MEETING OPENED at 17:00, President John Rolfe welcomed, 109 members and recited the Ode.
HOMAGE for September.
I take a moment to remind us of events from September in Australia’s military history.
On 2 September 2008, the Battle of Khas Oruzgan occurred when a combined Australian, American, and Afghan patrol was ambushed by up to 200 Taliban fighters near the village of Khas Oruzgan. The battle was one of the most intense for Australian forces since the Vietnam war at the time.
The battle lasted over nine hours resulting in 1 American killed, 9 Australians and 1 American wounded, and the explosives detection dog Sarbi missing. Between 20 – 80 Taliban lost their lives.
The story of this battle and the aftermath is well worth reading, especially the account by SAS sniper Rob Maylor regarding the Dutch military controversy, the wounding of Sgt Troy Simmons, and the actions of then Trooper, Mark Donaldson.
The dog Sarbi was subsequently found some 14 months later and on 5 April 2011 was awarded an RSPCA Purple Cross Award at the Australian War Memorial.
Also, 14 September is National Peacekeepers’ Day. It’s the anniversary of the day Australia became the world’s first peacekeepers to deploy into the field, in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1947. Since then tens of thousands of Australians have served as members of a peacekeeping force, and 16 lost their lives.
Funeral for our Esteemed Member Ken McHarrie was held Friday 1st of September, well attended by our members who provided a Honour Guard and recited the Ode.
Members Toasted Absent Friends.
APOLOGIES – 47 noted by the Secretary by RSVP emails and advised in the register recorded by attending members. Many thanks.
NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS / GUESTS…. Nil advised this meeting.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
Minutes of 14th August, having been available by email, website, and hard copy, considered as read.
Moved by Helen Burgess and Seconded by Tony Filardi, that “the Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted”.
Business arising as below and actioned as appropriate in Committee Reports.
Noted, All in Favour & Carried.
Secretary again reminds old & new members that easy access to current and recent minutes, our By-Laws and Annexure, social events, community involvement, Welfare links, your Executive contacts and more, are readily available via our website: Welcome to North Beach RSL Sub-Branch – North Beach RSL Sub-Branch (northbeach-rsl.asn.au)
CORRESPONDENCE IN AND OUT
Includes – Pending/ReciprocalAgenda items included below from our Executive Management meeting of Friday 8 September 2023.
- RSLWA Sub-Branch Signal and associated information updates, Listening Post, broadcast items of interest, communicated to RSLWA our14th Aug 2023 AGM – Positions of Secretary and Treasurer now dealt with.
- Request from Secretary to RSLWA to correct an issue with RSLWA provided emails. This has since been corrected.
- Our informative September Newsletter, including comprehensive details of “DVA” Hospitalisation and Medical Services, subject to individual circumstances. Refer to
Blog – North Beach RSL Sub-Branch (northbeach-rsl.asn.au)
- Insurance: Invoice Pending.
- 2024 Anzac Costs Estimate submitted – $37785 for Lotterywest Grant/Pending.
- Annual Financial Statement to RSLWA by 31/10/23 remains Pending.
- ABC TV 3-part Series entitled “Our Vietnam War” remains available on ABC Iview,
- Books related to the above being donated from DVA received and are available: “Vietnam Our War Our Peace” and “Veterans Stories Vietnam.”
Refer to Committee Reports.– for Business arising from Correspondence
Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters. Moved by Keith Jones and Seconded by Colin Benporath. Carried
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer David Potter provided a comprehensive Cash at Bank Report of our monthly finances and provided a copy for each table. An explanation of financial transactions and account balances was provided, as we implement the Financial Review Guidelines as per correspondence.
- Bank Account consolidations and processes in line with the Review is proceeding well.
Some Annual Memberships OVERDUE, & $15 N.B.B.C. Social Memberships now due. Allows us to use these premises with limited overheads. Check with Treasurer and Management Committee.
Business Arising – Nil. Moved by Peter Hodgson and Seconded by Arthur Greaves, that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”. Carried.
Presentation of Motion:
That all new members onwards from our AGM 14 August 2023, be given the option of a free North Beach RSLWA Sub-Branch Shirt, Badge, and Cap.
“Option” is to be taken up as soon as convenient after joining and attendance at a meeting or advice to the Secretary or Treasurer, including details and measurements required.
After opening comments, it was agreed to suspend the above consideration to next GM pending the President’s discussion with RSLWA that such proposed “Welcome Pack” action is not in breach of RSLWA and National Constitution.
Noted, All in Favour & Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Welfare: Greg Gough, Updates, fairly positive due to change in weather promoting rehab and wellbeing. Keep up the good work and for up-to-date info contact Greg on 0417 911 173.
Maud Bown nearing 100. Arrangements in place to recognise her centenary.
Stay Safe All.
Remembrance Day and Poppy Day Appeal Peter Hodgson PB 0410 603 061
More volunteers to signup again for venues which are nearing confirmation. Important for welfare work continuing RSL Australia wide. EFTPOS Square training in hand, also after the Saturday Service refreshments will be provided at the North Beach Bowling Club.
Many thanks to Ruth Raspa for production of a variety of knitted Poppies to be available at our “Poppy Day” sites, recommended $5 donation.
Anzac Day 2024 Peter Bowring advised that all proceeding well, but to be aware of shrinking time line.
Peer Health. Helen Burgess advised details re RSL Service Women’s’ Sub-Branch Sundowner on 29 September at Anzac House.
Also, RSL Active reiterated for activities in addition but separate to ours. Many Thanks Helen.
Wayne Koch reported:
- That the October Veterans Health Week proposed activities is likely to be Wednesday 11 October, Jarrahdale Transitional Centre. Hopefully supported by a successful $720 Grant. “Mental Health and Well-Being” theme, liaison including DVA Joanne Maclean/Megan Davidson Buddy-Up. And Open Arms Courses continue Online.
- Peter Hodgson advised volunteer list is ready for Poppy Day venues 9th and 10th November, Rail venues and other established venues awaiting responses. Assistance with Squares and Card Payment facility training and other preparations proceeding.
- Graham Edwards spoke at the Sandakan Service, Kings Park, on Sunday 20 August. Executive and members attended, and we laid a Wreath. Greatly acknowledged by Memorial Custodians, Carine Senior High School.
- Flag Marshall – Rob Sweet National Flag Day. Refer to our website homepage for outstanding photograph and detail of its significance.
Website/Plaques — Administration
Brian Jennings advised that:
- Website is being updated continuously with new links provided on the Homepage to assist members with welfare and estate planning issues.
- Contributions acknowledged, but more encouraged but be aware of production deadlines.
Social Activities and Events: ….. “Participate as Convenient”
- Paul McGuinness advised that: Chidlows Walk 25/10 now cancelled due to priority now for Veterans – Health week as below. Reminder, $20 for Buses, pay for own lunch, unless BBQ arranged.
- Spaces are available for the Wed 27/9, 10am Tour of Government House, followed by Lunch at 12.30. 20% Discount at the ANZAC Club.
- Jon McKenzie provided 4WD Update 24/9. Contact Jon McKenzie/ Lez Young, ready to rumble.
- Update as above, also now Veterans Health Week, Jarrahdale Transitional Centre 11 October.
- Doug Mann advised Long Tan Service was held on Friday 18 August with many of our members attending this important annual recognition. Recommended.
- Legacy Camp Busselton 15-21 October, to register see Home – Disaster Relief Australia or Secretary, Wayne Koch, 0407 478 963.
- Hobart 2024 Tour of Duty, 40 with wait list. Date of next $500 instalments end November & Feb 24. Travellers keep Paul informed.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
David Lewis advised important reference to Canberra War Memorial and other services he attended, 50th Anniversary and other matters. Importantly, Agent Orange disability recognition fully achieved, to enquire, or proceed with lapsed claims please make contact for Advocacy advice as per Welfare report. Many thanks David.
General from the floor matters inserted to above committee reports.
MEETING CLOSED – 1758hrs.
NEXT MEETING GM – Monday –9th October 2023 at 17.00
109 attended this meeting, with 68 members paying for meals. Thanks again to our Gate Sentries Kaye MacNeall, Jim Muscat. and Bill Kynaston.
Dinner Arrangements –Ladies and Older Veterans were given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Lashing serve of Shepherd’s Pie, Peas and Gravy, bedeviled by your beautly buttered breads.
Thanks go to our Trolley Guns, Stewie Young, Peter Dales and Trevor Beegan, and serving and clean up members Gorddard, Dwyer, Robinson, McGrath, the bread crew of Edwick et al, and microphone courier Jon McKenzie
Also our fresh Raffle Warden David King, and Winners Russell Cooper, Barry Lloyd (donated back), and Grumpy Graeme Connor. Well played.
Note from Secretary, 0407 478 963:
Members are advised that details of the Joondalup Hub are on our website, along with other providers of Advocacy support.
Joondalup Hub is contactable 24/7 on 0437 378 498.