A Mandatory Contact Register was completed for all attendees in accordance with the requirements of Covid SafeWA.
MEETING OPENED at 16:00. President welcomed 121 members and recited the Ode
HOMAGE
I take a moment to remind us all of just some of a thousand lesser known stories of sacrifice.
100 years ago, on 31 March 2021, the Australian Air Force was founded, and on 13 August that year became the Royal Australian Air Force
From 30th January to 3rd February 1942 Ambon fell to the Japanese, capturing predominately Dutch and Australian forces. We particularly remember a small group from 13 Squadron who remained to repair its last remaining Hudson on the Island. This was unsuccessful, and the group was captured making their escape by boat. Within a fortnight they, and more than 300 other allied servicemen were executed. One of those from 13 Squadron was Pilot Officer Frank Meyer, age 21, the elder brother of our member Jack Meyer – who after his brothers capture, also served with 13 Squadron.
On 3 March 1942, the Japanese air raid on Broome came when the port was crowded with refugees fleeing the invasion of the Dutch East Indies. About 70 people, including many civilians were killed.
Lest we Forget
We remember our members David Clark who passed on 24 December 2020, Peter Prunster who passed on 12 February 2021 and Ted Burgess who passed on 19 February 2021. Photos of the deceased , with their story, as well as copies of the Newsletter were placed at the front desk by Brian Jennings.
Members toasted absent friends.
APOLOGIES
Bob Keatch, Owen Vladich, Denzil Simeons, Graeme Edwards, John Kelly, Diane Prosser, Peter Rowles, Mal Dwyer, Allan Gronow, Stewart Davies, Terry Healy, Wayne Koch, Peter McDonald, Rodney Sweet, Hugh McDonald, John Petrie.
VISITORS Nil
NEW MEMBERS
Jim Gronow, ex-Army, introduced himself.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of meeting 14 December, 2020 were read.
Moved by Jon McKenzie and Seconded by Chris Rampant that “the Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted”.
Carried.
Secretary reminded members that:
- Easy access to current and recent minutes and the Newsletter is via our website:
https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/
CORRESPONDENCE IN & OUT
In
- RSLWA – Advice on Quiz Night.
- RSLWA – Advice on a new employee for membership.
- RSLWA – Forms for Anzac Day.
- Sub Branch Signal.
- Advice on Life Membership & Service Certificates.
Out
- Return of Anzac Day Forms.
- Advice to members on funeral of our members David Clark, Peter Prunster & Ted Burgess.
- RSLWA asked to advise on what help is available for members or families for palliative care.
- Return of Newdegate Cup forms.
Business Arising from Correspondence:
Nil:
Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters, Moved by Arthur Greaves and Seconded by Ray Edwards
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
Ample hard copies will always be available “In House”, and are not contained in email advices, nor our web site due to privacy concerns.
Moved by Steve Fletcher and Seconded by David House that “the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”
Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Secretary – Long Term Members.
Our members eligible for Membership & Meritorious Certificates are:
- Taff Clarke 50 years,
- Wayne Koch 50 years,
- Lindsay Williams 60 years,
- Don C. Ranford 50 years,
- Desmond Pryce 50 years.
- Rob Sweet to be nominated for Life Membership
The President asked whether members knew of any reason why these members should not be nominated? Members were asked whether they knew of others who are eligible for Certificates.
A Motion was put that the above people be nominated for Certificates.Seconded by Frank McGrath.
Motion carried. The President advised that nomination does not mean automatic acceptance as RSLWA undertake a verification process.
Web Page. President advised that he was impressed with the development of our web page & thanked Helen Burgess and Brian Jennings on doing a good job and encouraged members to access it.
Appreciation
Arthur Greaves thanked the numerous people who had supported him & his wife during their recent convalescence.
Welfare
Greg Gough advised:
- Ray Alexander has had pneumonia following his by pass operation, but will be home today.
- Terry Prior is now in Bridgewater Kingsley & has made some improvement. Members were advised that if they intend to visit they need to make an appointment and comply with health requirements.
- Terry Newman’s wife is not well, and his legs are a problem.
- Ron Agar is still not well.
President
Recent events have shown the need for more Wellbeing Support Offices assistance. In particular, Greg Gough & David House have taken a heavy load & we need to support them with suitable assistance. The President called for volunteers to give a hand, and to see him after the meeting, or later.
After the meeting Jeff Fogarty, Arthur Greaves, Eric Aitkens & Mike Healy volunteered to assist.
The President advised that some of our veterans (WW2 in particular) have not paid their membership fees. This may be from financial hardship or health reasons. The President move a motion that:
Where members of our Sub Branch have difficulty paying their membership for whatever reason, the Sub Branch will pay until they recover.
Seconded Rob Sweet
Motion carried.
The President advised that at the December meeting a motion was passed to provide a Xmas Hamper to all our WW2 members. That was done & was well received by all.
Anzac Day
Barry Lloyd reported:
All preparations are proceeding to plan.
Anzac Day Breakfast
Bernie Egan reported that the North Beach Bowling Club rooms are being used until midnight on 24 April. The setup for breakfast will be delayed until 3am on 25 April. Volunteers are needed.
Members were requested to bring a plate of sandwiches/pastries as in previous years.
North Beach Scouts have offered to help & will be used as waiters.
Lions are to cook a sausage sizzle as previous.
Anzac Day School Visits
We have members who visit schools, aged care homes & other facilities giving a speech on the meaning & purpose of Anzac Day. More schools are asking for our support, so we need some more speech givers. Anyone wishing to help should see the Secretary after the meeting.
After the meeting Greg Young, Jeff Fogarty & David Potter volunteered to present. The Secretary advised that he has emailed past presenters asking for their acceptance for this year.
Memorial Warden
David House reported:
- Notices sent to past members on how to have a dedicated plaque.
- Reminded members that they can pre-pay for a plaque.
Christmas Lunch
John Rolfe reported:
- The venue for next year continues to be investigated by John Rolfe & Paul McGuiness.
Social Activities Coordinator
Paul McGuinness reported:
- The social activities list is as shown on the Web Page.
- The Darwin trip will have a briefing at North Beach Bowling Club on 6 April at 10am.
- The Darwin trip 3rd instalment of $500.00 is due.
- Sports Jackets with RSL Logo are available from John Whitford-Smith after the meeting.
4WD Trip
Rip Coulson advised the trip is planned for September & will be about 3000km through sandy, muddy treacherous terrain, only brave or foolhardy persons should advise him of their interest after the meeting.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Note from Secretary:
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 04370 378 498.
81 members paid for meals (plus WW2 and Korean Veterans who courtesy of our Sub-Branch don’t pay for their meal). Dinner Arrangements – Ladies and Older Veterans to be given the usual courtesy of “First Serve” of our Caterer Kenny’s Shepherd’s Pie & mixed vegetables.
Thanks go to Trolley Guns, Young, Dale and Egan; and serving and clean up members McGrath, McGuinness, Robinson, Goddard, and Jennings.
Raffle Winners: Smiling Faces noted of Payne & Keogh.
MEETING CLOSED – 17.05
NEXT MEETING – Monday 12 April 2021at 16:00