Message from the President
Welcome to our News Review.
Our achievements this year have been outstanding due to the support from our members. Our ANZAC commemoration this year was a success, even though the Gunfire Breakfast had to be cancelled. We are now on track for another successful Remembrance Day thanks to Barry Lloyd and his team, and Peter Bowring for his organising the Poppy Collection teams and locations. We are pleased to be supported by Bunnings in being allowed to have a collection point at its Balcatta store.
Some of our proposed day visits had to be cancelled, but we continue to plan to maximise participation. Cervantes day trip to the Lobster Factory was a success, as was that to the Leighton Battery site. We are already advancing next year’s calendar, including our annual Tour of Duty, this time to Esperance.
I would like to remind all members that our meeting time on the second Monday of each month (except January) of 5:00pm will continue. Now that the weather is starting to warm, I look forward to increasing numbers at our meetings and the participation of members.
The members’ contribution at Meetings that help us meet our Sub-Branch costs, is:
$10 for All members (includes the cost of 2 drinks from the Trolley during the Meeting should they choose). $10 is the minimum meeting cost per member.
An additional $10 for ALL members having a meal.
So, for $20, members may have 2 drinks from the trolley and a meal. Although we are not recovering total meeting costs due to our decreased attendance numbers so far this year due to Covid concerns, as numbers increase back to normal, we hope to turn this around.
Our Sub-Branch continues to receive positive feedback from RSLWA relating to the way in which we operate and look after our members. This is due to our members, so thank you all.
I recently visited member Bill Fielding, his wife Jen, and family Peter Fletcher and Leonie Anderson. Peter and Leonie generously donated to our Sub-Branch a limited edition framed copy of 11 Battalion on the Cheops Pyramid. This will form part of our collection, and their generosity is acknowledged and very much appreciated.
Reminder – each Wednesday and Friday we kayak, cycle and walk (not at the same time) from Hillarys Marina, followed by coffee from 09:00am under the gazebo on the southern side of the Marina. Come and join us, even if it’s for a coffee.
John Rolfe
President
WHAT HAS THE SUB-BRANCH BEEN DOING
As usual, The Sub-Branch continues its twice weekly activities at Hillarys Marina with an increasing number of our members participating in walking, kayaking and cycling, followed by the mandatory coffee and conversation.
New participants are always welcome, even if it’s for coffee and conversation in a magnificent informal setting at Hillarys Marina.
Interested in joining in one of our groups? Contact Wayne Koch in the first instance for information. Wayne’s contact details are?
Email: northbeach.secretary@sb.rslwa.org.au
Phone: 0407 478 963
OR just wander down and join the crowd for a coffee.
RECENT EVENTS
July Leighton Batteries and Tunnels
Thirty members took the opportunity to tour the Leighton Battery and Tunnels – an important part of Western Australian military history. Coastal defences, known at the time as “Fortress Fremantle” protected the harbour since the first battery was installed at Arthur’s Head in 1906. This was expanded in the 1930’s and WW2 and stretched along the coast from Point Peron, Garden Island, Rottnest, Leighton and Swanbourne. During WW11, this was particularly important as Fremantle, following the fall of Singapore, was home to the largest submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere.
By all accounts, a great day had by all.
August
Purchase of Kayaks and Donation to TS Marmion
Jess Welfare Reports from Crete
“I managed to get to the Suda (Souda)Bay War Cemetery today via the hop on/off tourist bus which does a 40min drive around various sites in Chania but in Greek time somewhat longer!! Had to wait awhile for the return to Chania so tried to hitch a ride back. People just smiled and waved so obviously didn’t understand the hitch a ride gesture or I’ve lost my touch!!! Too old!!
The cemetery overlooks the bay where the cruise ships call in. The site is surrounded by olive trees & is a very beautiful setting.
Another European family were also there & equally touched to see so many graves of dead young men. I asked their daughter to put a koala bear on one of the NZ graves to honour our mates across the pond. I found a Sapper to place my little kangaroo. He was only 19.
I still had some poppies left from El Alamein so placed those around.
Of the ANZACS 274 Aussies killed & 671 NZs. It was nice to bring a little something from home to leave with them.”
Well Done, Jess
Also in August, a group lunched at the ANZAC Club and were joined by State President Duncan Anderson and CEO Vince Connolly. They later toured Anzac House and the facilities.
September
Wednesday September 21st saw a group undertake a day trip to Cervantes to tour The Lobster Factory and have lunch at The Lobster Shack. A good time, and most obviously a good feed, was had by all.
AND, the prize for the largest meal goes to ……………….!!!!
Our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/northbeachrslwa/ is maintained by Jon McKenzie and contains up to date photos and stories that are relevant to our Sub-Branch. Those who do not have a Facebook login, you are still able to access our Facebook Page to view.
Our Website https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/ is maintained by Brian Jennings and contains up to date news, Minutes of Meetings, information about our Sub-Branch, Links to support services, members’ stories and history.
WHAT EVENTS ARE PLANNED
Care is being taken in the planning of these events, so ALL our members, should they choose to participate, are being catered for.
This will also include our participation in Veterans Health Week in October.
More information, along with dates and itinerary, will be provided as soon as it is available, but the following Events are being planned:
| Month | Organiser | Event |
| 19 October 2022 | John Rolfe 0439 934 036 | Veterans’ Health Week Jarrahdale |
| 11 November 2022 | Barry Lloyd 0417 921 883 | Remembrance Day |
| 23 November 2022 | Paul McGuinness 0417 181 025 | Annual Lunch, Hillarys Yacht Club |
| 2023 | Paul McGuinness | Tour of Duty – Esperance |
Australian Virtual War Memorial
The Australian Virtual War Memorial was originally an initiative of RSL South Australia and has now expanded to an Australian wide initiative.
To access this site, click on this Link: https://vwma.org.au/. Or enter in your search engine – vwma.org.au
VWMA’s aim is to be the outstanding national digital Memorial, acknowledged for its integrity and relevance; its respectful presentation of socio-military history and its capacity to engage and educate individuals and communities. Its Mission is to provide a worthy home, in perpetuity, for the records and the personal experiences of all individuals who have served and the impact of this service on the individuals themselves, their families and communities.
It serves to commemorate all Australians who have served the nation in times of conflict commencing at the Boer War and Boxer Rebellion and the Great War, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, all Middle East conflicts and all declared Peacekeeping and Peacemaking missions.
North Beach RSL Sub-Branch has entries on this site, both individual stories, and photos and description of the North Beach Memorial and the plaques within the Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. Search for “North Beach” under Memorials.
This is a work in progress, so some detail and stories still need to be added. Have a Look – it’s an interesting site and the Search Facility can generate relevant results.
It also contains stories that were entered in “Remembering ANZACS” from several years ago. Individuals may also lodge stories, subject to moderation by VWMA, that are of interest. Should you be interest in this, contact Brian Jennings – contact details on last page of this newsletter,
FAMILY MILITARY AND SERVICE HISTORY
Searching for the military and service history of a family member can take time and effort. These links are the more common ones available. A digital copy of their service records may also be available, if not, then information is available on how to obtain them.
Nominal Roll https://nominal-rolls.dvDVA’s Nominal Rollsa.au
Military History https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition/commemorating-all-who-served/records-and-military-history
Military History https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au
To obtain a copy of your own service records access this link, copy the form, complete it and send it in by either mail or email. https://www.defence.gov.au/records/docs/Request%20for%20Records.pdf
VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH AND CRISIS SUPPORT
Mental health and suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and we all have a part to play – check in on a mate, ask them if they are okay, have a conversation and help them get the support they need.
Joondalup Hub
A Veterans’ Support Centre (Veterans’ Support Centre Joondalup (VSCJ)) is run by volunteers. The VSCJ is located at the Heathridge Leisure Centre and is open every Tuesday 1000-1600 and Thursday 1200-1800.
The VSCJ 24/7 contact number is 0437 378 498
RSLWA https://www.rslwa.org.au/
RSLWA Welfare can be contacted via 9287 3799 https://www.rslwa.org.au/services/welfare
RSLWA Advocacy can be contacted via 9287 3799 https://www.rslwa.org.au/services/advocacy
More Support: 1800RESPECT open 24/7 for national family violence and sexual assault counselling. It’s a free and confidential service. Call 1800RESPECT (or 1800 737 732) or visit their website (1800respect.org.au).
MensLine Australia provides free 24/7 help, support, referrals and counselling services for men via telephone or online. Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit their website (mensline.org.au).
24/7 support on 1800 011 046
Open Arms provide 24/7 counselling and support to current and former ADF members and their families. They also offer face-to-face and video counselling, online or in-person, group treatment programs, suicide prevention programs and crisis accommodation support. https://www.openarms.gov.au/
OUR SUB-BRANCH
What Can We Offer You:
Our members are from the Defence and Emergency Service and those who have a link to those who served. Our Sub-Branch have members who have recently transitioned from the Defence and Emergency Services, partners of veterans, and those who have been members in excess of 50 years.
The Sub-Branch is socially active, and should you wish to join in, it:
We can offer support, advice and information on how to contact services that offer professional help, but most importantly peer support and understanding.
Our website https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/ contains contact information relating to support services, and also information, latest news, members’ stories, Gallery of events and more.
The Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/northbeachrslwa/ is maintained daily, has feeds from like organisations and has a library of interesting photos from our Sub-Branch events.
The Sub-Branch also provides a Wellbeing Support role as well as Advocacy referral. We always have someone that members can contact should advice or help be needed. For initial contact relating to welfare matters or advocacy, contact Greg or Ted.
| Wellbeing Support | Greg Gough | 0417 911 173 | patngoughy@hotmail.com |
| Advocacy | Ted Leunig | 0408 177 193 | ted.leunig@oracle.com |
Also, refer to our website for our key contacts, or our Contacts List that is regularly emailed or available to members on request. Should you need a copy of this, contact Wayne Koch on 0407 478 963, or Brian Jennings – contact details on last page.
COMPUTING: BE Connected
If you use a computer (laptop, desktop, iPad, mobile phone) it pays to be aware of its capability, and also the risks involved. This is particularly important to avoid your personal information being obtained by those who should not have it.
Teach yourself how.
Be Connected is an Australian Government based initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. It has online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners – the Be Connected Network – who offer support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.
Find a local place for friendly help and advice, or join the Network to help others.
If you use a computer, whether it be a desk top, laptop, iPad or mobile phone, be computer aware. It is so easy for scammers to send emails or messages that not only seek to obtain information from you, but may infect your device.
It pays to have good virus protection software installed on your device, apart from that inbuilt with your computer (such as the windows security), and also to be vigilant.
Emails or phone calls seeking personal information of any kind need to be treated with concern. Banks for example will never ring you to seek personal information or details of your accounts. If in doubt, always ring your bank or institution directly, and not to any phone number provided in email, text, or phone call. If you do online banking, log in to your account and check whether there are messages for you.
The same goes with emails or text messages, do not click on links or reply to the email or text if you are in doubt – just delete, and then clear your “bin” or “trash” folder. Always clear your browsing history, including cookies.
If you feel that your personal information has been compromised, immediately change your passwords and / or pin numbers and contact your financial institution.
Increasingly, Facebook users’ address folders are being accessed, and so called “plausible” emails are sent, supposing from a friend, requesting information or to purchase and supply Gift Card information. Check the sender by right clicking on the sender’s email address, this will reveal the real sender and not the name shown. Always, if in doubt – delete. If still in doubt “phone the friend”.
DVA on its eNews site has stated:
DVA is warning veterans to be cautious of potential scammers operating online.
Veterans and families must be vigilant and protect themselves from any incident that may compromise their private or personal information. Read the full story for tips on how to identify and avoid scams.
If you are a veteran, or know someone who is a veteran, please pass on the following tips:
If you, or someone you know, has been approached by someone posing as a DVA representative please contact your nearest DVA office.
If you have shared personal information and believe you may be at risk, you can contact IDCARE, a not-for-profit organisation that provides assistance and support to victims of identity theft and other cybercrime. Visit idcare.org or telephone 1800 595 160.
For additional information about scams, visit scamwatch.gov.au – you can also subscribe to a free alert service to receive updates about the latest scams.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre also provides advice for individuals, a free alert service to help you understand the latest online threats and the ability to report online crimes via the ReportCyber page.
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Now – The Lighter Side
Blast from the Past
Three of our current members are in this photo of the Wembley Football Club, but may have aged since it was taken mid last century. And yes, they are still walking around and attending our meetings. No prizes for correctly identifying the three.
(look for Michael Healy, Peter Gorddard and Owen Vladich)
A DIFFICULT CHOICE
This one may prove to be more difficult.
One of the three Red Hat Ladies who meet each month at Gwelup is an imposter.
Can you pick the imposter?
A Veteran
Author nknown.
For a Civvy to understand a Veteran they should realise:
Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.
It has no monetary value, but at the same time, it is a priceless gift.
People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service.
When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.
So, from myself to the rest of the Veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.
Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times.
Share your stories. But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran!
Flogging a DEAD HORSE
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians passed on from generation to generation, says that –
“When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.”
However, in government, more advanced strategies are often employed, such as:
OFFICE BEARERS
| President | John Rolfe | Wellbeing and Advocacy | Greg Gough, Ted Leunig (Trainee Advocate) |
| Vice President | Peter Bowring | Parade Marshall | Deborrah Thatcher |
| Secretary | Wayne Koch | Commemorative | Barry Lloyd, and Executive Committee |
| Treasurer | David King | Poppy Coordinator | Peter Bowring |
| Wardens | Alex Lennox Rob Sweet | Revenue Steward | Jim Muscat, Bill Kynaston |
| Memorial Warden | John Rolfe | Honorary Chaplain | Martin Heffer |
| Peer Health | Alex Lennox, Eric Aitkins | Stewards | Stuart Young, Peter Dales, David Makin, Stewart Davies |
| Social Activities | Paul McGuinness | ||
| Website Administrator | Helen Burgess | Website and News Editor | Brian Jennings |
Tune in to The Listening Post every Monday 1800-2000, Capital Radio 101.7 FM, Capital Digital and from anywhere via www.capitalcommunityradio.com Perth’s only radio programme for Defence personnel, past and present, their families and friends.
| North Beach Review North Beach Sub-Branch welcomes contributions and articles that may be used on its website and in the North Beach Review. To discuss how you may contribute, contact: Brian Jennings on 0413 605 612 or email on jamjenb@gmail.com Disclaimer North Beach Review source material is edited to remove inappropriate content, and clarify, shorten or standardise where needed. Although tests for accuracy are undertaken, readers should not rely on any of this material without conducting your own due diligence. Opinions are not necessarily those of RSL North Beach Sub-Branch or RSLWA. |