North Beach Review

Newsletter North Beach RSL Sub-Branch
northbeach.secretary@sb.rslwa.org.au
August 28, 2023

Message from the President

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Welcome to our News Review.

Now that the weather is warming up, our Wednesday and Friday activities from Hillarys Marina, followed by coffee, are beginning to attract more of our members.

We meet every Wednesday and Friday on the south side of the Marina, under “our gazebo”.  Look for our sign. 

All are most welcome to join one of our groups – walking, cycling or kayaking – or just join us for the coffee and conversation from about 09:15. 

Find out more by calling our Secretary Wayne Koch a call on 0407 478 963.

Our Annual General Meeting has come and gone, and we are pleased to welcome our new Treasurer, David Potter.  That means that David King, a stalwart of the position for the last 10 years, will be taking a well deserved rest. 

David King has done a remarkable job as Treasurer and Membership Officer, as well as the “Seller of Shirts and Caps.”  We can’t underestimate the amount of work involved in this position, especially in a Sub-Branch as large as ours.  So, Well Done David King, and thank you.”

On the following page is detail of the Executive Officers and Committee, and the key roles undertaken by members.

It is great that our members step forward and get involved, not only in the day to day tasks, but throughout the year. 

We are most fortunate to have a comprehensive Website and active Facebook, so I encourage members to view these and stay up to date with our history, our stories and what’s happening.  Our Facebook is continually up to date, and advertises events, news, and commemorations with many photos.  The benefit of our Facebook is that you do not have to log in to view.

The prime focus of this Newsletter is to overview DVA Hospital and Day Procedure Guidelines and provide Contact details, so members can obtain the information they need.  I encourage all members, especially DVA Card holders and their families to read, and should clarification be needed discuss further with one of the contacts provided.

I also encourage reading some of the information from the Welfare and Advocacy page of our website.  There is a wealth of essential information. Welfare and Advocacy – North Beach RSL Sub-Branch (northbeach-rsl.asn.au)

John Rolfe

Annual General Meeting 14 August 2023

Positions of Secretary and Treasurer became vacant, and Wayne Koch (Secretary) and David Potter (Treasurer) were elected unopposed for a period of 3 years.

Sub-Branch Executive Officers and Committee

POSITIONNAMETERMPHONE NoEMAIL
PresidentJohn Rolfe08 20240439 934 036northbeach.president@sb.rslwa.org.au
Vice PresidentPeter Bowring08 20240410 603 061peter_bowring@yahoo.com.au
SecretaryWayne Koch08 20260407 478 963northbeach.secretary@sb.rslwa.org.au
TreasurerDavid Potter08 20260498 233 263northbeach.treasurer@sb.rslwa.org.au
Membership OfficerDavid Potter08 20260498 233 263northbeach.membership@sb.rslwa.org.au
WardenRobin Sweet08 20240417 654 533robinsweet6@icloud.com
WardenLes Young08 20250407 082 438lezyoung12@gmail.com

Who’s Who 2023 – 2024

PresidentJohn Rolfe 0439 934 036WelfareGreg Gough Welfare Support Officer 0417 911 173
Vice PresidentPeter Bowring 0410 603 061AdvocateTed Leunig 0408 177 193
SecretaryWayne Koch 0407 478 963Parade MarshallRip Couston 0467 960 552
TreasurerDavid Potter 0498 233 263CommemorativePeter Bowring and Executive Committee 0410 603 061
WardenRob Sweet 0417 654 533 Les Young 0407 082 438Poppy Coordinator Peter Hodgson 0458 583 869
Memorial WardenJohn Rolfe 0439 934 036Revenue StewardJim Muscat, 0401 095 414 Bill Kynaston 0418 121 003
Peer HealthWayne Koch 0407 478 963 Eric Aitkins 0419 954 972StewardsStuart Young, Peter Dales, Stewart Davies, Trevor Beegan
Social Activities  Paul McGuinness 0417 181 025Website AdministratorHelen Burgess (Contact Brian Jennings for website issues)
Annual LunchPeter Bowring 0410 603 061 Les Young 0407 082 438Website and News EditorBrian Jennings 0413 605 612  

Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial was unveiled in Kings Park on 27th July and was attended by representative of our Sub-Branch.  The Memorial stone was donated by the Government of South Korea, and was from the Kapyong Valley, the site of the Battle in April 1951 where 3 RAR was awarded the Presidential Citation.

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Sandakan Memorial Kings Park

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On 15 August each year, Sandakan is commemorated to remember the more than 2,400 Australian and British prisoners of war and the estimated 16 per cent of Sabah’s civilian population who died during Japanese occupation. This is known as Sandakan Memorial Day

From 1942 to 1943, some 2,700 Allied servicemen were interned at Sandakan and used as forced labour to build a military airstrip. Some were transferred but, by 1945, more than 1,000 had already perished.

In January 1945, with the imminent defeat of the Japanese Army, about 1,000 British and Australian POWs were sent on 3 separate forced marches from Sandakan to Ranau, a torturous 260-kilometre march through mountainous jungle terrain.

The men were severely malnourished, suffering from tropical illnesses and subjected to brutal ill-treatment and torture. About half died during these death marches and those who did survive succumbed to starvation and illness. The prisoners who remained in Sandakan died in appalling conditions or were executed.  Only 6 Australians survived. They escaped with the help of local villagers, and eventually returned home to tell their story.

Sandakan remains one of the worst atrocities committed against Australians in war.

Carine Senior High School are the custodians of the Memorial in Kings Park and conducted a memorial service on Sunday 20 August.  This was well attended by our Sub-Branch, and Graham Edwards gave a stirring address.

Vietnam Veterans Day

A commemoration service was held at the Perth War Cemetery, Karrakatta, to mark 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, followed by the annual paying of respect at the graves of Vietnam Veterans.  This was also well attended by our Sub-Branch.

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DVA Hospital and Day Procedure Guidelines and Contacts

All of us at some time need the care of medical and allied professionals, and the emergency ambulance services.

We are most fortunate in Australia to have a world class medical service available to all, irrespective of the type of health cover, whether it be private or public cover, or in possession of a DVA Card that provides health cover. 

The purpose of the following is to provide an overview of DVA guidelines as it relates to health cover for card holders. 

However, it remains the responsibility of all to be fully aware of your entitlements.  This can be obtained from those within the Sub-Branch, RSLWA or DVA.  Contacts are provided on our website and in this article.

Welfare and Advocacy – North Beach RSL Sub-Branch (northbeach-rsl.asn.au)

The DVA Website, under Menu Heading “Get Support”, has a broad range of information for veterans.

Get Support | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Included is information relating to Hospitals.

If you do not have access to this information on a computer, ask a mate or family member to assist, or contact support from within our Sub-Branch, RSLWA or DVA.

Emergency Admissions

In an emergency, Gold Card (and White Cardholders with medical accepted endorsements) can be admitted to either:

  • the nearest public hospital where they can be treated as a private patient.
  • the nearest private hospital with an emergency department

Doctors with admitting rights can admit the patient to a contracted private hospital for treatment.

It is important to realise that the hospital to which a patient is admitted will depend on hospitals’ capacity at the time of the emergency, the severity, and the identified need for specialist medical intervention. 

Wait time for an ambulance also depends on the assessed medical needs and priority of the patient.

Public Hospitals

DVA has arrangements with all state and territory governments to provide care in public hospitals.

Hospitals and Day Procedure Centres | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Health support | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

When we will pay for your hospital stay | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Am I Eligible

If you hold a Veteran Gold Card, a Veteran White Card (with DVA medical accepted endorsement), or DVA written authorisation for treatment you are eligible to receive hospital services under DVA’s arrangements.

DVA will pay for all hospital services that meet the clinical needs of Veteran Gold Card holders.

DVA will pay Veteran White Card holders hospital treatment costs required for:

Conditionally that holders of the Veteran White Card meet the conditions of service to be eligible for coverage of these conditions.  Refer to DVA site:

Free treatment for cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

If you are a Commonwealth or allied veteran, please see Commonwealth and other allied veterans for eligibility and treatment information.

What hospitals can I be admitted to under DVA arrangements?

You do not require DVA’s approval to be admitted to a:

  • public hospital.
  • DVA contracted private hospital.
  • DVA contracted private hospital for mental health services; or
  • DVA contracted day procedure centre.

Under DVA’s hospital arrangements, your doctor must seek DVA’s approval before admitting you to a:

  • non-contracted private hospital.
  • non-contracted private hospital for mental health services; or
  • non-contracted day procedure centre.

Before you are admitted, be sure to confirm with your doctor that DVA has approved your treatment in a non-contracted facility. Without approval, DVA may not cover the costs.

You can be admitted to a non-contracted hospital in an emergency. Your doctor should seek approval from DVA as soon as possible after the admission.

A list of DVA contracted private hospitals, mental health hospitals and day procedure centres is available on the DVA website at: Hospitals and day procedure centres

Can I choose which hospital I am admitted to?

Yes, however your choice will probably depend on if your treating doctor has visiting rights at your preferred hospital and if the hospital has the facilities necessary for your treatment.

If you choose to be admitted to a non-contracted private hospital your treating Doctor should contact DVA to seek approval before admission.

Do I need to pay for treatment during my hospital admission?

No, you will not have to pay for your treatment if you are being treated in a public or DVA contracted hospital. However, you will need to confirm with your hospital if non-medical items like phones, TV’s and newspapers are at your expense.

If you are billed for your treatment, return the account advising you are a DVA patient. Do not send the bill to Services Australia or your private health fund.

Can I have a private room at DVA’s expense?

Yes, if you are provided with a private room DVA will cover the cost.  In an emergency situation, a private room may not be immediately available at the admitting hospital.

Can I choose to be treated as a private patient at a private hospital using my private health insurance?

Yes, but if you choose this option it is at your own expense and DVA will be unable to reimburse any out of pocket expenses that may occur. This may include costs for any intensive care and rehabilitation services that may arise. These costs could be substantial so you should discuss it with your doctor before making this decision. If you choose to be treated as a private patient instead of a DVA patient, make sure you tell the hospital before you are admitted.

What should I have arranged for my hospital treatment?

Before being admitted to hospital, you need to:

  • use the “Personal Services and Contact List” pages attached to this page to detail important information like your medical and medication history, your doctor’s details and details of your next of kin and/or family;
  • pack your DVA Veteran Card:
  • arrange transport (through DVA, if required); and
  • confirm that your care coordinator and General Practitioner (GP) know you are being admitted (if you are a Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program participant).

When being admitted to hospital, you need to:

  • show admission staff your DVA Veteran Card so they can confirm your eligibility.
  • provide the hospital with your “Personal Services and Contact List”.
  • ask if a Patient Liaison Officer, Veteran Liaison Officer or Discharge Planner is available for assistance.
  • ask how many days you will be in hospital.
  • inform the hospital of your living arrangements, like if you live alone, live with a carer who is frail, if you have dependants or pets or use aids at home.
  • ask your home services provider to postpone services that will not be required until you are discharged (this may include any personal care being delivered to you at home).
  • ask the admission staff at the hospital to inform your GP that you are in hospital; and
  • advise admission staff if you are a CVC Program participant.

Before you are discharged from hospital, you need to:

  • confirm with the hospital the discharge date suits you and your carer.
  • have the treatment you received explained to you (arrange for your carer or a family member to be present if necessary) and ask for a list of all your medications.
  • arrange transport home (through DVA, if required).
  • make sure that all the necessary nursing services, aids, home modifications (these can take several weeks) and home assistance is arranged for when you return home.
  • ask for review appointments to be booked with your GP and specialists for after you get home.
  • ask for details of a person from the hospital that you can contact if you have any concerns; and
  • if you are a CVC Program participant, confirm that your GP and CVC care coordinator have been advised you are being discharged.

When you are getting discharged, you need to:

  • ask for a copy of your discharge summary, including follow-up appointments and referrals to community services. The discharge summary will be provided to your GP.
  • collect your medication and scripts and make sure you have enough until your next appointment with your GP; and
  • ask for information about what you’re able to do during recovery (get information sheets if possible).

Who do I contact if I have a complaint about my treatment in hospital?

You should contact the hospital’s nominated Patient Liaison Officer or Veteran Liaison Officer if you were in a private hospital, and you have a complaint. Most complaints can be resolved by the hospital’s liaison officer. If the liaison officer cannot resolve the matter, refer your complaint to the State/Territory agency responsible for investigating complaints. Please also inform DVA in writing of any such problems.

DVA Contracted Private Hospitals

The site has a list of Contracted private hospitals Australia-wide.  In WA, the contracted private hospitals are:

  • Albany Community Hospice
  • Attadale Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Bethesda Health Care
  • Glengarry Private Hospital
  • Hollywood Private Hospital
  • Joondalup Health Campus
  • Mount Hospital
  • Peel Health Campus
  • South Perth Hospital
  • St John of God Bunbury Hospital
  • St John of God Geraldton Hospital
  • St John of God Midland Private Hospital
  • St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital
  • St John of God Murdoch Hospital
  • St John of God Subiaco Hospital
  • Subiaco Private Hospital
  • The Park Private Hospital
  • Waikiki Private Hospital
  • West Leederville Private Hospital

Claiming out of Pocket Expenses

Claim out-of-pocket medical expenses | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Further Information

DVA provides information relating to health services and programs on this link:

Health programs and services for our clients | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

These services include:

Contact Information

Our Sub-Branch

Welfare Support         Greg Gough                0417 911 173

Advocate                     Ted Leunig                 0408 177 193

RSLWA

Welfare                                               9287 3707                   welfare@rslwa.org.au

Advocacy                                            9287 3799                   advocacy@rslwa.org.au.

Veterans Support Centre – Joondalup Hub

Mobile                                                0437 378 498              vscjoondalup@hotmail.com

DVA

General Enquiry                                 1800 838 372

Public Hospitals Team                                                           DVA.Public.Hospitals@dva.gov.au

Western Australia DVA Office

Level 5, AMP Building

140 St George’s Terrace

Perth WA 6000

8:30am – 4.30pm        Open Monday to Friday

GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001

DVA Feedback Form                       Feedback form | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Upcoming Events

Annual 4 Wheel Drive Adventure

Sunday 24 September-ish the intrepid 4 wheel drivers take off for another adventure somewhere through the Murchison and East Gascoyne.

Organisers are Jon McKenzie and Les Young, so if you are interested please talk to them or give them a call.

These 4 wheel drive trips have proved to be most successful, so get up and join in.

Jon McKenzie             0412 904 970

Les Young                  0407 082 438

Government House Tour – ANZAC House Lunch Wednesday 27 September 2023

Tour of Government House

A couple of places are available.  Meet at ANZAC House at 10:30am and then controlled stagger as a group across the road for the tour.  Following the Tour, Lunch will be at ANZAC House.

ALSO

ANZAC House Lunch – 10 additional spaces available

Members not doing the Tour of Government House are invited to join the group for lunch – spaces are available.

Book your spot and more detail from

Paul McGuinness  0417 181 025        paulmcguinness1945@gmail.com

Chidlows WW 2 Sites and Lunch Wednesday 25 October 2023

Preliminary arrangements are being made for this tour, departing Hillarys Marina by Bus.

Book your spot and more detail from

Paul McGuinness       0417 181 025  paulmcguinness1945@gmail.com

Veterans’ Health Week  8 – 15 October 2023

Arrangements are being made for an activity during this time.  Consideration is being given to incorporate a visit to the Jarrahdale Recovery and Restoration Veteran Transition Centre.

More details will be broadcast as soon as arrangements have been made.

Enquiries to:

John Rolfe      0439 934 036  northbeach.president@sb.rslwa.org.au

Wayne Koch   0407 478 963  northbeach.secretary@sb.rslwa.org.au

Tour of Duty – Hobart  Friday 15 March 2024 to Friday 22 March 2024

Planning is well advanced, and a wait list is available.

To add your name to the wait list, or for more detail contact:

Paul McGuinness       0417 181 025  paulmcguinness1945@gmail.com

Page 9 – The Listening Post – 100 years ago

2023 09 01 1923

Rockingham Naval Club

Point Peron Road, Rockingham, WA, Australia, Western Australia

(08) 9592 7997

For those who want to go to the Navy Club, Rockingham, this is an upcoming event.  Ring the above number for bookings.  John Rolfe on 0439 934 036 has further details.

NAvy Club for Newsletter

Should be a good show in a great location.

Understanding your heart risk

As this edition of the Newsletter focusses mainly on Health related issues, the following is from DVA, and applies to us all.

DVA – Dated 21 August 2023

When it comes to heart disease there are a range of factors that may increase your risk such as age, family history, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other lifestyle influences like if you smoke or how much exercise you do on a daily basis.

According to data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the leading cause of death for veterans aged 50 and over is heart disease.

If you’re ready to improve your health but are finding it hard to get started, then our Heart Health program might be for you. Open to all veterans and peacekeepers who have not previously participated in a Heart Health program, the 52 week program will help you to increase your physical health and wellbeing through exercise, education, nutrition and lifestyle management support.

Another important way you can reduce your heart disease risk is by knowing if you are at risk. Finding this out means you can take preventative action, and access early interventions and treatment for your condition.

A good starting point is to find out your heart age. Your heart age is calculated by assessing your risk factors for heart disease; a younger heart age means your risk of developing heart disease is lower. It’s easy to find out your heart age by completing the Heart Foundation’s online :

Heart Age Calculator

The good news is even if you’re at risk of developing heart disease there are many ways to reduce your risk and prevent heart disease from occurring, including:

  • exercising regularly
  • eating well
  • connecting with others
  • quitting smoking
  • limiting alcohol
  • practicing mindfulness

For more information about the Heart Health program visit:

www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/work-and-social-life-programs/heart-health-program

Battle for Australia Day

On the first Wednesday of September, we commemorate the Battle for Australia.  We reflect on the bravery of those who served on Australia’s home front, and the islands, the seas and in the skies to the north.  It’s an important reminder of a challenging time for Australians between 1942 and 1945.

“Just as Dunkirk began the Battle of Britain, so does the Singapore open the Battler for Australia.  It is now work or fight as we have never worked or fought before.  On what we do now depends  everything we hope to do when this bloody test has been survived.”

[Prime Minister John Curtin, as quoted by the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Chris Moraitis, 2 September 2009]

Prime Minister John Curtin used the term ‘Battle for Australia’ after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942.  A few days later, the Australian mainland was attacked by Japanese aircraft during the Bombing of Darwin.

In response, thousands of Australians were engaged in multiple actions against Japanese forces between 1942 and 1943.  These battles aimed to defend Australia and stop the Japanese from advancing further south.

Significance of the Day

The first Wednesday in September is when we commemorate Battle for Australia Day.  This day represents the first defeat of Japanese forces on land during the Battle of Milne Bay.  Japanese forces had evacuated Milne Bay by 7 September 1942.

This commemorative day is a time for us to recognise all those who served in the defence of the Australian mainland, and in sea, land and air battles in the Coral Sea, Papua and New Guinea.  Their efforts contributed substantially to the defeat of Japan.

Lest We Forget

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 program specially 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  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 their own due diligence.  Opinions are not necessarily those of RSL North Beach Sub-Branch or RSLWA. 

 

North Beach Review


North Beach Sub-Branch welcomes contributions and articles that be used on its website and in the North Beach Review.
To discuss how you can contribute, contact:
Brian Jennings by email on  northbeach.newsreports@sb.rslwa.org
 
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. They should conduct their own due diligence. Opinions are not necessarily those of RSL North Beach Sub-Branch or RSLWA.