. Our latest acquisition is a Leopard Tank. We are now searching for items to increase our naval display. We are hoping to locate a 12" Signalling Lamp. If anyone from the 63 intake is able to point us in the right direction or provide contact details that could assist us in our search we would be most appreciative See you in Mildura Cheers Tony Zajer PO Box 1647 BunburyWA 6231 tngzajer@bigpond.com 0448 094 153
Glen Butller is leaving Adelaide to work in the States for about three years and as a result will miss the reunion. All the best Mae it was good having you at our functions.
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Hope to see you there.
In this edition we celebrate the birthday of the youngest bloke of the 6th intake. Guess who it is? I must have had one too many reds last weekend, I have missed out on some birthdays, sorry about that blokes. John (Dolly) Gray, Bill Smith, Chris Bayly Lindsay Stiles, John Law, celebrated their birthdays this week. Next week Spook Cairns, Ron Mitchell, Alex Vujic, Billy Bacon and Russ Loane will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Has anybody have a photo of Winjan 4. If you have could you please scan it and forward it to me. I will include it in the website.
Also this week:
June 2011 Newsletter Victoria (attached)
Energy Saving Bulbs warning (attached)
VENDETTA function
cheers
Ron
SUBJECT VENDETTA FUNCTION
The Vendetta Veterans' Association (Qld Division)
The next luncheon/meeting of the Association will be held on Sunday - 4th September 2011
at the home of John and Jan Balabouhin
8 Oakridge Street, Burbank
commencing at 11.00am Cost - only $5.00 per person BYO drinks and chairs ALL WELCOME
For catering purposes please RSVP 28th August, 2011
Phone: 07.3288.1702 or 0428.881.702 or send an email to: MKRAUSE@bigpond.net.au
SUBJECT TPI LETTER TO PM RE CARBON
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently
Incapacitated Ex Servicemen and Women Ltd
(Incorporated in the ACT)
DIFFERENT CONFLICT- SAME SACRIFICE
Patron-in-Chief
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
12 June 2011
The Hon Julia Gillard
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to you to express the concerns of the TPI Federation regarding the introduction of a price on carbon. Those concerns are shared by many disabled veterans and their families.
It has been reported by ABC News Online that as a result of the introduction of a price on carbon the Federal Government will permanently boost payments to pensioners including up-front cash compensation and plans to increase pensions by 2.5%.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet is reported to have said the Government wants to assist pensioners when he said "We will make sure that pensioners have got more money right from the start of the carbon price and the assistance that we provide will be permanent."
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is reported to have said it is important to assist pensioners. He stated "What we've said is we will provide assistance to pensioners over and above their normal indexation".
Previously veterans who receive a disability pension under the Veterans' Entitlements Act were assured they would be included in the Harmer Review. Treasurer Swan said publicly that veterans' disability pensions would be included as part of the Harmer Review. Our understanding that veterans' disability pensions would be part of the review was reinforced by comments such as those from the Treasurer who in an interview on Brisbane Radio said:
CALLER:
What will the Minister be doing to rectify the TPI pension and let alone the veterans on lesser payments?
TREASURER:
Well certainly we're including in our review all those on pensions, unlike Dr Nelson whose just singled out age pensioners. We've got to look at all of them. And of course the Vietnam Veterans have issued a very tough statement about this a couple of days ago. My father actually was a TPI pensioner when he died. I understand how veterans feel, and that's why they're part of the comprehensive review. You can't just snap your fingers and think you can fix one problem when there are so many other problems in the system. And that's what we're doing.
http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=transcripts/2008/127
Based on this assurance from a senior government Minister we expected that veterans' disability pensions would be included in the review so that the veteran community would have an opportunity, as did the other affected groups, to inform and advise your Government of the pressures faced by veterans and their families in the very difficult economic climate of the time.
We consistently advised the Minister and the Repatriation Commission that we expected veterans' disability pensions to be increased in line with the other pensions so that they would maintain their relativity and at no time did anybody from Government or the Department indicate that the Government intended to do otherwise.
One-off legislation was introduced to by-pass the existing legislation with the result that whilst Old Age, Service, War Widows' and Centrelink disability pensions were increased as a result of the Harmer Review, veterans' disability pensions were not. We see this as a disgraceful betrayal of the veteran community by the government you now lead.
Prime Minister, you will understand why we are sceptical when we hear what Treasurer Swan and Minister Combet have to say concerning the Carbon Tax compensation for pensioners. Will these increases be extended to veteran disability recipients and their families or will further legislation be introduced to bypass disabled veterans as was done with your Government's response to the Harmer Review?
What we seek is an unequivocal guarantee that with the introduction of a price on carbon, veteran disability pensioners will be fully and properly compensated to ensure their disability pensions will maintain their relative value to other government pensions.
The TPI Federation is available to discuss this issue with your office in person as they are of great concern to members of the Federation and the ex-service community at large.
Yours sincerely, John (Blue) Ryan OAM National President
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 26 June 2011
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. It has been a quiet week in downtown Dee Why. Things must be slowing down as the financial year draws to a close. The final day for taking rabbits for Mildura will be Monday 19 September. Please get your orders in as early as possible. For those that have not committed, we are now only 4 months out of the best party you will ever go to. Send me an email and let me know if you intend to attend or otherwise. All the details are contained on http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm
There is a Ginger Megss cartoon attached - have a look and see what you think.
Tony Zajer forwarded this email asking for assistance Hi Ron, If possible could you please mention this item in the newsletter and maybe someone could help us (Bunbury RSL). The RSL maintains a military museum in the Dardanup Heritage Park about 9kms out of town and is open to visitors each Wednesday and Sunday. The museum has large array of items and military paraphernalia from various areas of conflict. Our latest acquisition is a Leopard Tank. We are now searching for items to increase our naval display. We are hoping to locate a 12" Signalling Lamp. If anyone from the 63 intake is able to point us in the right direction or provide contact details that could assist us in our search we would be most appreciative See you in Mildura Cheers Tony Zajer PO Box 1647 BunburyWA 6231 tngzajer@bigpond.com 0448 094 153
Glen Butller is leaving Adelaide to work in the States for about three years and as a result will miss the reunion. All the best Mae it was good having you at our functions.
Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Hope to see you there.
In this edition we celebrate the birthday of the youngest bloke of the 6th intake. Guess who it is? I must have had one too many reds last weekend, I have missed out on some birthdays, sorry about that blokes. John (Dolly) Gray, Bill Smith, Chris Bayly Lindsay Stiles, John Law, celebrated their birthdays this week. Next week Spook Cairns, Ron Mitchell, Alex Vujic, Billy Bacon and Russ Loane will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us.
Has anybody have a photo of Winjan 4. If you have could you please scan it and forward it to me. I will include it in the website.
Also this week:
June 2011 Newsletter Victoria (attached)
Energy Saving Bulbs warning (attached)
VENDETTA function
cheers
Ron
SUBJECT VENDETTA FUNCTION
The Vendetta Veterans' Association (Qld Division)
The next luncheon/meeting of the Association will be held on Sunday - 4th September 2011
at the home of John and Jan Balabouhin
8 Oakridge Street, Burbank
commencing at 11.00am Cost - only $5.00 per person BYO drinks and chairs ALL WELCOME
For catering purposes please RSVP 28th August, 2011
Phone: 07.3288.1702 or 0428.881.702 or send an email to: MKRAUSE@bigpond.net.au
SUBJECT TPI LETTER TO PM RE CARBON
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently
Incapacitated Ex Servicemen and Women Ltd
(Incorporated in the ACT)
DIFFERENT CONFLICT- SAME SACRIFICE
Patron-in-Chief
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
12 June 2011
The Hon Julia Gillard
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to you to express the concerns of the TPI Federation regarding the introduction of a price on carbon. Those concerns are shared by many disabled veterans and their families.
It has been reported by ABC News Online that as a result of the introduction of a price on carbon the Federal Government will permanently boost payments to pensioners including up-front cash compensation and plans to increase pensions by 2.5%.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet is reported to have said the Government wants to assist pensioners when he said "We will make sure that pensioners have got more money right from the start of the carbon price and the assistance that we provide will be permanent."
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is reported to have said it is important to assist pensioners. He stated "What we've said is we will provide assistance to pensioners over and above their normal indexation".
Previously veterans who receive a disability pension under the Veterans' Entitlements Act were assured they would be included in the Harmer Review. Treasurer Swan said publicly that veterans' disability pensions would be included as part of the Harmer Review. Our understanding that veterans' disability pensions would be part of the review was reinforced by comments such as those from the Treasurer who in an interview on Brisbane Radio said:
CALLER:
What will the Minister be doing to rectify the TPI pension and let alone the veterans on lesser payments?
TREASURER:
Well certainly we're including in our review all those on pensions, unlike Dr Nelson whose just singled out age pensioners. We've got to look at all of them. And of course the Vietnam Veterans have issued a very tough statement about this a couple of days ago. My father actually was a TPI pensioner when he died. I understand how veterans feel, and that's why they're part of the comprehensive review. You can't just snap your fingers and think you can fix one problem when there are so many other problems in the system. And that's what we're doing.
http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=transcripts/2008/127
Based on this assurance from a senior government Minister we expected that veterans' disability pensions would be included in the review so that the veteran community would have an opportunity, as did the other affected groups, to inform and advise your Government of the pressures faced by veterans and their families in the very difficult economic climate of the time.
We consistently advised the Minister and the Repatriation Commission that we expected veterans' disability pensions to be increased in line with the other pensions so that they would maintain their relativity and at no time did anybody from Government or the Department indicate that the Government intended to do otherwise.
One-off legislation was introduced to by-pass the existing legislation with the result that whilst Old Age, Service, War Widows' and Centrelink disability pensions were increased as a result of the Harmer Review, veterans' disability pensions were not. We see this as a disgraceful betrayal of the veteran community by the government you now lead.
Prime Minister, you will understand why we are sceptical when we hear what Treasurer Swan and Minister Combet have to say concerning the Carbon Tax compensation for pensioners. Will these increases be extended to veteran disability recipients and their families or will further legislation be introduced to bypass disabled veterans as was done with your Government's response to the Harmer Review?
What we seek is an unequivocal guarantee that with the introduction of a price on carbon, veteran disability pensioners will be fully and properly compensated to ensure their disability pensions will maintain their relative value to other government pensions.
The TPI Federation is available to discuss this issue with your office in person as they are of great concern to members of the Federation and the ex-service community at large.
Yours sincerely, John (Blue) Ryan OAM National President
Energy Saving Bulbs warning (attached)
VENDETTA function
cheers
Ron
SUBJECT VENDETTA FUNCTION
The Vendetta Veterans' Association (Qld Division)
The next luncheon/meeting of the Association will be held on Sunday - 4th September 2011
at the home of John and Jan Balabouhin
8 Oakridge Street, Burbank
commencing at 11.00am Cost - only $5.00 per person BYO drinks and chairs ALL WELCOME
For catering purposes please RSVP 28th August, 2011
Phone: 07.3288.1702 or 0428.881.702 or send an email to: MKRAUSE@bigpond.net.au
SUBJECT TPI LETTER TO PM RE CARBON
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently
Incapacitated Ex Servicemen and Women Ltd
(Incorporated in the ACT)
DIFFERENT CONFLICT- SAME SACRIFICE
Patron-in-Chief
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
12 June 2011
The Hon Julia Gillard
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to you to express the concerns of the TPI Federation regarding the introduction of a price on carbon. Those concerns are shared by many disabled veterans and their families.
It has been reported by ABC News Online that as a result of the introduction of a price on carbon the Federal Government will permanently boost payments to pensioners including up-front cash compensation and plans to increase pensions by 2.5%.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet is reported to have said the Government wants to assist pensioners when he said "We will make sure that pensioners have got more money right from the start of the carbon price and the assistance that we provide will be permanent."
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is reported to have said it is important to assist pensioners. He stated "What we've said is we will provide assistance to pensioners over and above their normal indexation".
Previously veterans who receive a disability pension under the Veterans' Entitlements Act were assured they would be included in the Harmer Review. Treasurer Swan said publicly that veterans' disability pensions would be included as part of the Harmer Review. Our understanding that veterans' disability pensions would be part of the review was reinforced by comments such as those from the Treasurer who in an interview on Brisbane Radio said:
CALLER:
What will the Minister be doing to rectify the TPI pension and let alone the veterans on lesser payments?
TREASURER:
Well certainly we're including in our review all those on pensions, unlike Dr Nelson whose just singled out age pensioners. We've got to look at all of them. And of course the Vietnam Veterans have issued a very tough statement about this a couple of days ago. My father actually was a TPI pensioner when he died. I understand how veterans feel, and that's why they're part of the comprehensive review. You can't just snap your fingers and think you can fix one problem when there are so many other problems in the system. And that's what we're doing.
http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=transcripts/2008/127
Based on this assurance from a senior government Minister we expected that veterans' disability pensions would be included in the review so that the veteran community would have an opportunity, as did the other affected groups, to inform and advise your Government of the pressures faced by veterans and their families in the very difficult economic climate of the time.
We consistently advised the Minister and the Repatriation Commission that we expected veterans' disability pensions to be increased in line with the other pensions so that they would maintain their relativity and at no time did anybody from Government or the Department indicate that the Government intended to do otherwise.
One-off legislation was introduced to by-pass the existing legislation with the result that whilst Old Age, Service, War Widows' and Centrelink disability pensions were increased as a result of the Harmer Review, veterans' disability pensions were not. We see this as a disgraceful betrayal of the veteran community by the government you now lead.
Prime Minister, you will understand why we are sceptical when we hear what Treasurer Swan and Minister Combet have to say concerning the Carbon Tax compensation for pensioners. Will these increases be extended to veteran disability recipients and their families or will further legislation be introduced to bypass disabled veterans as was done with your Government's response to the Harmer Review?
What we seek is an unequivocal guarantee that with the introduction of a price on carbon, veteran disability pensioners will be fully and properly compensated to ensure their disability pensions will maintain their relative value to other government pensions.
The TPI Federation is available to discuss this issue with your office in person as they are of great concern to members of the Federation and the ex-service community at large.
Yours sincerely, John (Blue) Ryan OAM National President
1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 19 June 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Missed the 12 June Weekly News. We were in Yamba for the weekend enjoying the rain. Long Tan Day is Thursday 18 August. We will meet at Martin Place at 1000ish for 1030. Hope to see you there. The Indexing of the DFRDB Pension Bill has been through both houses, supported unanimously by all parties in the lower house then defeated in the Senate by the Labor, Greens and one SA Independent. See attachment. There are a few changes to the proforma for Mildura, additions include who wants to play bowls and golf (those participating, their details will be forwarded to Doug Wilson (bowls) and John Hatchman (golf) to work out the finer details of these fun days. The River Cruise is going to cost more ? the price has just been jacked up. For those who have booked and paid to date there will be no increase. Nick Bryant and Brian Hooper celebrated their birthdays this week; Pete Craker, Geoff Harte, Terry Rogers, Mal Chatfield, Missy Miscamble, Ron Carroll, Dave Rhook and Gordon Stringer will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Has anybody have a photo of Winjan 4. If you have could you please scan it and forward it to me. I will include it in the website. MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM ? Dinner (dress code is smart casual) 1900 for 1930, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week Peewe and Christine Petherick have indicated they may be attending whereas, Max Delahunty, Ray Poole, Glen and Jenny Summerhayes indicated they will not be attending. There are currently 95 starters. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Accommodation - We have booked accommodation in at the Central Motel from Friday to Wednesday, this motel is opposite the RSL and close to all amenities in town. We are paying $105 a night for a double. Ron Pope sent an email indicating there were not many Kaiber 2 blokes attending. Where are YOU!! These are further details and prices: Meet and Greet @ $10 per head River Cruise @ $45 per head Dinner @ $45 per head Farewell Free Registration @ $5 per head Merchandise Place mats $7 Mugs $7 Shirts $35 Ball caps $15 Stubby Holders $8 All items require prepayment - an order form is attached as an enclosure which includes the following banking details. Return the completed forms by either email to me rugbyron@bigpond.com and forward all cheques and hard copy orders to me at PO Box 137 Dee Why NSW 2099 ITF:1963 REUNION HMAS LEEUWIN BSB/ACCT NO 032003 307469 To positively identify who deposits money into this account please follow the instructions, either: a. Go to a Westpac Bank, use a standard deposit slip include the above account details plus fill in the box which contains the Auxiliary Serial number with your service number preceded by a zero in lieu of the R or S (eg 093840), and in the Transaction Code box include the number 60. b. Use the net, in the Payments, pay anyone pages, there is a description box, please insert the six numbers of your service number, c. Send a cheque to Ron Giveen, PO Box 137 Dee Why NSW 2099 endorsed with ?1963 Reunion HMAS LEEUWIN? or d. Do not send a Money Order unless there is absolutely no other option. If you have to, endorse it ?Ron Giveen? as Australia Post does not know who ?1963 Reunion HMAS LEEUWIN? is. Also this week: 100 years of RAN in Australia - Publication Carnival Australia 2011 MORETON REUNION DINNER Wicked Camper Vans (attached)Click here to download this file DFRDB (Attached)Click here to download this file cheers Ron SUBJECT 100 YEARS OF RAN IN AUSTRALIA New publication about 100 years of RAN, check it out at the site below. http://www.nxtbook.com/faircount/RoyalAustralianNavy/RAN100/index.php#/0 SUBJECT CARNIVAL AUSTRALIA Carnival Australia, incorporating P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Cunard are giving serving and ex-service personnel a $250.00 onboard credit when taking a cruise on any of their vessels. To obtain the credit, you need to send a copy of proof of your service (Discharge Certificate, Certificate of Service), when making your booking to: Snail Mail Defence Benefits PO Box 2006 North Sydney NSW 2059 FAX: 0284249161 Email defencebenefits@carnivalaustralia.com You then receive confirmation of the credit. Carry this with your Cruise paperwork when boarding. If you have already booked a future cruise, but had not applied for the credit, then as well as your copy of proof of service, you need to send your cruise details (Cruise number, departure date, etc.). SUBJECT MORETON REUNION DINNER 2011 MORETON REUNION DINNER You and your partner are invited to join with your shipmates Venue: United Service Club, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane DATE Friday 29th July, 2011 Time: 1830 for 1900 Dress: Gentlemen: Lounge Suit or Uniform (W4) Ladies: After Five Cost: $70.00 per person (Three Course Dinner - drinks not included) Enquires: Ray Sketcher. Tel: 3278 4004 Glenn Williams. Tel:3455 2783 M: 0407 337 963 RSVP: 22 July, 2011 Please return acceptance slip and cheque made payable to ?The Moreton Navy Social Club? to: K. Drinkwater 38 Coronet Crescent, BURLEIGH WATERS QLD 4220 Tel: 55763865 M: 0409623239 Name: ___________________________________________________ Partner?s Name: ___________________________________________ Phone Contact: ___________________________________________ Email Address: ______________________________________________ Amount enclosed: $____________________ 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 5 June 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Boong Franklin and Stan Church have been in contact and are both contactable by email. As you know Boong lives in Indonesia (he wished to send his regards to all the troopers) and Stan has recently sold his home in Townsville and is currently on the road somewhere in the West. Get in contact with them. Stan?s number is 0407148068. There are a few changes to the proforma for Mildura, additions include who wants to play bowls and golf (those participating, their details will be forwarded to Doug Wilson (bowls) and John Hatchman (golf) to work out the finer details of these fun days. The River Cruise is going to cost more ? the price has just been jacked up. For those who have booked and paid to date there will be no increase. We had a great time at Rockers on Friday. A Newsletter will be promulgated in the very near future. James Dean, Bongo DiBetta, Sandy Michels, Tony Bath and Surfie Richards will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM ? Dinner (dress code is smart casual) 1900 for 1930, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week Boong Franklin indicated he will not be attending. There are currently 95 starters. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Accommodation - We have booked accommodation in at the Central Motel from Friday to Wednesday, this motel is opposite the RSL and close to all amenities in town. We are paying $105 a night for a double. These are further details and prices: Meet and Greet @ $10 per head River Cruise @ $45 per head Dinner @ $45 per head Farewell Free Registration @ $5 per head Merchandise Place mats $7 Mugs $7 Shirts $35 Ball caps $15 Stubby Holders $8 All items require prepayment - an order form is attached as an enclosure which includes the following banking details. Return the completed forms by either email to me rugbyron@bigpond.com and forward all cheques and hard copy orders to me at PO Box 137 Dee Why NSW 2099 ITF:1963 REUNION HMAS LEEUWIN BSB/ACCT NO 032003 307469 To positively identify who deposits money into this account please follow the instructions, either: a. Go to a Westpac Bank, use a standard deposit slip include the above account details plus fill in the box which contains the Auxiliary Serial number with your service number preceded by a zero in lieu of the R or S (eg 093840), and in the Transaction Code box include the number 60. b. Use the net, in the Payments, pay anyone pages, there is a description box, please insert the six numbers of your service number, c. Send a cheque to Ron Giveen, PO Box 137 Dee Why NSW 2099 endorsed with ?1963 Reunion HMAS LEEUWIN? or d. Do not send a Money Order unless there is absolutely no other option. If you have to, endorse it ?Ron Giveen? as Australia Post does not know who ?1963 Reunion HMAS LEEUWIN? is. There is a new Chief of Navy, his name is Admiral Ray Griggs. He took over from Admiral Russ Crane. Also this week: 817 SQN - ex-Senior Sailor Maintainers and Engineers WRANS REUNION 2012Click here to download this file Release of Records ie Your info at Navy Office to the public cheers Ron SUBJECT 817 SQN - ex-Senior Sailor Maintainers and Engineers http://home.iprimus.com.au/bevinstringer/index.html Anthony Wills To all ex-Senior Sailor Maintainers and Engineers. In this, the final year of 817Sqn and our Sea Kings. The currently serving maintenance senior sailors would like to invite all past maintenance Senior Sailors and Engineers to a reunion to be held Friday evening 11 Nov 11. At this stage the venue will be the Bomaderry RSL, with a cover charge of $10 per person to cover venue hire, smally eats and initial social lubricants. The venue has a cap of 100 people, therefore if the response warrants we will source an alternate venue and advise all. We would appreciate the word being spread by as many personnel as possible. In order to lock in numbers, we would appreciate people depositing the cover charge direct into our Senior Sailor's Social Fund bank account as well as a reply email to either bradley.graham@defence.gov.au or simon.hustwit@defence.gov.au with reference to your intentions to attend. If you could please include your name and the word "reunion" that will help our treasurer make sense of it all. Bank account details are: DEFCREDIT 817Sqn SSSF BSB: 803-205 Acc: 20796417 Thank you all and we look forward to a glut of replies and a great evening reliving highlights of the squadron we love. Warm Regards, Brad & Simon 02 44241750 Fear God, Honour the King Aude Facere SUBJECT Release of records by the National Archives of Australia BACKGROUND The National Archives of Australia is responsible for making Commonwealth records available to the public under the provisions of the Archives Act 1983. The Act requires the National Archives to release records for public access which are in the open access period unless they contain information that falls into one or more of the 16 exemption categories as defined in section 33 of the Act. This applies to both records in the Archives? custody and those still with government agencies. Following amendments to the Archives Act in May 2010, the closed access period was reduced from 30 years to 20 years. The changes will be phased in over a 10-year period. Each year, the open access period for Commonwealth records will increase by two years. Before release each file is examined by specialist Archives? staff who are delegated under the Act to examine records and make decisions about whether they can be released. Sometimes this is done in consultation with relevant departments and agencies. The National Archives holds a range of information about identified individuals, including files about service personnel, migrants, and subjects of investigation by the security services. Personal information available in these records may include full name, date and place of birth, addresses, next-of-kin details, education qualifications, medical details and work history. The majority of researchers seeking access to these files are family historians, subjects of the files or next of kin. Under section 33 (1)(g) of the Act material can be exempted if it constitutes an unreasonable disclosure of personal affairs. In the case of medical health information, the age of the material, the amount of detail in the record, and whether the subject of the information is deceased is taken into account. Detailed medical histories and material containing information of continuing sensitivity are not released. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What records are available for possible release? The Archives Act applies to all records except those of the Courts, some records of the Parliament, governors-general, the monarch and some records held by other national collecting institutions, such as the National Library of Australia. There is a right of access to all other records in the open access period, including those held by government agencies. Before the National Archives releases records for public access they are examined to ensure they do not contain information requiring exemption. 2. Who can access the documents? Once the file has been examined and any exemptions have been applied, the file is available to any person who wants to view it. 3. Can normal records of service be released, and if so, to whom? Yes they can be released, once they have reached the open period and after they have been examined, and to anyone who has requested them. Service records are used by the services to administer the movements and pay of personnel. They commonly contain biographical information as well as service information such as movements, postings, training and performance reports, changes in rank, and brief mention of injuries or illness. 4. Can medical documents be released? Minor medical information such as administrative documents in service dossiers are usually suitable for release. Sensitive medical information on service dossiers would generally be removed from the dossiers and retained by the Department of Defence before records are transferred to the National Archives. Department of Veterans? Affairs (DVA) case files which may include hospital, medical or pension files contain personal information that is sensitive, so therefore are not always available for public release. Because many World War II and post-World War II veterans or their spouses or siblings are still alive DVA case files from later years are not suitable for public release even though they are in the open period. The Archives advises inquirers requesting DVA files or Defence health records to contact the departments directly. 5. Can service performance reports be released, and if so, to whom? Service performance reports can be released. Section 33 (1)(g) of the Archives Act provides that a record is exempt from public access if it contains ?information or matter of which under this Act would involve the unreasonable disclosure of personal affairs of any person (including a deceased person)?. Both the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and the Federal Court have determined that information relating to a person?s professional affairs, including their employment performance, is not considered to be their personal affairs and therefore cannot be exempted under the personal affairs exemption. Under section 33 (1)(j), information about the business or professional affairs of a person can be withheld where release of this information would adversely impact on lawful business or affairs. 6. Would the service dossiers of SAS soldiers be released? SAS members? service documents are still in the custody of Department of Defence. At the present time the department is preparing dossiers of those who served in Korea and Vietnam, including the SAS, for transfer to the National Archives. Sensitive operational information is not usually held on a member?s file but all records are being checked for sensitive operational and medical information before transfer. If any of this information is found it will be removed from the file and retained by the Department of Defence. 7. Are subjects of files notified before release of documents relating to them? While the Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to consult individuals named in records before release, the Archives Act contains no such provision. This recognises the difference in age of records each Act deals with and the practical difficulties that such a provision would entail. After more than 20 years it is unlikely that the National Archives would be able to contact the large numbers of individuals about whom information is released each year, so in the interests of consistency and equity the Archives does not seek individual views. 8. Can an individual pre-empt the release of any documents by taking some course of action with the National Archives? No. The Archives Act requires the National Archives to make open period records available for public access unless they contain exempt information as defined at section 33 of the Act. Any person can apply to the Archives for access to an open period record. No person can seek to pre-empt an application for access being processed. Under the law an applicant is not required to explain why they want access nor are they required to be related to, or to have sought permission from, the subject of the record or the subject?s relative. The National Archives provides access to records through its reading rooms, copying service and its website. Because the Act does not prescribe delivery channels, the National Archives is able to exercise some discretion about what it makes available online. In certain circumstances online access will be withdrawn if the subject of a record, or an immediate relative, objects to a record being online. Where online access is withdrawn, records will continue to be available through the National Archives? reading rooms and copying service as according to the Archives Act. 9. What, if any, other external documents does the National Archives use to interpret the Act? Under the Act, the National Archives is the decision maker in relation to providing access to Commonwealth records. Decisions are made using a detailed Access Examination manual which has been informed by relevant decisions by the AAT and Federal Court and sometimes advice sought from government agencies and departments. Due to changes in the Act reducing the closed period from 30 to 20 years the National Archives is currently reviewing the Access Manual to reflect this change. When the review is completed the Access Manual will be available on the Archives website. If you seek further information or have concerns about information that has been released, please consult Fact Sheets available on our website (www.naa.gov.au) or contact: Director, Reference & Information Services National Archives of Australia PO Box 7425 CANBERRA BUSINESS CENTRE ACT 2610 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 29 May 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Plenty to read this week mostly leading towards the Centenary of the Navy celebrations. Went into the KUTTABUL SS Mess for Pay Day raffles on Thursday and had about 40 people sign the petition for the DFRDB Petition. Don?t forget to fax yours off. Don?t forget about our little shindig at the Rockers this Friday 3 June commencing at 1200. Currently Ted Hase, John Hatchman, Mick Gallagher, Doug Wilson, Jack Davey, Mike Hogan, Schubes, Tom Houldsworth, Spook Cairns and myself have indicated we will be attending. Sandy Powell has forwarded his apologies. For those of you sitting on the fence, wondering what you will be doing on a sunny day in early June come on down and say G?day. Please let me know if you are attending. Dave Staines, John Tant, Ron Pope and Doug Rasmussen will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Glenn and Jennie Summerhayes forwarded the following: Hi Ron and All, It hits home these days as we lose more and more of our shipmates to various cancers etc. Nothing more out of the USA regarding the links to Agent Orange and Asbestos. It seems from the info received that the US Senate has withdrawn all funding of these two items from the research area. Now Settling into our move back home to Port Macquarie NSW and catching up with old friends from the 80's. Do you have anybody in my area on the books, especially from Intake 7 of 1963? Would it be possible if not too much of a hassle to Record the Intake against different mates who have made contact or respond, especially those that pass over the bar. Old age and names seem to be my biggest hurdles these days. Great to keep up the Newsletters Ron. Have we ever done a review of how many JR's graduated from Leeuwin in Intakes 6 & 7? There would seem to be a number still out there that we have no contact with. Best wishes to all and "Thank You" to those who have made contact with me over the past six months since my illness has deteriorated - a little improvement at the moment - I'm just a University 'Guinea Pig' these days but maybe some will get some benefit from the Research. Regards and Best Wishes to ALL Glenn & Jennie SUMMERHAYES R94128 Intake 7 / 63 MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM ? Dinner (dress code is smart casual) 1900 for 1930, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week KI and Mary Fielding have indicated they will be attending. Glen Butler who is a starter, has emailed saying he is going overseas for two years but may be back in October for the reunion. There are currently 95 starters. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Accommodation - We have booked accommodation in at the Central Motel from Friday to Wednesday, this motel is opposite the RSL and close to all amenities in town. We are paying $105 a night for a double. These are further details and prices: Meet and Greet @ $10 per head River Cruise @ $40 per head Dinner @ $45 per head Farewell Free Registration @ $5 per head Merchandise Place mats $7 Mugs $7 Shirts $35 Ball caps $15 Stubby Holders $8 All items require prepayment - an order form is attached as an enclosure which includes the following banking details. Return the completed forms by either email to me rugbyron@bigpond.com and forward all cheques and hard copy orders to me at PO Box 137 Dee Why NSW 2099 ITF:1963 REUNION HMAS LEEUWIN BSB/ACCT NO 032003 307469 To positively identify who deposits money into this account please follow the instructions, either: a. Go to a Westpac Bank, use a standard deposit slip include the above account details plus fill in the box which contains the Auxiliary Serial number with your service number preceded by a zero in lieu of the R or S (eg 093840), and in the Transaction Code box include the number 60. b. Use the net, in the Payments, pay anyone pages, there is a description box, please insert the six numbers of your service number, c. Send a cheque to Ron Giveen, PO Box 137 Dee Why NSW 2099 endorsed with ?1963 Reunion HMAS LEEUWIN? or d. Do not send a Money Order unless there is absolutely no other option. If you have to, endorse it ?Ron Giveen? as Australia Post does not know who ?1963 Reunion HMAS LEEUWIN? is. Also this week: Australian Navy Weapons DVA- ENews Navy Birthday Frankston (Attached)Click here to download this file RADM P.G. Kennedy funeral details Partners of Veterans (Attached)Click here to download this file RAN Centenary Medallion House Sitting (Attached)Click here to download this file RAN Band Concert for centenary celebration July 2011 Medical Survey into the use of solvents in the Australian Defence Forces Navy Centenary Celebrations in Brisbane (Attached)Click here to download this file All Ranks Naval Stores Reunion - Gold Coast - November 2011(attached)Click here to download this file cheers Ron SUBJECT AUSTRALIAN NAVY WEAPONS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJz3nSfC13Y&feature=related SUBJECT DVA ENews Issue - 2 - 2011 This issue, we look at news across DVA, post another successful Anzac Day. Minister Snowdon was amongst the 6,500 people who made the pilgrimage to Turkey, to help mark the landings at Gallipoli. Some 4,000 also attended the annual dawn service held at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France. DVA organises both the Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux events each year. Other services were held at significant sites from Australia?s military history across the globe. Locally, thousands of Australians, young and old, attended services and marches across the nation, helping to ensure that this significant day of reflection and remembrance lives on. ________________________________________ Greece and Crete Commemorative Mission This year marks the 70th anniversaries of the Battles for Greece and Crete. During the battles, Australians fought alongside New Zealand, Greek and British troops to help defend the country from enemy invasion. A commemorative mission involving six Second World War veterans was undertaken between 15-26 May. The mission party visited significant sites linked to the battles. For more information please visit the DVA Media Centre. ________________________________________ The 2011-12 Budget provided $60.7 million in initiatives for veterans. This includes $30.1 million for a Veterans? Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme and $3.4 million to overhaul the rehabilitation and compensation claims process. A new Prisoner of War (POW) Recognition Supplement will provide former POWs with an extra $500 per fortnight in recognition of their special service and sacrifice at a total cost of $27.2 million. For more information on these budget measures, visit the DVA website. ________________________________________ DVA's new Coordinated Veterans? Care Program commenced on 1 May 2011. The program aims to reduce unplanned hospitalisations through improved community care for eligible Gold Card holders with chronic and complex illnesses. DVA will progressively write to Gold Card holders who might benefit most from the program, suggesting an assessment from their GP. Once enrolled in the program, the GP, a nurse coordinator and the participant will work together to better plan, manage and coordinate the participant?s health and community care. Participation is not mandatory and doesn?t affect any other DVA entitlements. For further information please visit the CVC website. ________________________________________ Feedback sought on Review of Military Compensation Arrangements report The Minister for Veterans? Affairs, Warren Snowdon, publicly released the report of the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements on 18 March 2011. Feedback is being sought from the defence and veteran communities on the report with comments due by 30 June 2011. The report made 108 recommendations, including four pairs of two alternative recommendations. The report can be accessed on the DVA website. Feedback can be provided in writing to the Review?s Secretariat by email at milcomp.review@dva.gov.au or mail to: Military Compensation Review Secretariat GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601 ________________________________________ New online health assistance with the Wellbeing Toolbox The Department has recently launched a new health and wellbeing website - the Wellbeing Toolbox. The Wellbeing Toolbox provides interactive educational material in key areas such as problem solving, building support, helpful thinking, getting active, keeping calm and sleeping better. It has been developed in conjunction with leading experts at the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and can be accessed at www.wellbeingtoolbox.net.au or via www.touchbase.gov.au. ________________________________________ Find Your Mates with touchbase The touchbase website now also provides users with the opportunity to keep in touch or reconnect with other former serving personnel, family and friends using a new online community Find Your Mates. You can search for people that you served with by name, gender, age, location and service. Find Your Mates is available through the touchbase website. ________________________________________ Review of Cooking For One or Two Program Since its inception, the Cooking For One or Two (C4 1-2) program has been effective in helping men to improve their cooking skills, knowledge and has helped to change their perceptions about the degree of difficulty involved in preparing healthy and tasty meals. DVA has begun the process of reviewing the C4 1-2 resource kit and wants to hear feedback from ex-service organisation members who are current or former program facilitators, about how the resource kit can be improved. An online survey has been created, featuring nine questions about the strengths and weaknesses of the program. It should take around 10 minutes to complete. The survey is open until 30 June 2011. To participate, check out the online survey. For more information contact DVA?s Specialist Advisory Unit on 133 254 (metropolitan) or 1800 555 254 (regional). ________________________________________ Men?s Health Peer Education (MHPE) aims to raise the veteran community?s awareness of men?s health issues by encouraging members of the veteran and ex-service community to share the responsibility for managing their own health and wellbeing. What?s new? Go to the MHPE website to read the March issue of the MHPE magazine. You?ll also find the new Men?s Quick Health Check. The checklist will only take a couple of minutes. The checklist will confirm the things you?re doing well and suggest things you could do to improve your health. ________________________________________ Scams The Department of Veterans? Affairs is aware of scam activity which specifically targets DVA clients. There is now a dedicated page on the DVA website with information on potential scams and measures you can take to avoid being scammed. Another useful government website to monitor is SCAMwatch, this site contains information on how to protect your privacy and regular updates on scam activity. ________________________________________ Veterans' Health Week 2011 Veterans' Health Week will be held the week of 24 - 30 October 2011 this year. This year?s theme is building on the strengths of the veteran community ? mental wellness. We are working in partnership with ex-service and community groups to develop and fund a program of activities. Like previous years, Veterans' Health Week will encourage the veteran community to consider their health needs and provide suggestions for positive changes to live stronger, healthier and happier lives. For more information on how to get involved visit the DVA website or email vhw@dva.gov.au. ________________________________________ Media releases For the latest news across the Department visit the Media Centre page of the DVA website. Veterans' Affairs e-News is a regular service provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. To unsubscribe to e-News, send an email to e-news-unsubscribe@dvalists.aaa.net.au with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject field. To subscribe to e-News, send an email to e-news-subscribe@dvalists.aaa.net.au with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject field. Once joined, you will receive a confirmation email. Comments or feedback on Veterans' Affairs e-News may be sent to DVAmedia@dva.gov.au SUBJECT RADM Kennedy funeral details Admiral Kennedy's funeral details are as follows. The Funeral Mass for Phil Kennedy will be celebrated at the Holy Rosary Church in Nedlands at 9.30 on Tuesday the 31st of May. The Church is at the corner Thomas and Elizabeth Streets Nedlands. On completion of the service the cortege will proceed to Karrakatta for a burial service at 11.15. The RAN will be providing a Funeral Party from HMAS Stirling and the VLSVA will Parade their Banner also providing a guard of honour. It is hoped that the Brisbane banner will also be Paraded. Flowers appreciated or donations in lieu to the Arthritis Foundation of WA.Inc. Medals are to be worn. There will be a gathering of the family and friends at Hollywood Bowling Club on completion of the Funeral. The Club is at 42 Smyth Road Nedlands In order that a fine Officer a true Gentleman and every ones friend be given a very fitting farewell it is requested that as many of you who can put aside some time to attend, do so. It would be great to see you all there. Yours Aye, Peter Flockhart. SUBJECT RAN CENTENARY MEDALLION Below is an image of a 60mm double sided Medallion commemorating the Centenary of the RAN (1911 -2011) The medallion is offered for purchase through the FESR Qld Division and comes in a presentation box. The small plastic stands do not come with the medallion but are available separately. You are able to view more details of this medallion and how to order by opening the "Slops & Memorabilia" menu of the FESR website http://www.fesrnavy.asn.au Regards Les Sheehan Pic shows both sides of medallion and the presentation box. SUBJECT RAN BAND CONCENT IN SYDNEY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Signal from The Director of Music, Royal Australian Navy: The Royal Australian Navy has a proud record of service to the nation, and on 10 July 2011 will celebrate its centenary. To mark this important milestone, the Royal Australian Navy Band will present A Naval Salute at the City Recital Hall at Angel Place, Sydney. This concert will be held on 10 July 2011 commencing at 1930 and concluding at 2200. A Naval Salute will promote core messages about the history, current activities and people, and future direction of the Royal Australian Navy using narrative and music with audio visual accompaniment. Key elements of Navy?s ceremonial repertoire including Colours, Beat to Quarters, Man Ship, Cheer Ship, and Ceremonial Sunset will feature during the concert along with the outstanding ensemble and individual performance skill of the Royal Australian Navy Band and its musicians. Specially commissioned music to celebrate the occasion will be performed on the evening, and artwork to acknowledge Indigenous service to the Royal Australian Navy will be unveiled. Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has indicated that she will be attending the concert. As she will be formally welcomed with military honours, you are requested to be seated by 7.15 pm in time for the commencement of formalities. To assist with seating allocation and indicate your intention to accept this invitation, please contact Leading Seaman Catherine Wainwright at navy.band@defence.gov.au or by telephone on 02 9359 2618. You and your guests are most welcome. Tickets confirming your seating allocation will be dispatched to you on 27 June 2011. I look forward to your company and to welcoming you aboard. Yours aye, P.C. ANDERSON OAM Commander, RAN Director of Music Serving in Harmony +61 417 487 842 +61 2 9359 3802 Website: www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Band and www.youtube.com/dmusn 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 22 May 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Athol Marsh passed over the bar last Sunday the funeral service conducted on Saturday 21. Thanks to all who have helped with the photos plus the condolences and encouragement which you have forwarded to his daughter Natasha. It seems the only photo we could come up with at LEEUWIN was the class one. Jim Bush is working on a good copy to send. Mick Gallagher had two recent photos of Athol taken at the 2008 reunion , one of Athol and himself, the other, Athol with Schubes. As a result of the appeal for photos, two taken by Mick and another received from Darby Ashton taken at the Recruiting Centre in Brisbane on 7 Jan 63 have been included on the web site. Received this email recently from Natasha: Thank you so much for all of your help so far, i would appreciate it if you could pass on our upmost appreciation to everyone that is helping find these photos. My address is 3 Gannet Lane, Australind WA 6233. Once again thank you all as i appreciate any that you are able to help with. cheers Natasha Don?t forget about our little shindig at the Rockers on 3 June commencing at 1200. Currently Doug Wilson, Jack Davey, Mike Hogan, Schubes, Tom Houldsworth, Spook Cairns have indicated they will be attending. For those of you sitting on the fence, wondering what you will be doing on a sunny day in early June come on down and say G?day. Please let me know if you are attending. The Navy Rugby team had a good week in Canberra, defeating both the RAAF and then on Saturday the Army. Well done Navy. Jim Clegg, K.I. Fielding, Gary McGrath and Jack Davey will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. JR COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS - There are 15 JR Commemorative Medallions still available from the foundry. The cost is $85 plus postage and anyone wanting to buy one should contact Jim Benny at Techast Australia in Ballarat techcast@iprimus.com.au . These are left from orders that were not paid for and collected. Jim as you know is an ex JR who helped us tremendously in the project and if these can be sold it will mean he is not out of pocket so to speak. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 A little clarification on the reunion, it is not school holidays however as it is over the Melbourne Cup weekend the bookings are similar to that of the school holidays. So whatever your accommodation intentions are, it is now time to book. We have booked in at the Central Motel from Friday to Wednesday, this motel is opposite the RSL and close to all amenities in town. We are paying $105 a night for a double. MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM ? Dinner (dress code is smart casual) 1900 for 1930, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week Jeff and Jenny Wake and Les Barclay have indicated they are unable to attend. There are currently 93 starters. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. These are further details and prices: Meet and Greet @ $10 per head River Cruise @ $40 per head Dinner @ $45 per head Farewell Free Registration @ $5 per head Merchandise Place mats $7 Mugs $7 Shirts $35 Ball caps $15 Stubby Holders $8 An order form is attached as an enclosure.Click here to download this file Also this week Touchbase Newsletter No1 DFRDB Petition (Attached)Click here to download this file cheers Ron SUBJECT DFRDB PETITION Gentlemen, Can I ask for a favour? I have to table my petition on DFRDB the week after next. I have only received about 300 signatures. Time is short and I need more people to sign. Can I ask you to send this petition to all your mates and get them to hustle theirs for signatures if they have not already signed? Thank you in anticipation Ewen Jones M e m b e r f o r H e r b e r t Phone 07 4725 2066 Fax 07 4725 2088 Web www.ewenjones.com.au Email ewen.jones@aph.gov.au Address Nathan Business Centre Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St Cranbrook QLD 4814 SUBJECT TOUCHBASE NEWSLETTER NO 1 Welcome to the first edition of touchbase e-newsletter May 2011 This e-newsletter is part of a new service dedicated to supporting men and women who have separated from the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As a subscriber to the touchbase website or its Find Your Mates facility you will receive this regular e-newsletter filled with relevant and interesting stories for the ex-service community. Out of the Army, into Africa They say Africa gets under your skin. Once you have been, you yearn to return and again steep yourself in the rich and exciting experiences of that beautiful, challenging continent. For ex-Army officer Brad Horn, he turned his love of Africa into a way of life after he separated from the ADF in 1993. Read more Yoga and the art of rehabilitation Leaving school at the age of 15 to go straight into the Army, Bryce Tunny didn?t envisage he?d one day become a yogi. But this former Lance Corporal has used the ancient practice of yoga to rehabilitate his body after years of physical neglect, including from his days in the ADF. Read more A helping hand for you and your family The transition from military service to civilian life can present many challenges. Sometimes individuals or families require extra help to make the adjustment or to deal with problems that can emerge, even years after separation. In addition to counselling and group programs, the VVCS ? Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, offers support for those with complex issues. Read more New online health assistance with the Wellbeing Toolbox The Department of Veterans? Affairs has recently launched a new health and wellbeing website - the Wellbeing Toolbox. The Wellbeing Toolbox provides interactive educational material in key areas such as problem solving, building support, helpful thinking, getting active, keeping calm and sleeping better. It has been developed in conjunction with leading experts at the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and can be accessed at www.wellbeingtoolbox.net.au or through the touchbase website www.touchbase.gov.au. Find Your Mates with touchbase The touchbase website now also provides users with the opportunity to keep in touch or reconnect with other former serving personnel, family and friends using a new online community Find Your Mates. You can search other members for those you served with by name, gender, age, location and service ? access Find Your Mates via touchbase now. What?s happening? For details about upcoming events and other activities of interest to the ex-service community, please visit the what?s happening page on touchbase. Help promote touchbase You may like to help spread the word about touchbase to others in the ex-service community. You can send on the touchbase website link or there are posters and brochures available at www.touchbase.gov.au which you can print out for display or distribution. Do you have a story to share? If you would like to share your story about life after the ADF like Brad and Bryce, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at touchbase@dva.gov.au 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 15 May 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Am in FNQ for the remainder of the week, please give me a call (0410529797) if anybody would like to catch up. This week there is a further update on Kev Uttley, a travel note from Bob Stupple and advice on JR Commemorative Medals from Ken Dobbie besides a lot of other items. Don?t forget about our little shindig at the Rockers on 3 June commencing at 1200. Let me know if you are attending. Max Delahunty, Ken Fielding, Doug Heath, Lindsay Best, Mick Aylmer and Terry Burgess will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. A further update on Kev Uttley - Dear Darby & Frances, Just thought I would let you know that we have finally found a lowset villa to move into. It is a little bit expensive, but that seems to be the price that you have to pay to rent these days. We moved all our furniture and everything Kevin has been hording for years with the help of some very kind people from our church. We will be moving in ourselves tomorrow and looking forward to settling down to some sort of normality. Kevin is in day Rehab 2 days per week for the next few weeks. He is doing very well and is now walking with the aid of a four pronged walking stick. He is not allowed to walk without someone beside him just yet, but is getting stronger each day. He now has movement in his right shoulder, his right elbow is starting to move as well and a his fingers are starting to show a little sign as well. Unfortunately, his right ankle and wrist have not responded yet, but we are far from giving up. The hardest part for Kevin is his speech has now improved very much and it would appear that this will be his biggest hurdle but he is a fighter and has a great sense of humour. If you are ever coming down to Brisbane please let us know if you have time to visit and it would be lovely to meet Frances if she is with you. We still haven't received Kevin's pension card and the guy who rang me from DVA was saying that he wasn't sure that Kevin had worked enough hours to claim his pension bonus. So we are hoping that they can sort it out very soon. I hope all is going well for you and would appreciate it if you could pass this information onto the other guys. Hope all is going well for you and yours. Bless you Kevin and Larraine Bob Stupple forwarded this email re the Small Arms Museum at Lithgow. Hi there Ron, Pat and i have just visited the Small Arms Museum in Lithgow and would recommend this place to everyone. Chris Mitchell ex JR 1966 is one of the guides, and gives an excellent tour. could you let members know in your newsletter. Regards Bob Stupple Vale Ian Mc Lauchlan - It is my sad duty to inform the Vendetta Association that CPO WTR Ian McLauchlan passed away this morning. The funeral will be held on Friday at 1400 at the Uniting Church, Forster NSW. For those who remember Ian as the Chief PO Writer on board the Vendetta on its first commission and served on the ship from 1958, 1959 and 1960. This man was always cheerful and a smile never left his face. Sadly missed by all Tony (bogey) Knight. JR COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS - G'day Ron, I have just been made aware that there are 15 JR Commemorative Medallions still available from the foundry. The cost is $85 plus postage and anyone wanting to buy one should contact Jim Benny at Techast Australia in Ballarat techcast@iprimus.com.au . These are left from orders that were not paid for and collected. Jim as you know is an ex JR who helped us tremendously in the project and if these can be sold it will mean he is not out of pocket so to speak. If you can put something in your next newsletter we might be able to help him out. Cheers Ken D DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 A little clarification on the reunion, it is not school holidays however as it is over the Melbourne Cup weekend the bookings are similar to that of the school holidays. So whatever your accommodation intentions are, it is now time to book. MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM ? Dinner (dress code is smart casual) 1900 for 1930, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week nobody has contacted me. There are currently 93 starters. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Splice the Mainbrace in Frankston in July (Attached)Click here to download this file Budget ? Veteran Community Military History WW2 ? can you help Scrap Iron Flotilla ? Mess Dinner DFWA Update 260 (attached)Click here to download this file cheers Ron SUBJECT BUDGET ? VETERAN COMMUNITY The Gillard Government has maintained its commitment to Australian veterans and their families in the 2011-12 Budget, and provided $60.7 million in new initiatives. This includes $30.1 million for a Veterans? Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme and $3.4 million to better meet the needs of our troops through an overhaul of the rehabilitation and compensation claims process. A new $27.2 million Prisoner of War (POW) Recognition Supplement will provide former POWs with an extra $500 per fortnight in recognition of their special service and sacrifice. Finding room in a responsible Budget for new initiatives reflects the Government?s commitment to continued support for more than 360,000 veterans and their families. Veterans? Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme The $30.1 million Veterans? Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme will assist around 70,000 veterans with out-of-pocket costs for medications, and delivers on an election commitment to introduce a fair solution that provides veterans with war or war-like service relief from pharmaceutical costs. Minister for Veterans? Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said many veterans have complex health needs arising from or compounded by their war service and face increasing costs from the medications they need. ?This is a positive outcome for many veterans who have additional costs from the pharmaceutical co-payments not covered under existing entitlements to veterans,? he said. Veterans who have qualifying service and are in receipt of a disability pension (or equivalent under other Department of Veterans? Affairs administered entitlements) will receive this additional support towards their health care needs. The Scheme will be effective from 1 January 2012, with the first reimbursements to be made in early 2013. For eligible veterans, the reimbursements will cover the gap between the pharmaceutical allowance component of the Pension Supplement and the pharmaceutical safety net. New initiative to overhaul rehabilitation and compensation claims process ?Under a new $3.4 million initiative, the Department of Veterans? Affairs will begin a major overhaul of the rehabilitation and compensation claims process to better meet the needs of our troops who are injured or adversely affected as a result of their service,? Mr Snowdon said. The Gillard Government is committed to ensuring this process is improved, especially for our personnel currently serving overseas. Over time the claims process has been criticised for being complex, unwieldy and slow, and it?s clear that veterans require a more modern and sustainable support system. This initiative will help identify changes required to streamline rehabilitation and compensation processes, and will provide a simpler experience for clients, their advocates and the broader veteran community, to better meet their needs. Planning and investigation, including a pilot project, will commence this year and conclude in early 2012. The 2011-12 Budget also delivers funding already committed by the Australian Government, including: ? More than $8 million per year in additional funding for the Australian War Memorial; and $3.3 million for the establishment of a world-first education centre in Washington DC honouring Vietnam veterans, delivering on a 2010 Labor election commitment. Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 Department of Veterans? Affairs Media: 02 6289 SUBJECT MILITARY HISTORY If you are able to assist with the following please contact Tom Lewis direct at email address: talewis@bigpond.com.au I'm seeking shipmates (or their descendents) who served with LCDR Rankin at any time up to and including his death in combat aboard HMAS Yarra, Dr Tom Lewis Military Historian If you can be of any assistance please contact Tom Lewis direct at email address: talewis@bigpond.com.au I'm trying to contact any members of HMAS Deloraine, the WWII corvette, who were on board when she fought the Japanese submarine I-124. Dr Tom Lewis Military Historian SUBJECT SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA ? MESS DINNER SATURDAY 25 JUNE 2011 INVITATION TO NAVAL MESS DINNER COMMEMORATING THE SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA AT KINGSGROVE RSL 1. The Cadets and Staff of TS Sirius are honoured to invite you to join us on Saturday 25 June 2011 at a Naval Mess Dinner and Ceremonial Feature to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Scrap Iron Flotilla?s service in the Mediterranean Campaign, and in particular, to mark the loss of HMAS Waterhen on 29/30 June 1941, the first Australian warship to be lost to enemy action in World War Two. The activity will be held at Kingsgrove RSL between 1830 and 2230. 2.. Invited Guests include members of the Scrap Iron Flotilla ? HMA Ships Waterhen, Stuart, Vampire, Vendetta and Voyager, succeeding namesake HMA Ships, Rats of Tobruk, members of Kingsgrove RSL, other RSL members and allied veterans of World War Two, and any other interested veterans or service personnel, together with members of the Australian Army Cadets (233AAC), and Australian Air Force Cadets (302SQN AAFC). 3. The Official Guests of Honour will be members of the Scrap Iron Flotilla, together with Navy Officers, and a senior RSL Official. 4. Tickets will cost $45 per person. Dinner will include a three-course meal and non-alcoholic drinks. A separate bar service will be available for adult guests, and will be a personal responsibility. 5. A brass ensemble from the Royal Australian Navy Band will provide music and entertainment during the evening. Cadets will conduct ceremonial feature presentation in honour of the Scrap Iron Flotilla. 6. Dress for the evening is Mess Dress with medals for serving members and veterans, or lounge suit with medals, and after-fives (evening wear) for ladies. 7. Entry into Kingsgrove RSL at 4 Brocklehurt Lane, Kingsgrove is via The Avenue/Kingsgrove Road intersection, and multi-level car parking is available. 8. RSVP and Bookings can be made by Monday 13 June 2011 with SBLT Chris Hartley ANC by email to: chrishartley_navy@yahoo.com.au or phone 0422 698 737. Tickets are limited, so please do not delay in responding. 9. Payment of $45 per person can be made by cheque/money order payable to TS SIRIUS. The postal address for all correspondence is: SBLT Chris Hartley ANC XO TS Sirius PO Box 2178 SMITHFIELD NSW 2164 Please also refer to the following links for your enjoyment of Navy music and reflection upon the service given by Australia's naval community. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXLlQ9OEQ_o ? Australian Navy tribute The Scrap Iron Flotilla Theme ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_d_8nsG9Gs Proud Echo ? Performance at the 2010 Sea Power Conference http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcT-MyPpVtI&feature=related I look forward to hearing from you. yours aye, Chris Hartley SBLT ANC XO TS Sirius Reliance Flotilla AUSTRALIAN NAVY CADETS "Heavens Light Our Guide" Phone: 0422 698 737 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 8 May 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Am away in FNQ for a few weeks, catching up with family and going TO Port Douglas fishing with my three brothers later week. It has been a busy week for some, look at the attachments. Gordon Stringer sent me an email saying Kev Uttley is home and doing outpatient therapy. Great news, I hope the recovery is swift and complete. All the best Kev. I have included another two photos in the photos page of the web site, one is of Chuckles Cuculowsky, the other is of six good looking roosters from Yagan 2. Don?t forget about our little shindig at the Rockers on 3 June commencing at 1200. Let me know if you are attending. Geoff Anderson, John Hatchman, Vic Purvey, Dave Walker and John Hume will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 A little clarification on the reunion, it is not school holidays however as it is over the Melbourne Cup weekend the bookings are similar to that of the school holidays. So whatever your accommodation intentions are, it is now time to book. MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM ? Dinner (dress code is smart casual) 1900 for 1930, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week Nifty and Dianne Thomas indicated they will be there, Bob Cavanagh, Gil and Lyn Larsson have indicated they are non starter, thanks for that blokes. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Vietnam Veterans Day Hobart (attached) X 2Click here to download this file Click here to download this file RAN 1960-1972 photos and videos RAN Crews and Ships records DFWA Supplementary Submission on Indexation Fair Go (attached) x 6 Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file NAA Shipmates BBQ in QLD (attached)Click here to download this file Australian Destroyers in Vietnam RAN Centenary (attached)Click here to download this file DFWA Update (attached) Click here to download this file Jim Stallard ? photo cheers Ron SUBJECT MELBOURNE/EVANS REUNION The USS Frank E Evans/HMAS Melbourne reunion is in Waterloo, Iowa in Mid-September this year. Anyone wishing to attend, please forward your full mailing address to me ASAP, so that invitations can be mailed to you from the States. Please only respond if you are seriously considering going, as the mail-out cost is not cheap. I will be sending out further details at a later date as a general message, but we need the addresses for those who intend going. Cheers Ron Baker (aka Nullarbor) bakschae@optusnet.com.au SUBJECT RAN 1960 -1972 All the navy photos in this video feature the ships and aircraft of the "Royal Australian Navy" taken between 1960 and 1972 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERy5sp3-jf0&feature=fvsr SUBJECT RAN CREWS AND SHIPS RECORDS http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs31.aspx It looks like Fact Sheets 30, 31, 138 but mainly 31 are the necessary areas to look. SUBJECT DFWA Supplementary Submission on Indexation http://www.dfwa.org.au/images/submissions/FAIR%20INDEXATION%20BILL%20SUPPLEMENTARY%20SUBMISSION.pdf SUBJECT NAA SHIPMATES BBQ This is an advance notice of the Annual NAA Shipmates? Barbecue to held at the Queensland Museum on Sunday, July 3rd, 2011. Sub-Sections? Presidents are encouraged to use this occasion as an opportunity for their members to catch up with Shipmates from other Sub-Sections and Affiliates for this great day of socialisation and fellowship. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments re contents of this email or the attachment. Regards, Trevor Rigby, State President. SUBJECT AUSTRALIAN DESTROYERS IN VIETNAM I am Executive Director of Tin Can Sailors, Inc. which is an American association of destroyer veterans numbering about 19,000 members. As a Vietnam Veteran myself I am interested in the Australian ships that operated with us there. We publish a quarterly newspaper of which I am editor and I would like to be able to include occasional stories from the Australians who crewed those ships. I have run the story of the tragic accidental bombing of HMAS Hobart but I know that there are other stories that our readers would like to hear. I would very much appreciate it if you could put me in contact with the RAN side of your organization or someone who might further my search for stories of Australian destroyers for an American audience. Best Regards, Terry Miller Executive Director & Editor Tin Can Sailors, Inc. The National Association of Destroyer Veterans (U.S.) www.destroyers.org terrymiller@destroyers.org dd836@ymail.com PO Box 1544 North Wales PA 19454-0544 USA SUBJECT JIM STALLARD ? PHOTO I have a request to find a photograph of Jim Stallard, RAN 1959-1971 - Rating CPO/ERA. Jim was a Voyager survivor and he passed away on 24.03.08. Nambour RSL is looking for this photograph to place in their continuous list of late members. This request came to me on ANZAC Day in Brisbane and I promised to endeavour to follow this up through you, as you both have so many contacts within the Navy. My name is Alex Garlin, the Nominal Roll Compiler for the National Servicemen Assn. I can be contacted on 07 5446 5210 regards. 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 1 May 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Missed last week as we circumnavigated NSW which included touring around the major rivers of NSW with some mates. Had a great time. Caught up with Barry Langan and his wife Di at the Veterans Retreat just outside Mildura. Barry was a Starvo and is a 4th intake from LEEUWIN. They manage a Veterans Retreat which is a caravan park for us about twenty k?s from Mildura. Our motley group stayed there and had a terrific time. We enjoyed the Happy Hour and of course catching up. Barry indicated he would provide a bus to take anybody who stayed at their park to the dinner on the Saturday night. He also mentioned that the reunion is during the school holidays. So whatever your accommodation intentions are, it is now time to book. Hope everybody commemorated ANZAC Day in the appropriate way. Barry Nichols, John Shinn, Wally Cook, Greg Peers, Merv Sempfel, had birthdays last week, Kev Rowland, Charlie Russell, Ian Hine, Wally Jankwisky, John (Woody) Woodward, Pat Zegenhagen and me will celebrate their birthdays this coming week, give us a ring or send us an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Has anybody heard from or know where Charlie Russell is, would like to catch up. You may recall some weeks ago I asked about Reg Blakemore, well I received the following from Glenn Summerhayes, Re: Reg (Wayne) BLAKEMORE joined JRTE in July 1963 7th Intake in Nakina 4. I was a close friend of him during our time at Leeuwin and only caught up with him again in 2006. I believe he discharged from the RAN in about 1966/67. When I saw him in 2006 he was very unwell and living with his navy mate partner in Cardiff, NSW near Newcastle. Unfortunately I was not aware that he had crossed the bar until your Email. I know he was survived by his younger sister and family - not sure if he was ever married or had children. Cheers Glenn SUMMERHAYES R94128 (7/1963) Slowly back on the mend - still have 8 Kilo's in weight to gain. Victoria Cross - Ken Dobbie forwarded this information on the Victoria Cross Inquiry (details are under) - G'day Ron, many of our intake did their initial sea time on Vampire in 1964. The captain at the time was David Hamer. I see in today's Australian that he is being considered for recognition for past acts of gallantry and valour. Given that he was awarded a DSC in WW2 I am assuming that he is now being considered for something a bit higher such as a VC. The web site is www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au David Hamer had a distinguished career in the Royal Australian Navy, serving as a gunnery officer on ships during World War II. There are many stories of his bravery. One that I will mention is about when he was serving in the Philippines on HMAS Australia, which was being dive-bombed by six Japanese Kamikaze dive-bombers. David stood up in the gun turret and broadcast to the ship's crew exactly what the Kamikaze pilots were doing as they attacked his ship, thus advising all around him of the danger and how they might respond. That is just one of many stories that are told of his bravery in service. For this distinguished command and leadership in action, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He also served in Korea on HMAS Tobruk, and later was the Director of Naval Intelligence and commander of the 10th destroyer flotilla. He retired from the Navy in 1967 with the rank of captain. Who is coming to the Rockers for lunch on Friday 3 June? This will be our final function this year outside the reunion in Mildura. We should meet around 1200 have a drink, have some lunch, talk about the reunion or whatever, have another drink and depart when you want to. Should be a interesting departure from your normal Friday activities. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week Hoss and Judy Potter, Chris and Ruth Rowland and Alan and June White will be there, Ken Scarisbrick has indicated he is a non starter, thanks for that Ken. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Fair Indexation Bill Plus attachment aboveClick here to download this file VENDETTA Plaque attendance documentClick here to download this file Victoria Cross Inquiry DFWA Update (Attached)Click here to download this file cheers Ron SUBJECT FAIR INDEXATION BILL SUBMISSION You are probably aware there is a Bill before the Senate, introduced by the Coalition, to provide fair indexation of DFRDB pensions. After initial debate, the Bill was referred (yet again!) for another Senate Inquiry. The Committee is due to report back to the Senate by 10 May. Very little time was allowed for public submissions. Nevertheless, The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) has made a submission to the Inquiry, and this is attached for your information. Before the Senate votes on this Bill, The Alliance is also sending a letter to all Senators to argue for their support for the Bill. The Fair go Campaign (through the Alliance) is also asking everyone with Non-Coalition Senate Representation to write to their Labor, Green or Independent Senators, and strongly express their personal support for the Bill. The Fair Go Campaign is developing a standard format letter to use as a base line for this and it will probably be released shortly. However, the more personal the letters are the better. Every letter they receive is another unhappy constituent, and they do count them. If you feel inclined to support this action, the attached submission can be used for as much ammunition as you feel necessary. Please feel free to circulate the attachment widely among your contacts. In fact, it would be very helpful if you did. SUBJECT Victoria Cross Inquiry The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today announced that the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will inquire into unresolved recognition for past acts of naval and military gallantry and valour. ?There have been numerous acts of gallantry and valour by Australian naval and military servicemen since World War I,? Senator Feeney said. ?I am pleased that the Tribunal will inquire into recognition for thirteen naval and military personnel. Their brave acts of gallantry and valour deserve greater recognition. ?Their stories are heroic. Robert Davies fired at enemy aircraft, as he and his gun mount slowly submerged. Francis Emms manned a machine gun whilst severely wounded. Ordinary Seaman ?Teddy? Sheehan bravely shot down a bomber and kept aircraft away from his mates in the water. He went down with his ship. These Australians will now receive the national recognition that they deserve,? Senator Feeney said. The thirteen servicemen include: 1. Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary ? Army (East Geelong, VIC) 2. Midshipman Robert Ian Davies ? Navy (Greenwich, Sydney, NSW) 3. Leading Cook Francis Bassett Emms ? Navy (Launceston, TAS) 4. Lieutenant David John Hamer ? Navy (Melbourne, VIC) 5. Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick ? Army (Shield, County Durham, UK.) 6. Lieutenant Commander Robert William Rankin ? Navy (Cobar, NSW) 7. Able Seaman Dalmorton Joseph Owendale Rudd ? Navy (Unknown) 8. Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheehan ? Navy (Barrington, Devonport, TAS) 9. Leading Aircrewman Noel Ervin Shipp ? Navy (Julia Creek, North QLD) 10. Lieutenant Commander Francis Edward Smith ? Navy (Lismore, NSW) 11. Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker ? Navy (Unknown) 12. Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor ? Navy (Unknown) 13. Captain Hector Macdonald Laws Waller ? Navy (Unknown) ?A number of people have raised the issue of a Victoria Cross for former Defence Force personnel with the Gillard Government,? Senator Feeney said. ?Through the Terms of Reference, I have directed the Tribunal to make recommendations on the eligibility of the listed naval and military members to receive the Victoria Cross, the Victoria Cross for Australia or other forms of recognition for their service. ?I am also pleased to announce that as part of this Inquiry, the Tribunal will receive submissions from interested members of the public for other Defence Force members who may also be worthy of appropriate recognition for an act of gallantry or valour. ?However, it is important that these submissions are supported by appropriate documentation, not just anecdotal evidence,? Senator Feeney said. It is important to note that although submissions for servicemen other than the thirteen cases will be received as part of this Inquiry, they will not be considered in detail at this time. All submissions will be recorded, acknowledged, analysed and referred to the Gillard Government for decision concerning possible future action. ?I encourage former service members, historians, family of the thirteen military personnel and members of the general public to take advantage of this opportunity and make a submission to the Tribunal,? Senator Feeney said. The Inquiry will be headed by the Chair of the Tribunal, Emeritus Professor Dennis Pearce AO. He will be assisted by Tribunal members: - Professor David Horner AM, Professor of Australian Defence History in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University; - Vice Admiral Don Chalmers AO (Retd), former Chief of Navy; - Brigadier Gary Bornholt AM, CSC (Retd), former senior Army officer; and - Air Commodore Mark Lax OAM, CSM (Retd), former senior Air Force officer. ?Before the Tribunal can make any recommendations on the eligibility of the thirteen cases for any form of retrospective recognition, we will have to look at the rules, procedures and issues of principle relating to the award of the Victoria Cross, the Victoria Cross for Australia, and other forms of appropriate recognition and the evidentiary standards,? Professor Pearce said. ?We will consult experts in the field of honours and awards. We will also take into account the constitutional and diplomatic issues. ?Only once this has all been done, will the Tribunal be able to proceed to the consideration of the thirteen cases. We are expecting to conduct public hearings around Australia in the second half of this year,? Professor Pearce said. A call for submissions will be released shortly in the national press. Submissions to the Inquiry will close on 30 June 2011. The full terms of reference for the inquiry and guidance on how to make a submission can be obtained at: www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au The Tribunal can be contacted at: Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal Locked Bag 7765 CANBERRA BUSINESS CENTRE ACT 2610 or via e-mail to DHA.Tribunal@defence.gov.au Further Information: Mary Bermingham, Acting Executive Officer, Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (02) 6266 3486 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 17 April 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, An early one this week. Have just arrived in Toowoomba, and ready to take off to do the 'Two men in a tinnie trick' i.e. from central Queensland, pick up the Darling River then the Murray, will turn left at the Murray and do the source rather than the mouth. We don?t have a tinnie but I am carrying a kayak and expect to do a couple of hours a day on that, the rest will be just driving alongside the rivers. We expect to do some fishing and yabbying, so should be fun. It was a shock to hear of Lindsay Edgerton's passing, I think he was our age, a great sportsman and a great man, a sad loss. Gordon Duncan, Rod Hazell, Billy Broome, Col Yench and Jim Juleff celebrate birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send them an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Has anybody heard from or know where Bill Broome or Jim Juleff are, would like to catch up. Who is coming to the Rockers for lunch on Friday 3 June? This will be our final function this year outside the reunion in Mildura. We should meet around 1200 have a drink, have some lunch, talk about the reunion or whatever, have another drink and depart when you want to. Should be a interesting departure from your normal Friday activities. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK and he isn?t busy right now. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week Norm and Narelle Friebe plus Kim and Kay Daw have indicated they will be attending. Freddy Auty is not as well as he should be, he has indicated he will not be able to turn up. Is your name there? Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Greg Henderson-Smith forwarded the following email: Ron I have to continue to send apologies for functions that are too far from home. Unfortunately my health is still such that I may be required to take a ride in an ambulance whenever my problem rears its? ugly head. Hopefully the routine I have recently started to follow may alleviate this in the future, but for now I am fairly restricted in my travel. When and if I ever get a clearance from my specialists things may change but for now please list me as an apology for Mildura. Send my best to all attendees for an enjoyable time. I really would like to get together with everyone before my twig finally breaks. Regards Hyphen Also this week Navy Victorian Network HMAS YARRA - Sydney ANZAC Day HMAS VENDETTA - Brisbane ANZAC Day 100th Anniversary Badges and Stickers cheers Ron SUBJECT NAVY VICTORIA NETWORK (NVN) Dear Inaugural Recipient, Welcome to the Commissioning of an exciting new website NVN, and, as a flow on from that, a regular Electronic Newsletter. Please go to http://navyvic.net to view the Website which is still under construction with more exciting things to come. By way of background of the NVN, in mid 2010, 6 ex Navy people met informally over a lunch in Melbourne to discuss what could be done to bring the extended Navy family in Victoria closer together as the passage of time (particularly for the WWII Veterans), tougher drinking laws and harsh economic times were forcing the closure of many Navy Associations (and also large numbers of RSL?s) thus leaving the Navy Veteran without any support or knowledge of what was happening in the ex- Navy Community. The main reason for these people wanting to set up a website and a regular electronic newsletter was because they would often bump into ex-Navy personnel who complained that they never know what?s going on (particularly in relation to ?naval activities? in their own State) but that, given a ?heads-up? about things of interest, they?d love to be more active ?observers? or ?participants? in order to be ?reconnected? with likeminded ex-Navy (and serving) personnel. This new Website does not belong to any existing Navy Association nor are they trying to poach members from other Organisations. It is a free service with no membership fees or strings attached. All we ask is that you bring the details of the web-site address to the attention of your members so they can see, at their convenience, what's happening in and around Victoria at any time. It would also be appreciated if you could encourage them to sign up to receive the monthly 'Electronic Newsletters' by completing the application on the right hand side of the home page. Once signed up they will then receive monthly 'Newsletters' which provide updates about what's new or changed on the web-site relating to the subjects described in the attached Mission Statement. Although primarily designed with Victorians in mind, anyone can subscribe to the Newsletter and access the Website. All that is required is an email address. Unfortunately time and resources preclude having a printed Newsletter distributed via Australia Post. The creation of the website and ongoing costs has been made possible by a Grant from the Melbourne Naval Centre. NVN Team http://navyvic.net www.navyvic.net Email address: webmaster@navyvic.net A web based only information highway for the Victorian Navy family (and other interested parties) as follows: MISSION To provide a free, all-inclusive medium for the electronic exchange of information of interest to the extended Navy Community of Victoria. OBJECTIVES 1. Advertise events of interest. 2. Promote knowledge of and networking between ex Naval associations and organisations. 3. Promulgate information. 4. Encourage relatives of ex-Navy persons to reflect on their family's service. 5. Foster camaraderie across the extended Navy Community. ADVERTISE EVENTS OF INTEREST Provide an annual calendar of events for the wider Navy community including: ? RAN warship visits ? Open days ? Ship?s company activities ? RAN Band Vic public recitals ? Marches ? Memorial services ? RAN community support activities and events organised by ex Naval associations that they?d like advertised to the wider Navy community PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE OF (AND NETWORKING BETWEEN) EXISTING ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS ? Maintain a database of all existing Victorian based Naval associations, the names of their Presidents and Secretaries and their POCs for further information ? Promulgate links to and contacts within the existing and ex Naval organisations and associations ? Encourage readers of the NVN website to pass details/links to their ex Navy and Reserve friends ? Encourage registration of email addresses for obligation free regular updates PROMULGATE INFORMATION ? Provide tag lines of interest in Naval and Defence magazines and ex association newsletters with POCs to these sources ? Draw attention to issue affecting ex Navy & Reserve personnel (eg. Indexation of military pensions) FOSTER CAMARADERIE IN THE WIDER NAVY COMMUNITY ? Promote the free flow of information between NVN ?reporters? and key POCs in all Victorian based ex Naval associations ? Promote interest in social and community Maritime events where camaraderie can be fostered ? Provide capacity to put registered names in contact with each other ? Provide a central point of contact The Webmaster is Laurie ?Lozza? PEGLER and he can be contacted on webmaster@navyvic.net SUBJECT HMAS YARRA - SYDNEY ANZAC DAY Dear Members, Family and Friends, Well time is moving fast once again and Anzac day is nearly upon us. On Anzac Day we will be meeting at the usual gathering point on the corner of King and Castlereagh Streets. We need to be ready to step-off will by 0900 from that point. The banner is to be in position and displayed by 0830. The Association would like to welcome the Officers and Crew of HMAS Yarra to march with us on such an important day representing our Ships names; Yarra?s I, II, III and IV. It should be noted that not only is the name HMAS Yarra from a foundation Ship of the RAN but we also have representatives of persons who served on Yarra?s II, III and IV. Although our President did go onboard Yarra I as a Sea Cadet. After the march we will meet in Hyde Park for our Bi-Annual General Meeting, after which we will hold a divisional meeting (same as last year) at the Strand Hotel, 99 William St, Darlinghurst ? 9360 6910. A free beer with a possible lunch is still being negotiated. If anyone is thirsty before the march then we can meet at the Grand Hotel on 30 Hunter Street (exit train at Wynyard station on George St, turn left on exiting station on George St, take first right and its 50 metres on Left) we?ll be standing outside on the road as usual. As I?m trying to negotiate a deal with the Strand Hotel for beers and hopefully some lunch, would it be possible to have numbers as soon as possible please. Please let me know if you have any questions and we look forward to seeing you on Anzac Day. Remember to wear your Association Badges and your annual fees are due. PS ? please note that at this stage we are unaware of the details for the arrangements for Anzac Day in Melbourne. regards Ray Vidler HMAS Yarra Association SUBJECT HMAS VENDETTA - ANZAC DAY BRISBANE Newsletter - 20/2011 Hello Shipmates, I hope that this year?s letter finds you all in good health and you are all looking forward to continued prosperity and health in 2011. This year in Brisbane it is back to normal with the exception that it is the 100th anniversary of the Australian Navy receiving royal assent in 1911 by the King. From that time the ships of the Royal Australian Navy became known as His Majesty?s Australian Ships. They became Her Majesty's Australian Ships after Queen Elizabeth II became the monarch. ANZAC DAY 2011 You are most welcome to come along and participate in the march through Brisbane as normal. 8.00 AM NEWSTEAD PARK ? CORVETTE MEMORIAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL SERVICE 10.00AM FALL IN FOR MARCH ? near the TREASURY CASINO on WILLIAM STREET at the Cnr of WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH STS AFTER MARCH LUNCH (commences at 1200) JADE BUDDHA RESTAURANT 1 Eagle Street Pier Brisbane Cost: $35.00/ head for Members and Partners $45.00/ head for Non-Members RSVP Friday, 15 April 2011 For those attending the Brisbane march there are a couple of things you need to be aware of: a. We step off first this year so you need to be at the marshalling point by no later than 0945. We will be assembling in the marshalling area from around 0930. Look for our banner on the corner of William and Elizabeth Streets. b. Participation in the march is primarily for veterans. The involvement of non-veterans marching under the Vendetta Veterans Association banner is at the digression of the unit leader. c. Anzac Day is a ceremonial event and only full size medals are to be worn. Miniatures are for evening wear and ?out? for the march. d. BCC buses will be rotating from 0830 ? 1030 with pick-up points at Central Station, Queens Park and Elizabeth Street to take participants to the marshalling area. Queensland Division Activities Throughout the past year the Queensland Division of the Association has continued to meet regularly. Our project for 2011 is to have a bronze plaque mounted at the Australian War Memorial dedicated to the service of HMAS Vendetta (1958-79) and her crews. To realise this project we applied for a grant and received $3460.00 from the Department of Veterans Affairs under ?Saluting Their Service? Commemorations Program. The wording for the plaque was agreed to towards the end of 2010 and the order was placed for the plaque in early 2011. The plaque is now at the Australian War Memorial where it will be mounted in the Western Courtyard of the AWM prior to the dedication ceremony on 14th October 2011. AWM Plaque Dedication A Dedication Ceremony for the HMAS VENDETTA (1958-79) Commemorative Plaque will be conducted at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) on the afternoon of Friday 14th October 2011. The plaque will be cast in bronze by Arrow Bronze from Dandenong South, Victoria to the pre-determined standards of the AWM. The plaque will placed alongside those of other Navy, Army and RAAF Service Units in the Western Courtyard of the AWM. This new plaque will join the Scrap Iron Flotilla plaque featuring the same named ship HMAS Vendetta (1933-45). The Plaque will commemorate the Service of the Destroyer and her crews in Malaya, Singapore, Borneo, FESR and Vietnam between 1958 and 1979. The Chief of Navy has been invited to unveil the HMAS VENDETTA Plaque in the presence of the Destroyer?s surviving crew members along with their families and the family and friends of those no longer with us. This event has been made possible with a grant through the generous support of the Department of Veterans Affairs ?Saluting Their Service? Commemorations Grants program. The grant covers the cost of the plaque, its mounting at the AWM and the afternoon tea. Friday, 14 Oct 11 1400 Plaque Dedication Ceremony AWM, Western Courtyard 1500 Afternoon Tea AWM Western Courtyard Responsibility for the Canberra Dedication program is being shared by both the Queensland Division and the National Division of the Association. The Queensland Division is solely responsible for the Friday Dedication Ceremony and the National Division is responsible for every event after the Dedication Ceremony. The program for the weekend is still being finalised and details will be forwarded in the near future. Vendetta Veterans? Badges Name badges are issued to all current financial members of the Queensland Division of the Association. So remember to wear your name badge. If you forget to wear your name badge, bring an extra $2.00 for the fine. Replacement badges for members and spouse/partners are available through the Association for $10.00 each. We have a new stock of Vendetta Veterans? Association badges are available for sale. These can be obtained when you renew your membership either posting $20.00 by cheque/cash/money order or EFT to the address on the membership renewal form or bring the money on Anzac Day. Badges can be forwarded by return mail. EFT is Available Any payment to the Queensland Division of the Association may be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you wish to make payments by this method here are the details: Account Name: Vendetta Veterans Association (Qld) BSB: 484-799 A/C Number: 045145589 Membership Renewal MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS ARE DUE ON ANZAC DAY $5.00 WW2 VETERANS - $10.00 ALL OTHERS In accordance with our constitution membership renewals are due on every Anzac Day. You can pay on the day if you plan to attend the march and/or the lunch or alternatively pay before the due day by taking advantage of the alternative payment options below. You can send a money order/cheque or take advantage of the EFT facilities available. If you use the EFT facility just be sure your name appears in the transaction so we can recognise your renewal. If your contact details haven?t changed and you are using EFT don?t worry about the form below. SUBJECT 100TH ANNIVERSARY BADGES AND STICKERS To all Navy/ex-Navy Personnel, The 100th Anniversary set is complete, and is now on sale and in stock for immediate post out. 20 mm Anniversary brass lapel/tie badge, with 12mm long pin for that thick coat or tie. Cost: $8.00 ea posted or, $6.00 ea for 2 or more +$3.00 post up to 20 90 mm iron on Anniversary patches: Cost: $10.00 posted, or $8.00 ea, for 2 or more + $3.00 post up to 10. 90 mm interior & exterior UV protected, car window decal stickers. Cost: $8.00 posted, or $6.00 ea, for 2 or more + $3.00 post up to 20. When ordering please state interior or exterior. Photos attached. For full details visit http://hmassydney.com Get that badge before Anzac Day cheers -- Lozza Webmaster http://hmassydney.com 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 10 April 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, A fairly quiet week has passed. I was told the initial meeting in Sydney on 2 April of the Tingira Group attracted about 40, three in uniform, Chief of Navy, his offsider and a mate Bob Saunders. If anybody is interested in this group, just google Tingira. For those going to Mildura, please look at the list, http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm see who is not going, especially if your mate is not listed as going, contact him and ascertain his intentions. This is going to be a good show, everybody will be able to enjoy themselves and received this from Doug Wilson: Hi Ron I have been in contact with Tug Wilson at Mildura and he has given me a name and a contact number at the bowling club at Mildura. Before I contact him I thought I would try and get an idea of numbers we will have so we can organise the amount of rinks we need and if we need to organise sets of bowls for the non regular bowlers. No one needs to be a regular bowler to participate all they need are a pair of flat soled shoes to wear on the green, clothing is of course mufti. The idea I have is for three bowl triples of eleven ends with nominated skippers and leads and seconds picked from a draw to encourage everyone to mix. The game should last about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours it will be a fun day and a good chance for anyone who hasnt played bowls to give it a go, any game you can play with a schooner in your hand is a good game. As far as I know Barry Quigley isnt going so the game should be free of violence and sledging. Maybe the best way to go is for people to email me if they wish to play, so if you could let everyone know in your weekly news the can contact me at doug.trish@live.com.au Cheers Doug Wilson R93949 Neil Duckworth, Dave McFarlane, Scott Pascoe-Lambert and Kev Uttley celebrate birthdays this coming week, give them a ring or send them an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. And of course 2012 is the centenary of Navy Rugby. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had no additions. What's going on?? Is your name there? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Lost Soul - Kevin Clark cheers Ron SUBJECT LOST SOUL - KEVIN CLARK Can any of you good people help to locate Kevin (KC) Clark who was a JR and possibly joined around 1965 - 67....He was on the Duchess in 1968 - 69 an old mate is trying to chase him down.....any help would be appreciated....cheers and good health....Errol Tomkins tomkins@tadaust.org.au 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 3 April 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Another early version this week, off to CRESWELL to do a tad of fishing with the KUTTABUL SS Mess and some of Navy Rugby team. Should be a good weekend. Garry Pyke has retired as of today - Congratulations mate, enjoy the future. Howie Foot, Daryl (Speedy) Hannant, David (Larry) Kent, Jim Harris and Trevor Kay celebrate birthdays next week, give them a ring or send them an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Thanks to those who responded with their birthdays from the list below, There are still 55 who have not responded. I have birthdays for all other names not listed. Had two responses to the official weights article. Ken Dobbie forwarded this: G'day Ron, those who compiled the list on weights etc might like to have another look at the weight of ammunition lifted by sailors. 40/60 ammo was stored in aluminium boxes on clips (I think 4 to a clip and 20 to a box) all 40/60 ammunition was carried to the gun mount in these boxes and only uncased prior to firing. The weight of each box would be 20 times the weight listed in the tables. For the purposes of re ammunitioning DDG's on the Gunline, special cradles(wood) were used and they held two rounds and as such you need to double the weight listed in the tables. I am aware of DVA cases that have been successful on the basis of the number of times each individual weight was lifted. In the case of re ammunitioning at sea on the Gunline hypothetically a sailor could have lifted say the weight of a 5" shell many hundreds of times in a short period. Typically an ammo transfer might take about one hour and as such the successful claim was based on repetitive lifting of the piece of ammunition rather than the actual weight of each shell. Cheers Ken D and Doug Heath: G'day Ron. And they forgot the weight of the SMLE; nine pounds, ten ounces (unloaded) as all who used one on chooks could verify. Cheers, Doug DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. And of course 2012 is the centenary of Navy Rugby. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had Jessie and Wendy James and Doug Heath have advised they are 'maybes'. The impetus is growing!! Is your name there? Had a call from an old mate Barry Langan, he was a Starvo in his previous life an a real good bloke, now he managing a Veterans Retreat not far from Mildura. He rang the other night and forwarded his brochure which is attached. He also indicated he had access to a 23 seater and would be happy to take the starters to the Saturday night function at the RSL. This is a great opportunity for the grey nomads. The flyer is also on the Mildura page of the web site. When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Lunch at Parliament House Birthday Dates only 55 names to go John Bele - Passing over the bar Cheers Ron SUBJECT LUNCH AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE Dear Member Associations, Just a very late reminder of three items associated with our Annual Luncheon at Parliament House on Thu 14 Apr 2011. Exactly 2 weeks from today. These points are: 1. We currently have approx 180 Members and Guests attending. That's down on last year, primarily I believe, due to the cost increasing from $60.00 to $75.00 per head. I sincerely regret that there is NOTHING the FNSA could do to offset the additional costs. We will certainly look further afield for next year's Luncheon Venue. Meanwhile if some Members and wives/partners are out there who wish to attend then there is just enough time to get your cheque to Mary Bell at; 42 The Grandstand, St Clair NSW 2759. If you wish to attend and have not yet taken action then I recommend you call Mary on 9670 4025 or Ken Swain on 9907 9003 to indicate names etc and let us know your cheque is "on its way". 2. Parking at Parliament House is NOW only available to persons with a Disabled Car Sticker on the front window. We currently have 5 vehicle requests for Disabled Parking. The requests already received have been actioned. Last chance for any disabled Member who requires parking at Parliament House MUST email or phone Mary or myself (numbers in 1. above) to advise one of us of the number of your Disabled Parking Sticker, Make, Reg No and Colour of your vehicle no later than Fri 8 April. We will then pass this information on to Parliament House Security. 3. As yet we have not received ANY special requests from Members or Guests requiring a "Special Diet". Be advised that ALL meals at parliament House are Gluten Free. Any Member requiring a Special Diet i.e vegetarian etc MUST advise Mary or myself via email or phone by Friday 8 April. 4. Parliament House required payment which has been done by the Association. If you are unable to attend and have paid, unfortunately we are unable to do any refunds. However, if you can arrange for another person to take your place, please advise Mary as soon as possible so that that person will be included in the seating plan. Finally, it would be appreciated if Presidents/Secretaries or Representatives could relay this message to ALCON and in particular to those members already attending the Luncheon who may require disabled parking or a Special Diet. Ken Swain, President SUBJECT BIRTHDAY DATES I DO NOT HAVE 93966 BAXTER DENNIS EDWARD 93969 BIRT WILLIAM ARTHUR 93970 BLAKEMORE REGINALD WAYNE 93981 CAMPBELL DONALD ROBERT 93799 CECHNER MAXIMILLIAN RUDOLF 93801 CHAPMAN WILLIAM MAURICE 93892 CLAREY ROBERT ALLEN 93805 COLLINS ROGER WILLIAM 93809 COVENTON ROBERT RENNIE 93996 CSENDES KARL ANDRAEAS 93810 CULLEN BRUCE ARNOLD 93997 CUNNINGHAM IAN 93998 CURWOOD IAN ARTHUR 93820 DUNN JEFFERY 93822 EDWARDS HENRICK WILLIAM 94025 HAINING DAVID GRAHAM 93854 HINCH STEVEN FREDRICK 93860 HUNTER JOHN RAYMOND 94042 JABLONSKI WLADYSLAW JAN 93868 KING TERRY ERNEST 93873 KRAJEWSKI BERND WALTER 93878 LEITCH RICHARD JOHN 93882 LOWES ALLEN TREVOR 93885 McLOUGHLIN JOHN 94083 NICHOLSON JOHN LESTER 94084 NICOLSON DONALD ALASTAIR IAN 94087 O?MEARA PHILLIP JOHN 93898 OLIVER BRUCE CAMERON 94088 OVERMARS EVERHARDUS ANTONIUS HENRICUS 93901 PARTINGTON JOHN EDWARD 94093 PETERS GEOFFRY HOWARD 94095 POLLARD ROBERT FRANCIS 93908 POLLOCK MICHAEL ROBERT 94100 PRICE MALCOLM KENNETH 93914 RADLEY FREDRICK GEORGE 93915 RADOS JOSEPH 94104 RAMSAY BRIAN KEITH 94106 RENWICK PETER MARK 93917 RHEA JOHN CHARLES 93904 ROBERTS Steve GUENTER 94016 ROGERS IAN DOUGLAS 93921 RUSSELL COLIN CHARLES 93923 SAMS ALLEN JAMES 94116 SEABROOK GRAHAM ROY 94117 SHAKESPEARE THOMAS WILLIAM 94120 SMITH ALAN LESLIE 94124 STEPHENS JAMES FRANCIS EDWARD 93933 STEWART CHARLES DAVID 94131 TOOLE GEOFFREY JOHN 94134 TURNBULL IAN ALWYN 94136 VITENBERGS ROBERT BRUCE 94139 WALKER DARRYL WAYNE MARTIN 94140 WALTON PETER JOHN 94142 WEEKLEY RONALD RICHARD 94148 WILLIAMS ROGER FREDERICK SUBJECT JOHN BELE - PASSING OVER THE BAR Received this from Athol Marsh Ron, I was at a funeral yesterday in Bunbury of a friend John Percival Bele. during the service they showed pictures of his past life and it turns out he was an ex Navy man. I do not know when he was in but he would have been born around 74 years ago and looked like a young bloke of about 17 to 19 yrs old when the pic was taken. I did my best to honour an ex sailor . Thought that you may be able to let people know that ha has crossed the bar, There may be some old shipmates still out there who may want to know of his passing. 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 20 March 2011 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 27 March 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. There is quite a bit to read this week, Tassy Mason sent the attachment 'Daily News Summary' above. Click here to download this file It contains information on what is happening in Navy as we speak. There is also an attachment listing official weights you may have carried when in the Puss. A good document for DVA claims. Click here to download this file There is also an attachment illustrating the midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour. It is worth a look, I thought it was brilliant. Kev Uttley - (email from Gordon Stringer) Ron, I have been speaking to Lorraine re Kev, and they are sending him home because they say he has reached a plateau, Lorraine is not too happy about this because she has seen some slight improvement in his bad arm. The bigger problem for her right now is the house they are in (rented) is more than one level and stairs everywhere, and Kev will be unable to use them, so she will have to shift. I really think she doesn't know which way is up at the moment. I think kind words and support are the order of the day for both of them. Dave Lowe is pulling out stops to help them, he is a real good bloke. Gordon Glen Summerhayes is still having a fairly rough time, give him a call, he forwarded this email- Hi Ron & Fellow 63 JR's, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - but unfortunately in November 2010 I took a turn for the worst and was struck down with Partial Renial Failure & Extreme Dehydration (10 Kg's) Loss over a very short period. Thankfully for my Medical Research Team of Eight (8) Professors and collegues from Sydney & NSW Universities I am her to-day. Under their direction I have returned to Port Macquarie (my old home during the 80's) to get my PTSD under control to continue to fight this "Acute undiagnosed Intestinal Condition" under control again. My Email Address is still unchanged as: g.summerhayes@optusnet.com.au Home Ph: (02)6582.3844 Mobile: 0428 832 966 Diver Macca Mackenzie has forwarded this flyer - If anyone knows this bloke could they get him to contact me please? I might have some one in a senior RAN position that can advise him. Eric (Macca) McKenzie NSW Secretary RAN CD Association PO Box 5116 Dora Creek NSW 2264 02 49156722 04 28899376 www.rancd60.org.au www.rancd-association.com HeraldSun Gassed sailor slams navy From: HeraldSun March 18, 2011 ALMOST five years after a serious design flaw caused four sailors to be gassed on a navy patrol boat, six of the 14 vessels in the fleet have not been fixed. Alternatively, you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/patrol-boats-still-toxic-after-gassings/story-e6frf7l6-1226023476633 Allan Kay, Terry Hume, Fred Howes and Peter Robinson celebrate birthdays next week, give them a ring or send them an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Thanks to those who responded with their birthdays from the list below, There are still 59 who have not responded. I have birthdays for all other names not listed The 'Touch Base' article advertises 'finding your mates'. For us that could be good, if you haven?t seen your best oppo for twenty or thirty years or more, this may be the site for you. If you do find him let me know, would love to include him in our group. Remember, we are '1963 and interested parties', we just love company. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. And of course 2012 is the centenary of Navy Rugby. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. Memorabilia - This year amongst other items we will have polo shirts for sale, these shirts will contain only the LEEUWIN crest and 1963 i.e. no venue address or year - could you please let me know as a survey, if you prefer a pocket or no pocket. We will also be advertising Stubby Coolers, Caps - same as before, coffee mugs with venue and year as a souvenir of the year and location. I will forward prices when I know them and then ask for orders. Don't forget to respond whether you prefer pocket or no pocket on the polo shirt. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had Gordon Stringer and his partner Nita confirming their attendance. The impetus is growing!! Is your name there? Had a call from an old mate Barry Langan, he was a Starvo in his previous life an a real good bloke, now he managing a Veterans Retreat not far from Mildura. He rang the other night and forwarded his brochure which is attached. He also indicated he had access to a 23 seater and would be happy to take the starters to the Saturday night function at the RSL. This is a great opportunity for the grey nomads. The flyer is also on the Mildura page of the web site. When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Birthday Dates only 59 to go Lost Soul - John Taylor Attack on Sydney by Japanese midget submarines Release of the Campbell Review of Military Compensation Arrangements (Attached)Click here to download this file Lost Soul - Haydyn Hughes David Jamieson - DFRDB Indexation Cheers Ron SUBJECT BIRTHDAY DATES I DO NOT HAVE 93966 BAXTER DENNIS EDWARD 93969 BIRT WILLIAM ARTHUR 93970 BLAKEMORE REGINALD WAYNE 93981 CAMPBELL DONALD ROBERT 93799 CECHNER MAXIMILLIAN RUDOLF 93801 CHAPMAN WILLIAM MAURICE 93892 CLAREY ROBERT ALLEN 93805 COLLINS ROGER WILLIAM 93809 COVENTON ROBERT RENNIE 93996 CSENDES KARL ANDRAEAS 93810 CULLEN BRUCE ARNOLD 93997 CUNNINGHAM IAN 93998 CURWOOD IAN ARTHUR 93820 DUNN JEFFERY 93822 EDWARDS HENRICK WILLIAM 93834 GAWNE ANTHONY JOHN 94025 HAINING DAVID GRAHAM 94155 HEATH DOUGLAS ANGUS 93854 HINCH STEVEN FREDRICK 93860 HUNTER JOHN RAYMOND 94042 JABLONSKI WLADYSLAW JAN 93868 KING TERRY ERNEST 93873 KRAJEWSKI BERND WALTER 93878 LEITCH RICHARD JOHN 93882 LOWES ALLEN TREVOR 93885 McLOUGHLIN JOHN 94083 NICHOLSON JOHN LESTER 94084 NICOLSON DONALD ALASTAIR IAN 94087 O?MEARA PHILLIP JOHN 93898 OLIVER BRUCE CAMERON 94088 OVERMARS EVERHARDUS ANTONIUS HENRICUS 93901 PARTINGTON JOHN EDWARD 94093 PETERS GEOFFRY HOWARD 94095 POLLARD ROBERT FRANCIS 93908 POLLOCK MICHAEL ROBERT 93909 POTACZALA K ( graham) STANLEY 94100 PRICE MALCOLM KENNETH 93914 RADLEY FREDRICK GEORGE 93915 RADOS JOSEPH 94104 RAMSAY BRIAN KEITH 94106 RENWICK PETER MARK 93917 RHEA JOHN CHARLES 93904 ROBERTS Steve GUENTER 94016 ROGERS IAN DOUGLAS 93921 RUSSELL COLIN CHARLES 93923 SAMS ALLEN JAMES 94116 SEABROOK GRAHAM ROY 94117 SHAKESPEARE THOMAS WILLIAM 94119 SLOTBOOM JAN KAREL 94120 SMITH ALAN LESLIE 94124 STEPHENS JAMES FRANCIS EDWARD 93933 STEWART CHARLES DAVID 94131 TOOLE GEOFFREY JOHN 94134 TURNBULL IAN ALWYN 94136 VITENBERGS ROBERT BRUCE 94139 WALKER DARRYL WAYNE MARTIN 94140 WALTON PETER JOHN 94142 WEEKLEY RONALD RICHARD 94148 WILLIAMS ROGER FREDERICK SUBJECT LOST SOUL - JOHN TAYLOR If you are able to help with the following please contact Kerry Kerry at email address: kerry@navystokers.org I am trying to find a Stoker by the name of John Hartley (Squizze) Taylor R58278. I think he would be located in Melbourne, but.................Regards Kerry SUBJECT ATTACK ON SYDNEY BY JAPANESE MIDGET SUBMARINES WW2 midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour http://ww2australia.gov.au/underattack/sub18.html SUBJECT LOST SOUL - HAYDYN HUGHES If you are able to assist with the following please contact Ron Bell at email address: shelagh.bell@masterbuilders.com.au My name is Ron (Dinger) Bell. CPOUW. I joined in 62 as a UW served in Malay/Borneo on Hawk and then stayed with minesweepers for a while but then went to Vendetta, Hobart, Perth, Supply, Westralia (commissioning crew as the buffer). Originally paid off in 82 but then was asked back in 87 as a full time reservists where I stayed until 96. Last posting was at the Seamanship school at Cerberus. I am trying to track down an old PO Stoker mate Haydn Hughes (R59093) who moved to Tasmania when he paid off and became a taxi driver (I think). The contact listed below is my wife's email address, any help would be appreciated. Thank You Ron SUBJECT DAVID JAMIESON - DFRDB INDEXATION Gents, When I spoke to Rob Oakeshott earlier this year he made the comment that he ?needed to do something about indexation? so I don?t doubt he is still supporting us but in terms of action he has not initiated anything that I am aware of. At our meeting with Andrew Wilkie, he stated that the independent members had been briefed that the ?fair indexation? bill was unconstitutional so he would not be voting for it. I then stated that as they had negotiated a way through this same issue on the students allowance matter they needed to take a similar approach to military superannuation indexation. Failure to achieve a positive outcome would see everybody as losers and more particularly the independents with him (Wilkie) to the fore as he had publicly stated his strong support for fair indexation just after his election. (Remember these guys are the politicians and they need to be across their ?craft?; results are what we need not honeyed words.) This is why we worded the Update the way we did. We are watching and ready to pounce if Oakeshott and Wilkie etal fail! Noel, I?m sympathetic to Bill?s approach. It would be very useful to meet with Oakeshott and reinforce the strength of our conviction that he has to carry through with his commitment and achieve a positive outcome. Failure to do so will rebound on him as the military superannuant community has waited long enough! There is a time scale on this dictated by the handling of the Opposition?s bill. How this pans out will determine our next set of actions. One way or the other we have to succeed even if we have to resort to some form of direct action! David David K Jamison. AM National President Defence Force Welfare Association Phone; 0416 107557 Skype: David k Jamison Email: jamison@bigpond.com web: www.dfwa.org.au www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. There is quite a bit to read this week, most of it is really interesting stuff, grab a beer, settle down and enjoy. An early version again this week as I am off tomorrow morning to the Gold Coast to swim in the Old Farts (I mean) AIF National Championships. You may remember Ted Walsh, he will be there, a good bloke, he was the OIC at PENGUIN NBCD School in the 60's and 70's as he served in the RN from a boy. He later changed over to the RAN and was the first bloke in charge of the Wreckers. If you don?t know what that term represents, it means the difference between it was when you were at sea and what it is now. From my experience post first Gulf War V 60's-80's service at sea, that is cruising watches to defence watches all the time, overalls, committees to organise committees, the only similarity is Sunday night roast. At last week's Hobart Writer's reunion, there was only Lew Smith and myself attended from our group. We had ten Writers in both intakes. Ted Hase who was one of the missing Writers, he sent me an email from LA airport on Sunday. Our little newsletter gets around. For those living in Sydney and use the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel and you are in receipt of a DVA pension, you may be entitled to free passage over or under Sydney Harbour. Contact the ETAG people in Parramatta who will assist you. Bill Hay, Ross Muller, Dave Clifford, Trevor Lally and Allan Kay celebrate birthdays next week, give them a ring or send them an email, say G'day. Happy Birthday to you blokes from all of us. Thanks to those who responded with their birthdays from the list below, however I will run it for a few weeks to try and get some more. I have all others not listed. The DFWA Update is attached, as usual, it is informative and a good read. The 'Touch Base' article advertises 'finding your mates'. For us that could be good, if you haven?t seen your best oppo for twenty or thirty years or more, this may be the site for you. If you do find him let me know, would love to include him in our group. Remember, we are '1963 and interested parties', we just love company. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. Memorabilia - This year amongst other items we will have polo shirts for sale, these shirts will contain only the LEEUWIN crest and 1963 i.e. no venue address or year - could you please let me know as a survey, if you prefer a pocket or no pocket. We will also be advertising Stubby Coolers, Caps - same as before, coffee mugs with venue and year as a souvenir of the year and location. I will forward prices when I know them and then ask for orders. Don't forget to respond whether you prefer pocket or no pocket on the polo shirt. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had Russ Loane confirming The impetus is growing!! Had a call from an old mate Barry Langan, he was a Starvo in his previous life an a real good bloke, now he managing a Veterans Retreat not far from Mildura. He rang the other night and forwarded his brochure which is attached. He also indicated he had access to a 23 seater and would be happy to take the starters to the Saturday night function at the RSL. This is a great opportunity for the grey nomads. The flyer will also be on the Mildura page of the web site. When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week BIRTHDAY DATES I DO NOT HAVE DVA CLAIM - VENDETTA SAILOR IN VIETNAM 100th Anniversary Car Stickers (Attached)
Veteran Pension to increase 20 March 2011-03-17 Ramon Deed Veterans RetreatClick here to download this file NEW ONLINE HEALTH ASSISTANCE PILOTED FOR EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL DFWA UPDATE (Attached)Click here to download this file YARRA ASSOCIATION AND ANZAC DAY SYDNEY VENDETTA ASSOCIATION IN BRISBANE AND ANZAC DAY Cheers Ron SUBJECT BIRTHDAY DATES I DO NOT HAVE 93966 BAXTER DENNIS EDWARD 93969 BIRT WILLIAM ARTHUR 93970 BLAKEMORE REGINALD WAYNE 93797 BUTTERFIELD WAYNE DENNIS 93981 CAMPBELL DONALD ROBERT 93799 CECHNER MAXIMILLIAN RUDOLF 93801 CHAPMAN WILLIAM MAURICE 93892 CLAREY ROBERT ALLEN 93805 COLLINS ROGER WILLIAM 93809 COVENTON ROBERT RENNIE 93996 CSENDES KARL ANDRAEAS 93810 CULLEN BRUCE ARNOLD 93997 CUNNINGHAM IAN 93998 CURWOOD IAN ARTHUR 93820 DUNN JEFFERY 93822 EDWARDS HENRICK WILLIAM 93834 GAWNE ANTHONY JOHN 94025 HAINING DAVID GRAHAM 94155 HEATH DOUGLAS ANGUS 93854 HINCH STEVEN FREDRICK 93860 HUNTER JOHN RAYMOND 94042 JABLONSKI WLADYSLAW JAN 93868 KING TERRY ERNEST 93873 KRAJEWSKI BERND WALTER 93878 LEITCH RICHARD JOHN 93882 LOWES ALLEN TREVOR 93890 MARSH ATHOL HENERY 93885 McLOUGHLIN JOHN 94083 NICHOLSON JOHN LESTER 94084 NICOLSON DONALD ALASTAIR IAN 94087 O?MEARA PHILLIP JOHN 93898 OLIVER BRUCE CAMERON 94088 OVERMARS EVERHARDUS ANTONIUS HENRICUS 93901 PARTINGTON JOHN EDWARD 94093 PETERS GEOFFRY HOWARD 94095 POLLARD ROBERT FRANCIS 93908 POLLOCK MICHAEL ROBERT 93909 POTACZALA K ( graham) STANLEY 94100 PRICE MALCOLM KENNETH 93914 RADLEY FREDRICK GEORGE 93915 RADOS JOSEPH 94104 RAMSAY BRIAN KEITH 94106 RENWICK PETER MARK 93917 RHEA JOHN CHARLES 93904 ROBERTS Steve GUENTER 94016 ROGERS IAN DOUGLAS 93921 RUSSELL COLIN CHARLES 93923 SAMS ALLEN JAMES 94116 SEABROOK GRAHAM ROY 94117 SHAKESPEARE THOMAS WILLIAM 93928 SHINN JOHN LESLIE 94119 SLOTBOOM JAN KAREL 94120 SMITH ALAN LESLIE 94123 STAINES DAVID GEORGE 94124 STEPHENS JAMES FRANCIS EDWARD 93933 STEWART CHARLES DAVID 94131 TOOLE GEOFFREY JOHN 94134 TURNBULL IAN ALWYN 94136 VITENBERGS ROBERT BRUCE 94139 WALKER DARRYL WAYNE MARTIN 94140 WALTON PETER JOHN 94142 WEEKLEY RONALD RICHARD 94148 WILLIAMS ROGER FREDERICK SUBJECT VENDETTA SAILOR - DVA CLAIM If you are able to assist with the following please contact Jim Gresty direct at email address: Jim Gresty jimgresty@yahoo.com.au I currently have a claim with DVA regarding a incident where an SVN patrol boat, after it left Vendetta shot a suspect VC prisoner. If anyone has any information that may help in this claim it would be appreciated. Jim Gresty ex AB/QMG SUBJECT 100TH ANNIVERSARY CAR STICKERS RAN 100th Anniversary inside car stickers HMAS SYDNEY & VLSVA (Vic Inc) ANNOUNCE Now available: RAN 100th Anniversary inside car window stickers (90mm). Beautifully finished in deep sharp colours Cost to you: $8.00 posted for 1 2 - 10, $6.00ea + $2.00 post 10 - 20 $6.00ea + $4.00 post. Visit our web site for further details: http://hmassydney.com No virus found in this incoming message. SUBJECT VETERAN PENSION RATES TO INCREASE 20 MARCH 2011-03-17 VETERAN PENSION RATES TO INCREASE ON 20 MARCH More than 330,000 veterans, partners and war widows/widowers will receive increased pensions and income support payments from 20 March 2011, Minister for Veterans? Affairs, Warren Snowdon said today. ?This Government is committed to the support for our veterans and their families, and I welcome this increase and the assistance it will provide to those who need it most. ?This increase sees single service pensioners receive an extra $13.20 a fortnight, since the last indexation in September. ?Couples on the service pension now receive an extra $19.80 a fortnight, bringing the combined pension to $1099.40,? Mr Snowdon said. Veterans will begin to benefit from the increased pension rates from 20 March this year and veterans should be aware that their payments will change in coming weeks. The payment on the pension payday on 24 March 2011 will be a combination of the old rates and the new rates. Therefore, the first full payment at the new rates will be on the pension payday 7 April 2011. The table below highlights the changes to some of the key rates per fortnight. Pension Old Rate New Rate 20 March Increase Service Pension - single $716.10 $729.30 $13.20 Service Pension - couples $1,079.60 couple $1,099.40 couple $19.80 $539.80 each $549.70 each $9.90 War Widow Pension $725.10 $738.70 $13.60 Income Support Supplement $216.60 $220.80 $4.20 Special Rate (TPI) Pension $1,092.90 $1,113.70 $20.80 Intermediate Rate Disability Pension $741.60 $755.80 $14.20 Extreme Disablement Adjustment $603.30 $614.80 $11.50 100 per cent General Rate of Disability $388.30 $395.70 $7.40 Pensions are indexed twice a year in March and September to the highest of three measures: the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). The March pension indexation increase is driven by wages growth in the six months to November 2010. The indexation reforms introduced by this Government have delivered a fairer pension system. Pension indexation rates can be accessed from www.dva.gov.au and for more information call 133 254. SUBJECT NEW ONLINE HEALTH ASSISTANCE PILOTED FOR EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL http://www.touchbase.gov.au/ NEW ONLINE HEALTH ASSISTANCE PILOTED FOR EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL Two new websites are being piloted to provide the ex-service community with access to vital health resources, the Minister for Veterans? Affairs and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, announced today. Mr Snowdon said the sites, the Wellbeing Toolbox and touchbase, have been developed specifically for ex-service and transitioning personnel, their families and friends to help them face challenges that moving from military to civilian life may present. ?It is important that our service personnel and their families have access to helpful and informative resources to assist them in their day-to-day life. ?These websites provide information links and where necessary, facilitate early intervention options for those who may be experiencing mental health issues. The Wellbeing Toolbox provides interactive educational material in key areas such as problem solving, building support, helpful thinking, getting active, keeping calm and sleeping better and has been developed in conjunction with leading experts at the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. ?The site provides practical step-by-step tips and tools for improving mental and physical wellbeing and relieving stress,? Mr Snowdon said. The touchbase website, developed jointly by Defence and the Department of Veterans? Affairs provides information on lifestyle issues such as employment and finances, and is a one-stop-shop for useful links on topics ranging from compensation and finances to health, housing and parenting support. The touchbase website also provides users with the opportunity to keep in touch or reconnect with other former serving personnel, family and friends using its online community Find Your Mates. ?These websites are being piloted and I would encourage any current transitioning or recently discharged service personnel using the sites to provide feedback on how we can continue to improve the information and support provided during such a crucial time in a serving member?s life,? Mr Snowdon said. The Wellbeing Toolbox can be accessed at www.wellbeingtoolbox.net.au and touchbase at www.touchbase.gov.au SUBJECT PROGRESS ON NEW HEALTH PROGRAMME FOR VETERANS Minister for Veterans? Affairs Mailing List Thursday, 17 March 2011 VA018 PROGRESS ON NEW HEALTH PROGRAM FOR VETERANS Significant progress is being made towards introducing a new program to improve the health of chronically ill veterans and war widows who have complex care needs and are at risk of hospitalisation. The Minister for Veterans? Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said service partners had been selected for the innovative Coordinated Veterans? Care (CVC) Program, which starts on 1 May. Bupa Health Dialog has been selected as the Primary Service Provider. Bupa Health Dialog, the Australian arm of Health Dialog, is a wellness, prevention and chronic disease management company with expertise in analytics. It will analyse client data to identify and contact the veterans and war widows who are DVA Gold Card holders and are most likely to benefit from taking part in the CVC Program. The Australian General Practice Network, the nation?s peak body for general practice networks, will provide training in chronic disease management to General Practitioners (GPs) and nurses, and produce program resources such as templates and guidelines. Grosvenor Management Consulting will monitor the program and provide an independent evaluation of its effectiveness. ?The signing of contracts with these organisations means we?re on track to introduce a new health care program for our most vulnerable veterans and war widows,? Mr Snowdon said. ?The key element of the CVC Program is its coordinated approach. GPs and nurses will work even more closely with DVA Gold Card holder veterans and war widows to improve their quality of care, and ultimately reduce unplanned hospital admissions. ?In recognition of the increased time GPs and nurses will spend on planning and coordinating veterans? care, new payments will be introduced to cover this extra work. ?The Australian Government sees this as a positive step towards improving the wellbeing and quality of life of those who proudly served our nation and their dependants. ?This initiative aligns with key Gillard Labor Government health reform priorities such as increasing the focus on primary health care and investing in prevention. In the future, the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System will also support the CVC Program by helping to streamline communication between the various health professionals involved in a veteran?s care,? Mr Snowdon said. The Coordinated Veterans? Care Program was formerly called the ?Preventable Admissions and Improved Community Care Program? and was renamed after consultation with GPs, nurses and veterans. More information about the program is available from www.dva.gov.au/cvc.htm Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 Department of Veterans? Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203 SUBJECT YARRA ASSOCIATION Dear Members, Family and Friends, Well time is moving fast once again and Anzac day is nearly upon us. On Anzac Day we will be meeting at the usual gathering point on the corner of King and Castlereagh Streets. We need to be ready to step-off will by 0900 from that point. The banner is to be in position and displayed by 0830. The Association would like to welcome the Officers and Crew of HMAS Yarra to march with us on such an important day representing our Ships names; Yarra?s I, II, III and IV. It should be noted that not only is the name HMAS Yarra from a foundation Ship of the RAN but we also have representatives of persons who served on Yarra?s II, III and IV. Although our President did go onboard Yarra I as a Sea Cadet. After the march we will meet in Hyde Park for our Bi-Annual General Meeting, after which we will hold a divisional meeting (same as last year) at the Strand Hotel, 99 William St, Darlinghurst - 9360 6910. A free beer with a possible lunch is still being negotiated. If anyone is thirsty before the march then we can meet at the Grand Hotel on 30 Hunter Street (exit train at Wynyard station on George St, turn left on exiting station on George St, take first right and its 50 metres on Left) we?ll be standing outside on the road as usual. As I?m trying to negotiate a deal with the Strand Hotel for beers and hopefully some lunch, would it be possible to have numbers as soon as possible please. Please let me know if you have any questions and we look forward to seeing you on Anzac Day. Remember to wear your Association Badges and your annual fees are due. PS ? please note that at this stage we are unaware of the details for the arrangements for Anzac Day in Melbourne. regards Ray Vidler HMAS Yarra Association Phone 02 9874 2729 Fax 02 9804 0453 Mobile 0409 304 442 SUBJECT VENDETTA ASSOCIATION AND ANZAC DAY ARRANGEMENTS Newsletter - 20/2011 Hello Shipmates, I hope that this year?s letter finds you all in good health and you are all looking forward to continued prosperity and health in 2011. This year in Brisbane it is back to normal with the exception that it is the 100th anniversary of the Australian Navy receiving royal assent in 1911 by the King. From that time the ships of the Royal Australian Navy became known as His Majesty?s Australian Ships. They became Her Mayesty?s Australian Ships after Queen Elizabeth II became the monarch. ANZAC DAY 2011 You are most welcome to come along and participate in the march through Brisbane as normal. 8.00 AM NEWSTEAD PARK ? CORVETTE MEMORIAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL SERVICE 10.00AM FALL IN FOR MARCH ? TREASURY CASINO ON WILLIAM STREET near the CNR. WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH STS AFTER MARCH LUNCH (commences at 1200) JADE BUDDHA RESTAURANT 1 Eagle Street Pier Brisbane Cost: $35.00/ head for Members and Partners $45.00/ head for Non-Members For those attending the Brisbane march there are a couple of things you need to be aware of: a. We step off first this year so you need to be at the marshalling point by no later than 0945. We will be assembling in the marshalling area from around 0930. Look for our banner on the corner of William and Elizabeth Streets. b. Participation in the march is now back to the way it was before all non ex-service personnel were asked not to participate in the march by the Anzac Day Parade Committee. This matter has now been sorted out and families and grand children are again welcome. c. Full size medals only to be worn at the request of the Anzac Day March Committee. Miniatures are ?out? for the march. d. BCC buses will be rotating from 0830 ? 1030 with pick-up points at Central Station, Queens Park and Elizabeth Street to take participants to the marshalling area. Queensland Division Activities Throughout the past year the the Queensland Division of the Association has continued to meet regularly. Our project for 2011 is to have a bronze plaque mounted at the Australian War Memorial dedicated to the service of HMAS Vendetta (1958-79) and her crews. To realise this project we applied for a grant and received $3460.00 from the Department of Veterans Affairs under ?Satuting Their Service? Commemotations Program. The wording for the plaque was agreed to towards the end of 2010 and the order was placed for the plaque in early 2011. The plaque is now at the Australian War Memorial where it will be mounted in the Western Courtyard of the AWM prior to the dedication ceremony on 14th October 2011. AWM Plaque Dedication A Dedication Ceremony for the HMAS VENDETTA (1958-79) Commemorative Plaque will be conducted at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) on the afternoon of Friday 14th October 2011. The plaque will be cast in bronze by Arrow Bronze from Dandenong South, Victoria to the pre-determined standards of the AWM. The plaque will placed alongside those of other Navy, Army and RAAF Service Units in the Western Courtyard of the AWM. This new plaque will join the Scrap Iron Flotilla plaque featuring the same named ship HMAS Vendetta (1933-45). The Plaque will commemorate the Service of the Destroyer and her crews in Malaya, Singapore, Borneo, FESR and Vietnam between 1958 and 1979. The Chief of Navy has been invited to unveil the HMAS VENDETTA Plaque in the presence of the Destroyer?s surviving crew members along with their families and the family and friends of those no longer with us. This event has been made possible with a grant through the generous support of the Department of Veterans Affairs ?Saluting Their Service? Commemorations Grants program. The grant covers the cost of the plaque, its mounting at the AWM and the afternoon tea. Friday, 14 Oct 11 1400 Plaque Dedication Ceremony AWM, Western Courtyard 1500 Afternoon Tea AWM Western Courtyard Responsibility for the Canberra Dedication program is being shared by both the Queensland Division and the National Division of the Association. The Queensland Division is solely responsible for the Friday Dedication Ceremony and the National Division is responsible for every event after the Dedication Ceremony. The program for the weekend is still being finalised and details will be forwarded in the near future. Vendetta Veterans? Badges Name badges are issued to all current financial members of the Queensland Division of the Association. So remember to wear your name badge. If you forget to wear your name badge, bring an extra $2.00 for the fine. Replacement badges for members and spouse/partners are available through the Association for $10.00 each. We have a new stock of Vendetta Veterans? Association badges are available for sale. These can be obtained when you renew your membership either posting $20.00 by cheque/cash/money order or EFT to the address on the membership renewal form or bring the money on Anzac Day. Badges can be forwarded by return mail. EFT is Available Any payment to the Queensland Division of the Association may be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you wish to make payments by this method here are the details: Account Name: Vendetta Veterans Association (Qld) BSB: 484-799 A/C Number: 045145589 Membership Renewal MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS ARE DUE ON ANZAC DAY $5.00 WW2 VETERANS - $10.00 ALL OTHERS In accordance with our constitution membership renewals are due on every Anzac Day. You can pay on the day if you plan to attend the march and/or the lunch or alternatively pay before the due day by taking advantage of the alternative payment options below. You can send a money order/cheque or take advantage of the EFT facilities available. If you use the EFT facility just be sure your name appears in the transaction so we can recognise your renewal. If your contact details haven?t changed and you are using EFT don?t worry about the form below. 58 Fiona Street, Telephone: (07) 3288.1702 Bellbird Park Qld 4300 0417 700 531 Email: MKRAUSE@bigpond.net.au www.vendettaveterans.com MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL ? 2011/2012 Subscription renewal due 25/04/2011 Could you please pay at the function on ANZAC Day or complete the following and forward together with your subscription to: Vendetta Veterans? Association (Qld) 58 Fiona Street Bellbird Park Qld 4300 NAME: ???????????????????????????????????????. ADDRESS: ???????????????????????????????????????.. TELEPHONE: :???????????????????????????????????????. EMAIL: ????????????????????????????????????????. VENDETTA VETERANS? BADGE: (Badges are available at $20.00 each including postage) Please forward me a Vendetta Veterans? badge ? $20.00 enclosed Name Badge: (Preferred Name) ?????????????????????????? (If you don?t already have one?) AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ???????????or EFT Amount ????????????. $5.00 per year for WW2 Veterans - $10.00 per year for all others. 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 13 March 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. An early version this week as we are off to Hobart for the Writers reunion. At least I do not have to apologise for the company I keep. Have been doing a little research into your birthday with help from Tassy Mason. I have most, the blokes I missed out on are contained below. Let me know your birthday please. I intend acknowledging your day on the week prior to the happy event. Let me know if your name appears below, just somebody, might look at the list and contact you. Now would that be a bad thing!! This week congratulations to Mike Hogan, Reg Turnbull, Dave Cargill and Bill Hay. Enjoy your day boys. The record indicate Pie Pieda is the oldest bloke in our year he was born 2 July 1946, whereas the youngest is John Grenfell born on 28 Dec 1947 - is this correct? Does anybody remember John McInnerney, he paid off as a Commodore, unfortunately, he passed away earlier this week. He was in his eighties. I missed the funeral notice and the funeral, however I would have been honoured to attend. He was CO of KUTTABUL when we won the Dempster Cup in 1972. He gave us a week off work. He was the sort of bloke who took an interest in all the Ships Company, irrespective of rank and enjoyed the banter of sailor talk. What a champion bloke. Will be missed by many. Talking of Rugby, next year is the centenary of Navy Rugby. For my sins, I look after the Rugby Heritage collection. Why do I advertise this, well, we are looking for further memorabilia of Navy Rugby. It could be a photo or 'relic' of a team you played for in a ship, establishment or an Interservice team. Would you like to share it with the rest of the world? If you could send an electronic copy of the photo with details eg names, location and scores would be really good but not essential as I can farm out to anybody else that can be identified. If you would like to send a copy or a copy of your copy that also would be great. I have a photo of Barry Quigley in a Rugby team, I wonder whether he has that photo. All these photos will be going on the RANRU website for all to see. Next year RANRU host the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup so it will be a big year. Does anybody have a photo of Winjan 4? Dave Laundon would like a copy. Please let me know. Would like to put it in our photos page. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. Memorabilia - This year amongst other items we will have polo shirts for sale, these shirts will contain only the LEEUWIN crest and 1963 i.e. no venue address or year - could you please let me know as a survey, if you prefer a pocket or no pocket. We will also be advertising Stubby Coolers, Caps - same as before, coffee mugs with venue and year as a souvenir of the year and location. I will forward prices when I know them and then ask for orders. Don't forget to respond whether you prefer pocket or no pocket on the polo shirt. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had Les Allan, Hector Hart plus Mike Aylmer and Jill Moncrieff notify me as starters. Wayne and Margaret Butterfield are 'maybe'- have I missed anybody? The impetus is growing!! When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week BIRTHDAY DATES I DO NOT HAVE Lost soul - Phil Swain Disability Pension Info DFWA Media release (attached)Click here to download this file Cheers Ron SUBJECT BIRTHDAY DATES I DO NOT HAVE 93966 BAXTER DENNIS EDWARD 93969 BIRT WILLIAM ARTHUR 93970 BLAKEMORE REGINALD WAYNE 93797 BUTTERFIELD WAYNE DENNIS 93981 CAMPBELL DONALD ROBERT 93799 CECHNER MAXIMILLIAN RUDOLF 93801 CHAPMAN WILLIAM MAURICE 93892 CLAREY ROBERT ALLEN 93805 COLLINS ROGER WILLIAM 93809 COVENTON ROBERT RENNIE 93996 CSENDES KARL ANDRAEAS 93810 CULLEN BRUCE ARNOLD 93997 CUNNINGHAM IAN 93998 CURWOOD IAN ARTHUR 93820 DUNN JEFFERY 93822 EDWARDS HENRICK WILLIAM 93831 FULLARTON ROSS ADRIANE 93834 GAWNE ANTHONY JOHN 94025 HAINING DAVID GRAHAM 94155 HEATH DOUGLAS ANGUS 93854 HINCH STEVEN FREDRICK 93860 HUNTER JOHN RAYMOND 94042 JABLONSKI WLADYSLAW JAN 93868 KING TERRY ERNEST 93873 KRAJEWSKI BERND WALTER 94058 LARSSON GILMOUR STEVENS 94059 LAUNDON JOHN DAVID 93878 LEITCH RICHARD JOHN 93882 LOWES ALLEN TREVOR 93890 MARSH ATHOL HENERY 93885 McLOUGHLIN JOHN 94083 NICHOLSON JOHN LESTER 94084 NICOLSON DONALD ALASTAIR IAN 94087 O?MEARA PHILLIP JOHN 93898 OLIVER BRUCE CAMERON 94088 OVERMARS EVERHARDUS ANTONIUS HENRICUS 93901 PARTINGTON JOHN EDWARD 94093 PETERS GEOFFRY HOWARD 94095 POLLARD ROBERT FRANCIS 93908 POLLOCK MICHAEL ROBERT 93909 POTACZALA K ( graham) STANLEY 94100 PRICE MALCOLM KENNETH 94103 QUETCHER RONALD EDWIN 93914 RADLEY FREDRICK GEORGE 93915 RADOS JOSEPH 94104 RAMSAY BRIAN KEITH 94106 RENWICK PETER MARK 93917 RHEA JOHN CHARLES 93904 ROBERTS Steve GUENTER 94016 ROGERS IAN DOUGLAS 93921 RUSSELL COLIN CHARLES 93923 SAMS ALLEN JAMES 94116 SEABROOK GRAHAM ROY 94117 SHAKESPEARE THOMAS WILLIAM 93928 SHINN JOHN LESLIE 94119 SLOTBOOM JAN KAREL 94120 SMITH ALAN LESLIE 94123 STAINES DAVID GEORGE 94124 STEPHENS JAMES FRANCIS EDWARD 93933 STEWART CHARLES DAVID 94130 THOMAS NEVILLE WAYNE 94131 TOOLE GEOFFREY JOHN 94134 TURNBULL IAN ALWYN 94136 VITENBERGS ROBERT BRUCE 94139 WALKER DARRYL WAYNE MARTIN 94140 WALTON PETER JOHN 94142 WEEKLEY RONALD RICHARD 94148 WILLIAMS ROGER FREDERICK SUBJECT LOST SOUL - PHIL SWAIN I'm trying to locate ex LSRO Phil Swain, who I served with on HMAS PERTH back in the seventies. He paid off whilst posted to Hobart, TAS, in the eighties, and stayed there for a number of years. I met him a few times afterwards when the ship I was on visited there and we exchanged Xmas cards for a long time. Last I heard from him was about 7 years ago, when he and Glenda, his wife, moved back to Eungella, but from there the trail goes cold. Hopefully someone out there knows of the whereabouts of either Phil or Glenda. Harry O'Hare. harold_ohare@netspace.net.au SUBJECT DISABILITY PENSION The Federal Government decision to provide extra funding to the War Memorial is welcome but overdue. It is a pity that it is only as a result of arm twisting and government embarrassment that it has taken place. The Shadow Minister, Senator Ronaldson, is to be congratulated on his efforts in pursuing this matter and focussing attention on the Government and the Minister's disregard of their responsibilities to ensure proper funding for the War Memorial. The money saved by this government as a consequence of their betrayal of veteran disability pensioners makes it easier for them to meet their responsibilities to the War Memorial. Existing legislation ensures the Service, Old Aged, Centrelink Disability, War Widow and Veterans Disability Pensions (DP) maintain their real value via the indexation arrangements and it was a long hard battle by the TPI Federation to have veterans' DP included. As a result of the Harmer Review, all pensions were increased except veterans DP. This was achieved by one off legislation to bypass the existing legislation. When asked for an explanation the Government response is lies, spin and nonsense. It is a disgrace and this Labor government ought to be ashamed of itself. We trust that Senator Ronaldson will pursue the DP issue with the same vigour that he directed at the War Memorial issue. Some years back at a TPI Federation congress when asked if under a Labor government DP would continue to be paid after age 65 the then Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Senator Mark Bishop, said Nothing is set in stone ?HOW RIGHT HE WAS???HOW RIGHT HE WAS? Could you please pass this on.? Regards, Blue Ryan TPI National President 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 6 March 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. An early version this week as I am off fishing down the South Coast with four ex birdies, yeah I know, I should be careful of the company I keep. The photo from last week was of Kev Uttley and Henry Hinch. Has anybody heard from him? Glen Butler indicated he was a Runner after the VOYAGER collision. Thanks to those who responded and identified him. Kev Uttley update - Darby Ashton on forwarded this email - Hi Darby, Thanks for keeping in touch. Kevin is doing well in Rehab and there has been some movement in his right arm as well. He is still frustrated as his speech is not returning as fast as he would like, but he is still determined to beat this. I have just about got all the information together for the DVA pension application. Boy, what a challenge it has been for me. Thanks for all your help. Bless you Larraine Boxing at LEEUWIN in February 63 - David Lowe forwarded the following: Could you please include in the next newsletter a request for anybody who has information regarding the boxing match, particularly copy of program or some other form of concrete evidence, to make contact with me. I am making a claim on DVA bur require more evidence that the event took place on a particular day. Contact details:- David Lowe Phone 03 5996 3745 Mobile 0447020048 dlow5@bigpond.net.au Regards, David Butch Cousins may not be travelling as well as he should be, but he is now alive on email. If you wish to contact Butch his email address is petercousins2011@hotmail.com VOYAGER - MELBOURNE collision - There is an article below on David Hollows the Lawyer who acted for a lot who were involved in the VOYAGER collision - please read. DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. Memorabilia - This year amongst other items we will have polo shirts for sale, these shirts will contain only the LEEUWIN crest and 1963 i.e. no venue address or year - could you please let me know as a survey, if you prefer a pocket or no pocket. We will also be advertising Stubby Coolers, Caps - same as before, coffee mugs with venue and year as a souvenir of the year and location. I will forward prices when I know them and then ask for orders. Don't forget to respond whether you prefer pocket or no pocket on the polo shirt. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had Carl and Kaye Slotboom, plus Col and Liz Yench have indicated they are attending. Where are all the Victorians? Tug and Margaret Wilson, Carl and Kaye Slotboom - have I missed anybody? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. There is plenty to read this week, hope you enjoy. Also this week GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF NEGLECTING VETERANS VOYAGER/MELBOURNE CREWS ST MARY'S/RAN 100 YEAR MEMORIAL INVITATION IN SE QUEENSLAND Cheers Ron SUBJECT GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF NEGLECTING VETERANS The Defence Force Welfare Association says the Government is neglecting those who have served the country by refusing to increase their pensions. Some government pensions increase in line with the cost of living, but military pensions do not. The association's David Jamison says the Government keeps making excuses about not being able to afford it. "I think potential recruits need to think quite seriously about whether or not they've got confidence that they will be treated fairly during their service, and should something happen to them, and after they've retired," he said. "They see their purchasing power being eroded year by year and the Government is denying them this sort of justice." Mr Jamison says he met with the Government about a week-and-a-half ago and was told it could not afford to increase the pension. "They keep coming up with different excuses and different amounts of what it will cost," he said. Some Labor MPs have told Caucus they are concerned about the issue. It is understood they are worried the issue could damage the Government, while at least one says increasing pensions is the right thing to do. Opposition defence personnel spokesman Stuart Robert says the money can be found. "Savings should be made to honour our fighting men and women," he said. The Opposition has put forward a bill to make the changes, but there are concerns it may be unconstitutional. SUBJECT VOYAGER/MELBOURNE COLLISION CREWS As some may know, David Forster of Hollows Solicitors in Victoria has had his business placed in protective receivership by the regulators. Note he has done a lot of veteran's affairs work, notably on the Voyager collision. You can read more about the receivership here: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2010/s3080887.htm Its crucial that not just Melbourne survivors who had cases run by Hollows, but also Voyager survivors who may have used him also seek advice as soon as possible. It really should not matter how long ago the settlements were - in fact David Forster has spent a long time arguing that time limits shouldn't matter in litigation! It may be quite possible to re-open the billing that Hollows has conducted on their file. They should immediately contact either their solicitors or the Victorian regulators - such as the Law Institute of Victoria or the Legal Services Board. Time is of the essence. SUBJECT ST MARY'S/RAN 100 YEAR MEMORIAL INVITATION Hi all ? no doubt some of you may have already heard that a Committee was formed to build a substantial Navy Memorial Wall overlooking the Historical Naval Stores on Brisbane River, dedicated to all who paid the supreme sacrifice and who also served in Qld Navy, Aust Commonwealth Navy, and RAN for over 100 years. The site was chosen on land that was used by RAN for the first successful ship shore signal, at the cliff top in front of St Mary?s Anglican Church which also shared a long history with the Navy. Weather, and earthquakes have forced us to take a step back and therefore will not be able to complete memorial for the 100th Anniversary on 10th July 2011. However from the enclosed update you will see that we will still move ahead with our plans for the memorial to completed when possible. Please circulate this information along with the invitation to attend our Official Launch where possible. Looking forward to your support AND REQUEST RSVP TO THE DETAILS GIVEN ON THE INVITATION FOR LOGISTICAL/CATERING PURPOSES. Many thanks Sonja Hellier, Hon Secretary St Mary?s Naval Centenary Memorial Committee, PO Box 119, HOLLAND PARK 4121, 07 3397 0561 PROJECT UPDATE Since our last correspondence in November of last year, there have been numerous developments which have affected our project. 1. The Bad News; ? The weather has intervened. There is no way we as a Committee would seek donations for this Memorial while people are suffering from floods and cyclones. We cannot also approach the Queensland Government or Brisbane City Council for the same reason. We await a decision from DVA on our application for funding. ? We have read the fine print in the Tax Office literature on Gift Deductibility and it specifically rules out new Memorials. We are not eligible. 2. The Good News; ? We have had many encouraging letters of support from a range of authorities and it is obvious that this project has struck a chord. ? The project will go ahead and on 10th July, 2011 we will dedicate the Foundation stone for the Memorial in the gardens at St Mary?s. ? The Memorial itself will be completed at a later date. ? We have opened a new Bank Account at the Bank of Queensland in New Farm in the name of ?Naval Centenary Memorial Committee? BSB 124-158 Account Number 21549138. Please direct any donations there. ? We have a formal Constitution and are now in a position to approach various sources for funding 3. The Project Launch; ? Although we contacted you all last year, we intend to launch the project officially at a function in the gardens of St Mary?s on Friday 25th March from 6.00pm to 8.00pm ? see attached invitation. ? Invitations have been forwarded to Governor of Queensland, The Archbishop, the Premier and the Lord Mayor and other high profile members of the community. ? We want as many as possible of the Naval and Maritime community in SEQ to come along; we want you to show your support for this project and to get behind it. Please let anyone who has any connection with the RAN know about our project. ? PARKING IS VERY LIMITED at St Mary?s ; parking in nearby streets, or use alternate transport. 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 27 February 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Received the above photo from Des Honess - I recognize Kev Uttley, the other bloke's name escapes me - can you help?
DVA Claim - Tug Wilson our host in Mildura would like all to know: He is a DVA Advocate and would like to hear from anyone who wishes to make a claim. In his words, anytime of the day is OK. His details are allan@ncable.com.au 03 50230631 0429 964 842 Received this email from Col Yench - Just a short note to let you know I bumped into Don Muller and wife Anne this morning and Don is not travelling too well, has a few ticker problems and is undergoing Tests and medication tests to try and find out what the specialist can do to help him, also couple of weeks ago literally bumped into Vic Purvey who is looking really well. That about it, still working on a couple more for Mildura will let you know when I get a definitive answer. Regards col yench. Thanks Col - if you can, please forward updates on Don. Vic may like to give us a few pointers on his recovery process. MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating an event which is occurring during the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. The programme: Friday 28 Lunch at the RSL - Meet and Greet, Saturday AM - River Cruise - lunch, Saturday PM - Major function, Sunday - Sports Day, Monday - Free, Tuesday Melbourne Cup Races at Mildura. Memorabilla - This year amongst other items we will have polo shirts for sale, these shirts will contain only the LEEUWIN crest and 1963 ie no venue address or year - could you please let me know as a survey, if you prefer a pocket or no pocket. We will also be advertising Stubbie Coolers, Caps - same as before, coffee mugs with venue and year as a souvenier of the year and location. I will forward prices when I know them and then ask for orders. Don't forget to respond whether you prefer pocket or no pocket on the polo shirt. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? In the last week we have had Garry and Leah Pyke have indicated they are attending and Butch Cousins intends turning up if he is well enough. When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. There is plenty to read this week, hope you enjoy. Also this week Lots of Navy Photos Vietnam Research HMAS TEAL Cheers Ron SUBJECT LOTS OF NAVY PHOTOS http://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/ SUBJECT VIETNAM RESEARCH There are 521 Australian Service personnel recorded on the Australian War Memorial Honour Roll as having lost their lives as a result of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam Conflict, arguably in Australia's most contentious conflict. Each of these 521 Australians has a story that needs to be recorded, before it is too late, their lives before they entered the military, their military service and how they lost (their sacrifice) their lives. Coupled with their story, is the story of how their death effected and continues to affect their families, friends and the mates they served with, which also needs to be recorded. I have started researching each of ''The 552211'' to produce a book honouring and documenting their lives, how each touched those around them, how they lost their life and the affect that their loss on their family, friends and the mates they served with. My reason for writing this book is because I want to ensure that current and future generations remember them, remember the sacrifice they made and how their loss effected and continue to affect their families, friends and the mates they served with. Additionally, as part of my research for my book I am trying to visit the final resting places of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam Conflict; to place a flag and poppy at their final resting place as a mark of respect. To assist me in this endeavour I would like to talk to and interview anyone who served with any of the 521 Australians; this includes members of their families and friends. Please contact me directly via bazz662@bigpond.com or via the contact page on my webpage www.barryhampson.com or my mobile 0424 750 943. Anyone interviewed will be asked to elect whether they are happy to be quoted as a source of information in the book or remain totally anonymous. A bit about myself, I have a military background having enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1980, as a Private, serving 23 plus year and working my way through the ranks. When I enlisted in the Army the majority of my Corporals, Sergeants, etc were Vietnam Veterans. Additionally, my father is a Vietnam Veteran having served with 1st Battalion Group in 1965-66; as such I hold those who have served in Vietnam with the utmost respect. For myself, I have served overseas in the Middle East and East Timor. I am a member of the following historical associations: Professional Historians Association (www.historians.org.au). The association represents qualified historians who are professionally employed or commissioned to undertake historical work. Australian Historical Association (www.theaha.org.au). The association was founded in 1973 and it is a national organisation of historians, academic, professional and others working in all fields of history. Oral History Association of Australia (www.ohaa.net.au). The association was founded in 1978. Its objectives are to promote the practice and methods of oral history, to educate in the use of oral history methods, to encourage discussions on all aspects of history and to foster the preservation of oral history records. If required, I am happy to provide additional information to anyone who requires it, please do not hesitate to contact me. bazz662@bigpond.com or phone 0424.750.943 SUBJECT HMAS TEAL If you are able to help with any information, photos, press clippings etc please contact Phil Bensted at email address: dialabull1@bigpond.com HMAS Teal, 1152, De-Commissioned in 1973 and was sold in 1977 to the Gold Coast to be converted to a prawn trawler for the Gulf of Carpentaria fisheries (thanks to Phil Robson who was onboard her in the Gulf), then sold to two Greek brothers (named Palace or Palice ?) from Tasmania who converted her down there to an abalone mother ship. She was next heard of in Perth for the America's Cup in 1983, where she had the aft superstructure added to work as a ferry and a "race chaser" before ending up in Hong Kong and being sold to The Near East University (NEU), Cyprus. Any information about the Teal or sightings of her in Tassie or in Perth would be appreciated. Any recollections of newspaper articles or ads (as a "race Chaser " or ferry in Perth) also any photos. Teal is still a working research ship with the Near East University, Cyprus Thanks all Phil Bensted email: dialabull1@bigpond.com 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 20 February 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. For those like me, who did not check the lotto results last Saturday night, we ran last, Doug and Trish have been sacked as our official lotto leaders. I think we scored about 4 numbers total for the four games. Nev Barry - Hi all, have been to see Greg hyphen who, with his wife stayed at a friend's place .They are both safe and well as can be. .Nev Barry. Thanks Nifty Ron Pope and his bride are on the move, he forwarded the following - Hi Ron, Just to let everyone know we will be in Moama for 5 days 15 May, a week in Canberra following that, if anyone is around to catch up. cheers Ron MILDURA REUNION - Did you know, by attending our reunion you will be celebrating the centennial year of the RAN. What a Buzz. I received this email: G'day Ron, I have been reading in your news letter about the reunion at Mildura, we recently were in the area but stayed at the Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat, which is at Dareton about halfway between Mildura and Wentworth on the NSW side of the Murray River, there is a number of powered sites and unlimited camping sites which is complemented by a great Club Room and kitchen. It could be another option for any of the 63's who may be travelling with a caravan or tent. The Retreat is being run by Di and Barry Langan, Barry is a 2nd Intake JR and PO(V),Phone 03 50274447 also the RSL Sub Branch at Wentworth has a 9th Intake JR as its President, Peter Griffen, phone 0407 689 488. Cheers, Peter Girven 3rd Intake. The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. There is plenty to read this week, hope you enjoy. Also this week 100TH Anniversary BadgeClick here to download this file Lost Soul - Gary Doust DFWA Update (Attached)Click here to download this file DIGGERS TO GET AUTOMATIC ENTRY TO RSL AND SERVICES CLUBS ACROSS NSW DFRDB Class Action REVIEW DELIVERS POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY HMAS STUART AND SCRAP IRON FLOTTILA LUNCH 25 March (attached)Click here to download this file Lost Soul - Thomas Edward Harrison Companion Card Cheers Ron SUBJECT 100TH ANNIVERSARY BADGE To all Navy/ex-Navy Personnel, The HMAS Sydney & VLSVA(Vic Inc.) have designed a special R.A.N. 100th Anniversary Embroidered Badge. The designed has been approved by the Navy. You can have this badge embroidered on a Polo shirt to mark this special occasion. As the badge is quite intricate, (over 30,000 stitches) the price is a little more than our normal Polo shirt. e.g. 1. Polo: Anniversary badge left Breast. Right Breast, your name and years served underneath = $35.00 2. Polo: Anniversary badge left Breast, years served underneath. Right Breast, Ships crest (e.g. VENDETTA), your name underneath = $37.00 The badges can also be embroidered on rugby tops, chambray shirt and reversible vests. Prices available on request. Full details and order form can be found on the associations website: http://hmassydney.com/poloshirts.html SUBJECT LOST SOUL - GARY DOUST I'm trying to locate Gary Doust - R59261 - DOB - 24/11/1944 - Ex Voyager and a Survivor. Last known location for Gary was Tweed Heads West. If you are able to help please contact me at email address: lnisent@gmail.com SUBJECT DIGGERS TO GET AUTOMATIC ENTRY TO RSL AND SERVICES CLUBS ACROSS NSW A NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will legislate to grant ex-servicemen and women who are full service RSL members automatic entry to all RSL and Services Clubs, without the need to sign in, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Hospitality, Tourism and Major Events George Souris announced today. "The days of diggers signing into every RSL club they visit will end," Mr O'Farrell said. "This will allow the State's 55,000 RSL ex-servicemen and women Sub-Branch members to enter any RSL or Services Club and not have to sign the 'temporary members register'," he said. "Many former servicemen and women visit clubs in the RSL family when travelling - we owe them the right to access any of our 270 RSL and Services Clubs across NSW without having to sign in. "This is a mark of recognition and respect for those RSL and Services Club members that have served our country, and if we can make their lives a little bit easier, we should do so." Mr Souris said a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government would amend the Registered Clubs Act to allow ex-servicemen and women who are RSL members entry to RSL and kindred clubs on producing a valid financial membership card of the RSL. "This is a sensible and practical measure that will bring NSW into line with Victoria," he said. "There is considerable confusion, and in some cases angst in border towns and regions where RSL members can feel offended by being asked to sign in. "This initiative will allow members of all RSL Sub-Branches in Australia entry to RSL and Services Clubs in NSW just as in the case with NSW veterans visiting Victoria at present. "Not only will this plan make life easier for servicemen and women, but it will make our RSL's more accessible." NSW RSL State President Don Rowe and RSL & Services Clubs Association Chairman Bryn Miller welcomed the announcement which has been a long term goal of the Association. "This is good news for our members who will be able to more easily access RSL and Services Clubs across NSW," Mr Rowe said. "I am happy the NSW Liberals & Nationals took the time to listen to our concerns and act positively to help our members and their clubs," he said. SUBJECT DFRDB CLASS ACTION DFRDB Class Action February 11, 2011 Dear Jim (and associates), The word is getting out there slowly but I am a little concerned it may be giving false hope to many. On ABC radio recently there was a discussion on the increase in Class Actions in Australia (up from 14 to 20 a year). One representative of a law firm freely admitted they were interested only in the profit to be gained - figures like 25% to 45% of the settlement were quoted. In our cases the settlement is the amount overpaid for commutation - our money. There would be no penalty awards. One could guarantee the Government would appeal if we won, which would increase any legal costs. I have heard a minimum cost to approach the Supreme Court (for an individual) is $66000 - $6000 for the Solicitor and $60000 for the Barrister. You would need to add Court costs to this. Then there is progression to the Federal Court and High Court to consider. I think the amount of the claim determines which court you start at. I have records of 10 members who have passed their Life Expectancy and have begun to pay in excess (I am up for $4100.52). Obviously the excess varies with circumstances but any percentage of these figures would not be very 'mouth-watering' to a legal firm. If you take the mean (leaving off the extremes) to be $2500 (at this time) with 100 applicants the total excess would be about $250,000. This may interest a legal firm, that is, $62500 to $112500 in fees but the responses you have had so far are not encouraging, probably for the aforementioned reasons, especially with only 43 names. Here is the real data: Rank Service Years Life-Expt Commutation Elected Ann.Ded Excess paid (to date) FSGT 1953-1973 20 70.59 9601.69 4.00 277.59 946.58 FSGT 1951-1974 23 70.75 16187.98 3.82 494.29 2100.73 WOFF 1953-1976 23 71.67 19806.89 4.00 588.27 782.40 WOFF 1951-1976 25 71.84 22764.23 4.00 714.96 2259.27 WGCDR 1953-1977 24 71.75 27802.40 4.00 848.93 1061.16 WOFF 1953-1979 26 72.14 27811.52 4.00 954.41 2729.61 WGCDR 1951-1976 25 72.03 30876.58 4.00 1028.19 4081.91 WGCDR 1953-1981 28 72.25 53146.58 4.00 1881.29 3292.26 WGCDR 1953-1985 32 72.80 84744.17 4.10 3417.10 4100.52 AVM 1943-1982 39 74.18 152880.00 4.00 7970.80 78273.26 Of course, if the whole 56,000 came on board we would be looking at $140,000,000, which would get some attention. Therein lies the rub! The best strategy would seem to be to establish a cost basis which is attractive to a law firm then go to the masses with a proposition. Each individual would only stand to gain and should become involved (how do you make it mandatory?). One question for me is - how would the 'settlement' residue be paid to individuals? Another question is, how would this apply to deceased estates? If, however, the most likely result was that the DFRDB Authority were to be bound to cease deductions in excess, with no refund, the law firms may not be interested at all. Jim, as an aside, I don't have your retirement details (I would like to do a print-out for you) and I can't see where you get the figure owed to you of $40,997.79? If you take a WGCDR with similar Service to you, say fourth from the bottom of the table, it seems you have moved a decimal place somewhere! Best regards Jim, and thank you for your efforts. Bill Arden Bill greetings, Thank you for your e-mail of 13 Feb. In regard to your point re false hope. I am very careful to stress to people that I cannot guarantee success but that all I can guarantee is that I will raise merry hell to redress the current scandalous situation. Yes the way ahead will be difficult and strewn with huge, almost insurmountable, legal pebbles put there by the Federal Government and the Federal Public Service. Proof positive of this fact can be found in the chronology of my puny efforts to obtain my legal retired pay entitlement (DFRDB 33 dated 6 June 2010). However, this must not deter but firm our resolve. In general the legal profession consists of a bunch of money hungry parasites. However, there are exceptions. It is the exception that I am after. A legal eagle with balls, common sense and get up and go. Male or female it matters not. Bill I do not understand your figures particularly the "Excess" column. What I have done to establish the quantum of the amount of retired pay I have forfeited to the DFRDB Authority is based on: The calculation of an annual "Retired Pay Entitlement Pre-commutation" figure using the formula used by the DFRDB Authority to establish the "new annual rate of pension benefit, i.e., A + (AxC) where A is the existing rate of pre-commutated retired pay and B is the percentage movement of the Consumer Price Index. I have then compared this figure with the quantum of the retired pay I have actually received to establish the amount forfeited to the DFRDB Authority. My Situation 1 October 1951- Joined RAAF - Became a contributor to the DFRB arrangement. 12 December 1976 - Retired with 25 years and 73 days service. 13 December 1976 - Retired Pay Entitlement Start Date 1997 Retired Pay Entitlement - Reference DFRDB Authority Letter dated 24 January 1977. Retired pay $8660.23 per annum based on percentage factor of 42.50% (25 years effective service). Retired pay after commutation $7395.04 per annum. Difference per annum $1265.19 per annum. CPI Figures - CPI figures supplied by DFRDB Authority in Letter to me dated 6 December 2007 and subsequently from annual Pension Benefits Notifications issued by DFRDB Authority or ComSuper. 13 December 1976 to 27 June 1977 CPI Increase Figure Applicable to Period - Effective Date: 1 July 1976 - Rate: 13.4% Fortnights in Period - 14 & 1/2 Retired Pay Entitlement Pre-commutation Rate per annum - $8660.23 Rate per fortnight - $333.09 Pre-commutation Entitlement Amount over period: $4829.81 Retired Pay Actually Received Post Commutation Rate per Annum - $7395.04 - Fortnights in Period 14/1/2 Gross Amount Received Over Period: $4112.93 Amount Paid Back over Period: $4829.81 - $4112.93 = $716.88 Total Amount Paid Back Since Retirement (12 Dec 76): $716.88 27 June 1977 to 1 July 1978 CPI Increase Figure Applicable to Period - Effective Date: I July 1977 - Rate: 13.6% Fortnights in Period - 26 Retired Pay Entitlement Pre-commutation Rate per Annum: $8660.23 + ($8660.23 x 13.6%) = $9838.02 Thus, Entitlement Amount: over period: $9838.02 Retired Pay Actually Received Post Commutation Gross Amount Received Over Period: $7981.72 Amount Paid Back over Period: $9838.02 - $7981.72 = $1856.30 Total Amount Paid Back Since Retirement (12 Dec 76): $716.88 + $1856.30 = $2573.18 1 July 1978 to 30 June 1979 CPI Increase Figure Applicable to Period - Effective Date: 30 June 1978 - Rate: 8.2% Fortnights in Period: 26 Retired Pay Entitlement Pre-commutation Rate Per Annum: $9838.02 + ($9838.02 X 8.2%) = $10644.74 Thus, Entitlement Amount over Period: $10644.74 Retired Pay Actually Received Post Commutation Gross Amount Received Over Period: $8636.22 Amount Paid Back Over Period: $10644.74 - $8636.22 = $2008.52 Total Amount Paid Back Since Retirement (12 Dec 76): $2573.18 + $2008.52 = $4581.70 1 July 1979 to 30 June 1980 CPI Increase Figure Applicable to Period - Effective Date: 29 June 1979 - Rate: 8.2% Fortnights over Period: 26 Retired Pay Entitlement Pre-commutation Rate Per Annum: $10644.74 + ($10644.74 X 8.2%) = $11517.61 Thus, Entitlement Amount over Period: $11517.61 Retired Pay Actually Received Post Commutation Gross Amount Received Over Period: $9344.39 Amount Paid Back over Period: $11517.61 - $9344.39 = $2173.22 Total Amount Paid Back Since Retirement (12 Dec 76): $2173.22 + $4581.70 = $6754.92 Thus, in the first four years after I left the RAAF I forfeited $6754.92 to the DFRDB Authority. $6754 in four years and so it has continued for the next 35 years with the amount now reaching substantial proportions. NB: at the moment I am working out the total figure as at December 2010. To date, as a computer illiterate, I have established the figures using a hand held calculator. However, I have asked a computer whip to develop a program which I will make available to interested parties when it comes to hand. At this time, if people are interested, I can supply CPI figures from 1976 until now. Bill in terms of the DRFDB scheme I think that it is a very generous arrangement and that we are looked after pretty well. However, as a group, in the main, we served the government with honour, did what we were asked to do, stuck our necks out, and dragged our family around the world and back again. This was recognized by the Jess Committee who made provision to assist our re-settlement by recommending that we could obtain an advance on our retired pay entitlement - commutation. In fact when you think about the arrangement it was something the government probably should have done separate to the DFRDB Scheme anyway. Thus, the retired pay commutation arrangement relieved the government of this moral responsibility. There was never any suggestion by the Jess Committee that a long term financial penalty was to be associated with the receipt of an advance by way of the commutation provision of the Act. Further, I was never told, either verbally, or in writing, that a long term financial penalty would be involved. I rather imagine the same applies to most DFRDB recipients who elect to commute. Thus, as a group I believe we have been unfairly set upon by the higher echelon of the public service aided and abetted by Ministers of State of both political persuasions. Accordingly, my aim is simply to obtain the full legal retired pay entitlement for myself and other DFRDB retired pay recipients who have exercised the commutation provision of the Act. In fact for me, and probably, many other people of my vintage, other than repayment of the excess of the deduction made by the DFRDB Authority, there will be little or no financial penalty to the government. For the simple reason that an increase in our fortnightly retired pay entitlement will mean that our "Part Service Pension" will decrease by the same amount. This is the current situation for those of us who rely on a "Part Service Pension" to supplement our DFRDB Retired Pay to provide an acceptable standard of living. In fact, in effect, we receive no standard of living adjustment and are falling further and further behind financially as a consequence. Bill if you can find a hole in the calculations presented earlier please let me know. In addition, I think that what you have put to me is important. I also think that your thoughts could be crossing other minds. Accordingly, I saw a need to disseminate your thoughts far and wide which is the reason I have sent your e-mail, and my reply, to everyman and his dog. I only hope that the dog doesn't return to bite me on the backside. Be of good cheer - regards, J the T SUBJECT REVIEW DELIVERS POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today welcomed the release of the Review of Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)-Funded Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) Advocacy and Welfare Services Report. Minister Snowdon said the Government would implement all 45 recommendations from the Review which offered many positives outcomes for Australia's ex-service community and prescribed a framework to ensure veterans, war widow/ers and their families have access to quality advocacy, welfare and support services. "The Review recommended important changes to help standardise ESO advocacy and welfare services and improve transparency and accountability in the way funds are distributed to the ex-service organisations that support Australia's veteran and defence communities," he said. The Review covered the Building Excellence in Support and Training Program (BEST), Training Information Program (TIP), and the Veteran and Community Grants (V&C) program. "As the needs of the veteran and defence communities change, so must these support programs. The Review delivers on the Government's commitment to move to a more evidence-based decision-making process and an equitable distribution of funds. "The Review has also taken into account the valuable contribution of the volunteer workforce which always has the welfare and interests of the veteran community as its priority," Mr Snowdon said. ESOs will be encouraged to work closely together to ensure that appropriate advice and support is provided to veterans and defence members. Support for the Training Information Program will be strengthened by ensuring that advocates, and pension and welfare officers are provided with the standard of training and support they require to undertake their important role. "The ongoing involvement of the ESO community throughout the consultation process has been the key to the success of the Review and I am confident that the recommendations will receive broad support," Mr Snowdon said. BEST Round 13 applications open today and close on 11 March 2011. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the new guidelines before submitting an application. The full Review report, including all the recommendations and more information on BEST grants can be accessed at www.dva.gov.au/grants. SUBJECT LOST SOUL THOMAS EDWARD HARRISON If you are able to assist with the following please contact John Hay at email address: john@tellingthoughts.com or phone 07.3357.5034 I am trying to locate an old school friend to let him know of a School reunion after 58 years. It is scheduled to take place later this year as a Reunion of the 1953 Scholarship classes of Eagle Junction State School, in Brisbane. To date we have had no luck in locating our school friend. Tom would be 70 or 71 years old by now. We understand that he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander at some stage of his career in the RAN. I met Tom's younger brother Philip years ago and Philip told me that Tom had achieved that rank but also added that he had become a Barrister at Law. Perhaps in the Navy? Last week one of our schoolmates told me that he met Tom in Sydney some years ago and he recalled that Tom was wearing the uniform of a Naval officer. SUBJECT COMPANION CARD Companion Card The Companion Card program has been introduced to support people with a disability who have a life-long need for attendant care and support to participate in community activities and attend venues. The Companion Card allows one accompanying carer to travel with the cardholder at no charge. Additional companions must also hold or purchase a valid ticket or pass. Cardholders must hold or purchase a valid ticket or pass for their travel. The card is accepted on all TransLink bus, rail and ferry services in south east Queensland, as well as on qconnect urban bus services in regional centres of Queensland. Cardholders from any state or territory may use their card on these services. 1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 13 February 2011 For more information, contact Smart Service Queensland on 13 13 04t (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or email cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, to download an application form or learn more about eligibility and the affiliated venues and services where the card is accepted across Australia, visit the national Companion Card website*. *The content found by using this link is not created, controlled or approved by this department. No responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing content on this site. This link will load into a new window. A Local call from anywhere in Australia, call charges apply for calls from mobile phones and pay phones www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G'day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Kev Uttley - An update on Kev from Darby Ashton on 6 Feb - Kev has just finished his first week in rehab. It has been full on but he has certainly put in a good effort. He is getting stronger each day and we are still believing for his total recovery as time goes on. Received this from Nev Barry who lives in Tully: Finally we have got coverage for phone and e-mail, never ever hope to go thru anything like that again, All the family came out of the blow with no problems, just very shaken & stirred have not heard how Greg hyphen fared, will attempt to find Greg's whereabouts over next couple of days. See ya!. We had a really good time at Husky on Thursday evening, a report will be forwarded later in the week in a Newsletter. One thing we did do, was collectively invest in Saturday Night's 20 million dollar lotto. Thanks to Trish and Doug Wilson who collected the money and purchased the tickets. Best of luck everybody. Eyes down and looking, tonight's lucky numbers are: System 7 09 13 18 20 21 29 43 System 8 03 10 13 15 17 31 39 41 System 9 01 07 18 20 21 25 27 30 35 System 10 02 04 06 11 13 24 29 30 38 45 Those who contributed: Dot & Jock McGregor Russ Nelson Narelle & Bill Hay John Hatchman Tom & Val Houldsworth Ian Schubert Tom & Carol Kinross Warren French Jan & Sandy Powell Mick Gallagher Tony & Robin Gawne Dave Cairns Doug & Trish Wilson Ron Giveen MILDURA REUNION - The status of who is attending the reunion is now contained on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November - so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a 'yes' 'no' or 'maybe'. Also this week Bruce (Jacko) Jackson - Very Sick For Whom the Bell Tolls - Don Dargusch Lost Soul - Ian Smith Man O'War steps ADF - Medical and Service Records Opening of Navy in Vietnam Cafe and Quarterdeck Art Gallery/Ship Model Room at HMAS CERBERUS Dedication of RAN River Class Frigates in Sydney 12 Feb 2011 Cheers Ron SUBJECT BRUCE (JACKO) JACKSON Not sure if many of our brothers would know him but ex CPOCOX (formerly POWM) Bruce "Jacko" Jackson is in palliative care on the Mornington Peninsula and hasn't long to live after a lengthy battle with cancer. Until Bruce became ill and had to leave work, he was the VIC, TAS, and SA Manager for Defence Maritime Services based out of HMAS Cerberus. Most will know DMS provide a lot of services throughout the RAN. SUBJECT FOR THE BELL TOLLS - DON DARGUSCH Just advising you that Don Dargusch (ex WOETC) R59497 Dob 15 Jan 1941 passed away peacefully on 26th Jan 2011 after a long illness. Don served in Vendetta during 26.2.62 to 29 4.64. He travelled to Vietnam on board Anzac in 1968. He was cremated at Traditional Funerals, Burpengary, QLD yesterday. SUBJECT IAN SMITH Looking for Ian Smith (Greenie) ex HMAS VOYAGER, please contact Les Sheehan at email address: lnisent@gmail.com SUBJECT MAN O'WAR STEPS Since early days, Man O'War steps have played an important part in the history of Sydney and sailors of many nations and I think, deserves a place in our memories. I mentioned this point to our Vice President Bill Baylis and in his usual manner, still went about the business of collecting as much information from books, documents and other sources as he could. To the Royal Australian Historical Society for their information and to Bill Baylis for his help, my sincere thanks. My interest in Man O'War Steps started during the 1930's when as a Telegraph messenger with the then PMG Dept. at the age of 14/15, it was quite common to have to deliver a telegram addressed to some Naval Ship or Sailor which we delivered to Man O'War Steps. During that period also, I remember the sad sight of a lady dressed all in white, dress, shoes, stockings, hat and handbag in the fashion of the 1914/1920 period, walking south up Pitt St, past the G.P.O. The story behind this Lady was that she had farewelled her son at Man O'War Steps as he sailed off to the First World War 1914/1918 from which he did not return. This lady, who came from Glebe had not accepted the fact that her son was not coming back and each night, walked from Glebe to Man O'War Steps hoping to greet her son on his return. She would walk up Pitt St. and then home to Glebe again. Such was the routine of this lady that she passed the G.P.O. in Pitt St. at exactly 8.45 p.m. each night on her long walk home. This is the sad part of the history of Man O'War Steps but alas not the last time that Man O'War Steps was the last touch of Australia for too many. Those who have "stepped ashore" at Man O'War Steps or caught the duty boat back to their various ships from there, will remember that this was the stone jetty on Bennelong Point on the western side of Farm Cove and was the landing point for Naval Personnel visiting Sydney since early days. For most of us it was a moment of great joy as we "stepped ashore" and later a moment of reflection as we departed Man O'War Steps for our various ships, "swinging around the buoy" or alongside at Garden island which in those days was still an island. Cattle Point where the first cattle were landed in Australia and later named Bennelong Point was the sight of the first fortification of Sydney. In 1788, the redoubt was completed and was armed with two brass six pounder cannons. Among the many buildings authorised by Governor Major General Lachlan Macquarie (1st January 1810 - 1st December 1821) was a stone fort on Bennelong Point for which he laid the foundation stone on 17th December 1817. Just prior to the commencement of the new Fort Macquarie, Governor Macquarie had a private landing place built for himself and the small sandy beach to the north of this landing place was for a time known as Port Lachlan and later as "Watering Place". Port Lachlan became the birth place of the watermen of Sydney who plied their trade as water taxis throughout Port Jackson and even as far south as Botany Bay. These watermen were the forerunners of our present water taxis and small ferry owners. Probably the best known families of watermen that we know was Stannards. Fort Macquarie was demolished and in 1903 was replaced by an imitation fort built for a tram shed which was itself demolished for the erection of the Sydney Opera House which commenced on 5th May 1959. Whilst all this activity was going on around it, the stone jetty except for the erection of a wooden shelter and an iron fence to keep undesirables away, remained the same. During the 1859's, female immigrants were landed at this stone jetty and gradually the place became known as Man O'War Steps. Since Governor Macquarie's time, most Governors, Admirals and Naval personnel used Man O'War Steps as their private landing place although towards the end of the 1890's, a dispute between the then Sydney Harbour Trust, State Government and the C I C Royal Navy as to the right of use and the responsibility for the upkeep of Man O'War Steps arose. It appears that this dispute finally found its way into the "Too Hard" basket and the "status quo" remained. Man O'War Steps was the only permissible landing place within Farm Cove and in fact, still is to this day. When the Sydney Opera House was officially opened on 28th September 1973, the then State Department of Public Works and Maritime Services Board restored the Man O'War Steps by adding a ramp and a pontoon to the jetty. On 20th October 1973, a bronze plaque on the right pillar at the entrance to the ramp was unveiled and the inscription reads .. Man O'War Steps In conjunction with the official opening of the Sydney Opera House in 1973, the stone jetty known as Man O'War Steps, was restored jointly by The department of Public Works and the Maritime Services Board when a ramp and berthing pontoon were added to the structure. The stone jetty is situated near the site of the private landing steps built during the administration of Major General Lachlan Macquarie Governor (1810-1821) and for a period formed one of the walls of a small boat harbour named "Watering Place" and no doubt was used by vessels at anchorage in Farm Cove, to obtain water supplies. The use of the jetty for the movement of personnel and stores to and from Naval vessels moored in the Man O'War anchorage nearby began early last century and the facilities continued to be used by The Royal Australian Navy until work on the present reconstruction commenced. The Maritime Services Board Minister for Public Works N.S.W. 20th October 1973. On 30th January 1983, a bronze plaque was unveiled on the left pillar at the entrance to the ramp and the inscription reads .. Man O'War Steps. This landing area, erected by the Royal Navy was taken over by The Royal Australian Navy in 1913. For 150 years, Man O'War Steps served as a landing and embarkation point for the men of the British and Australian fleets in peace and war. From these steps 2215 officers and sailors of The Royal Australian Navy left to serve their country in the Great War 1914 - 1918. The second World War 1939 - 1945, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam, never to return to enjoy the fruits of their labour in their native land. Ye who tread their footsteps, remember their glory. Erected by Naval association of Australia 30th January 1983. I recently visited Man O'War Steps to see how things had changed over the years and was pleased to see a clean bare jetty ringed by Standard Lights about 1 metre tall and with two pontoons moored alongside. The next time that you are around the Circular Quay area, walk past the Opera House, stand and read the two plaques, have a look at Man O'War Steps and over to Farm Cove and if you were ever lucky enough, remember those days "Swinging Around the Buoy" and "Stepping Ashore" at Man O'War Steps. By Dave Tibbitts SUBJECT MEDICAL AND SERVICE RECORDS Australian Defence Force - Service Records & Medical Records Copies of your Service and Medical records are available. Some fees may be involved; check with the contacts below. For copies of your or your ancestor's service records: http://www.defence.gov.au/footer/contacts.htm#04 Service Records Proof of identity or Next-of-Kin relationship is required and all requests require a signature. Due to privacy restrictions, specific regulations apply to the distribution of confidential personnel records. Contact Contact Details Postal Navy - Personnel Records RAN Phone: +61 2 6266 5962 Fax: +61 2 6266 5851 Queanbeyan Annex 2, Department of Defence Canberra ACT 2600 Army - Central Army Records Office Phone: +61 3 9282 5393 or +61 3 9282 6235 Fax: +61 3 9282 5434 E-mail: caro.hq@defence.gov.au GPO Box 393 Melbourne VIC 3001 Air Force - Personnel Records RAAF Phone: +61 2 6266 5965 Fax: +61 2 6266 5851 Queanbeyan Annex 2, Department of Defence Canberra ACT 2600 Historical service records - WWI and WW2 National Archives of Australia Phone: 1300 886 881 E-mail: ww1prs@naa.gov.au http://www.naa.gov.au For copies of your or your ancestor's medical records: http://www.defence.gov.au/Army/CARO/HealthMedical_Records.asp Health/Medical records World War II: Contact the Department of Veterans' Affairs - 1800 555 254. For details Post 1947: Australian Defence Force Health Records - Army (ADFHR-A) GPO Box 1932 MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Telephone Number: (03) 9282 4911 Facsimile Number: (03) 9282 5978 SUBJECT Opening of Navy in Vietnam Cafe and Quarterdeck Art Gallery/Ship Model Room at HMAS CERBERUS 
The HMAS SYDNEY and Vietnam Logistical Support Veterans Association (Vic) and Crest Canteens (formerly Millies) at HMAS CERBERUS have recently completed the development of a Cafe and Art Gallery/Ship Model Room in the old Gunnery Administration Building adjacent to the Museum of HMAS CERBERUS (old Supply School). The paintings are all the work of ex Navy man, Randall "Tug" WILSON an internationally acclaimed Maritime Artist. You can view his magnificent work at www.navart.com.au Ship models are the work of another ex Navy man Max MONTAGUE. Both are proud members of the HMAS SYDNEY Association here in Victoria and will be in attendance on the day. Banners and window decals have been supplied by another ex Navy man, Brent BALCHIN who has also produced a number of excellent DVD's which will be shown on the day. The Webmaster of our HMAS SYDNEY Association, ex Navy man, Laurie PEGLER has also been involved with the project and will also be in attendance on the day. The 50 framed prints on display in the Navy in Vietnam Cafe have been kindly donated by Steve LEWIS, Author and Publisher of Voyages to Vietnam. You, your family and friends, are cordially invited to attend the Official opening at HMAS CERBERUS on Thursday 24th February at 1100. Rooms will be opened by the Patron of the HMAS SYDNEY& VLSVA (Vic), CDRE J.S. DICKSON, AM, MBE, RAN, RTD. This is also a unique opportunity to attend Ships Company Divisions as a visitor, not a victim, which commences at 0900 on the morning - if you so desire. Come along and watch the spectacle, instead of being part of it. You will not even get picked up for a haircut, that's assuming you still have some. No need to even clean your shoes. Come along as a complete scran bag. Pay back time at last? Morning tea will be served in the Cafe on completion of Divisions. The brand new Millies Mobile (as yet unnamed) aka the Roach Coach, painted in distinctive DPU Colours (the same as our new uniforms) will also be available for the purchase of snacks on completion of the opening ceremony. Just let the civilian security staff manning the security box half way down the main road inside HMAS CERBERUS that you are attending the opening of the Rooms. The Gangway as we knew it is no longer in operation. Guides will direct you to the appropriate parking area which I sure will be the covered in Parade Ground. Veterans are requested to wear Medals. For any further information please contact Marty GROGAN at grevillethedevil@gmail.com or 0417 377 763 SUBJECT DEDICATION OF RAN RIVER CLASS FRIGATES Dedication for Royal Australian Navy River-class frigates A plaque, which, for the first time officially recognises the service to the nation of all 12 of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) River-class frigates, and the crews who served in them in war and peace, will be unveiled tomorrow, 12 February in Sydney. Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said the plaque dedication ensured the RAN River-class frigates and their crews were recognised and honoured in our naval history. "The River-class frigates are all named after Australian rivers, were built in Australia and were in service with the RAN from 1942-1979," Mr Snowdon said. "All but one of the River-class frigates were sold and scrapped after they were decommissioned, with HMAS Diamantina preserved as a museum ship at the Queensland Maritime Museum." Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government was pleased to be able to provide funding for the plaque through the Saluting Their Service commemorations grants program. The Saluting Their Service commemorations grants program supports projects and activities which directly commemorate Australia's servicemen and women who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations. Lieutenant Vince Fazio (retired), President of the HMAS Condamine Association, served onboard HMAS Condamine, which saw action during the Korean War. He commissioned the plaque after receiving the Department of Veterans' Affairs grant. "I'm expecting about 70 guests at the ceremony. Veterans from the majority of the 12 River-class frigates including a couple of veterans from HMAS Hawkesbury, which saw action during World War II," Lieutenant Fazio (retired) said. "The President of Gascoyne together with the President of Culgoa will be invited to unveil the plaque, representing the first and last of class ships. "It will be great to catch up with some old mates," he said. Commander Shane Moore CSM, Director of the RAN's Naval Heritage Collection, said that an important part of Australia's naval history had been preserved with the plaque dedication. "Outside the Navy community, little is known about these frigates and the men who served on them. You could argue that historians have overlooked their fine service to the nation but, it is fitting that it has now been recognised through this plaque." The plaque unveiling and dedication service will be held at 11am, 12 February at the RAN Heritage Centre, Garden Island and will be followed by afternoon tea. Media note: Media interested in attending the plaque dedication should contact Commander Shane Moore. Commander Moore and Lieutenant Vince Fazio will be available for interview. For more information on the history of the RAN's River class frigates go to: www.navy.gov.au/history The RAN Heritage Centre is open from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily except on public holidays. Entry is free. To visit the centre, take the Watson's Bay ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 4 to Garden Island Ferry Wharf. More information is available at http://www.navy.gov.au/Ranhc Media Contacts: Minister Snowdon's office: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 Director, RAN's Naval Heritage Collection: Commander Shane Moore 0412 258 098 HMAS Condamine Association President: Lieutenant Vince Fazio (retd) 0431044510 1963 LEEUWIN J/R?s Weekly News 6 February 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G?day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Am off to the South Coast today for the Navy Rugby Camp weekend at ALBATROSS/CRESWELL, fishing down near Batemans Bay until Thursday and then Thursday night?s function. Kev Uttley ? An update on Kev from Darby Ashton - Darby has onforwarded an email from Kev?s wife Larraine - Dear Darby, Thank you for the information below. I haven't contacted the advocate yet as it has been quite hectic with transferring Kevin in Rehab. He had his assessments done today and will commence Rehab tomorrow. We are expecting great results! He is in good spirits and I think he is looking forward to getting stuck into the Rehab program. I look forward to meeting up with you again one day when you are in the area. Bless you Larraine Huskisson Function this Thursday 10 February ? The format - dinner in the bistro booked for 1830 ? eat from the general menu. Dress Neat Casual. There will be a service commemorating the VOYAGER sailors who perished on the 10 Feb 64. Attending, Bill and Narelle Hay, Pete Sutton, Russ and Georgina Nelson, Mick Gallagher, John and Lyn Hatchman, Tony and Robyn Gawne, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Spook Cairns, Doug and Trish Wilson, Glen Butler, Schubes Schubert, Jock and Dorothy McGregor, Sandy and Jan Powell, Tom and Carol Kinross, Warren French and myself. Apologies, Terry and Helen Dack, Ken Railton, Sandy and Rhonda Michels, Mike Hogan and Ted Hase. Haven?t heard from Brissles and Lou Lassau, Gordon and Robin Duncan or Phil and Denise Longdon ? they either attended or offered apologies at last year?s function. Please let me know if you still wish to attend. MILDURA REUNION ? The status of who is attending the reunion is now on the web site under Mildura http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Is your name there? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November ? so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a ?yes? ?no? or ?maybe?. Also this week DFRDB Bill Vietnam Veterans Day in Hobart Cheers Ron SUBJECT DFRDB BILL The Parliament House site is back on the air. This link: http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillsdgs%2F447650%22 is to the bills digest for the current bill on the DFRDB. The digest is a background paper prepared by the Parliamentary Library research staff and will give an insight into what has happened in the past and where they are proposing to go now. The page for the bill and sundry other docs is on this link: http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fs809%22 There is no explanatory memorandum there as yet, but one will appear before too long. SUBJECT VIETNAM VETERANS DAY HOBART ? 13 AUGUST Anybody wishing to attend Vietnam Veterans Day in Hobart please contact Warwick. Warwick Luttrell State President Tasmania Branch Inc. Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Phone: (03) 64312627 Mobile: 0408 333360 Email: vvaataspres@aussiebroadband.com.au 1963 LEEUWIN J/R?s Weekly News 30 January 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G?day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Kev Uttley ? An update on Kev from Darby Ashton - Message 1 - Visited Kev Utley today but it was a short visit because his Physio turned up and that is more important to him at this stage. Had a little talk to Larraine and she said that he feels great when old mates get in touch because he at least knows then that he hasn?t been forgotten. For the short time I had to talk to him he was in good spirits and his biggest frustration is not being able to talk and express his thought etc. Message 2 - Spoke to Larraine last night and after physio yesterday afternoon Kev was able to move his right leg three times. We need heaps of prayers so that he makes a full recovery. Darby also forwarded the following: I have given Larraine the name of an Advocate who will help her sort out the DVA problems. Kev?s situation should be a timely reminder for anyone who may have problems of any sort and won?t do anything about it? don?t feel guilty/shy or whatever about seeking help if you need it. Too often the wives are left holding the ?baby?, so to speak, because men won?t admit that they might have a problem. Advocates and Pension & Welfare Officers are there to assist us in whatever way they can so don?t be backward in coming forward in talking to them. Huskisson Function 10 February ? The format - dinner in the bistro booked for 1830 ? eat from the general menu. Dress Neat Casual. There will be a service commemorating the VOYAGER sailors who perished on the 10 Feb 64. Attending, Pete Sutton, Russ and Georgina Nelson, Mick Gallagher, John and Lyn Hatchman, Tony and Robyn Gawne, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Spook Cairns, Doug and Trish Wilson, Glen Butler, Schubes Schubert, Jock and Dorothy McGregor, Sandy and Jan Powell, Tom and Carol Kinross, Warren French and myself. Apologies, Terry and Helen Dack, Ken Railton, Sandy and Rhonda Michels, Mike Hogan. Haven?t heard from Brissles and Lou Lassau, Gordon and Robin Duncan, Bill and Narelle Hay or Phil and Denise Longdon ? they either attended or offered apologies at last year?s function. MILDURA REUNION ? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November ? so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a ?yes? ?no? or ?maybe?. Brent Balchin has put together another photo video celebrating 100 years of the RAN and 90 years of Cerberus. You can now view it on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VDa03qMUgc Rowing Photos ? look in the photos page of the website and see if you can identify all the crew. Let me know please. Surfie Richards forwarded an email on the ARK ROYAL and the song ?Sailing?; the link is below. Also this week Lost soul ? Keith Johnson CDT3 Video - Vietnam HMS ARK ROYAL - SaiIing Cheers Ron SUBJECT LOST SOUL? KEITH JOHNSON If you are able to help with the following please contact Pat Amos direct at email address: pat_t41@yahoo.co.uk I'm trying to locate a nave personnel called KEITH REGINALD JOHNSON who according to the Australian Archives (naa.gov.au) was in the navy and his number is listed as R106741. He joined in 1969 for 12 years as a Clearance Diver. He travelled to Vietnam on HMAS Sydney. We went to school in Warwick, UK. He left for Australia on an assisted passage in 1966 with his family and lived at 16 Dunbar Terrace, East Glenelg, Adelaide. I am sorry if this appears an imposition, but I would dearly like to be re-united with this family. My Email address is: pat_t41@yahoo.co.uk My telephone number is: 0044 1425 470484 Kind regards Pat Amos SUBJECT CDT3 VIDEON ? VIETNAM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miZzfcKq4Ls SUBJECT HMS ARK ROYAL ? SAILING I do not know if anyone is interested but in 1976 the BBC did a TV show called ?Sailor?, a voyage on the HMS Ark Royal, with Rod Stewart singing the title song ?Sailing?, well the BBC is about to release the series on DVD (only originally released on Video) . You can pre order the series (delivery is March) which I think reflects some of the day to day activities of Jack Tar. There has been changes to the title song which now the Royal Maries Band play, probably to do with copyright. In saying all that I have attached a link for anyone wishing to purchase. Also there are some clips from the show on You Tube. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004DYKEPU/ref=oss_product All the best Ian (Surfie) Richards 1963 LEEUWIN J/R?s Weekly News 23 January 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G?day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. Kev Uttley ? An update on Kev from Ken Fielding - have been talking to Larraine and she tells me that Kev has had some bad days, having difficulty breathing and they think he may have a chest infection, so here?s hoping he gets over that pretty quick. I also told Larraine that I am here to help with the pension claim form. Rgds Ken F Huskisson Function 10 February ? The format - dinner in the bistro booked for 1830 ? eat from the general menu. Dress Neat Casual. There will be a service commemorating the VOYAGER sailors who perished on the 10 Feb 64. Attending, Russ and Georgina Nelson, Mick Gallagher, John and Lyn Hatchman, Tony and Robyn Gawne, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Spook Cairns, Doug and Trish Wilson, Glen Butler, Schubes Schubert, Jock and Dorothy McGregor, Sandy and Jan Powell, Tom and Carol Kinross, Warren French and myself. Apologies, Ken Railton, Sandy and Rhonda Michels, Mike Hogan. Haven?t heard from Brissles and Lou Lassau, Peter Sutton, Gordon and Robin Duncan, Bill and Narelle Hay or Phil and Denise Longdon ? they either attended or offered apologies at last year?s function. MILDURA REUNION ? When I was in Perth at the Memorial Service, each and every 63 JR I spoke to was going to attend the Mildura Reunion this year in late October early November ? so far the acceptances have been a little slow. Please let me know, if you are a ?yes? ?no? or ?maybe?. Rick and Lea Avey you may recall were in a van park in Brisbane during the recent floods, they have produced another episode to their travel blog ? have a look - The Aveys on the Road Rowing Photos ? further comment from Jock McGregor ? Looking at the old rowing photos, I was in the crew of July?63, these are the fourth and sixth photos, the crew is Bow Don Churchward 2 The only person I haven?t got a name for , sorry 3. D. Girvan 4. Phillip O?Meara 5. H.J. Foot 6. Danny Kay 7. Myself ( Jock McGregor) Stroke Rodney King Cox G.McGuiness Coach Lindsay Wallis Fremantle Rowing Club, this crew raced in the state eight?s, the day we left Leeuwin at end of term. On the race from Fremantle to Perth, we got as far as the old Swan Brewery and sunk in choppy waters, great time by all. Jock McGregor jbrewer4@bigpond.com Also this week Commentary on DFRDB fair indexation bill _Final Version (Attached)Click here to download this file Queensland TPI Travel Pass (Attached)Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Cheers Ron SUBJECT INFORMATION TO HELP QUEENSLAND VETERANS ACCESS FLOOD SUPPORT Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List Thursday, 13 January 2011 VA002 The Minister for Veterans? Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today reiterated that information is readily available to help Queensland veterans affected by flooding, access support and financial assistance. ?The Queensland veteran community can access information on insurance, payments and counselling and I encourage those in flooded areas to take advantage of these services as soon as possible,? Mr Snowdon said. ?Widespread flooding is taking its toll across extensive parts of Queensland, and with more than 61,000 veterans living in the State, we know that a number will be affected. ?Veterans who have had property damaged by the floods and are insured with Defence Service Homes Insurance are encouraged to contact 1300 552 662 to make a claim.? To date 112 claims for assistance have been received by Defence Service Homes Insurance (as at 13/1/2011). These numbers are expected to grow in the coming weeks as people return to their properties. ?Veterans and their families in need of emotional support or counselling can contact The VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service 24 hours a day on 1800 011 046,? Mr Snowdon said. Mr Snowdon also reassured the Queensland veteran community that there would be no interruption to Department of Veterans? Affairs services. ?Although we closed the Brisbane offices this week for the safety of our staff, services for Queensland Department of Veterans? Affairs clients will continue.? o Accessing your usual Department of Veterans? Affairs payments ? call DVA to discuss your circumstances. Call 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (regional callers). o Veterans? Affairs Network (VAN) offices ? to contact your local office about any queries or concerns you may have regarding DVA services and support, or if you need help connecting with local support networks in your area call 1300 55 1918. An Australian Government disaster recovery payment is available to eligible residents in Queensland. Further assistance is available through Disaster Relief and Recovery QLD (www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/initiatives/disaster_recovery/index.aspx) Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 Department of Veterans? Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203 ________________________________________ SUBJECT VETERANS HOME MAINTENANCE LINE The Veterans? Home Maintenance Line (VHML) is a toll free telephone service for members of the Veteran Community which: ? Provides advice on general home maintenance matters; ? Provides local referral to reliable and efficient tradespeople with appropriate qualifications, and both professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover; ? Provides 24 hour access for emergency repairs; ? Offers a home inspection service to identify current or possible future maintenance problems and is available during weekdays in business hours; and ? Provides links to Government subsidised services where possible. Who is eligible? VHML is available to all members of the Veteran Community. Who pays for the service? The advice or referral for home maintenance is free, but you are required to pay for any work undertaken by the tradesperson, including any call out fee. You are also required to pay for the home inspection service. Follow up The VHML staff may contact you after the work has been completed to ask whether you are completely satisfied with the service that was arranged. How to apply? It?s easy! Just ring 1800 80 1945 and ask for home maintenance advice or a referral to a tradesperson. Preventing Falls Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing. Most falls can be prevented. One in three people aged 65 and over report falling at least once each year. ? One quarter of these people sustain significant injuries and 5% sustain a fracture (usually humerus, wrist, hip or pelvis). ? Strength and balance exercise has shown to reduce falls by older people. ? Falls and accidents are a key factor in causing otherwise avoidable admissions to hospital. HomeFront is a falls and accident prevention program available for all Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) gold and white card holders. A free HomeFront assessment is available each year and the department makes a financial contribution towards the cost of recommended items and modifications. HomeFront aims to maintain the health and independence of the veteran community and reduce potential medical and hospital costs by reducing the incidence of falls and accidents in and around the home. Following the home assessment, DVA will make a financial contribution, currently $203, towards the cost of recommended aids and minor home modifications that will reduce the risk of falls and accidents. The recommended minor home modifications and/or aids and appliances are generally low cost items such as the provision of non slip treatment on steps or floors or extra lighting. The HomeFront assessor also provides information about local community and Government services that are available to assist veterans and war widows to remain living in their own home for as long as possible. A HomeFront assessment can be arranged by telephoning 1800 80 1945. There are currently around 272 000 Australian veterans that are eligible for the HomeFront program. More information, including interesting statistics, are available on DVA's website - http://www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/health_programs/homefront/Pages/intro.aspx SUBJECT NAVAL AND FAMILY HISTORY UPDATE As the centenary of World War 1 approaches, Naval-History.Net is concentrating on this important period in world history: New to Naval-History.Net from the 1914-20 editions of the London Gazette - Royal Navy and British Army despatches, including Gallipoli and the HMAS Sydney action, and Royal Navy Honours and Gallantry Awards from Albert Medal to Victoria Cross, via Order of the Bath, DSO, DSC, MC, CGM, DCM, DSM, MM, Mentions, etc. These include all Australian naval awards Old Weather update - This University of Oxford/Citizen's Science Alliance project is collecting weather and naval information from the logbooks of 280 British warships around World War 1 - including HMAS Fantome, Parramatta, Sydney, Una and Warrego. It will be used to help climate modelers, as well as naval and family historians. 37 percent of the logbooks have now been transcribed, a total of 293,593 pages. Anyone can take part by visiting OldWeather.org You can now find Naval-History.Net on Facebook Regards Gordon Smith Naval-History.Net 17 Norris Close, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 2QW, UK Tel: 029-20636953 or 07590070038 1963 LEEUWIN J/R?s Weekly News 16 January 2011 www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm G?day and Welcome, Hope all is well on the home front. What a week; floods in the Eastern States and fire in the West. Have received further emails of support for the Queensland floods: Hi Ron, we have beds for at least 6 people here in Hervey Bay. we don't have a flood problem but food is a bit short. I can be contacted on 0412085451. Cheers, Robyn Gawne Have also received emails from those affected: Col and Liz Yench - Yeah we are fine thanks Ron, we are about 15k`s from any water trouble, just on standby to help our girls if they strike problems, but so far all is good Col Rick and Lea Avey - Thanks Ron ? we are now more or less under control (as much as we ever are). We have been able to move back into the caravan park and were never in any danger, just a little inconvenience. Our thoughts and prayers go to all the other poor souls who have lost so much. Love Lea & Rick Kev Uttley ? An update on Kev from Ken Fielding - Ron, Just a quick update on Kevin, There has not been much change of late, but there have not been any set backs so that?s a good thing, but he is in good spirits and is hanging in and still has a positive attitude. Cheers Ken F Huskisson Function 10 February ? Attending, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Spook Cairns, Doug and Trish Wilson, Glen Butler, Schubes Schubert, Jock McGregor, Sandy and Jan Powell, Tom and Carol Kinross, Warren French and myself. Who else intends to attend? Malaya Pingat Medal ? Service Pension - You may recall the article last week. I must express thanks to Jim Bush who worked for DVA in Perth for putting so much effort into an article . He has been good enough to assist us by forwarding DVA info to balance the contents of the previous advice: His initial reaction and concern was in relation to the context of the wording that indicated, and could be interpreted by some people that Service Pension eligibility would be dependent on receiving a partial DVA Pension of 50% disability or higher, and will bring them to 100% for entitlement for a Gold Card, which is not correct. Jim offered me the opportunity to edit the information ? It is forwarded as received. Hi Rugby, I was interested to read the article below regarding the Malaya Pingat Medal issued to Navy Veterans and its relationship with eligibility for Service Pension and Gold Card. I have a few comments to make and questions to raise which I think need to be clarified with regard to the comment made in the message below, requiring payment of a partial Disability Pension of 50% or more to be eligible for Service Pension. Comments My understanding of the eligibility required for Service Pension from DVA relates specifically to Qualifying Service having been rendered by a veteran pursuant to the provisions set out in Section 7A(Qualifying Service) of the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA). Where this is the case, and this service has been determined and accepted by DVA then there are no pre-conditions required for the Service Pension, such as having to receive a partial Disability Pension at 50% or higher which will bring them to 100% to receive a Gold Card. Also, there is no guarantee that a recipient of a Disability Pension at 50% or above will be successful in the future of reaching 100% disability to qualify them for the Gold Card under the conditions related to receiving a Disability Pension at 100% of the General Rate of Disability Pension. On the contrary; The only limitations placed on the entitlement to be granted a Service Pension to an eligible veteran is subject to satisfying the threshold limits set out in the Income and Assets Test for Service Pension, and is not dependent on receiving a partial Disability Pension. The eligibility for a Gold Card under the 50% or higher rate of Disability Pension provision, is dependent on being eligible for Service Pension, and receiving any amount of Service Pension, and not the other way round as indicated in the message below. Questions Is DVA saying that they are recognising the Malaya Pingat Medal under a different provision in the VEA that relates specifically to Campaign Medals, and it is different to that relating to Qualifying Service, as set out in Section 7A(1)(iii) of the VEA. If so, are they saying the provisions and conditions relating to Campaign Medals under the VEA are different for Service Pension and Gold Card eligibility. Is DVA going to say that recognition of the Malaya Pingat Medal as a Campaign Medal will attract Service Pension eligibility only, and will not attract entitlement to a Gold Card at age 70 for veterans with post World War 2 Qualifying Service and Service Pension eligibility. I would be surprised if this is the case, as this would be inconsistent within the provisions of the VEA and apply different qualification criteria for Service Pension and Gold Card eligibility for Qualifying Service and Campaign Medals. Summary I could be wrong and will stand corrected. However my view is that the Australian Government may have extended the level of service for Navy veterans who served on ships in the conflict that qualified them for the Malaya Pingat Medal from the Malayan Government, and has accepted it as a Campaign Medal and, in doing so has extended the level of service from Operational Service to Qualifying Service under the VEA. As a consequence of this, Service Pension eligibility and the associated eligibility conditions that apply for a Gold Card, will apply to these veterans granted Service Pension. Bearing in mind, the extension of eligibility for Qualifying Service should also invoke another special condition to flow on that applies to all veterans with Qualifying Service involved in post-World War 2 conflicts. This is, they will be issued a Gold Card at age 70, irrespective of whether they receive a Service Pension or not, and have not already been issued a Gold Card under the Low Income Threshold Limits and Service Pension, Service Pension and Disability Pension at the 50% or higher rate, Disability Pension at the 100% rate or a TPI Pension at the special rate. I am sure the RSL and Ex-Service Organisations would not accept veterans who have been issued Campaign Medals and/or have rendered Qualifying Service, should be treated any different with regard to eligibility for Service Pension and Gold Card entitlements. Hope I haven?t created a monster with this, and any comments would be welcome. Cheers Jim Rowing Photos ? they are in the ?photo?s page? on the web site. Spike Jones who was Cox of a boat sent the following: Hello I remember being Cox of one of the JR rowing crews and my best recollection is that it would have been the 1964 crew under possibly Lt Railton. I will be interested to hear of anyone else's memory and to see any photos. Cheers Spike (Ron) Jones Does anybody else have any photos? I have received some comments on the movie ?Hearts of Oak? made in LEEUWIN in 63. Have contacted Bill Krause who may have a copy. He is in the process of ?having a look? and getting back to me. I will let you know when it comes to hand. Also this week DVA Factsheets DFRDB and DFRDB Bill (Attached)Click here to download this file QLD Rail Concessions (Attached X2)Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Cheers Ron SUBJECT DVA FACT SHEETS 1963 LEEUWIN J/R?s Weekly News 9 January 2011 http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/factsheets/ 1963 http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page2.htm 9 Jan 2011 G?day and Welcome, Hope you and yours are well. We had a great Christmas, our daughter who lives overseas permanently, surprised us on Boxing Day by turning up on the doorstep. Hope you all had happy similar experiences. Kev Uttley?s illness is a sobering reminder of how fragile we all are. You may all remember Kev is the only bloke in our year who still looks the same as when he joined, I don?t think he has a grey hair or an age line in his head. Thank goodness for Gordon Stringer who was concerned enough to chase up a convoluted message he received. He contacted Kev?s wife Larraine and ascertained his condition. It?s great to see all who have either visited Kev in hospital or been instrumental in trying to organise some type of DVA assistance. Ken (KI) Fielding is leading the charge. Support for Kev has also come those around the SE QLD area and those visiting the area. Besides KI, Peewee Petherick and Vic Dzodz have been to see Kev. Jim Bush, David Low, Allan ?Tug? Wilson from Mildura, Jeff Wake and Ken Railton have all waded in with DVA and advocacy assistance. On behalf of all of the 63 JR?s thanks very much to all these blokes for their fantastic contribution to one of us. I will provide further updates on Kev?s condition as they arrive. Rod Hazell has forwarded an email stating that a movie was made at LEEUWIN when we were there. He is asking anybody who knows the title or has a copy to let him know. Please let me know also. Ken Railton has forwarded some photos of some of those who ?rowed? in 63 and 64 and a little bit of history. Makes interesting reading. This is a copy of his email. I will be putting the photos on the website in the next few days. Saying that there are some other new photos inserted of the 7th intake Mokare 2 in the ?photos? page. Ron, As promised here are the few pictures of the JR rowing crews that I have recently come across! There were two VIIIs one put together in early 1963 from the January intake ? I arrived in March or so and we got straight to it. That crew was, to the best of my recollection, some 47 years later: Bow Gabby (if I have it right!) Allen No2 Dick Geverding No3 Ross Fullarton No 4 Bongo Dibetta No 5 Tom Kinross No 6 Stalky Oliver No 7 Splewy Kropp Stroke Charlie Stewart (early discharge) Cox Peewee Petherick I know it is a sign of old age, but I cannot remember too many of the 1964 crew(in the PTI shirts), other than Hugh Foot who is in the No 5 seat. The faces are mostly familiar but that is as far as I can get. I also thought that Mick Horn, later topman and Captain S rowed 6 in this crew, but it doesn?t look like Mick to me. I think he was pulled out when he made topman. But I also think he later came back to rowing and I think he stroked the IV, but unfortunately I don?t have any pictures, nor can I remember if the IV was 1963 or 1964. Perhaps someone else can remember. Failing that if anyone has Mick?s contact info I will write to him myself! We were unique in that no other navy crews, as far as I can ascertain ever competed in any part of the national rowing association competition in Australia. The 1963 JR VIII won the Novice Eights Championship of WA that year, but I also think we did a lot more and even won a maiden eight championship, but I cannot remember which year. Pretty cool really when you think that the national eight oared championship (that the NSW crew that I was in, won in 1959), and known as the Kings Cup was presented to the AIF VIII for winning the Allied Forces championship at the Armistice Regatta at Henley on Thames in 1919. So this was the first time that any of the ADF had competed at any level after such an auspicious start! Ho hum, but we old blokes still get a kick from this stuff! Hope some of you young buggars do too! Cheers! KenR 10 February at Husky. Who is coming to this dinner function and dedication service on the 47th anniversary of the VOYAGER incident. For those who attended last year, all will attest they enjoyed the gathering. I will forward details as they come to hand. Please indicate your attendance ASAP. Also this week Malaya Pingat Medal ? SERVICE PENSION Floods and DVA Response DVA Website ? TOUCHBASE VOICEPIPE ? JAN 2011 Edition DFWA UPDATE (Attached) Scamming Again (Attached) Cheers Ron SUBJECT MALAYA PINGAT MEDAL ? SERVICE PENSION "Further to our phone conversation a few minutes ago I was advised by DVA this morning that any ex navy person who has been issued with the Malaya Pingat Medal which is now classified as a campaign medal is entitled to a service pension if they have a partial DVA pension related to disability 50% or over which will bring them to 100% with the Gold Card and free travel Hope this will assist many Regards Alan" SUBJECT FLOODS AND DVA RESPONSE Good morning I hope you are all well and wish you all the best for 2011. I wanted to give you an overview of how DVA is responding to the floods and also seek you assistance in letting us know of any members of the veteran community who may need assistance. We have a small coordination team headed by myself to ensure that our areas have their responses in place as well as to be best placed to respond to any issues. The other members of the team are Leanne Cameron, Director Client Access (you will remember Leanne from our last meeting) and Craig Gould. We are briefing the Commission daily and have also briefed the Minister. We also have a larger team group which covers all business areas to ensure that our business is coordinated because many of the issues do cross business lines. This team is meeting every few days but also have input into and receive daily updates. We have a single point of contact with Centrelink as they are on the ground in the Recovery Centres. We have analysed the numbers of veterans in the areas most affected which is about 11,000. However only around 215 of these are currently in the claims or review process. We are managing decisions and mailouts so that we are not giving any additional burdens to people who are affected. We are also aware that there may need to be temporary acceptance of proof of identify or replacement of lost documents. Defence Services Housing Insurance Services has assessed the number of possible claimants from the flood areas and have the assessors ready to go into locations once given the go ahead from the local authorities. We are aware that aids and appliances may have been lost or damaged and again have processes in place for priority replacement. At this time of year there is not generally much elective surgery but again we are aware of where there are travel bookings and have put in place alternative arrangements where needed. VVCS is available for counselling and have checked that counsellors are on board and available. This is not the definitive list but wanted to give you an overall summary of where at and what we are doing. There are now individual cases emerging and I encourage you to let your members know that they should ring the Department so we can do whatever we can to assist. Alison Stanley Deputy Commissioner Queensland Department of Veterans' Affairs Telephone 07 32238737 Fax 07 32238304 alison.stanley@dva.gov.au SUBJECT TOUCHBASE ? DVA WEBSITE This is the address of the new Touchbase DVA website. Recommend you have a look at it and pass it on to others http://www.touchbase.gov.au SUBJECT VOICEPIPE ? JAN 2011 EDITION Hello Junior Recruit members Please visit the Reunion Website www.jrsreunion.org --- Go to the Index [main] page for the latest information on the website and down load the first edition of Voice Pipe for 2011. We trust that you like what you see. We will keep you up to ?speed? in the very near future Cheers for now To you and your families please have a very Happy New Year Kind regards Tingira Committee SUBJECT VIETNAM VETERANS FAMILY STUDY Hello, Please find attached a letter from the Chair of the Vietnam Veterans' Family Study, Major General Mark Kelly AO, updating you on the progress of the Study. If you have any questions please either respond to this email address (health.study@dva.gov.au) or ring the Family Study Team on 1800 502 302. Regards, Family Study Program Team Department of Veterans' Affairs Telephone: 1800 502 302 E-mail: health.study@dva.gov.au SUBJECT NATIONAL ARCHIVES Future cabinet papers will be released after 20 years, instead of 30 years, following legislation by federal parliament last year The National Archives is phasing in the change by releasing two years' documents each year for the next 10 years. The cabinet records are on the National Archives website www.naa.gov.au from today. Click on the 'collection' tab the 'explore' then 'cabinet'. The documents are also available at the National Archives reading room in Canberra from Tuesday. For 1981, titles of documents are on the National Archives website. Requests for the documents can be made via RecordsSearch on the National Archives website or by contacting the Archives through ref@naa.gov.au or 1300 866 881. The website will post selected documents from 1981 during this year. Have fun! Veteranweb Network raypayne@veteranweb.asn.au