A Mandatory Contact Register was completed for all attendees in accordance with the requirements of Covid SafeWA.
MEETING OPENED at 16:00, President John Rolfe welcomed 138 members and recited the Ode.
HOMAGE
I take a moment to remind us all, of just some of a thousand lesser known stories of sacrifice.
79 years ago, on 8 December 1941, Australia announced that it was at war with Japan. In the three-and-a-half-years of war against Japan, some 17,000 Australians would die, 8,000 as prisoners of war.
Also remembered are the Peacekeeping Operations, in which 14 Australians have died. This month we remember the loss of Australian Federal Police Service Officer Adam Dunning on 22 December 2004, as a result of an ambush while on a Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.
Members toasted absent friends.
APOLOGIES
Garry Jones, David Willock, Fred G’feller, Alex Hatch, Paul Graham, Paul Chapman, Arthur Greaves, Bev & Col Benporath, Ron Agar, Peta & Vince Connelly, Terry Healy, Helen Burgess.
VISITORS
Karen Caddie from City of Stirling.
NEW MEMBERS
Phil Heritage transferred Willeton. Phil had 26 years RAN and was piped on board with applause.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of meeting 9 November were read.
Moved by Jim Muscat and Seconded by John Azzario that “the Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted”.
Carried.
Secretary reminded members:
- That easy access to current and recent minutes is via our website: https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/
- Additionally, there will be hard copies at the front of the Hall at meetings, and Members unable to attend meetings and who may be inconvenienced by computer access are Posted our comprehensive Quarterly Newsletter.
CORRESPONDENCE IN & OUT
In
- RSLWA – Advice on First Dinner Event at Anzac House
- Media Release on ADF Investigation
- Forms for Community & Veterans Grant
- Sub Branch Signal
- RSLWA By-Laws
- Veterans Affairs- Media Release on Grants for Younger Vets.
- Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Register.
- Member John Misztel asked for a letter of support to be sent to SASR.
Out
- Invitations to Xmas Lunch for Marie Aitken, Chris Freeman & Mrs. Best
- Enquiry to RSLWA on insurance covered for our members while at Legacy or on trips.
- Advised RSLWA on our disappointment with not having Greenwood Station assigned to us for Poppy Day collection.
- Enquiry to RSLWA for companies that offer discounts to Veterans.
- Response to Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission relating to Register
- Signatories for Bank Accounts updated
Business Arising from Correspondence
Nil:
Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters, Moved by Wayne Koch and Seconded by Tony Grant
Carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer David King provided a comprehensive report and Balance Sheet of our finances and provided a copy for each table. An explanation of financial transactions and account balances was provided.
The President spoke to the meeting advising that the Welfare Fund was available to provide needed support where needed. Any member who is experiencing financial hardship or is aware of any member not present who is experiencing financial hardship, especially over Xmas, should approach the Executive for assistance.
Business Arising from Treasurers Report
Ample hard copies will always be available on “In House”, and not contained in email advices, nor our web site due to privacy concerns.
Following a question from floor relating to the sale of Poppies the Treasurer David King advised that the amount our Sub-Branch receives from the sale of Poppies is based on a formula where RSLWA and our Sub-Branch, after deducting Sub-Branch cost of Poppies, receive 50% of the amount raised.
Moved by Denzil Simeons and Seconded by Lez Young that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”
Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Welfare Greg Gough advised:
- Peter McCander is now out of hospital
- Terry Prior is now in Osborne Park Hospital for rehab.
- Arthur Greaves and his wife are on the mend.
- Terry Newman has crook legs.
- Ron Agar is in Joondalup hospital & not well.
- Cyclist Bill Hawkins, fully bounced back.
Memorial Warden David House reported:
- Received 1 pre-payment for a plaque.
- Has one plaque ordered
- WW2 Veterans’ lunch at Anzac House was well attended and appreciated.
Christmas Lunch John Rolfe reported:
- Approximately140 people attended our Christmas Lunch at Hillarys Yacht Club and a good time was had by all.
- The venue for next year will be investigated by John Rolfe & Paul McGuiness.
Social Activities Coordinator Paul McGuinness reported:
- The social activities list is as shown on the Web Page.
- The Darwin trip has participants needing to pay to bring their individual contributions to the value of $850.
- The Darwin Trip was initially costed at $2200, but with assistance it has reduced to about $1700.
- Next $500 installment will be collected from February 2021.
- Vice President Brad Harrison advised we are getting great assistance and financial support from the NT contact.
- President John Rolfe advised that all Members will need to comply with the appropriate Border Entry requirements to enter NT and re-enter WA.
- The ANZAC House Veteran Central Lunch is planned for Friday 12 February 2021, the Friday following our first meeting of 2021.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Nil.
GENERAL BUSINESS
- Greg Young advised that veterans needing advocates were currently on waiting lists. Greg advised that any veterans needing help urgently, to contact him. Greg’s Phone number is 0427 194 052.
Note from Secretary (click on Links in Orange):
Members are advised that details of the Joondalup Hub are on our website, along with other providers of Advocacy and support. Joondalup Hub is contactable 24/7 on 0437 378 498.
- Bernie Eagan advised that 11/28 WA Infantry Battalion is forming an Old Members group. Anyone interested should see him.
- Jon McKenzie thought some money could be raised for our Sub-Branch by holding a sausage sizzle at Bunnings.
- Karen Caddie from the City of Stirling wished members a Merry Christmas & expressed her & the Council’s support for our Sub-Branch.
John Rolfe moved a motion that a hamper, to the value of $100 each, be given to our WW2 & Korean veterans.
Moved by Greg Young and Seconded by Frank McGrath that the Hampers be distributed.
All Members applauded the motion.
Examples of the Hampers provided to our WW2 & Korean veterans
President John Rolfe expressed appreciation to all who pitched in more than usual to get through this challenging year, particularly in adhering to the Covid Safe conditions, whilst maintaining with even more vigor our strong camaraderie. John wished season’s greetings to all, with the hope for a stronger 2021.
Members were advised of the availability of an extra Xmas drink from the bar at the end of the meeting.
75 members paid for meals (plus WW2 and Korean Veterans who courtesy of our Sub-Branch don’t pay for their meal). Dinner Arrangements – Ladies and Older Veterans to be given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Green Chicken and Vegetable Curry and Rice.
Thanks go to Trolley Guns, Young, Dale and Davies; and serving and clean up members McGrath, Brown, Robinson, Gorddard, Dwyer and Jennings.
Raffle Winners: Smiling Faces noted of Allan Cockroft, Drew Aiton, Peter Edwards and Eric Aitkins.
MEETING CLOSED – 16.55
NEXT MEETING – Monday 8 February 2021at 16:00
