Minutes General Meeting 14 August 2023

MEETING OPENED at 17:35, President John Rolfe welcomed, 113 members and recited the Ode.

HOMAGE FOR AUGUST

I take a moment to remind us of events from Australia’s military history.

On 15 August 1945 Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s unconditional surrender, ending WW2.

In Vietnam on 18 August 1966 the Battle of Long Tan resulted in Australian losses of 17 killed, one died of wounds and 24 wounded – approximately one third of the initial force engaged.  A high proportion were National Servicemen.

On the 18^th of August 971 on 18 August 1971 the Australian Government announced that the 1st Australian Task Force would be withdrawn before Christmas 1971, and the logistic support force shortly thereafter.

A special mention is made of Troop Commander Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer class 2 Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs, who lost their life on the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter that went down near Lindeman Island on Friday, 28 July 2023.

To all those who died and endured in serving their country

LEST WE FORGET

Members Toasted Absent Friends.

APOLOGIES – 41 noted by the Secretary by RSVP emails and advised in the register recorded by attending members.  Many thanks.

NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS / GUESTS.  

Fred Morrell transferring from Quinns heartily welcomed.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING. 

Minutes of 8^th July, having been available by email, website, and hard copy, considered as read.  

Moved by Helen Burgess and Seconded by Peter Hodgson, 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: www.northbeach-rsl.asn.au

CORRESPONDENCE IN & OUT

Includes – Pending/ReciprocalAgenda items included below from our Executive Management meetings of Friday 11^th August 2023.  

• RSLWA Sub Branch Signal and associated information updates, Listening Post, broadcast items of interest, 18 August Services, Vietnam Unit Citations, communicated.
• Reminder sent re the Friday 18^th Perth War Graves Vietnam Veterans walk from 1.45pm – unique to WA since 2006.
• Our 14^th Aug 2023 AGM – Positions of Secretary and Treasurer now dealt with.
• Annual Sub-Branch Insurance Questionnaire completed, Certificate of Currency to 2024 received, Invoice Pending.
• 2024 Anzac Costs Estimate submitted – $37785 for Lotterywest Grant.
• Annual Financial Statement to RSLWA by 31/10/23 remains Pending.
• Jason Fleay of Pass Newton Business Advisors completed a financial review at no cost to the Sub-Branch and submitted his report to the Executive.  President sent letter of appreciation for his report and expertise.
• ABC TV 3-part Series entitled “Our Vietnam War” from Tuesday 15 August 2023.
• Books related to the above being donated from DVA to come.

Refer to Committee Reports.– for Business arising from Correspondence

Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters.  Moved by our Wardens Lez Young, and Seconded by Rob Sweet.  Carried

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer 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.  The role of Treasurer, Membership Officer including Merchandising being handed over to newly elected Treasurer David Potter.

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.

Asset Register is a live document and is subject to ongoing update.  Copies available for viewing at General Meetings.

Warden Les Young queried Welfare expenditure eligibility for items such as hire of disability and similar equipment.  This was strongly confirmed by President John Rolfe and member Graham Edwards.  Graham provided an overview that Poppy Collections are governed by a State Act of Parliament and funds are managed within RSLWA through The WA Aged Sailor’s, Soldier’s and Airmen’s Relief Trust Fund (WAASSARTF).  The President advised that within the Sub-Branch all amounts in excess of $25,000.00 only held within the Welfare Account are transferred from the Sub-Branch to RSLWA and the WAASSARTF for welfare purposes. 

Business Arising – RSLWA $178.34 Invoice re G Gough Life Membership. Corrected in-house.

Moved by Frank McGrath and Seconded by Peta Connelly, that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”.  Carried. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welfare

In the absence of Greg Gough, Peter Bowring reported:

• Ken McHarrie (aged 99) is not well.  (Ken sadly passed away subsequently to the meeting on Wednesday 16 August 2023).
• Ray Carroll is having continued treatment and can be contacted on0407 185 677.
• John Petrie had a knee replacement followed by a bleed that kept him in hospital.
• Terry Pryer is still in Osborne Park having had a further fall.  0429 346 059.  

Letter below from our member Mal Skeffington as follows:

Dear Peter

As a long standing and now aging member of the RSL I just wish to register my gratitude to all those concerned in making the club a welcoming and pleasant environment for those of us who are becoming a little frail.

At a recent meeting I found myself a little disoriented in locating the facilities that some of us feel an increasing need to visit.  It was reassuring to have another member approach me and enquire about my predicament.  He took the time to shepherd me to the needed goal and let me know he would wait until my task was completed.  As I emerged there, he was waiting and guided me back to my table.

This was, I’m sure, just a small gesture on his part, however, for me it was an important interlude and left me feeling relieved in more ways than one.  Although my frailty increases I feel that the club is a safe haven for those like myself who still enjoy getting out a bit and who also enjoy the company of those who have done a bit for the country.

I just wish to bring this relatively minor matter to your attention as it brings a feeling of mateship and the types of caring values that we have all tried to live up to home to an old bloke like me.

Kind Regards,

An old member, (Mal Skeffington).

PS. The old member in this case was the Commander of Metropolitan Operations for the WA Police.  In retirement he served in East Timor and lead the investigation into the murder of the Australian journalists (the Balibo 5) by the Indonesian Special Forces, ultimately identifying the offenders.

Best Wishes and Stay Safe All.

Peer Health

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.
• DVA Hospital arrangements and DVA Gold Card entitlements raised by a member was satisfactorily addressed at the time on 19 July 2023 by phone and email directly by the Secretary.  
• A Permit to continue our use of the Hillarys Marina Gazebo has been renewed for a further period of 12 months by its management due to our ongoing support and patronage.

Poppy Day 2023/Anzac Day 2024

Updates were provided by Peter Bowring and Peter Hodgson.

Warden Rob Sweet will have our flags as per protocol for the above events.

Gun Fire Breakfast and Remembrance Day, some outside catering is currently being pursued.

Peter Hodgson advised volunteer list is ready for Poppy Day venues 9^th and 10^th November, Rail venues and other established venues awaiting responses.  Assistance with Squares and Card Payment facility training and other preparations proceeding.

Website 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.
• Maud Bown article in latest The Listening Post was well received by her family.
• Curtin Radio subscription renewed for a further 12 months that provide continuing community services announcements and specific advertising for our Remembrance and ANZAC Day events.

Social Activities and Events:

• Peter Bowring 0410 603 061 advised that Christmas in July events was well received, with 2024 Luncheon to forward planning.
• Paul McGuinness was not available for the meeting, and Brian Jennings advised that:
• Spaces are available for the Tour of Government House followed by Lunch at the ANZAC Club.  Also coming up in late October is a tour of WW2 sites in Chidlows followed by lunch.
• Long Tan Service was held on 13 August with a number of our members attended.
• Graham Edwards will speak at the Sandakan Service, Kings Park, Sunday 20 August, assemble from 9.45am near memorial Kings Park Tennis Club.  Executive have arranged to lay a wreath.
• Legacy Camp Busselton 15-21 October, to register see Home – Disaster Relief Australia or Secretary.
• Hobart 2024 Tour of Duty, 40 with wait list.  Date of next instalment to be advised.  Travellers keep Paul informed.

Hillarys Yacht Club, Relationship arrangements – Rob Sweet:

Rob gave a comprehensive reminder regarding the facilities and arrangements that are available to us.

Bar and light refreshments are available during their normal operating hours, for the restaurant bookings are required 9246 2833, just requiring your service number and usual details.

Well priced comprehensive menu and great views extending to the evening.  Many of our members have used the HYC under this arrangement, see also the website: https://www.hillarysyachtclub.com.au

GENERAL BUSINESS:

• “General” from the floor matters inserted to above committee reports to remain under notice.
• See Peer Health re DVA hospitalisation arrangements.  Action has commenced to place information relating to Hospitalisation and DVA Cards on the Welfare Page of our website.
• See Jon McKenzie 0412 904 970 and Lez Young  0407 082 438 re “Northern” 4WD tour, from Sunday 24^th or Monday 25^th September and heading north to through the Murchison to the East Gascoyne. 

Jon and Les are seeking numbers by the end of August to enable the purchase of tickets to the Landor Races.

• Other Vietnam Day August 18^th Services at Mandurah and Wanneroo.

Warden Rob Sweet will be attending to the Flags at out North Beach Memorial on Friday 18^th in accordance with protocol.

MEETING CLOSED – 1817 hrs.

NEXT MEETING GM – Monday –11^th September 2023 at 17.00

113 attended this meeting, with 73 members paying for meals. Thanks again to our Gate Sentries Jess Welfare, Bill Kynaston and Deborrah Thatcher.

Dinner Arrangements –Ladies and Older Veterans were given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Lovely Lonely Gourmet Sausage, Mashed Potato, Peas and Gravy, buttressed by beautly buttered breads.

Thanks go to our Trolley Guns, Stewie Young, Peter Dales and Stew Davies, and serving and clean up members Gorddard, Dwyer, Robinson, McGrath, Healy, the bread crew of Edwick and Willock, and microphone courier Jon McKenzie

Also our Raffle Wardens, Cyril Robinson Goodwin and Arthur Smith, who well served the Raffle Winners, David House, Tom Bateman, Arthur Whitney and new member Fred Morrell. 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.