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MEETING OPENED at 17:00, President John Rolfe welcomed 124 members and recited the Ode.

HOMAGE FOR APRIL

I take a moment to remind us of just two events from April in Australia’s military history.

At dawn on 25 April 1915, Australian troops of the 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th Infantry Battalions, from what Charles Bean called the outer States of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, landed on Gallipoli.

The first group of men ashore were the so-called ‘covering force’.  Their task was to drive the Turkish defenders into the hills.  After that, the main force would come ashore.

The 11th Battalion from Western Australia came ashore south of Anzac Cove, on the beach beneath the slopes leading down from Ari Burnu Point.  Among the first to fall, and the first Australian Officer, was Captain William Annear of Subiaco.   He was shot as he came up onto Plugge’s Plateau after the hard climb from the beach.

93 years later on 27 April 2008, Jason Marks, 27, a lance corporal of 4 RAR was killed after an intense firefight with Taliban insurgents when an RPG landed near the patrol vehicle he was taking cover behind whilst reloading his weapon. The attack occurred 25 kilometres south of the Australian base at Tarin Kowt.  Four other Australian soldiers were wounded in the attack.

LEST WE FORGET

Sadly, we have been advised of the passing of our esteemed member Ray Carroll, formerly 1 Fld Sqn RAE. 55536, aged 73.  Funeral will be 11:00am on Saturday Morning 13 April at Karrakatta.  Medals, Jackets and be available for a Guard of Honour.

Also, the passing of our esteemed former member, Gordon John Douglas.  Gordon was a sprightly 35yo during his 12-month SVN tour Oct 68-69 with 104 Sigs.  A contemporary with many of us.

Sincere condolences to the families, colleagues and friends.

Lest We Forget.

Members Toasted Absent Friends.

APOLOGIES

26 noted by the Secretary by RSVP emails and advised in the register recorded by attending members.  Many thanks.  

NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS / GUESTS. 

Darryl Cooper from Nollamara, SVN 1967-68 and then a Firey, and Allan Barbarich from Cannington, Navy Stoker.  Cheers to All and Heartily Welcomed.  

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.   

Minutes of 11^th March 2024, having been available by email, website, and hard copy, considered as read.    

Moved by our Bob Keatch 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,  Welfare links and contacts are readily available via our website: www.northbeach-rsl.asn.au   

CORRESPONDENCE IN & OUT 

Includes – Pending/Reciprocal/Agenda items included below from our Executive Management meetings.  Pending and current matters are being monitored and cleared as promptly as compliance and assistance allows.   

• RSLWA Sub-Branch Signal and associated information updates, Listening Post, broadcast items of Interest.
• Our Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast and 25 April activities information material.
• Membership List updating continues including Next of Kin/Emergency Contacts.  Advise if not sure if your details are accurate or if they have changed.
• Dave Lewis.  Recommendation for regular reference to our Newsletter and Website links, e.g. recent “Camaraderie Journal, as per Peer Health Report.
• ANZAC Day correspondence as per Report and follow up volunteer requirements and training.
• Schools and Services Anzac addresses. – many formal requests being catered for, participants list and venues now collated and under advice.
• Suggestion to add next of kin details on membership cards not agreed to by RSLWA.
• RSLWA State Bowling representatives to SA – well done Mike “Moose” Sweeney and Allan Hornby. Bring home the bacon again for WA.
• Welfare/DVA matters to Ted Leunig, recent deceased and outside enquiry by a Georgia Otto,
• Meeting dates and matters – refer to poster available at meeting and also from a link on the home page of our website.

Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters.  Moved by Colin Benporath and Seconded by Helen Burgess.  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.  

• Secretary will coordinate the closure of the now defunct CBA Account as previous GM and Exec Minutes.
• Administration expenses well contained and recent meeting increased catering costs remain satisfactorily subsidised under existing arrangements.
• Treasurer arranged appropriate ANZ Account adjustments re economy of fees whilst maintaining the integrity of the Welfare Account, Tour of Duty Account and our Financial Records.
• Treasurer to approach to NBBC for Social Membership “adjustment” – progressing well.
• Treasurer advised that discussion with NBBC for Social Memberships continue and that an interim arrangement would be put in place until they are concluded.  Sub-Branch members who require a NBBC Social Membership card because they attend NBBC at times other than the Sub-Branch monthly meetings should contact the Treasurer.

Moved by our Steve Fletcher and Seconded by Chris Rampant., that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”.  Carried.

Kevin Ryan 100^th Birthday Presentation – by our Member Doug Simpson, RSLWA Trustee and Board Representative:

Terrific achievement by our still active member Kevin and presentation unanimously applauded by all. Briefly, Kevin is a WWII Veteran, serving with the 2/48 Battalion, New Guinea, and other theatres of war. Seated with him were young 99yo Bill Fielding and spring chicken Chris Rampant.  A privilege for us all be in the company of these fine men, to mark the occasion.  Kevin will be at the gym as usual this week with Chris and many other of our members.  Best wishes for many more Kevin.

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Welfare:   

Greg Gough Updates: “RAP” – Latest news concerning a number of our men down, Terry Pryer, Peter Macander, Terry Barrett, Bob Payne and Rod May.

Contact Greg 0417 911 173 or Secretary/Peer Health 0407 478 963 as visits are encouraged.

Anzac Day 2024.  Peter Hodgson (0458 583 869) or Secretary Wayne Koch (0407 478 963):

• Collection volunteers still called for, as per Peter Hodgson’s List distributed to tables and will be ongoing.  Peter Bowring full ANZAC Day update in progress, to completion.  Dog Park available on the day, extra Security, 3 Drones, Gunfire Breakfast – all ok to date.
• Anzac Merchandise – confirmed:  Initiative as per Exec Meeting 8 March 2024.
• Treasurer and Peter Hodgson – collection/Squares EFTPOS officers.  Treasurer and Peter Hodgson will coordinate step-by-step-training.  Lotterywest funding as per previous approval.
• Site Captains Roll Call:  Includes: Lez Young Bunnings, Peter Hodgson Warwick Train Station, Garry Jones Warwick SC, Mal Dwyer and Wayne Koch Marmion SC, John Rolfe Carine SC, Peta Connelly and David House North Beach SC, Barry Lloyd Greenwood SC, Karrinyup SC to be determined.
• Peter Bowring: NZ Flag to Warden Rob Sweet.  NBFC Match Sat 27^th WK.  Awaiting 2-up permit from Liquor and Gaming.  Details to members including refreshers for School attendees and 25 April services.
• Dress standard reiterated by President.

Website/Admin and Publicity: 

• All good, with ongoing updates and increased links accessible from www.northbeach-rsl.asn.au 
• Hobart Tour of Duty photos from Jon McKenzie and others assisted greatly for Website and Facebook and complements our article to DVA E-News/RSLWA Listening Post/ Perth Now and interested Media.
• Plaques requests proceeding.

Peer Health.  Wayne Koch 0407 478 963 advises re our website, Newsletter and other references:

• CAMARADERIE Journal.  The latest Journal Vol 54 is now accessed from the Home page of our web site and worthy of a read, as the articles address a broad range of Defence welfare related matters.
• Membership Fee processing – assistance as required for members advise Secretary, Welfare or Treasurer.
• Donated quality book Storage/availability options still under consideration.
• General wellbeing and recreation gatherings Wed/Fri as per website and newsletters continue at Hillarys Marina.  Kayak minor leaking now confirmed to only be in ratio to the random nature of the load.
• NBRSL Stickers available – Secretary.
• Army/Navy Flags donated by guest David Bogdanovich on behalf of Mary Vassolo and family – greatly appreciated.  Cable Ties required to assist with the display – refer Wayne Koch.

Social Activities and Events: 

• Paul McGuinness provided a brief outline on planned events for 2024.  An outline of Events for 2024 is on our website/notice board.  North Beach Events – North Beach RSL Sub-Branch (northbeach-rsl.asn.au)
• John Rolfe and from the Floor -Tour of Duty Hobart 15-22 March.  Hearty praise to the organisers at all levels and quality care when needed pre and on Tour.  Local venues now seen as more appropriate.
• Stepping down of the “circle” of operators of organising functions, events, fines, and meeting meals was promulgated passionately by President John Rolfe.  John called for members to step up and take on the various roles undertaken by the “circle” for the last 8 years.  Well Played those Men.
• John also advised that from 11 Nov he will vacate the Memorial Warden role with replacing as above to take place.
• Prelim update 2024 Wednesday outings – Police MUSEUM Highgate now 22 May; Xmas in July, 24 July; NO August; RAAF 25 September; Chidlows 23 October.

President’s Matters:

John called for indication of numbers for the NBFC v Scarborough Graham Edwards ANZAC Commemorative Match 27 April, attention to attire to be at Anzac Service standard, please assemble 1:00pm.

Nollamara Sub-Branch update – RSLWA proceeding, site issues remain, previous legitimate parties being made aware of desired outcomes.

WW2 Commemorative Medallions, small surplus supply with John Rolfe.  Secretary will confirm procedure for those to still apply, particularly in relation to kindred relatives.

GENERAL BUSINESS: (refer to reports, and below):

• Individual matters to Chair for further consideration, Executive, and Meeting Friday 10^th May, further input welcomed.

MEETING CLOSED – 18:05.

NEXT GENERAL MEETING – Monday 13^th May 2024 at 17.00 

124 attended this meeting, with 94 members paying for meals.  Thanks to our Gate Sentries, Bill Kynaston, Deb Thatcher and Jess Welfare. 

Dinner Arrangements –Ladies and Older Veterans were given the usual courtesy of first “Big Serve” from our Caterer Kenny’s Beef with Red Wine and Mixed Vegetables, not to by-pass the bewt and boldly buttered breads.

Thanks go to our Trolley Guns, Trevor Beegan. Stewie Davies and Peter Dales; serving/butterers, and clean up members, Mal Dwyer, Peter Gorddard, Michael Healy, Frank McGrath, Andy Robinson, Peter Rowles and Paul McGuinness – plus microphone “courier” Jon McKenzie  

Also, our stalwart Raffle Warden Cyril Robinson-Goodwin, and worthy winners, Alex Lennox, Lez Young and soundly back to earth, Tommy May.  Well played All.    

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.