MEETING OPENED at 17:00, President John Rolfe welcomed, 108 members and recited the Ode.
HOMAGE FOR NOVEMBER
I take a moment to remind us of events from November in Australia’s military history.
On 1 November 1914 the first Australian and New Zealand contingent sailed from Albany, Western Australia, bound for Egypt. One in three of those who sailed in that first convoy would return at the end of the War physically unscathed.
On 11 November 1918 Germany signs an armistice ending fighting on the Western Front.
On 11 November 1941 the Australian War Memorial, built in memory of the dead of the First World War, was opened.
416,000 from Australia’s population of 5 million enlisted, 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner – and many more suffered lifelong from the trauma of that War.
LEST WE FORGET
Members Toasted Absent Friends.
APOLOGIES – 38 noted by the Secretary by RSVP emails and advised in the register recorded by attending members. Many thanks.
NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS / GUESTS. Likely more frequent showing of our newer members at meetings as a result of attending Remembrance Day, and a sign up from Garry Fowler, ex Wongan Hills Pres. National Service Engineer 1 Fld Sqn at end of SVN, Farmer and up for a chat. And John Sperrling soon to be recruited from Joondalup.
Special welcome to Melva Ruffin as an Associate Member, widow of Mike Ruffin and involved in Saturday’s Memorial Plaques Ceremony. Thank you Melva.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
Minutes of 9th October, having been available by email, website, and hard copy, considered as read.
Moved by Drury Heath 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, 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: www.northbeach-rsl.asn.au
CORRESPONDENCE IN & 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 – Perth Audio Visual, Greenwood Hire, City of Stirling, Bunnings, Shopping Centres, Bowling Club, VIP and Member Invites, SquareUp, Trans Perth, and other associated contacts. Phones for Asset Register. Maybe an M60 from Greg McAllister?
- RSLWA matters under notice, confirmed, updates as required.
- RSLWA Sub-Branch Signal and associated information updates, Listening Post, broadcast items of Interest.
- Insurance: Invoice Pending.
- 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.
- 2024 Congress Recommendation – Rob Sweet.
- Refer to Committee Reports for Business arising from Correspondence. Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters. Moved by Jim Ryle and Seconded by Peter Hodgson. 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 Welfare – final counts proceeding. Went very well as mentioned further in these Minutes. David also advised that meeting expenses and other overheads result in receipts being near break-even.
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. 2024 Renewals Soon.
Business Arising – Nil. Moved by Greg Young and Seconded by Lez Young, that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”. Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Welfare: Greg Gough Updates: Rehab and wellbeing under notice at home or in-care. Bev and Colin Benporath have Covid, with Terry Pryer, and Ray Carroll still convalescing.
Keep up the good work, and for up-to-date info contact Greg on 0417 911 173. Stay Safe All.
POPPY DAY COLLECTIONS, REMEMBRANCE DAY AND PLAQUES SERVICES
Peter Bowring 0410 603 061 and Peter Hodgson 0458 583 869
- Poppy Day Collections went well with minor issues relating to EFTPOS Squares. Peter Hodgson has this well in hand for ANZAC Day Appeal.
- Remembrance Day Service well attended, followed by John Rolfe unveiling 8 new Plaques. Following the Services the refreshments at the North Beach Bowling Club were well received.
- Future volunteer list is still adjusting for Anzac Day. Peter Hodgson is examining ways to maximise the use of the Squares, including ‘just in time’ training and use at General Meetings.
- Hand Out Leaflets good suggestion. Now updated, current signup details and ready as per Web report.
- President thanked All.
- Special Report from Greg Young, our work experience Drone Operator and overhead surveillance expert. Is now well prepared for future events. Good effort young Greg.
ANZAC DAY 2024
All arrangements proceeding well, but to be aware of shrinking timeline.
Website/Admin and Publicity:
Brian Jennings advised:
- Remembrance Day photos on website as well as excellent coverage on Facebook by Jon McKenzie.
- Home page of website has links to latest information from DVA as well as articles on our activities and events.
- Maud Bown – Centurion – was recognised with a Certificate from RSL National, as well as medallion from the Signals Directorate, and her WW2 Medalion. President John Rolfe presented Maud with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the Sub-Branch in the presence of her family in her Regent Gardens room.
- An updated tri-fold pamphlet has been printed providing information and contacts relating to our Sub-Branch. Ideal information for prospective members
David Lewis: Important Reminders/Gold Card:
David again informed us of situations we should all take the time to consider our individual situations regarding ongoing Service Pensions/TPI, ongoing/new conditions reporting, Widow/Widower/Partner entitlements/Funeral Benefits and other issues.
David will assist us to have this in a format suitable for distribution to members, as well as on the Web Welfare and Advocacy – North Beach RSL Sub-Branch (northbeach-rsl.asn.au), in conjunction with our Executive and our Advocate Ted Leunig, 0408 177 193.
Peer Health. 0407 478 963
Wayne Koch reported:
- Woven Poppies planted at Kings Park by team, Jess Welfare, Deb Thatcher, Jim Ryle, Dianne Sutton Ruth and Dario Raspa and others. Well Done.
- Would now like assistance to remove on Thursday 30 November!!
- Jarrahdale Transitional Centre. Supported by a successful $720 Grant. “Mental Health and Well-Being” theme.
- Legacy Camp Busselton 15-20 October Home – Disaster Relief Australia. Secretary, Wayne Koch, 0407 478 963 attended in the spirit of our ongoing commitments.
- Importantly, twice weekly Kayaking, Cycling, Walk, Talk Coffee continues.
Social Activities and Events:
Paul McGuinness advised that:
- Hobart 2024 Tour of Duty, 40 with wait list. Date of next $500 instalments end November & Feb. Travellers keep Paul informed. Treasurer in conjunction with President John Rolfe is managing the finances of this Tour.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
As covered in reports as above. President John Rolfe advised that he will be away for 3 weeks in Singapore on family duties but will remain contactable and back for our end of year December meeting, including awards.
MEETING CLOSED – 1758hrs.
NEXT GENERAL MEETING – Monday – 11th December 2023 at 17.00
108 attended this meeting, with 68 members paying for meals. Thanks again to our Gate Sentries Deb Thatcher, Jess Welfare and Bill Kynaston.
Dinner Arrangements –Ladies and Older Veterans were given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Shepherd’s Pie, Peas, Gravy, blessed by the beautly buttered breads.
Thanks go to our Trolley Guns, Stewies Young & Davies and Peter Dales, and serving and clean up members, McGrath, Brown, Dwyer, and Healy, the bread butterer Jeff Edwick, and microphone courier Jon McKenzie
Also, our Raffle Warden Cyril Robinson, and Worthy Winners Frank Pierucci, Glen Curtis and Barry Morgan. 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.