Minutes of General Meeting
North Beach RSL Sub-Branch
13 December 2021
A Mandatory Contact Register was completed for all attendees in accordance with the requirements of Covid SafeWA.
.
MEETING OPENED at 16:00, President welcomed 136 members and recited the Ode
HOMAGE
I take a moment to remind us of just some of the stories from our military history.
On 4 December 1990 approval was given by the Australian Government for the Royal Australian Navy’s involvement in the Persian Gulf. Australian forces were deployed in the Gulf War 1990 – 1991 under the auspices of the UN.
The RAN provided vessels for the multi-national naval force, acting as interceptors in the Persian Gulf to enforce the UN sanctions. A RAN clearance diving team was also dispatched for explosive ordnance and demolition tasks. In addition to naval units, some Australian personnel were attached to British and American ground formations.
Although the ships and crew were in danger from mines and possible air attack, there were no casualties.
A total of 1872 served during this time, none were killed or wounded. However, a number were affected by long term symptom known internationally as Gulf War Syndrome.
It is important for us to remember ALL those who served.
We also remember the passing of our esteemed member, Lindsay James Williams, RAN R38105 on the 8 October 2021.
LEST WE FORGET
Members toasted absent friends.
APOLOGIES
Bob Keatch, Ruth Raspa, David Potter, Ray Wesson, Terry Barrett, Ed Holzheimer, Neville Woodberry, Drury Heath, Arthur Whitney.
VISITORS:
nil
NEW MEMBERS
Previous visitor Allan Hope in attendance and transferring in from Miranda NSW. We welcome R94229 Allan Hope RAN.
Email received from Pauline and John Pickup with their intention to transfer in from Joondalup.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of meeting 8 November 2021 published on our website, through email and hard copies available at meeting was acknowledged as read.
Moved by Greg Young. Seconded by Dario Raspa that “the Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted”.
Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE IN & OUT
In
- Executive Minutes of 10 December incorporated into the Agenda.
- Stirling Council – Reply relating to the speed hump adjacent to the entrance gate of the carpark was inspected and deemed by the City that further action is not required.
- Advice from DVA & RSL of the availability of Community and Veterans Grants.
- RSLWA President Peter ASPINALL resignation on health grounds.
- Advice from Member David Lewis of Canberra’s Gungahlin Cemetery and history links in the Virtual War Memorial Australia website.
- Bunnings Balcatta confirmed our Sub-Branch approval to collect donations at its site during 2022 for Anzac & Poppy Day.
Out
- Vince Connolly – Expression of Interest for grant from Building Better Communities.
- Our December Newsletter – Informative and on website and emailed to members.
- Poppy Day Acquittance sent to RSLWA.
- Anzac Day 2022 City of Stirling submission sent and follow up action commenced.
Business Arising from Correspondence
Nil
Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters, Moved by Colin Benporath , and Seconded by Bob Lyons.
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.
Business Arising from Treasurers Report.
Nil
Moved by Lez Young, Seconded by Andy Robinson that “the Treasurer’s Report and attachments be accepted”.
Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Web Site Admin
Brian Jennings reported that the website is being updated daily.
https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/
Poppy Day
Collection and allocation as a result of Poppy Day detailed by Treasurer in his report tabled at the meeting The Sub-Branch will be acquiring additional Eftpos Squares and training in use will be undertaken. Executive to follow up.
The President congratulated Steve Fletcher and his team for a job well done in the organisation and work done for the Sub-Branch in its Poppy Day collections.
Remembrance Day 2021/Anzac Day 2022
Barry Lloyd reported that all post and pre-event submissions have been despatched, however there is ongoing concern regarding delays from the City of Stirling in its response. Barry Lloyd and Acting Secretary to follow up.
Welfare
Greg Gough advised happily those on the mend from previous report.
Tony Butun is still in care.
Peter Macander now at home and has the use of a mobility scooter.
Ray Carrol, Ed Holzheimer, Peter Harris and Arthur Whitney are all being monitored.
Peer Health
Alex Lennox advised that all activities are well supported, and some new faces are acquiring Kayaking skills, while having fun and getting fit.
Christmas Hampers
President advised that 8 Hampers will be available for delivery to selected members this coming week.
Social Activities Coordinator
Paul McGuinness reported: Xmas Lunch 24 November and all 2021 events were successful, on time, on budget and fun, providing social interaction and member participation. A 2022 schedule is near completion. Below matters reiterated:
- 2022 Tour of Duty to Kalgoorlie from 16 March to 22 March has a 40-member limit and Paul needs completed travel form with copies of concession card and photo ID, e.g. Driver’s license, no later than Friday 17 December.
- A Sub-Branch promotional Video is being produced and members are advised that their presence is needed on Wednesday 19 January 2022 at Hillarys in order to obtain vision of the Kayakers, Walkers, Cyclists, Coffee and Conversation group.
The President advised the meeting that an email reminder will be sent out.
NOTICE OF MOTION
A proposed Motion by Rob Sweet that Greg Gough should be awarded Life Membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia was endorsed by the Executive Committee at its meeting of Friday 10 December 2021
The Motion was put to the meeting that, “in recognition of his many years working for the welfare of North Beach RSL Sub-Branch members and their families, Greg Gough is recommended to be awarded Life Membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia.”
Moved by Rob Sweet and Seconded by Paul McGuinness.
All members present at the meeting voted in favour of the Motion and the President advised that a submission to RSLWA will be prepared without delay.
Members provided Greg Gough with a round of applause.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
President John Rolfe sincerely thanked members for their help, co-operation, and participation during a busy and challenging year and congratulated all for a successful year of member participation. Sub-Branch financial matters are under constant review by the Executive and all Sub-Branch activities are subject to ongoing income /expenditure analysis and review.
Thanks go to Trolley Guns, Stuart Young, Stuart Davies and Trevor Beegan; and serving and clean up members Gorddard, McGrath, Brown, Dwyer, Robinson, McGuinness. Greaves and Healy
Raffle Winners: Smiling Faces noted of: Tony Beekwilder, Brad Harrison, and Peter Dales.
94 members stayed for meals (plus WW2 and Korean Veterans who courtesy of our Sub-Branch do not pay for their meal). Dinner Arrangements – Ladies and Older Veterans to be given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Banger and Mash, Peas and Onion Gravy.
MEETING CLOSED – 17:00hrs
NEXT MEETING
Monday 14th February 2022 commencing at our new time of 5.00pm.
Members are advised that detail of Wellbeing and Advocacy Support and the Joondalup Hub is on our website, along with other providers of needed support.
https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/welfare-and-advocacy/
Joondalup Hub is contactable 24/7 on 04370 378 498.