North Beach RSL Sub-Branch

Meeting Minutes May, 2025

General Meeting

Meeting Started: May 12, 2025 5:00 pm, The President, Peter Hodgson, welcomed 129 members and recited the Ode.

Homage for May, 2025

HOMAGE FOR MAY.

The 13th of May 1968 marked the start of the Battle of Coral–Balmoral, which was to be Australia’s costliest and most protracted battle of the Vietnam War.  Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral comprised defended positions for artillery, mortars and armoured vehicles which in turn supported infantry patrols of the area.

The North Vietnamese launched several strong attacks in an attempt to drive our forces out. Twenty-six Australian soldiers died in the three-week-long series of actions:

  • two from 12th Field Regiment
  • one from 104th Signals Squadron
  • 16 from 1 RAR
  • six from 3 RAR
  • one from 161st Independent Reconnaissance Squadron.

15 were National Servicemen.  Over 100 Australians were wounded – and five New Zealanders from 161st Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery.

The Royal Australian Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment were all subsequently awarded the Battle Honour “Coral-Balmoral”.  The 102nd Field Battery, 12th Field Regiment, was awarded the honour title “Coral” in recognition of their outstanding achievement in the battle, the first such award to an Australian sub-unit.

LEST WE FORGET

Sadly we record the passing of our esteemed member George Nichols, 25 October 1945 – 30 April 2025.

5714570 2 RAR SVN, 9 May 1967 – 14 May 1968.

Funeral planned for 10am Tuesday 20 May, Brown Chapel, Karrakatta, further details for advice.

Members Toasted Absent Friends.

Apologies: 28, noted by the Secretary by RSVP emails and advised in the register recorded by attending members. Many thanks.

NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS / GUESTS:

Well Identified for Acknowledgement. Including, Hon Joondalup “Talker” Jane Inglis, who also assisted serving the meal.

New Member, media savvy Phil Pearson, Sydney University Regiment joined by Highgate guest, Life Member, Leon Griffiths. Looking forward to contributions and participation in the companionship. Traditional hearty welcomes accorded.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Minutes of our meeting held at the North Beach Bowling Club, 14th APRIL 2025, having been available by email, website, (notice board), and hard copy, considered as read.

Moved by Rick Johnson and Seconded by Alister Oram, that “the Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted”.

Business arising as below and actioned as appropriate in the following Committee Reports.

Noted, All in Favour & Carried.

 

CORRESPONDENCE IN AND OUT

Hard copy Newsletters on hand, plus stickers galore. Included in the Newsletter details raised by Greg. Young re transport assistance.

Other Include Pending/Reciprocal Agenda items included below from our Executive Management Meeting 9 May.

  • Nil Notices of Motion or formal General Business matters advised.
  • New PO Box 2505, value for money. Website and stationery updated, RSLWA and other addressees advised.
  • Submission of By Laws update processed to RSLWA, refer Presidents report. Attendees and business submissions confirmed.
  • AGM Nomination for elected position of one position of Wardens closes 11 July Friday, the Friday before the July Meeting.
  • RSLWA Sub-Branch Signal and associated information updates, The Listening Post, broadcast items of interest, others communicated widely.
  • 2025 Congress Fri – Sat 14th and 15th RSLWA will be advised prior to 30 June of the attendance of delegates Peter Bowring, Wayne Koch, David Potter and guest Helen Burgess. President Peter Hodgson is unavailable to attend.
  • Advocate Training under way: Deb Oram, Steve Leonard, Chis Giddens, Colin Benporath, going forward.
  • Basketball Court – President updated meeting, and advised further meetings with City of Stirling planned.
  • Further progress “confirmed”, with RSLWA re Membership list, Members Cards, Congress Attendees & submissions, including Awards. Chief Operations Officer, Daniel Kennedy-Stiff attended Executive meeting of 9 May to provide an update of progress.
  • Secretaries Note: A reliable contact point is the Veterans Engagement Officer, Colleen Adleigh, 0418 176 642, [email protected]
  • Refer to Committee Reports for other Correspondence and any Business arising from herein.

Acknowledgement of Correspondence matters:

Moved by Keith Jones and Seconded by Jeff Fogarty.

Carried, all in favour.

Refer to Committee Reports.– for Business arising from Correspondence

Treasurer’s Report

$20 for Spare NBBC Card, advised for additional benefits, well received.

  • Treasurer David Potter provided a comprehensive Cash at Bank Report of our monthly finances and provided a copy for each table.
  • Collections leading up to Anzac Day – worthy efforts reflected again the sustainable result in these contemporaneous times.
  • RSLWA Membership updates. Processing
  • Blazer project advised, with the stock takeover from member John Whitford-Smith proceeding.
  • Sec/Treas. Favourable consideration indicated regarding acquisition of our sought after stickers, 500 for $350 through Paul McGuinness. Available from the “Pool Table”.

Routine matters carried forward to next Executive Meeting.  Business Arising – Nil.

Moved by Helen Burgess and Seconded by David House, that “the Treasurer’s Report be   accepted”.  Carried.

President’s Update

Further to: Executive Management meeting on Friday 9 May.:

  • Basketball Court: meetings held with our robust position established, promising outcome indicated that any such facility shall be well “distanced from the memorial.
  • Attending TS Marmion this Friday for Annual Service and our provision of support $2000 donation. Immediate project for Training Rooms refurbishment.
  • Brian Jennings – confirmed as Returning Officer for 11 August AGM for the 1 vacancy of a Warden position – currently held by Lez Young who is eligible to renominate. refer to Notice Board and Website. Nominations encouraged.

Committee Reports

Welfare:

Our Greg Gough advised those in/out the “RAP” and some about to emerge going ok. Pleasing updates on Russell Couper, Bob Sweeney and Karl Phillimore, and again well done Ros Whitney and Ladies with assisting care with Christine Pryor.    Best Wishes and Stay Safe All.

Peer Health:

Wayne Koch thanks to certain Kayakers enjoying jaunts subject to swell, tide and chilly dipping. Peter Rowles Peer Health acquisition extremely effective, Nil report acknowledged.

Anzac Ceremonial:

Peter Bowring, Alister Oram and Peter Hodgson. Positive result all areas and support appreciated all involved, Gunfire Breakfast via NBBC Catering and Tom Bateman and crew.

Website Administration.

Helen Burgess advised ongoing Reports to Executive: Technical work in progress. Facebook going strong via Jon McKenzie. Still under notice is any revised “Hosting” progress from RSLWA. Veterans  stories highlighted again, Maud Bown and Bill Fielding in particular,

Publicity and News Officer BJ:

As always, Newsletter and updates well presented.  Submissions on ANZAC Dawn Service forwarded to RSLWA and City Stirling.  Advised that Bill Fielding had an article about him in The West Australian of 8 May written by Malcom Queckett.  Comprehensive Library Catalogue on hand from Brian, reminder re Warden election nominations close 11 July.

Social Activities and Events – Peter Hodgson, sub-committee:

  • Wednesday 21 May, 0900hrs Bus Departure Hillarys, limit of 40, to Fremantle Maritime Museum, for tours, including the Submarine HMAS Oven for those nimble enough to fit into the Torpedo Bays. Tours will be in shifts of 10 (4). Lunch will be arranged or first in best dressed at the adjacent “E Shed Markets”, then depart Freo 1445hrs. Bus $20 Tour $10 Lunch/Refreshments at own expense. Expressions of interest please.

Others will be broadcast, added to website, and as per handout, including:

  • Monday August 18, Vietnam Veterans Day, to be advised.
  • Wednesday 20 August, 0930hrs Bus Departs Hillarys, 40 PAX, Army Museum Fremantle, returns 1330hrs, $20 Bus $10 donation, more info to come.
  • Also Oct/Nov Vets Health Week. Potential BBQ Sunday 19 October.
  • Future events, Rotto up to 40 places, Wed 17 September all good, notifications soon
  • 4WD Lez Young. 15/27 September, “Fossicking Abandoned Towns”!!
  • Tuesday November 11, Remembrance Day.

General Business

Guest Speaker on Pain Management and related issues.

Dr Ganesa Ponraja of Verde Clinic, most enlightening delivery. An “Authorised Subscriber” also approved by DVA to run a Pain Management Trial (no cost to DVA recipients) using an array of pharmaceuticals, including Cannabis Oil. Conditions fully explained. Presentation “injected” with humour to emphasises certain issues.  Other important points related to a range of benefits that may not be universal and may differ widely per individual. Usually, a previous traditional “failed” pain management treatment of 3months needs to be demonstrated, prior to commencing a Cannabis Oil trial. In one example it was explained that a patient responded sufficiently to be able to return to employment. Questions from the floor as well as a “testimonial” from member Tony Burgess. Importantly Dr Ganesa stayed well past the meeting for individual “chats” and for follow up.

Cards made available.  Phone 6245 5550, email [email protected] and website www.verdeclinic.com.au

Referrals desirable but not required.

Refer correspondence and Committee Reports.

Thanks again all for attendance, and to all Helpers.

Further information, advise Executive via Secretary email herein or Mob. 0407 478 963.

Meeting Closed: May 12, 2025 6:14 pm

NEXT MEETING GM – Monday 9th JUNE 2025 at 1700 hrs.

129 attended this meeting, with just over 87 meals paid for. Thanks to our continuing fabulous Gate Sentries Lez Young and Deb Oram.

Thanks to Raffle Wardens Greg Young and Arthur Whitney: Meat Raffle winners, Alister Oram, Ray Alexander and “C14”, all claimed. Cash raffle winners, Tom Norris, Bob Lord and Michael Keegan.

Beer Trolley scooters Peter Rowles and Trevor Beegan. Dinner Arrangements – Ladies and Older Veterans were given the usual courtesy of “First Serve”,  from Caterer Kenny: Gourmet Sausage, accompanied by the ever perennial splash of Peas and Gravy, with the crews best buttered Breads.

Thanks also to the many serving/buttering and catering “Platoon”, Barry Lloyd, Barrie Morgan, Owen Parry, Tom Bateman, Greg Young, Arthur Greaves, Andy Robinson, along with Rookie Microphone Carrier Santo Sturniolo displaying dash and panache.

Thanks to All and Stay Safe.