MEETING OPENED at 17:00, President John Rolfe welcomed, 136 members and recited the Ode.
HOMAGE FOR DECEMBER
I take a moment to remind us of events from December in Australia’s military history.
The 31st of December 2014 marked the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, and the International Coalition against Terrorism mission across Afghanistan and the Middle East which commenced in October 2001.
More than 34,500 Australian Defence Force personnel, Australian Public Service employees and Australian Federal Police deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation SLIPPER.
Operation Slipper included the first Australian combat deaths since Vietnam, and all casualties occurred during operations in Afghanistan.
41 Australian soldiers were killed and 261 wounded (including two sailors and one airman), the majority since October 2007. Another Australian was killed while serving with the British Army.
LEST WE FORGET
Members Toasted Absent Friends.
APOLOGIES – 21 noted by the Secretary by RSVP emails and advised in the register recorded by attending members. Many thanks.
NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS / GUESTS.
3 New Members: Michelle Emms, 7 years Army Medical Corps, including Darwin now active Reservist, Ron Peckitt RAN 7 years, Served on Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney III, as well as the “Duchess” and the Melbourne and, Bob George, UK Signals 12 years, service included Germany and throughout Europe, Singapore but 40 years in WA. All greatly appreciated and heartily Welcomed.
From RSLWA: Vince Connelly, Matt Moran, Steve Barton, and “our” Doug Simpson. Revive Gym Team.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
Minutes of 13th November, having been available by email, website, and hard copy, considered as read.
Moved by our Drury Heath and Seconded by Peta Connelly, 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, 0407 478 963, reminder that easy access to current and recent minutes, our By-Laws/Annexure, social events, community involvement, Welfare links and contacts are readily available via our website, e.g.: www.northbeach-rsl.asn.au
CORRESPONDENCE IN AND OUT
Includes – Pending/ReciprocalAgenda items included below from our Executive Management meetings. Pending and current matters are being monitored and cleared as promptly as compliance and assistance allows.
- Remembrance Day – Finances all Sorted and Reported, Phones for Asset Register, refer Treasurers Report.
- RSLWA matters under notice, confirmed, updates as required.
- RSLWA Sub-Branch Signal and associated information updates, Listening Post, broadcast items of Interest.
- DVA, new contact to follow up, 04803 144 78, Psychological Services.
- Insurance: Invoice now paid.
- 2024 Anzac Costs Estimate submitted – $37,785.00 for Lotterywest – Grant/Pending.
- Membership List updating in preparation for Newdegate and other submissions due 25 Feb 2024. Annual RSLWA 2024 preparation commencing.
- Scams: MyGov and other Apps/Txts/Emails – don’t get caught, delete/report.
- Refer to Committee Reports for Business arising from Correspondence.
Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters. Moved by Steve Fletcher and Seconded by Alex Hatch. Carried
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer David Potter provided a comprehensive Statement of Income and Expenditure of our monthly finances and provided a copy for each table. An explanation of financial transactions and account balances was provided. RSLWA Annual Return – Poppies and Welfareconsiderations- Completed and under notice: (Page 2 Summary attached to Statements provided for each Table if discussion required.)
Cadets 2 X $1000 RAAF/Naval presented by PB. Amounts to be reviewed for 2024.
Merchandise and Phones/Point of sale Use – Summary to membership. Full training to Key “Operators”.
Annual Memberships ++DUE, & $15 N.B.B.C. Social Memberships now due. Allows us to use these premises with limited overheads. Check with Treasurer and Management Committee. 2024 Renewals Soon.
Business Arising – Bar Price increase from North Beach Bowling Club advised and will be covered with our existing contributions. Moved by our Greg Young and Seconded by Geoff Fogarty, that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”. Carried.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD 2023
John acknowledged again the contributions of many during the year and ongoing, and was pleased to announce this year’s winner as David Lewis.
David’s work in keeping us always informed of DVA/Welfare and Advocacy matters and implications is of enormous importance and value in a complex and ever-changing landscape. Davids trophy is the first won that depicts a modern soldier, with the previous trophy to be on permanent display in our Memorabilia Cabinet. Outstanding contribution and rousingly acknowledged by All.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Welfare: Greg Gough Updates: Ray Carroll, Terry Pryer, Terry Newman, Peter Macander, are battling along, ups and downs. Contact Greg 0417 911 173 or Secretary/Peer Health 0407 478 963 as visits are encouraged.
Christmas Hampers – Vince Connelly, CEO RSLWA was pleased to announce that the support from the Scottish Masonic Association has in been renewed and has provided us with the “ingredients” for 10 Hampers.
Wayne Koch, Vince Connolly, John Rolfe, Michelle Emms
This will help us with our list of 21 for 2023 Welfare and General Funding as required. This is most welcomed and contrary to the premature media report. Assistance with deliveries required, further details to be advised.
Keep up the good work, and for up-to-date info contact Greg on 0417 911 173. Stay Safe All.
Ceremonial: Peter Bowring 0410 603 061 Peter Hodgson (0458 583 869)
Reports/submissions Done. Poppy Day Collections went well with minor issues relating to EFTPOS Squares. David Potter/Peter Hodgson and others have this well in hand for ANZAC Day Appeal.
Anzac Day 2024. All arrangements proceeding well, but to be aware of shrinking timeline. Jobs for Volunteers still required and happily, we have arranged for full catering from our Bowling Club to take care of the “Gun Fire Breakfast”. Hands up to Peter Hodgson asap and by Feb 24 meeting.
Good progress with City of Stirling and Bowling Blub Matters, Fly Over/Drones/Catering/New Phones for Point-of-Sale Collections.
Website/Admin and Publicity: Brian Jennings and Jon McKenzie advised:
- Newsletter containing a review of 2023 has been issued and is on our website. Updated photos/article on website as well as excellent coverage on Facebook by Jon McKenzie ( happy birthday to JMac ) and don’t forget to click “Like” for him when visiting Facebook.
- Home page of website has links to latest information from DVA as well as articles on our activities and events.
- Maud Bown Update from Maud’s son Kevin relating to article in Newsletter of her Regents Garden Lake Joondalup.
Peer Health.
Wayne Koch 0407 478 963 reported:
- Woven Poppies/Update: planted at Kings Park by team, David and Judy Willock, Jess Welfare, Deb Thatcher, Jim Ryle, Dianne Sutton, Ruth and Dario Raspa and others. Well Done. Now removed on Thursday 30 November, tireless Ruth Raspa, Jess, Deb and WK after a nearby memorial task. It was reiterated from the chair that a bigger crew next year will make this task easier on the stalwarts and relieve the back breaking work involved.
- DVA Calendars 2024, Sub-Branch “Stickers” and hard copy December Newsletter available. Excellent work on presentation, photos/content and ready ref as an “Almanac”. BJ/JMac and other contributors, keep on hand highly recommended.
- Importantly, twice weekly Kayaking, Cycling, Walk, Talk Coffee continues.
- REVIVE Exercise Physio Therapy: Excellent talk from Joseph Giglia, explaining services linked to DVA for Gold/White cards and complimentary memberships Joondalup and North Beach. Contact recommended, 0402 510 318 and northbeach@revep.com.au. Pres JR responded and acknowledged their donation towards our meeting costs.
Social Activities and Events:
Paul McGuinness, after a collective pat on the back, advised that:
- Hobart 2024 Tour of Duty, 40 fully book and paid to date with wait list. Date of Final $500 instalment first week of February or earlier if possible. Travellers keep Paul informed. Treasurer in conjunction with President John Rolfe is managing the finances of this Tour.
- During 2024 – TBA: Police Academy, SAS, Working Bee – Jarrahdale Veterans Transitional Centre, RAAF Bullsbrook, Chidlows WW2 History Walk under consideration.
- Veterans Health Week, October 2024to fit in.
- Efforts acknowledged from the floor.
GENERAL BUSINESS: (refer to reports, and below):
“Our” Maj. Tom Fisher: Tom sadly announced he has been transferred to South Aussie as OIC C Sqn. 1 Armoured based at Semaphore. Gracious words from Tom indicating that he has enjoyed his “deployment” with us and will stay in touch and resume here when he can. Brilliant Tom, the pleasure has been mutual.
Handy Medals contact: Heritage Medals Joondalup, 6201 9090, www.heritagemedals.com.au
New Publication “Birdies” Fleet Air Arm Navy Association, Korea, Vietnam era, including the Vung Tau Ferry, history and many anecdotes, $35 available from Mike, 04128 734 05 lynandmike@live.com.au
President John reiterated the help and co-operation from the membership and gave Festive Season Best Wishes to All, appreciating the acknowledgments from the floor.
MEETING CLOSED – 1753hrs.
NEXT GENERAL MEETING – Monday – 12th February 2024 at 17.00
136 attended this meeting, with 77 members paying for meals, many by “Card”. Thanks again to our Gate Sentries Deb Thatcher, Jess Welfare and Bill Kynaston.
Dinner Arrangements –Ladies and Older Veterans were given the suspect usual courtesy of “First Luscious Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Big Gourmet Sausage, Mashed Potato, Peas, Gravy, fortunately blessed by blatantly buttered breads. 2024 and ongoing Catering protocols well in hand as discussed.
Thanks go to our Trolley Guns, StewieYoung, Lez Young and Peter Dales, and serving and clean up members, McGrath, Brown, Dwyer, and Healy, the bread butterers David Willock and Andy Robinson, and microphone “courier” Jon McKenzie
Also, our Raffle Warden Arthur-Smith, and Worthy Winners, Barry Morgan, again, Ron Tait and Michael Keegan. Well played.
Note from Secretary, 0407 478 963: ph./Voice Message/Txt 24/7.
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.