A Mandatory Contact Register was completed for all attendees in accordance with the requirements of Covid SafeWA.
MEETING OPENED at 17:00, President John Rolfe welcomed 90 members and recited the Ode.
HOMAGE FOR APRIL 2022
April is a significant month in Australia’s Military History, and I take a moment to remind us of just one of our stories from World War 1.
On the 11th of April 1917 the 4th Australian Division with the British attempted to penetrate the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt where they were unsuccessfully supported by tanks, resulting in over 3,000 casualties. Over 1,000 Australians became prisoners of war, the largest number in a single action in the First World War.
One of those taken POW was Captain Stan Hummerston of Kalamunda, a Gallipoli veteran. On the death of his CO, he took control organising his sector of the battle. He was wounded, taken as a POW and in 1919 was awarded the Military Cross for his action during Bullecourt in 1917.
His health was seriously impacted by wounds and gas exposure at Bullecourt, and he died in 1926 at the age of 36.
Read the story of Captain Stan Hummerston, Wayne Koch’s grandfather, on our website.
A reason to reflect on ANZAC DAY
Australia
Percentage of Australia’s Population Killed in WW1 1.2%
Total deaths since Australia’s involvement in Sudan 1885 102,966
New Zealand
Percentage of New Zealand Population Killed in WW1 1.6%
Lest We Forget
And remembered our member John Thorburn who passed away 5th April 2022.
Members toasted absent friends.
The President reported that our Secretary Wayne Koch is in Isolation with his Covid. Rob Sweet is taking the Minutes in his absence.
APOLOGIES There were 27 Apologies.
Fred G’feller, Steve Fletcher, Kurt Finger, Alex Lennox, Col and Bev Benporath, Graham Edwards, Wayne Koch, Kingsley McGuire, Paul Brabazon, Jim Greenacre, Ray Alexander, Bill Heritage, Vince Connelly, Peta Connelly, Arthur Greaves, Rod McQueen, Peter Gorddard, Brian Jennings, Geoff Thomas, Kinsley McGuire, Keith Jones, Ken McHarrie, Ian Milne, Terry Healy, Bill Henderson, Michael Keogh.
VISITORS / GUESTS, Nil
NEW MEMBERS, Nil
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of meeting 14 March, having been available by email, website and hard copy, considered as read.
Moved by Greg Young and Seconded by Frank McGrath that “the Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted”.
Noted, All in Favour & Carried.
Secretary reminded members that easy access to current and recent minutes, our By-Laws and Annexure are 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 more advice confirming “scaling back”, No Fly Past, and recommended minimization.
- Stronger Communities Grant $19749 – to be credited within 28 days for purposes as submitted.
- Sub-Branch Signal.
- RSLWA $1050 Remittance Advice.
- RSLWA Welfare – Mental Health Workshops
- Defence and Veterans Legal Services……… Visit offers.
Out
- RSLWA Notice of Motion as per 14 March re Insurance costs and Membership fees.
- RSLWA – advising further contact details our Executive.
- Confirmed advice to the affected parties/Wreath Layers re scaled back ANZAC 2022.
- “Square Up” Point of Sale – Certificate of Incorporation/AGM Minutes and other updates.
- North Beach Bowling Club – update their Website re our Secretary contact.
- Anzac Day – as per Committee Report.
Nil Business Arising from Correspondence:
Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters, Moved by Stewart Davies and Seconded by Rod Sweet
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. $15 N.B.B.C. Social Membership now due to David King please.
Nil – Business Arising from Treasurers Report
Moved by Paul McGuinness and Seconded by Bernie Egan that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”
Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
President John Rolfe thanked Greg Gough for arranging two hampers from RSLWA, donated to our members Brad Harrison and Tony Butun. Well Done Greg
Welfare Greg Gough:
- Steve Fletcher recovering well from the effects of a Stroke, resting with daughter and in good spirits.
- Peter Macander steady progress at home, should be up on his feet by years end.
- Brian Jennings is recovering at home with lots of pills
- Graham Snook is having Prostate surgery on Tuesday.
- Tony Butun is on the mend.
- Peter Harris has ongoing problems with his legs.
ANZAC DAY.
Barry Lloyd briefed members on Anzac Day arrangements, will be going ahead with the Dawn Service, we are now permitted 5000 but it will be low key event, no fly past, no cadets, no screens but with a professional sound system, a bugler has been found, chairs will be provided. More details to members after further meetings with the City of Stirling this week.
Bunnings Balcatta 3-day ANZAC Appeal :
Bunnings on 22-24 April will be the Sub Branch’s only venue and volunteer roster to be setup to maximize coverage.
- Roz Whitney has conducted Card Payment Training for Coordinators, prior to this meeting.
- Roz will be conducting more training this Wednesday at our normal coffee spot in Hillarys Boat Harbour, approx. 08:15
Peer Health
President John Rolfe encouraged members to support Jess Welfare’s participation in the Cape-to-Cape walk, Jess has a “Tin Hat” for donations.
Plus an important link fully supported by the Executive for the Legacy Cape to Cape Walk from 24 April being undertaken by Jess Welfare to raise funds. View the link on https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au
Web Site
John Rolfe mentioned Brian’s heart attack while gardening and the need for regular check ups. John also mentioned other items of interest on the website including DVA News, Sub Branch Signal, Anzac Day arrangements.
Social Activities Coordinator
Paul McGuinness briefed members on the recent Tour of Duty to Kalgoorlie. Fantastic, great trip, wonderful comradeship. Thanks to our lady members for helping some old diggers back to their digs.
Paul is planning trips to the ANZAC Club, Fremantle Gun Tunnels, Tour of Optus Stadium and one more.
Unfortunately owing to operational commitments there will not be trips to HMAS Stirling or RAAF Pearce.
GENERAL BUSINESS
- John Thorburn’s funeral will be held 10:30, 26th
- President John Rolfe explained the need for members to pay $15 for Social Membership of the Bowling Club to comply with WA Liquor Licencing Laws.
- Ron White mentioned that he thought North Beach RSL members were Bowling Club members, the President explained, that was not the case, and we need to have Social Memberships.
- Arthur Whitney queried some correspondence from RSLWA that suggested that you had to be a member of the ANZAC Club to attend functions. President John Rolfe advised that all RSL Members are automatically members of the ANZAC Club.
- President John Rolfe briefed members on the North Beach Football Club’s Anzac Game and Service to be held on Saturday 23rd. All members are encouraged to meet up at 13:30, wearing medals for the 14:00 game. John will be presenting the Best Player Medallion from North Beach RSL. RSLWA has previously advised that this a great Community activity and is to be encouraged.
- Ron White asked for feedback regarding the time change from 16:00 to 17:00. The President explained that he has been told that some younger members will find it easier to attend meetings, however we will run the full six month trial.
- The President suggested that as usual we have catered for 100 meals but as only 65 have paid for the meal, take aways will be provided for a gold coin donation to cover costs.
MEETING CLOSED – 18:00 NEXT MEETING – Monday 9th MAY 2022 at 17:00
65 members paid for meals (plus WW2 Veterans who courtesy of our Sub-Branch do not pay for their meals). Dinner Arrangements – Ladies and Older Veterans to be given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Thai Chicken and Curry with Fresh Vegetables/ buttered bread.
Thanks go to Trolley Guns, Young and Davies; and serving and clean up members McGuinness, McGrath, Brown, Dwyer, Healy and Rowles.