Gallery Previous Years
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Table of Contents
2021
March
General Meeting 8 March
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, our first meeting for the year was not held until Monday 8 March 2021. We had a large crowd with over 80 staying for a meal of Cottage Pie and Vegetables.
The meeting opened with a Homage focussed on the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Australian Air Force. A busy agenda included congratulations to Rob Sweet on him being award an OAM for his service and commitment to the RSL.
It was most pleasing to see the meeting well attended by our valuable WW2 Veterans.
Aviation Heritage Museum 12 March.
On Friday 12 March, our members paid a visit to the Aviation Heritage Museum at the Air Force Memorial Estate in Bullcreek. A couple of hours were spent inspecting the collection with Guides provided by the R.A.A.F. Association. The tour was followed by Lunch (at our members expense), and although Paul McGuinness, our Social Activities Coordinator, eventually received his Chicken Pie, all agreed that it was a resounding success.
A highly recommended visit and lunch
ANZAC HOUSE Lunch Friday 26 March
On Friday 26 March a group went to ANZAC House for Lunch and a Tour of the building.
The lunch was Roast Pork with a Pint of Beer or drink of choice. Some opted for an alternative choice, but overall was an excellent meal and venue. It is highly recommended.
Following the meal we were given a tour of the building venues, all having great views over Government House Garden.
We also had a glimpse of the services suites – consisting of medical, treatment and vital support services . Very impressive and when fully functional will be able to provide much needed support and services to our veterans.
Well Done That RSLWA
April
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day this year involved significant organisation by Barry Lloyd and his whole team, due to the uncertaintly and restrictions as a result of Covid-19. However, the Sub-Branch had come through and was prepared for a most successful Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast.
The City of Stirling published a video on Youtube advertising this important event, and can be seen on this LINK
ANZAC Day 2021 was cancelled due to a Covid-19 Lockdown over the ANZAC weekend. All those Members who dedicated their time in the organisation for this day of commemoration deserve the highest praise from our Sub-Branch.
The Stirling Times published a two page spread on 22nd April involving Geoff Pope, Wayne Koch and Peta Connolly, representing three generations of Veterans from our Sub-Branch. This can be read on this Link
Reporter Lucy Jarvis and Photographer David Bayliss did a great job and were true professionals in getting their story and photographs.
These Copyright photos have been supplied courtesy of The West Australian Newspapers, and may not be reproduced. The generosity of The West in providing these photos is very much appreciated. Our thanks to Syndication Administrator Melissa Hayward.
Dawn 25 April 2021
The North Beach War Memorial with Flags at Half Mast and Wreaths. It was a stiring sight as the sun rose.
A small group of 6 Police Officers were there, paying their silent tribute in the early morning light, along with some community members.
Lest We Forget
May
Rob Sweet
Our esteemed Member Rob Sweet receiving his Certificate from Dawn Palm and Ross Daniels of Karrinyup Rotary recognising his nomination for the Michael Chin Humanitarian Award. Rob was nominated for his outstanding contribution to the North Beach RSL, Veterans and their families over a number of years. Although Rob did not win the Award, our Congratulations to him for his ongoing contribution.
Perth Mint 14 May
On a fine chill in the air day 27 intrepid Members bussed to the Perth Mint for a tour.
A guided tour of this historic building proved to be well worth while. It was made most interesting listening to the history of the building, gold development in Western Australia, and seeing a gold pour.
All members came away empty handed, but were more than happy after a top class Lunch at the Grosvenor.
Another great day thanks to SAC Paul McGuinness.
June
Darwin
After nearly two years of planning and the 2020 Tour being cancelled because of Covid, 40 Members took off for their Tour of Duty of Darwin from 4th to 11th June 2021. This well planned and executed tour focussed on Darwin and surrounds and its military related history from WW2 to present day. Areas toured included Adelaide River, WW2 Airfields, Humpty Doo, Litchfield National Park, Darwin Aviation Museum, WW2 Storage Tunnels, Robertson Barracks and many more.
Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021
Other Awards
Rob Sweet was presented with Life membership
Wayne Koch was presented with his 50 Year Certificate
Des Pryce was unable to attend our June Meeting, but was presented with his 50 year Membership Certificate
Don Ranford was unable to attend our June Meeting, but was presented with his 50 year Membership Certificate
Lindsay Williams was unable to attend our June Meeting, but was presented with his 50 year Membership Certificate.
July
A Plaque for Bertie Beaumont was unveiled on The Wall of Remembrance on Friday 23 July, followed by a farewell at the North Beach Bowling Club
August
On 9th August 2021 our General Meeting and Annual General Meeting was attended by over 120 Members. See About Us on This Link for our Executive and Committee Members
Army Museum of Western Australia
40 Members visited the Army Museum of Westsern Australian on Friday 12th August, followed by a feed of Fish and Chips at Ciccerello’s overlooking The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
North Beach Tigers
The Sub Branch were welcomed by the North Beach Tigers Football Club to join them in a belated Anzac Day Match Ceremony which was cancelled due to covid restriction earlier in the year. A very successful day. Not only because of the Tigers’ victory, but the mutual respect between the Sub Branch and the Football Club.
September
September General Meeting
The September General Meeting was well attended as usual, and the additional guests made it an action packed event. We had:
- Royce Spencer and Doug Simson from RSLWA delivering an update on ANZAC House / Veterans Central, as well as the Jarrahdale property.
- Attendance of Karen Caddy from City of Stirling & Tony Krsticevic
- Presentation from Life Live it, Occupational Therapy with Linda, Hannah, Ariel & Abi running through their services and available products to make life much easier. (Suite 101, 112 Scarborough Beach road, Mt Hawthorn WA 6016 9201 0705 www.lifeliveit.net.au)
The Irish Scene
Volume 23 Issue 5 published September 2021 thanks to Bob O’Connor. A really good write up about our Sub-Branch. Link
Bush Bash 2021
Organised by Rip Couston, 15 Members of the 4×4 group with 8 vehicles set off on the 26th September 2021 for this year’s bash. The trip was planned to take 12 to 14 days to conquer the David Carnegie Track just out of Tjukayirla Roadhouse on the Great Central Rd, then the Gunbarrel Hwy down to Wiluna with bush camping along the way, including a stop at Karalee Rock, a site out of Laverton. Well done Rip.
October
October General Meeting
Di Hornby of the Fremantle Army Museum presenting the Sub-Branch, on behalf of herself and husband Allan Hornby, with a rare Photo of Western Australian raised 12 Battalion. The photo was taken prior to the Battalion’s deployment to Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
Popular retiring Counsellor Karen Caddy from the City of Stirling with Peter Edwards.
President John Rolfe, Jimmie Muscat and the Team from REVIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY. Revive specialise in Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy
For More Info how Revive may help you – See THIS LINK
Veterans’ Health Week
Veterans’ Health Week is always supported by the Sub-Branch, and this year it was walks along the Bibbulmun Track from Mundaring and a guided walk through the bush tracks of Araluen Botanic Park. These were designed to cater for the capability of participants and our qualified First Aid Members were present to provide support if it was needed. The weather on both days was fine, and ideal for a walk.
.Outcome
Veterans’ Health week provided the Sub-Branch with an opportunity for members to do something different and experience Perth’s bush environment, whilst building teamwork. Both walks were followed by a light lunch, at members expense, and a relaxing return home.
The outcome for our Sub-Branch in undertaking the broad range of activities is improved teamwork and understanding amongst members, the opportunity to have shared experiences and breaking down of barriers so asking for help, if needed, is the norm.
For those Members who are unable to participate, we ensure that they are kept “in the loop” by continuous communication, newsletters and personal visits just to see how they are, and whether they need a hand.
It is the initiative of the Department of Veteran Affairs in supporting veterans’ health and Sub-Branch activities and events that contribute to an effective and cohesive Sub-Branch, member health and wellbeing.
Bibbulmun Track
Forty members bussed to Mundaring Weir on October 22nd for a walk across the Weir, and on the Bibbulmun Track. Members made their way along part of the Track at their own pace in groups and enjoyed the bush and wildflowers out in bloom. It provided our members with an appreciation of the Bibbulmun Track, one of the most challenging walks in Australia
Araluen Botanic Park
Thirty members made their way to Araluen by bus and were greeted by the Park’s Tour Guides. Following a briefing on the history of Araluen, all members were lead through bush tracks into the heart and around the perimeter of the Park. The walk consisted of rough tracks that took in all types of terrain and provided participants with a great understanding of the Park and the surrounding district. Those members who were unable to undertake the whole walk, were lead on an alternative walk designed for individual capability.
November
KINGS PARK POPPIES
A group of our members were at the Kings Park memorial planting Poppies for Remembrance Day – Well Done
Jack Meyer’s Funeral Service
The Funeral Service for Jack was held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in North Beach on Tuesday 9th Novemeber. Jack died at 97. Refer to Members / Members Stories for Jack’s Story
Remembrance Day
Annual Christmas Lunch
The Christmas Lunch this Year was held at the Hillarys Yacht Club. It was a packed house with Members and their partners in attendance to enjoy the offerings. Legs of Ham were the raffle prize along with hand made quilts.
All Members and their partners, along with honoured guests, all enjoyed the lunch and company.
Well done Paul McGuinness and his team in organising this event.
It was really pleasing to see such a broad representation of our membership
December
2020
Our events and Tours that were planned for 2020 were impacted by Covid19. HOWEVER, planning quickly got underway for the remainder of the year, and also for 2021.
When restrictions eased, our Sub-Branch dusted off the cobwebs and participated in activities.a;sp for
August Meeting – AGM
Trevor McEntyre
At our Annual General Meeting Trevor McEntyre took over the reigns from Rob Sweet as Secretary.
Bill Fielding – WW2 Veteran
Bill receiving his Medallion from Vince Connelly MP
At our August meeting, a much deserved award was presented to well respected member Bill Fielding, WW2 veteran aged a young 96. Bill served on early Radar Stations in New Guinea. Vince Connelly MP, Federal Member for Stirling and Member of our Sub Branch, presented Bill with an Australia Remembers 1939 – 1945 Medallion on behalf of the Federal Government and a Grateful Nation.
Rob Sweet – Certificate of Appreciation from RSLWA
Rob receiving Certificate from President John Rolfe
After many years as Secretary Rob was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for the years he has dedicated to the Sub-Branch. The Certificate read; “Your years of dedication and outstanding service to the North Beach Sub-Branch. Your continuous service to your Sub-Branch is in the finest tradition of the RSL”
September – October
Peer Health
On 9 September, the First Aid Course and Requalification was held at Hillarys Yacht Club for all our First Aiders.
Four Wheel Drive Tour
19 Members in 11 4×4 Vehicles set off on the 27th Sept for a 10 day camping tour to the gold fields taking in Paynes Find, Sandstone, Lake Mason Homestead, then cutting back along the Barlee – Youanmi Rd to Karalee Rock – finishing at the Nungarin Military Museum before heading home. The camaraderie of this Sub-Branch is “Alive and Well” in the Bush, as it is in the City.
Terry Healy
At our monthly meeting of 12 October, Terry Healy received his Certificate from President John Rolfe, on behalf of RSLWA, for his achievement of 50 years of Membership. Well done that man.
November
Legacy Camp Busselton – Roger Hardwicke
Roger Hardwicke’s Legacy Camp Maintenance Tour of Duty was held from 2 November to 6 November, and once again our Members who made their time available made a valuable effort in maintaining this Legacy gem. Our Sub Branch’s contribution to Legacy by maintaining its Busselton Camp is a most worthy and satisfying cause.
Remembrance Day 11 November
Remembrance Day was well attended by Members of our Sub-Branch, members of the community, and local school children. Following the Service Wreaths were laid and Plaques in our Wall of Remembrance were unveiled for Louis Warner, Abel Seaman HMAS Kanimbla; Peter Woodward, L/Cpl. RAASC; Arthur Cressall and Robert Bowers, both LAC’s RAAF. We Will Rember Them.
Opening of ANZAC House Veteran Central
Our President John Rolfe and Rob Sweet attended the opening of the new ANZAC House Veteran Central. Our President was in demand for photo opportunities.
Christmas at Hillarys Yacht Club
On Thursday 26 November our Sub-Branch hosted a Christmas Lunch at the Hillarys Yacht Club. Once again, this year was well attended by members and guests, and a special thanks must go to organiser Peter Edwards, MC Jon McKenzie, and Prize Coordinator Paul McGuinness.
A wide variety of prizes were donated for the raffle which was conducted by our MC, and ably assisted by member Vince Connelly MP.
President John Rolfe presented Wayne Koch with the trophy of Member of the Year for his work “behind the scenes” and assisting with the smooth management of our Sub-Branch.
December
President John Rolfe took a small group of our WW2 veterans and others to ANZAC House Veteran Central for Lunch, and a good time was had by these young fellows.
Our last meeting of the year was held on Monday 14 December and was attended by nearly 140 members. This was an excellent turnout and was followed by a very good meal of Green Chicken and Vegetable Curry and Rice.
The meeting was a successful wind up to a difficult year, as a result of restrictions caused by Covid 19, and all members should be proud of their support to our Sub-Branch.
As a Sub-Branch we look forward to a better and more active 2021.
2019
2019 was a busy year for special events, and all activities were well organised and attended.
March
Geraldton Tour
April
Gallipoli Run Kings Park
ANZAC Day
June
Visit to Fremantle Prison
July
Police Academy Visit
Quiz Night at the North Beach Bowling Club
August
Long Tan Movie showing
September
Submarine Tour Fremantle courtesy of Roger Hardwicke
October
Rottnest Island Luncheon Day Tour
Legacy Camp Clean Up Busselton
Outback 4 Wheel Drive
November
Remembrance Day
Christmas Lunch
