Registered by AUSTRALIA POST NO. PP607128/00001 THE OCTOBER 2007 VOL. 30 No.5

ListeningListeningThe official journal of The Returned & Services League of Australia PostPostPOSTAGE PAID SURFACE Branch Incorporated • PO Box 3023 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6832 • Established 1920 AUSTRALIA MAIL Long Tan Day Service

The threat of inclement weather did not It is a great honour to have been asked to speak on the veterans were treated upon their return to Australia. deter a very dedicated group of Vietnam important occasion of this Vietnam Veterans Day service Our country is now more ‘emotionally intelligent’ and Veterans, representative group of Vietnamese - especially to such an august audience. on our behalf, the Prime Minister has rightly apologised Veterans and representation of the three for this shocking and unwarranted behaviour and vowed Most of you here today know better than I, that the armed services attending a commemorative that it will never be repeated with other soldiers serving Vietnam War was a defining moment in our national service at the Synergy Park at Kings Park. at their governments direction ‘in harms way’. Indeed, it history. We know that the Vietnam War occurred at is upon your shoulders, that the tremendous regard, with The service was organised and conducted by The the height of the so called ‘cold war’ when the threat of which the defence force is now held within our society, Vietnam Veterans Association, with the main address Communist expansion throughout the world in general, has been built. From the Bunker given by Brigadier Phil White A.M., R.F.D., of the 13th and SE Asia in particular was very, very real. We also Brigade. He delivered the following speech, presented know that it was a war fought against a back drop of a The commitment that the Australian government Page 6 here in its entirety as it is considered that its importance social revolution that led to extreme divisions within our showed to our enduring alliance with the United States, of recognising the contribution of Australian Vietnam society. The impact of this revolution of ‘isims’ (socialism, and indeed in our own self defence from 1962 – 1973, Veterans cannot be down-played. communism, anti-racism, feminism, radicalism, nihilism, was both warranted at the time, as well over the longer anti-Americanism, counter-culturalism etc) played out term. The threat of a political force so demonstrably “Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen and most in the violent protests against the War in Vietnam, hostile to our more democratic way of life, spreading importantly, veterans from the Vietnam War. that culminated in the shameful way so many of our Continue Page 9 Newspaper Article Correction Long Tan Service Page 9 “WA’S RSL Boss Wants Bill Gaynor from South Australia who Considerable embarrassment has also who treat the Flag with contempt. was inadvertently contacted by the been experienced by your State President Union Jack Dumped” journalists for comments on a proposal as his views are fully supportive of the The Veteran community is urged to by the NZ Prime Minister to remove RSL position. continue to support the RSL in its quest The West Australian the Union Jack from the NZ Flag. for improving the profile of Veterans in 2nd October 2007. In fact, your State President has been the community. In the expectation of drawing political an outspoken advocate of retention of The attached article by Canberra comment from Mr Howard and Mr the current Australian National Flag in The adverse reporting by the media is based W A Newspapers Rudd they reproduced Mr Gaynor’s accordance with RSL Policy and of the of concern to the RSL and all Members Journalists does not represent (South Australia) views. membership’s views. are urged to get the facts before making NATIONAL CONGRESS the views of the RSL or Mr Bill judgements about your organisation Gaynor, State President of RSL Their actions have caused considerable He has also advocated legislative and its elected members. National Congress WA. embarrassment to the RSL in WA and protection of the ANF and Australian this is evident by the contacts received National Symbols. He has also Gary J Sutherland, OAM Pages 10-11 The comments were made by a Mr at this office today. supported stronger penalties for those Acting CEO/State Secretary Rick Hart - Proudly supporting your local RSL

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THE OCTOBER 2007 VOL. 30 No.5 Contents Page From the President’s Pen 4 Listening Post Listening Post Cartoon 4 Housing Boost on way 5 From the Bunker 6-7 Publishers The Returned & Services League Bush Wireless 8 WA Branch Incorporated ANZAC House Remembrance Day 8 28 St Georges Tce PERTH WA 6000 Telephone: (08) 9287 3799 STATE EXECUTIVE Rewards Cards coming soon 9 PO Box 3023, Perth Adelaide Tce, WA 2005-2008 6832 National Congress 10-11 Email: [email protected] Facsimile: (08) 9287 3732 State President Mr William Gaynor OAM RFD Website: www.rslwahq.org.au WA Country Callers: 1800 259 799 Long Tan Day 12-13 State Vice President Mr Graeme Sherriff Australian War Memorial Improved 14 Editorial Information State treasurer Mr Paul Rengel Letters to the Editor 15 Editorial Enquiries: Vicki Lee committee From the Services 16 Printer: Rural Press Mr Peter Blenkinsopp Mr Laurie Fraser MBE Graphic Design: Type Express Mrs Olga Greig OAM Sub brand News 17-18 Advertising: RSL Advertising 9381 7999 Mr Alan Gronow Mr Richard Carter RSL Care (WA) 18 Mr Ian Mulholland Mr Ken Parish Welcome home parade –Vietnam Vets 18 Mr Arthur Rae Deadline for next edition: 16th November, 2007. Mr Mike Tonks 92nd National Congress 19 for contributions to next edition Mr Ray Ward Mrs Donna Prytulak Off the Shelf 20 If possible, submissions should be typed and double-spaced. Preferred method of trustees receiving submissions is via email. Photographs can be black and white or colour. Mr Don Blair RFD ED Crossword 20 This is your journal and contributions are welcome. Mr John Cox OAM JP Address to: Mr Robert Mercer AM RFD ED Chef Jan's Recipe 20 Mr Wayne Tarr RFD ED The Managing Editor, The Listening Post Mr Duncan Warren AM RFD New Members 21 RSL, PO Box 3023 Perth Adelaide Terrace, WA 6832 Email: [email protected] Acting secretary Mr Gary Sutherland OAM Last Post 21 Opinions expressed by contributors in articles and reproduced articles are the individual opinions of such contributors or the authors of such reproduced articles assistant state secretary Bits 'n' Pieces 22 and are not necessarily those of the RSL. admin Mr Denis Connelly RSL Bowls 22 Reproduction of articles (or extracts) contained in The Listening Post are assistant state Secretary welcomed, provided the source is acknowledged. The Editor reserves the right to Readers Survey 23 accept, reject, sub-edit and re-arrange material submitted for publication. projects Mr Gary Sutherland OAM Paraquad Industries Poppy Day Contract 23  The Listening Post October 2007 Review commissioned by the current experienced by those service personnel government. Although the report over the age of 50 years. Issues identified has been completed and submitted at a state level are being represented by From the to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the RSL Coordinator to the Younger there are a number of issues which require consultation with a number Veterans Forum which is chaired by of government departments before its Services Member of the Repatriation President’s Pen findings can be released. Commission. At the RSL National Congress part of our budget priorities and it is disabilities. NUCLEAR POWER ADF INTEGRATED Dinner held in Melbourne on pleasing to see that they have now been Tuesday the 11th of September accepted as necessary to the ongoing The above items are in priority order as At National Congress the RSL adopted SUPPORT STRATEGIES has been our practice for a number of the Prime Minister provided to benefit of our veterans. a very comprehensive Nuclear Policy Turning now to another item of years when submitting to government covering three aspects. the audience his commitment importance is the establishment of a pilot to the veteran community the our budget issues. All of the motions BUDGET SUBMISSION 1. To produce nuclear weapons following benefits. that were considered and passed at scheme known as the ADF Integrated Having achieved these outcomes the National Congress become part of our 2. To power steam turbines for the People Support Strategy. Its purpose To maintain to the fullest extent a National Congress has already drafted budget submission but are not given a production of electricity for civil is to provide a Whole of Government separate, independent Department of its 2008-2009 Budget priorities and priority as such. There are many items use. support service that will offer a full Veterans' Affairs. in this category and over time these these are as follows; "continuum of care" for ADF members will be highlighted to government as 3. To power steam turbines for the From March of 2008 all Veterans' Affairs 1. Indexation of all components of opportunity arises and as priorities or production of motive power for ships past and present ensuring that they are disability pensions will be indexed with Disability Pensions and Military circumstances allow. including warships and submarines. able to access high quality professional reference to both consumer price index Superannuation pensions under advice and information when required. and male total average weekly earnings. Arguments for the three were well the DFRDB and MSBS schemes is The RSL will be intimately involved This will benefit some 140,000 calculated at the MTAWE Earnings. CONGRESS MOTIONS drafted and the recommendations were in these pilots which are to occur at disability pensioners including those on A number of motions that were successful accepted by Congress with number 1 the special rate, intermediate rate and 2. For government to develop a being rejected whilst the other two the RAN Fleet Base West in WA and system to ensure that veterans who at the WA State Congress were accepted extreme disablement adjustment. at National Congress and will now were accepted. In rejecting the first at the Edinburgh RAAF Base in SA. are recognized as having a Special it was argued that as Australia was a With effect from the same date a $15 become part of the budget submission The rational for the RSL to be involved Needs status in aged care be treated signatory to the United Nations Nuclear fortnightly increase to the more than with one of the major exceptions being is because of its network of sub– consistently across all states when Non Proliferation Treaty which was 13,500 veterans who receive the above the granting of the Gold Card. The branches throughout Australia, once advertising and allocating new aged entered into in March 1970, it was not general rate of the extreme disablement rationale for this was the subject of this programme is rolled out nationally. care places and packages. appropriate for Australia to develop or adjustment. an article in the last edition of the In the meantime the State Branch will 3. To ensure our younger veterans who acquire nuclear weapons. Listening Post publication, in that we be actively involved in assessing and Increase by 5 per cent the entire are disabled and require 24 hour do not want to diminish the value of the participating in the pilot scheme here general rate table for non economic loss supported living are provided with Gold Card for those already in receipt of SUPERANNUATION compensation for the pain, suffering appropriate accommodation and the benefits that flow from this card. RESERVISTS in WA. and loss of function resulting from an support that does not involve being accepted service-related condition. placed in aged care facilities. The other successful items submitted Another item tabled at Congress was from WA State Congress included the a proposal for the introduction of a OPERATION LIFE Including EDA veterans, a fortnightly 4. For carers who are caring for an EDA erosion of benefits following a decision superannuation scheme for reservists a During the course of the National boost of $20 from March 2008, adjusted beneficiary at home are automatically by Telstra to reduce these; tax relief on policy which the RSL will pursue. Congress, the Minister for Veterans’ by the more beneficial indexation granted the Carer’s Allowance. "unfunded" superannuation funds and method. Affairs launched a new programme the legality of taxing of DFRB and 5. Develop a national mental health YOUNGER VETERANS "Operation Life" a programme to These announcements are similar to rehabilitation scheme for veterans DFRDB pensions. The RSL has appointed at a National prevent suicide and promote mental those already announced by the Labor who are suffering chronic mental The motion which conferred Life level a Coordinator for the progressing opposition although it is intended that health problems and to receive health awareness. Resource Kits are Membership after 50 years continuous of issues relating directly to the younger any increase by the opposition, if they individual case assessment and available, suitable for workshops to be membership without necessarily making veteran. A younger veteran is considered are successful in achieving government management and accommodation conducted and in the near future a any other contribution other than being to be a person up to 50 years of age will come into effect on 1 September assistance options for homeless a member was defeated. The motion who it is acknowledged have a number workshop will be arranged for Sub- 2008. veterans relating to Military Superannuation of issues pertinent to their age group Branches so as to enable our State All of these issues have been on the 6. All entitled veterans to receive preamble was withdrawn to await the and due to them being subjected to a Branch to promote this important and RSL’s submissions to government as free pharmaceuticals for accepted outcome of the Military Superannuation number of deployments not necessarily worthwhile project. The Listening Post October 2007  members with the opportunity to accelerate their eligibility when they provide continuous full-time service (CFTS). "CFTS of less than six months will count as one year of efficient service towards eligibility Housing boost on way while between six months and 12 months of CFTS will count as two years towards eligibility," he said. "The performance of CFTS will not change the rate at which an eligible member accrues a subsidy entitlement. "If the subsidy is not accessed on becoming an eligible member, the entitlement accrues on a month-by-month basis for each subsequent year of efficient service. Extra years of subsidy are also granted for warlike service." The new DHOAS will also mean some changes to the existing homeowner scheme for Permanent members transferring to the Standby Reserves. "On transferring from the Permanent ADF to the Standby Reserves, a member will have two years to apply for the DHOAS subsidy and access their accrued subsidy assistance entitlement," Mr McKellar said. "During this period, if a member provides service, either as Reserve training days or CFTS, this service will contribute to the member’s subsidy assistance entitlement. "From the second anniversary of transferring to the Standby Reserves, a member who is not already accessing the DHOAS, and has provided no further service, either Reserve training days or CFTS, will no longer be able to apply. Their accrued subsidy entitlement will be frozen on this date, but will be preserved until the fifth anniversary of the member’s transfer to the Standby Reserves, at which point it will expire." Mr McKellar added that a member could reactivate an accrued subsidy assistance entitlement by rejoining the Permanent ADF before the fifth anniversary of his or her transfer to the HOUSING BONUS: Incentives for Reservists are set to include subsidised homeloans from July 2008 in an effort to recruit and retain. Standby Reserves. He said members should "exercise caution" when making a decision on home ownership By Paul Grieve, Assistant Director Housing and Removals Policy completing each subsequent year of efficient ervice," said the Director in anticipation of the scheme being introduced. "While Housing and Removals Policy, Mr Robert McKellar. "For the purpose this is the Government’s intention, it does not yet have a legal basis, Active Reservists could be eligible for home loan subsidies of up to of eligibility and entitlement, efficient service across all categories does not establish an entitlement and may be subject to change before $470 per month under the new Defence Home Ownership Assistance of active Reserves will be 20 days of Reserve service performed in July 1, 2008," he said. Scheme (DHOAS) to be introduced next July 1. But eligibility and the Reserve training year. "Eligible Reserve members will lose both The most up to date information on the Defence Home Ownership the level of entitlement will depend on length of continuous efficient eligibility and entitlement to the subsidy assistance where there is a service. Assistance Scheme and how it applies to Reservists is at http://intranet. break in efficient service of two years or more." Although figures could defence.gov.au/pac or www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/ And lapses of two years or more could cost Reservists eligibility and vary between now and July 1, 2008, when the new scheme is due to entitlement. The new DHOAS, is designed to improve current ADF come into force, Reservists will be eligible for subsidy assistance under DHOAS developments recruitment and retention rates. a subsidised loan limit of: Work has begun to engage a scheme administrator and panel of home The policy director for the new Scheme, Mr McKellar, says it will $160,000 after eight years service; loan providers through a competitive tendering process. overcome the shortcomings of existing schemes by providing one that $234,000 after 12 years of service; and reflects contemporary housing and home finance markets and has the $312,000 after 16 years of service. The pay and conditions website has been updated with information flexibility to keep pace with both. Reserve Force members will become about lateral recruits, medical separation as a result of incapacity or eligible for assistance under the DHOAS on completion of eight years "CFTS of less than six months will count as one year towards invalidity, transferring from the Permanent Forces, members rejoining efficient service performed in consecutive years. eligibility." the Permanent Forces, and death benefits. "They will then become entitled to payment of the subsidy ssistance on Mr McKellar said the new scheme will also provide Reserve Force The scheme will come into effect on July 1, 2008. ANZAC CLUB THE HOME OF THE EX-SERVICES COMMUNITY ANZAC Club is the home base for the Western Australian Ex-Services Community. The Club venue now has an appealing ambiance—having benefited from a major refurbishment. If you haven’t been in to the ANZAC Clubrecently, you are missing the best value in town for an enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings – with unbeatable bar prices.

• ANZAC club happenings • • LET’S DO LUNCH ANZAC Club features a fantastic value menu that changes each season, plus a selection of favourites from the blackboard each day. Where else in the city could you enjoy a chef’s roast of the day with roast potato and seasonal vegetables for only $12.50?

• ANZAC DAY With ANZAC Day fast approaching we highlight some of the activities at the Club on this special day • Gunfire Breakfast – get ready for the day with a • SUNDOWNER DRINKS – FRIDAY TO 7PM hearty cooked breakfast served with toast and tea or Recently the Club has been opening for coffee for just $10.00 per person Sundowners on Friday afternoons – and this is • Gallipoli Room – table reservations are being proving popular with the office crowd along the accepted for your unit or association post march Terrace who come along for some camaraderie with gathering. Please phone the Club for information best value drinks and “lite bite nibblies” and bookings • OPEN FROM 10AM TO 4PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY • LUNCHEON FROM 12.00PM TO 2.00PM • PHONE: 9287 3714 •  The Listening Post October 2007 From the Bunker with Denis Connelly Portrait of Australian Heros Alfred Keith Edward Payne

Continuing with our Portrait Series of Australian Gaby VC Heroes, in this editionVC we look at a Vietnam Veteran, Keith Payne VC. Keith Payne was born at Ingham, Queensland on the 30th August Continuing with our series of Australian Heroes, 1933, the son of Henry Thomas Payne. After in this edition we look at Alfred Edward Gaby attending Ingham Primary School, the young V.C. Payne trained as a cabinetmaker. Seeking adventure he then joined the Regular Army, 31st Alfred Edward Gaby was born 25th January Infantry Battalion, in September 1952. This saw 1892 to parents Alfred and Adelaide Gaby at Keith Payne (Regimental Number 12222) posted Springfield Tasmania. The young Alfred Gaby to the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment grew up at Scottsdale, where he was educated, serving in Korea from April 1952 to March 1953, and worked on his family farm. then the 28th British Commonwealth Infantry welcome at Brisbane before entering an army hospital for treatment. On his recovery he was Before the outbreak of WWI, Alfred Gaby left Brigade Defence and Employment Platoon. posted as an instructor at the Royal Military Tasmania and moved to Katanning WA, where Upon his return to Queensland in September, College, Duntroon, remaining until he joined the he worked as a labourer until his enlistment at Keith Payne married Florence Catherine Plaw, 42nd Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment, Blackboy Hill on the 6th January 1916. After herself an army person, on December 1954. at Mackay, Queensland, on 20 December 1972. initial training he was posted to 28th Battalion Through various deployments with the Army He had been presented with his Victoria Cross and taken on strength on the 6th August and in Malaya, Papua New Guinea Officer Training by the Queen aboard Britannia, at Brisbane, on served continuously with this Battalion until the surrender of fifty of the enemy with four Unit and with accompanying promotions, he 13 April 1970. The United States recommended his death. machine guns. He then quickly re-organised was posted to Headquarters Northern Command his men and led them on”. the award of the Silver Star later updated to Pte Gaby left Australia on the troop ship HMAS at Brisbane prior to being appointed to the Distinguished Service Cross while the Republic Ulysses, departing Fremantle 1st April 1916. Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914- Training Team (more commonly known as “The of Vietnam honoured him with its Cross of 1918 War, Army Team”) in Vietnam 24th February 1969. Gallantry with Bronze Star. As a result of his previous military service with the 12th Infantry Regiment (Launceston Battalion Diary states: Payne soon joined a mobile strike force battalion Along with his VC, American Honours, and Regiment) for which he served 3 years, bought which was reconnoitring enemy infiltration South Vietnam Honours, Keith Payne has also Three days later – on the 11th – the battalion him rapid promotion, for within 2 weeks routes from Laos into Vietnam. Once the routes been awarded Medal of the Order of Australia attacked again and from the Battalion Diary of joining his Battalion he was promoted to were located they were interdicted in an attempt 26th January 2006, National Medal, 25th states: “on the way to the objective the troops Corporal. to relive the pressure on the recently constructed January 1982, Centenary Medal, 1st January passed through a hail of lead from enemy and occupied Ben Het Special Forces Camp. 2001. Corporal Gaby progressed through the ranks to M.G.s, which were very secretly placed in be appointed 2nd Lieutenant on the 7th April their out-post line. The troops were not to be On the 24th May, Payne was commanding Keith Payne VC was honoured in other ways: 1917. On the 26th September 1917 he was denied, however, and soon overcame all enemy the 212th Company of the 1st Mobile Strike his photograph and citation are displayed in the promoted to Lieutenant. resistance, and by 4.45a.m., the objective had Force Battalion when the battalion was attacked Hall of Heroes at the John F Kennedy Center for been captured…In the attack, Lieutenant A by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Military Assistance, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Lieutenant Gaby suffered from a gas attack in E. Gaby was sniped from one of the enemy force. The two forward companies were heavily he was made a freeman of the city of Brisbane October 1917. posts, death being instantaneous. This gallant attacked with rockets, mortars and machine and the shire of Hinchinbrook; a park in August 1918 saw Lieutenant Gaby in the Villers- young officer, from the start of operations, had guns from three directions simultaneously. The Brisbane suburb of Stafford, where he lived at Bretonneux area where he was a Company displayed excellent judgment and leadership, indigenous soldiers faltered so WO Payne hurled the time of his decoration, was named Keith Commander of the 28th Battalion. and led his company right through with great grenades to keep the enemy at bay while he tried Payne VC Park in July 1971; and his portrait dash and skill”. to rally the soldiers. was painted for the Australian War Memorial by The action that Lieutenant Gaby was awarded Stanley Bourne. the Victoria Cross (VC) for took place on Lieutenant Alfred Edward Gaby VC, is buried In doing so he was wounded in the hands, upper the 8th August 1918, at Villers-Bretonneux at the Heath Cemetery Harbonnieres, France. arm and hip by four pieces of rocket shrapnel Keith Payne VC left the Army on 31 March and one piece of mortar shrapnel. 1975. During 1975 and 1976, with the rank in which, for the first time, four Australian There is a photograph of Lieutenant Alfred of Captain, he fought with the army of the Divisions went into action together and were Edward Gaby VC at ANZAC House, Perth. The battalion commander decided to fight his joined the next morning with a fifth. way back to base and his movement commenced Sultan of Oman in the Dhofar war. Although References: the British army seconded officers and men for An extract from The London Gazette, dated by the only available route. With a few remnants Australian War Memorial (AWM) of his company, which had suffered causalities, this campaign, Payne as an Australian had to go 29th October 1918, records the following: “For Library there in a private capacity. Keith and Florence, most conspicuous bravery and dash in attack, Payne covered the withdrawal with grenades and “They Dared Mightily” by Lionel gunfire and then attempted to round up more having raised five sons, are now living in North when, on reaching the wire in front of an enemy Wigmore and Bruce Harding, published of his company. By nightfall he had succeeded Mackay. trench, strong opposition was encountered. by AWM, 1963, Halstead Press, Sydney, in gathering a composite party of his own and The advance was at once checked, the enemy Australia. References: being in force about forty yards beyond the another company and had established a small Australian War Memorial (AWM), defensive perimeter, about 350 metres north of wire, and commanding the gap with machine Footnote: Canberra, ACT guns and rifles, Lieutenant Gaby found another the hilltop which had by now been captured by AATTV Australian Army Training Team gap in the wire, and, single-handed, approached Alfred Edward Gaby, son Harold Atholston Gaby the enemy. Vietnam Chronicle 20.8.2007 the strong point while machine guns and rifles (Regimental Number WX 6270) 2/28 Infantry Mr Gary Sutherland, OAM acting State Battalion served with distinction in World War II In darkness Payne set off to locate those who were still being fired from it. Running along had been cut off and disorientated. At 9pm Secretary OAM RSL (WA) (Member the parapet, still alone, and at point-blank and died on the 4th June 1944 and lies interned in AATTV Tour 1970-71) for his assistance Krakow Rakowicki Cemetery, Poland. he crawled over to one displaced group, having range, he emptied his revolver into the garrison, tracked them by the fluorescent of their footsteps in preparation of this article. drove the crews from their gun, and compelled in rotting vegetable matter on the ground, and thus began an 800 metre traverse of the area for the next three hours. The enemy were moving about and firing, but Payne was able to locate Correction some forty men, some wounded, some of whom Payne personally dragged out. He organised In the August 2007 Volume 30 No. 4 editor of "The Listening Post" Portrait of Australian Heroes" others who were not wounded to crawl out on Brigadier Arnold William Potts (p.6) the quotation from His Excellency the Governor General their stomachs with wounded on their backs. Major-General Michael Jeffery A.C., C.V.O., M.C., (RETD) should have read: Once he concentrated his party he navigated them back to the temporary perimeter only to "In retrospect he achieved the impossible. He stopped 4 strong, confident and ruthless enemy find the position abandoned by troops who had through personal courage, example and skill. His Brigade’s performance along with Maroubra moved back to the battalion base. Undeterred Force was one of the most hard-fought and critical triumphs in Australian military history, and as he led his party, as well as another group of its commander he deserves the nation’s respect and gratitude. wounded encountered en route, back to the I apologise unreservedly to his Excellency for any mis-quotation and no disrespect was intended to battalion base where they arrived at about 3am. the memory of Brigadier Potts or to the Governor General. Evacuated from Vietnam for medical reasons in Denis Connelly September 1969, Payne received a warm public The Listening Post October 2007  From the Bunker Two New Part-Time Staff From the Bunker 5ACS/No 2 Squadron Phan Rang at ANZAC House Lisa Robinson joined our hard- working Club Staff last November, but then went on leave to Melbourne for a month then rejoined ‘ANZAC Club’ earlier this year. Lisa is in her second year of Nursing Studies at Curtin University of Technology, Bentley. Before working at ANZAC Club, Lisa worked at the Convention Centre in hospitality for one year. Lisa grew up in the Inglewood area, attended Inglewood Primary School and then Mt Lawley High School before University. Lisa enjoys socialising with friends, movies, theatre and music concerts and going to the beach. Lisa Robinson Another of our new ‘ANZAC Club’ staff is Sophie Gillies, who like her friend, Lisa, grew up in Inglewood, went to Inglewood Primary School, attended Mt Lawley High School and has lived in the same house all of her life. Pat Rowland After High School Sophie went to Edith During the Vietnam conflict the Australian The Australian Canberras worked in close contact with Cowan University at Joondalup and studied Departs RSL Government decided that we should lift our profile the American Airforce with great success, however Hospitality and Tourism Management for with regards to supplying and supporting the South tragedy struck on 3rd November 1970 when Canberra one year. Sophie then found that hospitality Vietnamese Forces. A84-231 failed to return to Phan Rang. The aircraft wasn’t for her and now has applied to join her Longstanding Welfare /Pensions/ Soldiers, Sailors and Airman’s was crewed by Flying Officer M Herbert and Pilot friend Lisa studying nursing, which she will One of these proposals was to provide air support Administrator /Officer Patricia Officer R Carver after a mission over Da Nang, South start in 2008. for American and Allied Forces, this support would Rowlands, OAM, JP, has left RSL be in the form of a Canberra Bomber Squadron and Vietnam. No trace of the aviators was ever found Sophie, like Lisa, enjoys socialising with (WA) Headquarters as from 31st necessary ground support facilities and personnel. and no adequate explanation is available. However friends, theatre, music concerts and going to August 2007. the feeling around the Squadron was that a North the beach. Phan Rang was selected as the location for such a Vietnamese SA-2 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) was Pat joined RSL (WA) on the 3rd facility. responsible. January 1984 as Welfare Officer, her A detachment from 5 Airfield Construction Squadron duties grew to include duties as a (5ACS) (Detachment B) arrived at Phan Rang Airbase, June 4, 1971 was set as the Squadron’s day of Pensions Officer and Administrator/ 250km North East of Saigon in February 1967 to departure from Vietnam. On June 1 flying ceased to Secretary of the Soldiers, Sailors and prepare for No 2 Squadron’s arrival. The Australians allow the men to complete packing and movement Airman’s Welfare Fund. Her Pensions were welcomed by ‘Hanoi Hanna’ on radio and a very arrangements. All seven Canberra’s departed Phan Officer duties included providing advice and support for War Pensions early wake up call at approximately 0200 hours the Rang on the 4th as planned and arrived in Darwin applicants from War Allies Countries. next morning. ‘Hanoi Hanna’ was the Communist a few hours later. The ground staff followed later version of "Tokyo Rose". ‘Hanoi Hanna’ said to the in transport aircraft. During its operational service, “Her wisdom and counselling of Australians "Welcome to Vietnam, you are going to 2 Squadron was credited with the destruction of veterans and veterans families will die with your American cousins". 7,000 Buildings, 10,000 Bunkers, 1,000 Sampans, 36 be sorely missed around ANZAC House” said President, Mr William The airfield construction men, lead by A/Squadron bridges and an unknown number of enemy troops. Gaynor OAM, RFD. Leader Anderson, in cooperation with American The Squadron as a whole was awarded a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and a United States Air Forces troops, worked long hours to construct 2 Squadron’s Sophie Gillies living quarters, messes, dining hall, headquarters and Outstanding Unit Commendation for its service maintenance hangar. By March 1967 the USAF had in Vietnam – high honours indeed. There can be spent nearly a year building a giant airbase at Phan no doubt that 2 Squadron was the most effective Rang. The strip was complete; the aircraft revetments tactical fighter/bomber squadron to operate in South in place and sorties were being flown daily. The rest of Vietnam. the Air Base organised mayhem with roads, buildings, water and powerlines being constructed all over the Footnote: ANZAC CLUB huge area. On the 19th September 1967 Flight Lieutenant E A Booth sought permission from his Superiors at Neing Tou to begin Canberra’s arrive in Vietnam action to disband 5ACS Detachment ‘B’ Phan Rang as the Led by Wing Commander Rolf Aronson, 2 Squadron’s finishing date. $ 0 SPECI 8 Canberra’s took off from Butterworth, Malaysia on 0 A References: 0. LS April 16, 1967 and after a two hour flight touched 1 Vietnam War John S Bowman down at Phan Rang Airbase, South Vietnam and Pharos Book New York 1985 placed under control of the USAF 7th Air Force and became part of the 35 Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW). Vietnam Editor Gregory Pemberton MONDAYS & TUESDAYS 1990 Sydney NSW On April 23, all Canberra’s began tactical operations. Wing Commander Vin Hill, DFC, AFC (a combat R.A.A.F. in Vietnam Chris Coulthard-Clark FISH AND CHIPS • STEAK SANDWICH experienced pilot of the Korean War) and his navigator Australian War Memorial 1995. were the first to take off. SAUSAGE & MASH• SHEPARDS PIE “Word of mouth” Recommendation. It’s the highest form of compliment a customer can pay to any business ...

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Margot Harness The Bush Wireless Former Senior Advocate CONTACTING DVA BY delay in getting an answer (eg: longer queried idly. Yes, it was. MY NEW JOB sandwiches, nibbles, cakes, tea/coffee than 5-6 minutes) - it would be helpful – at ANZAC House, at 11am – on TELEPHONE I then asked him whether or not the As announced in the last issue of if members could drop a quick line to Wednesday, 24 October, 2007. I hope As RSL members may be aware the surgery had been approved by the DVA. "Listening Post", I have been newly the Veterans Affairs Committee (VAC to meet as many of you as possible face- Department of Veterans’ Affairs here in "I assume it has been," said my friend; appointed to the job of "RSL Welfare for short) to report these delays. We are to-face, and invite you to put forward Western Australia has been restructured, interested in your feed-back; and so is getting a bit exasperated: "It’s covered Officer". Entertainers, they say, hate to any ideas you may have as to how we can which has resulted in how we as clients the DVA (who are trying hard to iron by my White Card". "Let’s just double- go on stage after children or animals – as are able to contact the Department by out the problems). Please note the date check that that’s the case", sez I. it is always difficult to have to follow "a perhaps broaden existing practice and telephone. I have to be blunt about this: good act". I’d like to pay just tribute maximise the resources we have to assist it occurs, and the approximate time it Sure enough, after negotiating the new it can be a bloomin’ frustrating business to my distinguished predecessor: Mrs our veterans even better. took to have your call dealt with. DVA phone system for a few minutes ringing the DVA nowadays. Patricia Rowland – who served 25 long We would like to gauge the extent of (!) – someone came onto the line to sort years in the job, and won the affection, I hope that we can share some of these Although we all still have access by the problem from "our" side of things. out our query. Alas, it seems that the GP, admiration and respect of hundreds of ideas – as friendship and camaraderie telephone using either a local call If a number of you are encountering although an "LMO" (DVA-approved) veterans and their families in that time. are integral to the original RSL ideals. arrangement or a free call if ringing from these delays, the VAC will bring these doctor himself – had not referred this It will also be a little opportunity for a country location, it has meant clients veteran to an orthopaedic surgeon I hope I can rise to the challenge and concerns to the attention of a Senior me to say a heartfelt "Thank you", on are waiting some time before their call Officer of the DVA so it can take steps listed as an "approved specialist who do half as well. When appointed to behalf of the League – for some of you is answered by a departmental officer to improve this aspect of service. takes on DVA patients". The treating the post, I was directed to change some to handle their inquiry. (And this can orthopaedic specialist to whom he was aspects of the job – one of which is that volunteers have been "soldiering on" for also be an expensive business for those "WHITE CARD" HOLDERS referred has no idea that my friend has a I will not have a vehicle at my disposal as many years. limited to a mobile phone, too!) Mrs Rowland had. – TAKE NOTE! perfect entitlement to "Free Treatment" If you will be able to make it on the This is causing some concern not only for his war-caused bad knee. Senior office-bearers of the League want I was recently chatting with a Vietnam 24th – please scribble a quick note, or within the RSL but also the Department. me to try and engage more with Sub- veteran friend who only has a DVA "The point of all this?" I hear you ask. It phone me on 9287 3707 (if you get the A further complication is that when the Branch Welfare Officers than has been White Card. He mentioned he would is this: without the PRIOR approval of answering machine, please leave your DVA does answer, you may find yourself done in the past too – especially as so be undergoing knee reconstruction the DVA to perform surgery in a Private name/Sub-Branch/phone number); or speaking to an employee in Adelaide, many of our older veterans are now in surgery about two weeks hence. "Who’s Hospital, by a surgeon specialist outside or Melbourne (although all inter-state hospitals, and would appreciate a visit e-mail to [email protected] – as doing the op?" I inquired – and he told the DVA "system" – my veteran friend DVA offices are on the one main-frame from one of their RSL comrades. we will need to know, in advance, how me. I didn’t recognise the surgeon’s will almost certainly end up paying computer, and will be able to access many will be attending. name. "Which hospital?" I asked. "The for the operation and stay in hospital To this end, I invite as many Sub-Branch veterans’ files across the nation). Mount". Bit unusual, I thought. "Is himself (with only the normal Medicare Welfare Officers as can possibly make it, Looking forward to hearing from you. If, however, you experience an undue that knee an accepted war disability?" I rebate to defray costs). to a "getting-to-know-you-Brunch" – ie: ‘Til next time, keep on keeping on - Remembrance Day With the advent of "Remembrance Day" fast THE RED POPPY An American, Miss Moira Michael, read ‘In Organisations throughout the British Empire and approaching, it is most appropriate that we remember Flanders’Fields’and wrote a reply entitled "We Shall Allied Countries have passed resolutions at their the origins of the ODE, and how the ODE, became On and around 11 November each year, the League Keep the Faith’: international conventions to recognise the Poppy of an integral part of the RSL remembrance activities sells millions of red cloth poppies for Australians to Flanders’ fields as the international memorial flower Oh! You who sleep in Flanders’ fields, (procedures). pin on their lapels. Proceeds go the League welfare to be worn on the anniversary of Armistice Day. work. Why a Red Poppy? Sleep sweet – to rise anew, The Ode comes from ‘For the Fallen’’, a poem by the We caught the torch you threw, ‘In adopting the Poppy of Flanders’ fields as the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and was The red poppy. The Flanders poppy, was first And holding high we kept memorial flower to be worn by all Returned Soldiers published in London in The Winnowing Fan: Poems described as the flower of remembrance by Colonel The faith with those who died. on the above mentioned day, we recognise that on the Great War in 1914. the verse which became John McCrae, who was Professor of Medicine at We cherish, too, the Poppy red no emblem so well typifies the fields whereon was the League Ode was already used in association with McGill university in Canada before World War That grows on fields where valor led. fought the greatest war in the history of the world, commemoration services in Australia in 1921. One, Colonel Mc Crae had served as a gunner in the It seems to signal to the skies nor sanctifies so truly the last resting place of our Boer War, but went to France in World War One as That blood of heroes never dies, brave dead who remain in France. a medical officer with the first Canadian contingent. But lends a luster to the red FOR THE FALLEN ‘The Returned Sailors and Soldiers of Australia join At the second battle of Ypres in 1915, when in charge Of the flower that blooms above the dead With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her their comrades of the British Empire and Allied of a small first-aid post, he wrote in pencil on a page In Flanders’ fields. children, Countries in asking people of Australia to wear the torn from his dispatch book: And now the torch and poppy red England mourns for dad across the sea. Wear in honour of our dead poppy; firstly in memory of our sacred dead who Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow Fear not that ye have died for naught rest in Flanders’ Fields; secondly to keep alive the Fallen in the cause of the free. Between the crosses row on row, We’ve learned the lesson that ye taught memories of the sacred cause for which they laid down their lives; and thirdly as a bond of esteem and Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and That mark our place; and in the sky In Flanders’ fields affection between the soldiers of all allied nations and royal The larks, still bravely singing, fly in respect for France, our common battle ground. Sing Sorrow up into immortal spheres. Scare heard amid the guns below. The wearing of a poppy appeared to Miss Michael There is music in the midst of desolation We are the dead. Short days ago a way of keeping the faith and she decided to wear ‘The little silk poppies which are to be worn on And a glory that shines upon our tears. We lived, felt dawn saw sunset glow, one always. Armistice Day are an exact replica in size and colour Loved and were Loved, and now we lie They went with songs to the battle, they were of the poppies that bloom in Flanders’ Fields. These In Flanders fields. Miss Michael worked for the YMCA in America and young, poppies have been made by the war orphans in the Take up our quarrel with the foe; on Saturday 9 November, 1918 hosted a meeting Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. of YMCA wartime secretaries from other countries. devastated regions of France and have been shipped To you from failing hands we throw to Australia this year for Armistice Day.’ They were staunch to the end against odds The torch; be yours to hold it high. When several of the secretaries presented her with a uncounted, If ye break faith with us who die small gift of money to thank her for her hospitality, The League bought one million poppies from France They fell with their faces to the foe. We shall not sleep, through poppies grow she said she would spend it on poppies and told to sell on 11 November 1921 at one shilling each. They shall grow not old, as we that are left In Flanders’ fields. them the story of McCrae’s poem and her decision Five pence per poppy was to go back to France grow old: to always wear a red poppy. The French secretary, towards a fund for the children of the devastated The versus were apparently sent anonymously to the Madam Guerin, conceived the idea of selling artificial areas of France, with sixpence per poppy being Age shall not weary them, nor the years English magazine, Punch, which published them poppies to raise money to help needy soldiers and retained by each State Branch and one penny going condemn. under the title, In Flanders’ Fields’. their families, and she approached organisations to the National Office. The League kept up this At the going down of the sun and in the Colonel McCrae was wounded in May 1918 and amongst the countries of the world who had fought practice for several years, and of course kept the morning died after three days in a military hospital on the as allies in Europe to promote the concept. tradition of selling poppies to mark 11 November We will remember them. French coast. On the eve of his death he allegedly The League adopted the idea in 1921, announcing, and raise money for welfare work, even when the said to his doctor, ‘Tell them this. If ye break faith poppies were no longer obtained from France. with us who die we shall not sleep.’ ‘The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia and other Returned Soldiers Poppies now sold in Australia are often made locally by League members themselves. Malaya/Merdeka We gather here today, the 31st of August to commemorate Commonwealth armed forces, (Navy Army and Air Forces) who served forward with the merger of Sarawak and Sabah to create the nation and remember with both joy and sorrow, the events Malaya during that conflict against Communism we knew as the that we now know as Malaysia, a nation the envy of most others in associated with this date in the history of, as it was "Emergency", a prelude to that historic moment 50 years ago today. South East Asia. known 50 years ago, – Malaya – and now - Malaysia. The "Emergency" was not a conflict against just a few thousand There are past veteran members of those Australian and other It was primarily joyful, in that on the 31st August 1957 the man communist terrorists, or bandits as they were known. It was a conflict Commonwealth Forces and civilians amongst us here today, and known as "Bapak Malaya," Tenku Abdul Rahman, proudly announced against an insidious movement bent on the destruction of democracy, they stand in remembrance of all those mates who paid the supreme that as of this date, the country of Malaya was an independent, to deprive people of self expression and to keep them in a state of sacrifice. sovereign nation member of the Commonwealth. fear. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM The strength of the civilian population, with the help of the forces sent We are sorry, when we remember the misery, suffering and unnecessary to their assistance, won through. ANDAI NYA KITA TERLUPA loss of life which occurred amongst both the civilian, police and armed forces of Malaya, and, all those members of Australian and other Since that momentous Merdeka day of 1957, in 1963 Malaya moved Thank you. The Listening Post October 2007  Long Tan Day Service New RSL Membership from Page 1 as indeed do many other members of the Australian Army now serving so successfully 34 years since the our last to our northern shores through SE Asia, was genuine. troops were withdrawn from South Vietnam in 1973. My ‘Revisionist’ historians have tried to debunk the so called and Rewards Cards military service began with an officer training course based ‘domino theory’ but I don’t believe their argument holds on the National Service Skyville model, which many of you up – ironically enough, especially in hindsight! Like the will know was a tough course designed to produce infantry government of the day, as a military strategist, I believe officers for the Vietnam War. Needless to say, many of my – Coming Soon Australia was correct in committing forces to support the government of South Vietnam in 1962 and more so in instructors were Vietnam Veterans and being the ‘crusty’ 1966 when a Brigade sized Task Force was assigned to Nui Sergeants and WOs that they were, they ensured that Dat in Phuoc Tuy province. young OCDT White learnt the lessons of war well. To Following the successful 3 Convert your accumulated points into this day, not-with-standing a long career in the armoured introduction of the current series cash at any time. The fact that our forces, represented here today as veterans, corps, I still ensure my hutchie is set low to the ground, of plastic RSL Membership cards, did such a good job is not lost on those of us with an that my track plan is narrow, that the perimeter vine is we delighted to announce that, in Once you have converted your points to understanding of military matters. We know that you dropped before stand to and that I speak in a hushed voice association with SmartClub, the RSL cash, it’s yours to spend on whatever you were essentially asked to do three things in Vietnam in the bush. Perhaps more so though, they taught me in Western Australia is moving to like namely: (1) stop the spread of communism throughout resilience, to lead by example and to always put my soldiers a new series of cards which, in How about paying next years membership SE Asia; (2) win the ‘hearts and minds’ of the people in first. When I was subsequently posted to 10 Light Horse, addition to recognising your status with this years cash points? the provinces in which you operated; and (3) militarily, to I had the privilege over the years of serving with and being within the League, can also be used All Members, Affiliates and Social Members dominate those same provinces. Historians, ‘revisionist’ or taught by MAJ Bruce Thorpe, CAPT Frank Ghilotti as as a Debit card. are eligible to receive a card and consequently not, acknowledge that you accomplished your mission in well as now WO1 Terry Almond, and WO2 Geoff Miller help themselves to the discounts and points each of these tasks. Communism did not spread beyond and Ron Macey MM. These veteran soldiers taught me The Membership Card rewards on offer. Use of the cards is not Vietnam and Cambodia in SE Asia and we know that tens much about the ‘art or war’. Subsequently, I served under restricted to participating retailers – they can of thousands of former South Vietnamese citizens chose COL Ken Ashman and later Brigadiers Duncan Warren that pays you every be used anywhere you’d usually use a plastic to flee to Australia at the wars end rather than stay in a and Dick Lawler, all of whom directly contributed to my time you use it card, but discounts will not normally be communist led Vietnam – which suggests that you did understanding of command and leadership at unit and available outside of the participating retails indeed win their ‘hearts and minds’. Finally, to this day, formation level. Every time you use your card to purchase at your former foe acknowledges the fighting ability of the over 300 retail outlets around WA, not only represented in the shoppers directory. It is an ‘enduring legacy’ that those of you who served in Aussie diggers, who so often defeated him in close action will you receive agreed discounts, but you the Vietnam War have left us who now follow in your Provided that you have a credit balance combat. will earn cash rewards points for yourself footsteps. This is not just because so many soldiers of my on your card you can access your money and cash rewards for the RSL in Western Of course one of the most significant close action combats generation were trained by you, but it is also because you at any ATM. If you make the necessary Australia. of the war and one where our forces inflicted a significant were so successful at what you set out to do, in the face arrangements with your bank or other defeat on the enemy, was at the Battle of Long Tan on the of tremendous odds and, so tragically, without the full financial institution you can transfer money 18th August 1966. At Long Tan, soldiers from D and support of your nation. That as a country, an older and Using the new cards is to the card from any linked account. later A Coy 6 RAR, supported by APCs from 1st APC wiser Australia now regrets the shameful way we treated as easy as 1, 2, 3 Statements of your card activity will be Sqn, Australian, New Zealand and US gunners from Nui our Vietnam hero’s, may perhaps not completely wash available at any time via the internet. For Dat and RAAF Iroquois helicopters, combined in a hard away the pain many of you must still feel at the way you The new cards and the associated directory those not on the net a regular printed fought, yet spectacular victory. Yesterday marked the 41st were treated upon your return from war. Perhaps though, of participating retailers will be delivered statement can be arranged, but may attract anniversary of this famous triumph. This year was also it helps that on occasions such as today we are given the along with your RSL Membership renewal small fee. the 39th anniversary of two other famous victories when opportunity to remember with great fondness the mates notice in the first week of December 2007. between 12th - 26th May 1968, Viet Cong and North If you don’t want to use the Debit Card with whom we fought and to especially remember, with Vietnamese forces were thwarted, again in close action Once you have received your card, simply: facilities, simply don’t activate your card and pride and sadness, the 520 ‘diggers’ who made the ultimate combat, in their attempts to overrun Fire Support Bases it will only function as proof of your RSL Coral and Balmoral. It is with great pride that I mention sacrifice in defence of the nation they so loved. As the 1 Register your details to activate your card Membership. commander of the 13th Brigade and therefore the senior and transfer your desired amount of cash the fact that I am currently serving with MAJ John Once we have covered the initial setup Caporn, a Vietnam veteran, who fought with 1 RAR at serving soldier in WA, I am grateful for the job you did to the card – Remember, it’s a debit card and the sacrifices you made and I will not forget what you – you can only spend your own money costs (and we are actively seeking corporate Coral all those years ago, and who also celebrated 40 years supporters to assist us here) annual service in the infantry corps earlier this year. have taught me. I know that this is a sentiment shared by – there is no credit available every one here today – lest we forget.” membership renewal should be cost free to In mentioning MAJ Caporn, I would like to pay a personal 2 When making a purchase, present your the League – ‘should be’ because what the tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War with whom At the conclusion of the service the audience was invited card when paying for goods and services League gets out of the initiative is directly I have served throughout the 30 years of my military to place a poppy on the memorial. at any participating retail outlet and start related to the amount of card usage by the service to date. I owe these soldiers a tremendous debt, Denis Connelly earning cash points membership.

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SCO/RNG/0403 10 The Listening Post October 2007 The Returned & Services League of Australia

NATIONAL CONGRESS

Federal Election 2007 with the ACT Branch formed in 1927. the substantial sacrifices made to secure servicemen and women are more measure of the cost of living. Senate Name changes followed in later years our freedom, and why those who have generous than those available to the Enquiries have reinforced this position, Issues Affecting to recognise the inclusion of airmen in offered their services to this cause should general community. Warlike service and those whose compensation payments Australia’s Veterans 1940 and finally, in 1990, the name was be afforded special consideration. In turn, incurs greater potential risk than non- are indexed solely by this method have changed to Returned & Services League this awareness underpins community warlike service. Consequently, those seen a progressive loss in value of their You will be aware that a number of Australia (RSL) with membership open acceptance of the special place, needs, who have undertaken warlike service payments relative to that which existed of key Ex-Service Organisations to all serving and ex-service personnel, and entitlements of veterans. deserve additional considerations: when the payment was first made. have made a submission to the irrespective of operational service. Federal Parliamentary Parties Section 2 • Eligibility for the Service Pension. Male Total Average Weekly Earnings in the lead up to the next The RSL has always maintained a Veterans’ Affairs • To have the determination of causation (MTAWE) is now seen as a more Federal Election. The RSL was a broad-based membership, containing of disabilities based on the reasonable accurate measure of both community participant in the compilation of representatives from all walks of Australian Principles and Broad hypothesis degree of proof. wage movements and the real cost of that submission. life. Another facet of RSL membership Policy Issues living. An alternative index may be has been the staunch support for the • The provision of a Gold Health (or Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings As the oldest, largest, and most system of "grass roots" input into policy. More than three million Australians are Access) Card at age 70 years. (AWOTE). representative Ex-Service Organisation, members of the Defence Community. The early days of the RSL were taken Non-warlike service should attract the our members expect that we would also They include past service persons It is relevant that the Aged and Service up with seeking improved employment ‘balance of probabilities’ degree of proof. Pensions, while indexed by CPI, have make our own stand-alone submission opportunities and improved repatriation (veterans), those currently serving, and Families of servicemen and women carry a safety net provision that they will not reflecting our considered view of the and welfare entitlements for returning their families. issues, highlighting particularly what burdens which apply to few in the wider fall below 25% of MTAWE. It follows and returned servicemen. The emphasis Those who serve our nation in the we would regard as the next steps in community. Apart from the prolonged that if MTAWE has been seen as a today continues to be centred on Defence Force, whether as volunteers absences and anxiety arising from more appropriate and relevant index to enhancing the quality of our repatriation improved entitlements and conditions for or through conscription, undertake the operational deployment, and the ever- sustain the value of these payments, then and defence service arrangements. the retired and serving men and women onerous task of ensuring the nation’s present prospect of harm to their parents MTAWE should be used for all other This document contains four sections: of the Australian Defence Force. Like security and the preservation of our way and partners, families must accept the service disability and income support • Section 1 provides the historical our predecessors, the work of the League of life. There is a real prospect of being payments. The use of a standard index continues through peace and war. consequences arising from that service. context of the League’s ongoing placed in harm’s way and of being killed These consequences include dramatically such as MTAWE would achieve equity efforts to ensure that veterans are In the words of Professor Ernest Scott, or seriously wounded in the course of changed behaviour, and physical and across the range of disability and pension appropriately cared for. This section a well known Australian academic and this service. Training for combat brings mental impairment. It is the family payments, and with pension schemes in is almost identical to Section 1 of our author, "The League is foremost in its own hazards as recent circumstances which is most directly affected when the wider community. graphically demonstrate. more recent Budget Submissions. taking up these cases…. The League a veteran returns from active service. Application of this principle would • Section 2 addresses underlying is considered by many to be the pre- Australia’s Service and Ex-servicemen In many cases of significant disability, directly affect the following Defence principles and broad policy issues, eminent ex-service body with a firm and women deserve special consideration the partner is forced to give up paid Service related payments : focus on veteran welfare". because of the nature of their employment to assume the role of carer. derived largely from the RSL’s • General Rate Disability Payments Standing Policy on Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Welfare commitment. Australia’s Government, While our repatriation arrangements have in calling for men and women to serve : with flow on to the Extreme Matters. Political party responses The RSL has developed, over 91 years, a generally focussed on supporting veterans Disablement Adjustment, presently are sought to the propositions at the and in placing them in harm’s way, carry damaged in the course of their service, we well established process for ensuring that a special obligation to support those who set at 150% of the maximum rate of conclusion of this section. it concentrates on veteran welfare matters should turn now also to the additional are damaged in the course of meeting Disability Payment. • Section 3 lists, broadly in priority of concern that have been identified support requirements of the veterans’ the requests of the Government. The • The Intermediate Rate Pension and order, a range of key proposals and supported by the majority of the family, including any generational health willingness of men and women to serve Special Rate Pension: covered in more addressing present anomalies, membership. impacts. in our Defence Force will be profoundly detail at Item 2 below. inequities, and enhancements to our Any RSL member from around the affected by how those people see the Repatriation and Service compensation veterans’ affairs support provisions. • Military Superannuation under the country may raise issues of concern in Government respond to the needs of provisions reflect the unique demands of Most of these have budgetary DFRDB and MSBS schemes: covered relation to veteran affairs matters. These those who suffer the consequences of the Service environment. Consequently, implications. Responses are sought further at Item 5 below. matters are then discussed at the local their service. And there is a reasonable they should not be seen as ‘welfare’ in to each of these specific proposals. sub-branch level where a consensus expectation that the conditions under the accepted community sense. There 2. The Special Rate Pension • Section 4 lists a number of other may be reached and a proposition, or which they enlist and serve will be is move to do so in some areas of Full endorsement of the proposal at Item veteran concerns which we would wish motion, with an appropriate rationale is honoured. government which we would strongly 1 would represent a satisfactory response to have recorded. These will be the formulated and debated. urge be resisted. The greater the degree of to the indexation concerns of Special Rate The Government’s obligations are harm or danger in which servicemen and subject of ongoing representation. These motions form the basis for the Pensioners, recognising particularly that comprehensive and specific: women are placed, the more beneficial The RSL remains apolitical. We do not development of an agenda of Veteran those who are Totally and Permanently and unique should be the compensation engage in political campaigning other Affairs issues that is then considered • To ensure our servicemen and women Incapacitated have lost their ability to provisions for those who are physically or than to notify our views as to what at the State Congress of sub-branches. are properly trained and equipped engage in remunerative employment psychologically damaged. is important for Australia’s veterans. Those that are ‘carried’ are then placed to fulfil the demands placed upon through defence-caused disabilities. them. We will work with all parties of the on the agenda of the National Congress The community presently accepts the Should the proposal at Item 1 not be Parliament, and would wish to maintain of State Branches. At National Congress, • To adequately assess and minimise special position of veterans who have accepted in respect of the Special Rate a constructive and productive dialogue each motion is considered in turn and the risk of environmental, physical directly contributed to the nation’s Pension, then we propose benchmarking with the government of the day. only those that receive a majority vote and psychological damage to our security. There is a willingness to meet this payment at 47% of MTAWE, the the additional costs of veteran benefits We invite your careful consideration of by the attending delegates are carried servicemen and women in training relative position it held in 1997 when because of this special provision. It is the issues at Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the forward by the League. These decisions and on operations. changes were made to the indexation essential therefore that credibility of the enclosed, and your public responses. are not made lightly. • To provide comprehensive health of the aged pension. Such an approach repatriation and service support regime From this exhaustive process the RSL care support, both during service would remove the need for any further Bill Crews be retained through consistency in its Veterans’ Affairs policy is formulated and and on completion of service, for one-off ‘catch-up’ payments. National President development and application, and equity endorsed, and Budget submissions are all conditions arising as a direct in its delivery. Further, we remain concerned that those developed. consequence of that service. who are placed on the Special Rate Pension Proposition Section 1 Between National Congress meetings, • To take all necessary steps to restore full at a young age will experience difficulties Returned & Services veterans’ issues of the League are dealt function and quality of life, through The RSL asks political parties of the greater than other TPI. Younger TPI have not had the opportunity to establish League of Australia with by the National Veterans’ Affairs rehabilitation and other programs, Federal Parliament to state whether Committee which meets on a quarterly for those wounded or damaged in the they agree in whole or in part with the a capital base in terms of home equity or Background basis. Membership of this body consists course of their service. principles and propositions set out above: superannuation assets, they are likely to of an independent chairman, the National if agreement is not comprehensive, then have young children, and their partners During the early years of WWI, there • To provide compensation for long term Veterans’ Affairs Advisor, the National in what respect is there disagreement or may be limited in their ability to earn was no single Government body formed pain and suffering, and permanent President, the RSL State Presidents and reservation? an income through the need to provide to cater for the needs of the sick and disability incurred as a consequence their advisors. Many matters affecting ongoing care. Accordingly, a range of wounded returning from the horrors of of service, and particularly to provide individual veterans are also dealt with Section 3 measures are proposed to assist younger trench and desert warfare in Europe and meaningful income support to those routinely during the year by effective Specific Proposals to TPI veterans : the Middle East. While the Department so damaged by their service that liaison between RSL State Branches and of Repatriation was created in 1918, they are no longer able to engage in Enhance Support to the ∑ An increase in allowances for non- Department of Veterans’ Affairs officers it was not until October 1976 that remunerative employment. Veteran Community working dependants up to the age the Department of Veterans’ Affairs was at the State or National level. of 21. • To ensure that any such payments established. The RSL and the Community Set out below are a number of proposals made in the form of compensation drawn from resolutions of the League. • Provision of private health insurance Returning servicemen were alarmed at Since our inception in 1916, the RSL retain their value over time. They are in priority order. We consider coverage for the family the lack of support available and began has maintained a strong focus on the • To ensure that compensation that a positive response to these matters • Access to any preserved superannuation meeting in the various states of Australia commemoration of those who have died payments are not taxed and are not would resolve the significant concerns assets to call for urgent action to rectify the or suffered in the service of our nation, included in any calculations for means remaining in the veteran community. situation. Shortly thereafter, in 1916, the and in inculcating in our community • Revised carer payments and Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial an understanding of the contribution to testing purposes. Parliamentary Party responses are sought allowances to better reflect their special League of Australia was established and the development of our nation by those • To ensure that superannuation to each proposal. contribution to the on-going welfare adopted a set of ideals and objectives who have served in the Defence Forces. provisions appropriately reflect he 1. Indexation of the veteran or ex-serviceman or woman. that focused essentially on mateship, More broadly, we seek to encourage in unique nature of military service, There remains significant concern at the preservation of the memory and records young Australians, a sense of pride in particularly retiring ages below different indices used for adjustments to 3 Transition Management of those who suffered and died; and to our nation and an appreciation of the community norms. compensation and disability payments, The RSL particularly endorses the provide for the sick, the wounded, and responsibilities of citizenship. • In recognition of the unique nature and military pensions. While the proposal contained in the Combined the needy. Through these related endeavours, we of military service, to ensure that Consumer Price Index (CPI) is commonly ESO submission on this item. Experience By 1918 all states had joined the League, better inform the wider community of the range of benefits available to used, it no longer has credibility as a true clearly demonstrates that separation from The Listening Post October 2007 11 The Returned & Services League of Australia The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance

the Service is a critical step likely to a crisis for the veteran who can no longer date of medical discharge in their own homes or other independent between three and six months for have serious impacts on physical and live at home with his family. prospective cases; or living situations and avoid, or at least eligibility assessments for CACPs. psychological well-being if not properly delay, admission to residential care. To We seek a capacity for the Department 2 tax exempt from date of effect Section 4 managed. Accordingly, deficiencies in to effectively manage such cases of new provisions for current achieve this they need the support of the following processes should now be through special accommodation subsidy recipients. a comprehensive and easily accessible Other Proposals rectified, and the RSL stands willing provisions. network of flexible and affordable to engage directly with the ADF and • Compulsory Retirement Ages and community services. However, feedback Requiring Attention DVA in assisting this process; particularly 5. Military Superannuation Preservation Ages for ADF members across the veteran community highlights Listed below are other issues which be aligned to avoid disadvantage. through the recently launched Integrated A full and positive response to Item 1, significant gaps in existing services. the veteran community would wish to People Support Strategy: indexation of military superannuation • Simpler Super tax treatments should Issues include: progress during the term of the next • Appropriate invalidity and other using MTAWE, would overcome one be correlated with both military • The need for a higher ratio of government. They are not in priority financial entitlements are in place of the significant concerns raised by the career patterns and associated military community services packages. order. to ensure discharging personnel can Ex-Service community with the Military retirement schemes and reversionary Superannuation Review Team. benefits. Despite the increase in the number or Pharmaceuticals. While the Repatriation access these without delay. Commonwealth funded Community Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme offers • Include the full period of a member’s • Any adverse medical conditions arising Military superannuants see their pension Aged Care Packages (CACPs) in February some advantages over the PBS, there service when calculating pension from service have been identified and payments progressively losing value 2007, the ratio remains inadequate. entitlements, instead of just the is growing concern at the escalating adequately recorded in ADF service relative to present salary levels, and public Statistics show that approximately 10% pensions such as the aged and service number of completed years. levels of co-payment, particularly in documents. of persons over 70 years of age live in respect of pharmaceuticals required pensions. Concern is exacerbated by the • Calculate the DFRDB pensions residential aged care. This means that • Appropriate treatment and for specific defence-caused conditions. introduction of simpler superannuation using the same formula as for DFRB, only around 20% of the Commonwealth rehabilitation programs have been arrangements for accumulation schemes. MSBS, CSS and PSS schemes. Government aged care program is The Pharmaceutical Allowance rarely instituted and will continue without While acknowledging the 10% rebate available to the other 80-90% who wish compensates fully for the co-payment. interruption. which will substantially reduce tax • Reduce the qualifying period for We would seek the provision of eligibility for reversionary spouse to remain in the community. • Servicemen and women are offered payable, the inclusion of the pension pharmaceuticals for defence-caused pensions to three years. • The need for higher subsidies for comprehensive relevant financial paid as taxable income, in the knowledge conditions at no cost, and adjustment of CACPs. advice, vocational support, and that all accumulation scheme payments 6. Ageing with Dignity and the Pharmaceutical Allowance so that it family assistance to ensure a smooth need no longer be even declared, has Choice The care and services purchasing power continues to compensate for the bulk of transition from the Service. caused considerable concerns on the basis The RSL is committed to ensuring that of CACPs has decreased over the last the co-payment for other items. of equity. 10 years and as care needs become • Servicemen and women are provided veterans, their families and carers are Younger War Widows. Currently, war In its submission to the Military supported to age with dignity, control more complex, current subsidy levels with comprehensive advice on how widows under the age of 58 without Superannuation Review, the RSL put and independence and are able to are inadequate and frequently necessitate they may access medical and other making choices between what care and dependants are generally not entitled to support services post separation when forward a number of proposals including contribute to the community and enjoy services can be afforded. the Income Support Supplement; it being the need arises; the following : They are now presented the full benefits of citizenship. assumed that they are able to re-join the to seek Parliamentary Party acceptance, Because of the high numbers of World • The need to remove ‘barriers’ to • Provision of timely follow-up by the workforce. This is seen as discriminatory notwithstanding that the outcome of the War II veterans: veterans and war widows accessing Services to ensure that any residual Military Superannuation Review is not non-DVA aged care services when and needs to be corrected. issues are quickly resolved. yet known : • The veteran population is ageing they need them. faster than the general population. Carers. Veteran wellbeing is directly 4. Accommodation Assistance • Military Pensions and Preserved These include: related to the level and quality of family • Currently, 46% of Australian men for Younger Veterans with Benefits should be indexed to support available. Partners and carers Mental Health Related over 80 years are DVA entitled • Co-payments – there is an increased MTAWE. play a key role in holding families Special Needs veterans. cost to the veteran/war widow when • The current ‘Life Tables’ used in the he/she leaves DVA Veterans Home together and looking after their spouses During 2004/2006, RSL Care calculation of DFRB & DFRDB • The number of older veterans and Care (VHC) and moves to CACP. who have been physically or mentally (Queensland) sponsored a veterans’ war widows with dementia is also pension and associated commutation • Culture of the veteran community disabled. In this role, they are often mental health project ‘to provide a increasing. calculations should be replaced by the - some veterans consider that only denied the opportunity to engage in rehabilitation continuum for veterans most recent life tables available. • The male/female ratio is changing as DVA operated services are able to remunerative employment. We seek a experiencing the effects of mental illness, • A complete review of all current DFRB the number of widows increases. understand their special needs and review of carer payments, allowances involving effective treatment in their & DFRDB pensions, including • The number of veterans and war provide quality care, or they prefer to and provisions, to accurately reflect their local communities’. The project sought reversionary benefits, should be widows living alone is increasing. stay with DVA as they know how ‘the a case management approach. needs and significant contribution. completed using these contemporary Of the DVA treatment population, system works’. Recommendation 5 sought DVA support, Integrated Service Delivery. Presently life tables and revised pensions should currently more than 300,000 veterans • VHC can appear to be a better ‘deal’. including funding, for appropriate some veterans are required to deal be applied prospectively from an and war widows are over 85 years of age. When moving to a CACP, some community accommodation models to with multiple agencies in assessing appropriate date. However, similar to the Aged Care Act services that are subsidised for HACC meet the needs of veterans with mental their entitlements. These may include • In the context of the Government’s 1997 criteria for ‘special needs status’, the and VHC clients must be fully paid health issues. Defence, DVA, Comsuper, Centrelink, Simplified Superannuation legislation, RSL mission extends to serving a much for from the CACPs’ budget, e.g. While general funding has been amendment to taxation legislation larger ex-service community including: meals on wheels, planned activity and others. Each organisation has its provided to the States in response to to enable all invalidity pension groups. When the cost for much own regulations and guidelines, placing • Non-entitled former members of the veterans in the invidious position of this recommendation, access to such payments for recipients medically Australian Defence Force (ADF), needed higher levels of care such as accommodation remains beyond the discharged from the ADF, as a result case management are deducted from potentially requiring multiple medical means of most veterans who must of disabilities caused or aggravated • Widows whose husbands did not die the CACPs’ budget, the balance may assessments and leading to inconsistent concurrently maintain a family in by military service and in receipt from war related injuries, and not cover these original services. outcomes in respect of entitlement or separate accommodation, particularly if of a Class A incapacity assessment • Veterans of allied forces without • Aged Care Assessment Services employability. This causes considerable their income includes only disability or by ComSuper, and any associated reciprocal arrangements. (ACAS) - there are major differences stress at a most vulnerable time. We Special Rate compensation payments. reversionary benefits to dependents to Like other older Australians, growing in the operating procedures of ACAS seek an integration of these procedures While it is expected that few such cases be: numbers of ageing veterans and war teams. In some parts of Australia to achieve a more effective, efficient, and would arise, when they do, they represent 1 tax exempt from the recipient’s widows are choosing to remain in veterans and war widows have to wait consistent set of outcomes.

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Long Tan Day The Listening Post October 2007 13

Long Tan Day

In Remembrance 14 The Listening Post October 2007 Improvements at Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra has announced the programme for Redevelopment of the Post 1945 Conflict Galleries. Construction work commenced in September 2006 and is scheduled to be completed in late 2007. The redevelopment will allow the space to fit objects that was previously unable to be displayed such as the Iroquois Helicopter, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and even an Oberon Submarine. These new facilities will allow for an extra 3000 square metres of floor space for staff, collections and extra workshops for the Post 1945 conflicts. A sponsorship from Dick Smith for the amount of $1,000,000.00 for Post 1945 Conflicts Galleries has allowed the AWM to obtain the Iroquois Helicopter which will form an integral part of the new Vietnam Gallery. Photograph courtesy AWM Canberra. Denis Connelly Removal of Gun prior to commencement of building operations

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RARE_BOD12868 The Listening Post October 2007 15 Letters to the Editor Dear Editor Options are being considered to ensure Office in Perth and our metropolitan The changes are being discussed with or resign. that we continue to provide a high level of There are and country outreach program. our staff who are being assured that service with good quality decisions being I am happy to discuss any questions or some internal a position is available in DVA for all made by people with the right skills. With Where you have any concerns you concerns you may have. reviews and those who want it. Any reductions the significant reduction in workload that changes within can ask the Deputy Commissioner to are being achieved mainly through Arthur Edgar is continuing to occur (for example, claims the Department follow up these matters regardless of attrition, through not replacing the Deputy Commissioner, WA for disability pension under the Veterans’ of Veterans’ [email protected] Entitlements Act declined by around 15% the State location handling the work. same numbers of those staff who retire Affairs that in 2006-07 on top of the 15% decline in your members 2005-06), it is vital that we have the right should be critical mass of skilled personnel to assess aware of. The these claims. major factor behind this is There will be a change of the mix of DVA the Department’s falling workload functions being performed in our various and in particular the declining State locations. However, I want to stress number of World War II veterans. that this will be a gradual exercise. We will ANZAC DAY ensure that it is done right and that we Thankfully, later conflicts have not continue to provide high quality services at Long Tan (Nui Dat) 25th April 2008 produced the same numbers of veterans to members of the veteran community and dependants. We do continue to take along the way. on new work through Budget initiatives and the introduction of the Military Progressively, some parts of our business An escorted tour has been designed to tour Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. may no longer be performed in Western Vietnam with the ANZAC Day at Long Tan for the Australia but by DVA staff in other States, dawn service as a highlight. There are a number of basic principles that while staff in WA may undertake work for the Secretary of the Department, Mr Mark veterans who live in other States. The 15 day tour will visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay on a Sullivan, has outlined since the start of the Junk for 2 nights, Hoi An (China Beach). Ho Chi review process last year: Although our structure and our approach to delivering services will continue to Min (including the Cu Chi Tunnels) ,Vung Tau • DVA will continue to have a senior evolve, there are some things that will not before visiting Long Tan for the service. presence in each State; change. You will continue to access: On the return the tour will stop over in • DVA will continue to provide quality • the full range of DVA programs and Singapore for 2 nights for shopping and service (and effectively any changes will services; be "transparent" to veterans); sightseeing. The tour is escorted by George • fully trained staff; Booth (CMF Captain Rtd) who regularly takes • there will be an ongoing requirement to increase efficiency; and • a toll free number to contact any of our groups into South East Asia ,New Zealand and offices; and Indian Ocean destinations. • technology changes will continue to influence the way we do our business. • face-to-face contact through the DVA

$3,445.00per person twin share. Airfares with taxes, sightseeing and transfers included. Veterans' Affairs Single room cost is available. Minister Presents Long For information contact Tan Bursaries to West George Booth at Integrated Tourism Services on 9381 9644 Australian Students

Seven West Australian students, all children of Vietnam veterans, were presented with Long Tan Bursaries by the Hon. Bruce Billson, Minister of Veteran’s Affairs, during his recent visit to Perth. A total of nine Long Tan Bursaries were awarded to students from WA but two were unable to attend the official presentation. The value of the Long Tan Bursaries has been increased in the 2006-07 Federal Budget from $6000 to $9000 with 50 such bursaries awarded nationally to support students with their studies in 2007. The Long Tan Bursaries were named in honour of those who took part in the Battle of Long Tan, the best known battle of the Vietnam War. Since its inception in 2001, the scheme, which is administered by the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust, has helped more than 200 children of Vietnam veterans to Call us now for an appointment at begin tertiary courses. These include vocationally-orientated courses offered at TAFE, business college and art schools. Mandurah, Safety Bay & Secret Harbour This year’s Long Tan Bursary recipients are enrolled in an exciting and diverse range of courses including engineering, surgery, graphic design and circus arts. � 25 years experience in Audiology � 10% off all batteries for & Customer care. Senior Card holders Peel Hearing Services New Veterans' Travel � FREE fi tting for pensioner � 12 months 20x4 Concessions - Ghan Railway after care service concession + Veteran Card holders � Open Mon-Fri, Sat by appoint Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Bruce Billson has welcomed the Prime � Locally owned and operated Minister’s announcement of new travel concession rates for veterans on the famous Ghan railway. Mr Billson said he was delighted that concession rates would now be applied to the Alice Springs to Darwin section of the Ghan journey. Previously the concession rates were only available on the first leg from Adelaide to Alice Springs. “The extension to travel concessions on the Ghan railway will be a welcome addition to the comprehensive concession entitlements already available for veterans through the Australian Government and my Department,” Mr Billson said. “The new concession rates will make the Ghan a more affordable travel and holiday option for members of the veteran’s community,” Mr Billson said. Funding of $1.5 million a year will be provided to sustain the concessions, set to benefit around 10,000 veterans' and pensioners. Travel concessions by the Australian Government are available to all Seniors Health FREE Card Holders. “The Howard Government is committed to maintaining the lifestyle and well-being of our ex-service community,” Mr Billson said. 30 DAY TRIAL 949418.03 “Our veterans are entitled to benefit from the best possible services and support on offer. These concessions will make travel on the Ghan more readily available for all Peel Hearing Services Australian veteran’s. 38-42 Minilya Parkway MANDURAH www.peelhearing.com.au Ph: 9535 7185

94941803.indd 1 25/07/2007 9:11:13 AM 16 The Listening Post October 2007 From the Services Norman Clan Giving kids a helping Initiative to fill the Gap! hand

The personnel of the Joint Logistics Unit (West) JLU(W) have begun a rewarding partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia (RDA). The unit has decided to sponsor an RDA pony named Eveready. Eveready, or "Red" as he is affectionately known, has an excellent temperament which is ideal for the children. The unit is excited about the prospect of making a real difference in Family unit: Norforce members Pte Craig Norman, his dad Cpl Jeffrey and cousin the local community through sponsoring and supporting the RDA. Pte Lanceton Norman. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson JLU(W) has raised funds through holding activities such as morning PM John Howard is accompanied by Defence Minister Brendan Nelson and teas and raffles. CDF ACM Angus Houston as he meets ADFA cadets at the launch of the ADF THREE of the Yanyula Crocs Aussie rules team’s key players are a bit Gap Year programme. Photo by Kevin Piggott too busy at the moment to play football. The RDA is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation which provides riding instruction and other activities associated with horse riding and ARMY will offer 500 positions in the ADF Gap Year programme Cpl Jeffrey Norman, his son Pte Craig Norman and nephew Pte handling for people with disabilities. Horse riding provides freedom announced by Prime Minister John Howard at ADFA on August 9. Lanceton Norman are serving with Norforce’s Centre Sqn. They are and mobility for its participants. playing their part in Operation Outreach, the Army’s contribution to Mr Howard said the ADF Gap Year programme represented a $306 the Australian Government’s assistance to indigenous communities. During a visit to RDA by JLU(W) personnel, the children were thrilled million investment in the youth of Australia over the next 10 years to have spectators and were keen to demonstrate their horse-handling and was part of the Government’s $3.1 billion commitment to The Norforce soldiers have been warmly welcomed and well received skills and knowledge. The experience was an absolute pleasure for those boosting ADF recruitment and retention. in the communities they have visited. personnel. Army participants will undertake recruit training of 12 weeks, The three members of the Norman clan are enjoying their experiences It is envisaged that in the future more personnel from JLU(W) will followed by initial employment training of up to 12 weeks that will with Norforce. have the opportunity to visit. In addition, more fund raising activities then allow about six months for skills consolidation employment. "I joined for my dad; I wanted him to be proud of me," Craig said. are planned. The range of vocational training and employment options includes "Mum’s happy and proud of me too," he added. By Adriana Kropej rifleman, gunner, dental assistant, administrative clerk, cook, supply operator, ground-based defence operator and steward. Lanceton agreed that his uncle Jeffrey was a positive role model. Participants can earn between $30,000 and $46,000 during the year, "Seeing Uncle Jeffrey in the Army gave a chance to talk to someone and and $10,000 is on offer to those who return to the ADF within five his positive experiences convinced me to enlist," Lanceton said. years after gaining tertiary education or some other qualification. Craig said he found real purpose in being an indigenous soldier. The scheme is open to men or women aged 17-24 who have completed Year 12 or equivalent within the previous two years. "It allows me to do the work most non-indigenous soldiers are unable to do, with regards to understanding our culture and where to go and Successful applicants would participate fully in ADF life with the not to go when patrolling the Gulf of Carpentaria," he said. "There same training standards, equipment, pay and access to the full range are many places that are considered sacred and we have to enter with of ADF benefits. great care … we speak to the elders of these communities which in turn "While many Year 12 school leavers go straight into tertiary education allows the unit to do its job." and training, we know that about 34,000 of them each year take a break in their first year out of school to broaden their life experiences, A Patrol Commander, Cpl Norman said the Norforce soldiers "spend gain skills or travel," Mr Howard said. several weeks at a time patrolling the coast line for illegal fishing, trespassing and protecting the border in general". "The ADF Gap Year offers these young people an alternative way of pursuing their ‘Year 13’ by serving in the Navy, Army or Air Force But he looks forward to passing the mantle on to his son. "Craig will RIDING TALL: CPO Stores Naval Denham Carlyon of JLU(W), Baldivis where they will experience a different and exciting lifestyle. be starting further training in September and will some day take out Pony Club Volunteer Sharon and Sam with "Red", the horse Joint Logistics Unit "It represents a unique opportunity to undertake training, acquire his own section." – West has chosen to sponsor. Photo: LS Joanne Edwards transferable skills, gain independence, maturity and become self- reliant, all while being paid. Operation Outreach is the ADF’s support to the Northern Territory "It is a new and innovative programme which recognises the need Operation Outreach Emergency Response Task Force. for the ADF to adopt increasingly flexible approaches to recruitment and familiarisation while maintaining the Services’ impeccably high Support includes mobility, communications and sustainment assistance standards." to police and civilian health teams, inter agency liaison and assistance with the procurement and provision of medical stores and contracted Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said the scheme would appeal to trade services. young people who wanted to serve but baulked at the initial service period. Small survey teams have commenced community engagement and Defence Force Recruiting is accepting ADF Gap Year applications area surveys in a number of communities across the southern half of for entry later this year or early in 2008. For details visit www. the NT. defencejobs.gov.au or text ‘Gap’ to 13 19 01. Richmond stays Western Sydney can expect a continued Defence demonstrated that the balance of capability, economic and current presence following the decision to retain RAAF Base community considerations weighs heavily in favour of retaining Richmond. RAAF Base Richmond," Dr Nelson said. WGCDR Mark Paterson talks with Finke locals Clifford Stuart and Browny Defence Minister Brendan Nelson visited the base on August 11 The decision will ensure that the critical capability provided by the Doolan. Photo by CPL Corinne to announce a government decision that the base would be kept C-130 fleet remains at Richmond. The base remains the only secure Air Force assisted in Operation Outreach with the delivery indefinitely, following a study of ADF bases. point of departure in the Sydney basin and its closure would have of a health assessment team and medical supplies to the Prime Minister John Howard had announced in 1998 that the left Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra without secured air points of remote community of Finke recently. base would be retained until 2010. Since then, government has departure for large-scale operations. A Caribou was used to deliver four civilians and Army personnel who been considering the future of a number of Defence bases and While 33SQN will move to RAAF Base Amberley in 2008, Mr were based in the community on two-week rotations. establishments under the Defence Force Disposition Programme. Nelson said the government may examine the possibility of other WGCDR Mark Paterson was part of the reconnaissance team that It was established to consider proposals for base collocation aimed at ADF units being relocated to Richmond. creating larger, more operationally effective and cost-efficient military initially surveyed the remote community, 550km from Alice Springs. Retention of the base will also enable a continuation of support to bases around Australia. "It was great that the Caribou was used," he said. Sydney-based units such as the Tactical Assault Group East, 4RAR, "A detailed study conducted under the Force Disposition Programme and the Incident Response Regiment. "When we drove to Finke the first time, it took five hours. The last two hours were on very rough, unsealed road and was hazardous. To have access to a Caribou really helped and saved a lot of time." WGCDR Paterson was part of the operation as an environmental health officer and drove out to Finke to assess the facilities for the health assessment team. He determined the best housing options for the health assessment team and then returned to the community to oversee the team’s insertion. During his short visit, WGCDR Paterson was greeted by an elder and took the opportunity to liaise with the friendly locals. "I had heard a lot about the communities and have to say that I enjoyed talking with the locals," he said. FLTLT Andrew Seward from 38SQN co-piloted the Caribou and also took the opportunity to meet the locals. He fielded questions from excited children about flying the aircraft. "It was lots of fun going out to Finke. The experience was a lot like when we go out to places like Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea," he said. "[The locals] were all interested in what we do and what we fly. It was good to be involved." LETS SHAKE ON IT: Defence Minister Brendan Nelson is introduced to military working dog ‘Lucky’ by his handler, LAC Gary Thoburn, during a visit to RAAF Base Richmond to announce the government’s decision to retain the base indefinitely. Photo by SGT William Guthrie The Listening Post October 2007 17 Sub-Branch News

Dedication Ceremony at Bicton/Palmyra Manning RSL City of South Perth Sub-Branch Sub-Branch Kevin Trent – President – Turkey Visit THE SPIRIT OF GALLIPOLI The concept for the Event resulted from a private “goodwill” trip to Turkey & the Gallipoli battlefields in July 2003 by a group of Vietnam veterans and their partners from 9RAR. The veterans and their partners met with Turkish War Veterans and a strong bond Franco-Australian Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France of friendship developed. On Sunday 26th August 2007 the Bicton/Palmyra Sub-Branch A Manning resident, Mr Alan Warman, has an interest in researching In a historic first, Adelaide dedicated a memorial "to those who served in the defence of World War II Battles and visits the various sites in France. He visited became a major focal point Australia". the Franco Australian Museum at Villers-Bretonneux and while of Australia in April 2005 This dedication was the culmination of 5 years of planning by a hard impressed with the Australian material on display was disappointed that for the Spirit of Gallipoli working group of Bicton-Palmyra members and friends. no Western Australian flags, banners etc were mounted. Event, commemorating the 90th anniversary of Bicton-Palmyra Sub-Branch thanks Readymix Quarries for supplying a Mr Warman then approached Mr Alastair MacPherson (President the Landings at Gallipoli slate stone for the memorial, the Mayor of Melville City Council, Mrs Manning RSL) and Secretary Bonnie Atkinson about obtaining a in 1915. Katherine Jackson JP, for her support throughout long and arduous Western Australian Flag and sending to the Franco Australian Museum negotiations to gain access to the site (opposite Club Rooms, Foss at Villers-Bretonneux, France, at Mr Warman’s expense. The Event brought five Street), Father Tim Foster, for consecrating the site and to the Naval members of the Turkish War Veterans Association to Adelaide to march A WA flag was obtained from local MP, State Member of Parliament, Mr and Airforce Cadets for providing a Cenotaph Party that added to on ANZAC Day before travelling to Canberra for official receptions John McGarth, and presented to the Manning RSL for on-forwarding the ceremony of dedication, and finally to members who provided with the Governor General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery to the museum along with a Manning Sub-Branch banner. morning tea and refreshments to all participants after the dedication AC CVO MC (Ret’d.) and the Turkish Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency, Mr Tansu Okandan, and wreath laying ceremonies at the in our Club Rooms. It so happened that Lt Col Milton Butcher and the West Australian Ataturk Memorial Garden and the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at Premier ANZAC Student Tour were visiting Villers-Bretonneux and the Australian War Memorial. presented the flag and banner on behalf of the returned servicemen from all of Western Australia; it was presented by one of the students, The aim of the Spirit of Gallipoli Event was to express, on behalf of all Callum Tucker from Sevenoaks College. Australians, our nation’s gratitude for the care and affection the Turkish people have afforded over many decades to our young men who gave Callum Tucker from Sevenoaks College and with him is Monsieur their lives and now lie in peace on the Gallipoli Peninsular. Jean-Pierre Thiery, OAM the Conservateur at the Franco-Australia Museum, Villers-Bretonneux, France. A group of 9RAR Veterans visited Turkey in August 2007 to join with Turkish Veterans on the 30 August, when the Turkish Defence Forces The Returned Ex-Servicewomen’s Sub- and Veterans combine to remind the Turkish people of the sacrifices Branch RSL that they have made to establish the modern day Turkey. During the visit, not only to Gallipoli but also to ancient ruins established by Greek At our recent AGM the Retiring President Mrs Joyce Whiting’s and Roman civilisations and also to modern day Army and Naval report covered our activities stressing our support for the RSL stations. While in Ankara the leader of the Group, Warren Featherby and encouraging friendship amongst our members with tours and laid a wreath on the Tomb of Ataturk, an honour only bestowed on friendly meetings. Members who are not-so-well are not forgotten world leaders. and either visited or contacted by phone and a small gift is given at Christmas. At State Congress our Life Member Mrs Barbara It is the hope of the organisers that a youth exchange programme will You never know Clinton was awarded the RSL MERITORIOUS MEDAL for her be established, along the lines of the exchange programmes sponsored years of outstanding service to the RSL. Mrs Clinton is our new by Rotary International, thus strengthening the close bonds between who it might help President. At the meeting Mr Gaynor, the State President, on behalf the Australians and the Turkish people as we approach the 100th Bring new hope to those with cancer of Senator Ross Lightfoot, presented four of our Life Members with Anniversary of the landing on the peninsula that marked the beginning of the birth the two nations which faced each other on 25 April 1915. by making a gift in your will. Certificates of Appreciation for Australian Volunteers signed by the Bequests to The Cancer Council WA Prime Minister. They are Mrs Myrtle Hookway (former Senior help fund life saving research Vice President), Mrs Doreen Dearden (Treasurer), Miss Joyce Thomas (Welfare) that will ultimately help us and Mrs Rita Kneebone (Social Convenor) defeat cancer. and the ladies were surprised and delighted For confidential information about with the recognition they received. making a bequest We also received an Australian Government to The Cancer Council WA Small Equipment Grant through Hon. please call Suzanne Cavanagh on Julie Bishop, Member for Curtin, for the (08) 9212 4333 purchase of a computer, so it has been a very busy year. Our activities include selling poppies and ANZAC tokens and we support the RSL Cadet of the Year Award. All ex-servicewomen are welcome to join our sub-branch. Next year we look forward to celebrating 60 years as a very supportive 46 Ventnor Avenue, West Perth WA 6005 and active sub-branch of the RSL Tel (08) 9212 4333 Fax (08) 9212 4334 Cecile Hinton Doreen Dearden, Myrtle Hookway, Rita Kneebone, Joyce (Sue) Thomas Life Membership’s presented by State e-mail: [email protected] President: William Gaynor OAM RFD www.cancerwa.asn.au 18 The Listening Post October 2007 Sub-Branch News RSL Care (WA)

Port Hedland Hedland and Geraldton before transferring to Sincere Thanks the AIF and being posted to Darwin with the 6th Division. He was sent to Broome, bombed in RSL Care The family of George Phillip Aitchison, ISM, Hedland and Darwin. Things only got better. would like to extend their sincere thanks for the consideration extended to them by the Port In late 1944 Phil was manpowered out due to Hedland RSL Sub-Branch on the passing of G P precarious state of the pastoral industry. (Phil) Aitchison. Phil served the people of Western Australia from WA’s Kaye Phil passed away on Wednesday 25th July at Wyndham to Esperance with the Public Works the Karlarra Nursing Home, South Hedland, Department until his retirement in 1976, upon following a long illness. During those last months, which he was awarded the Imperial Service members of the sub-branch had visited Phil on Medal. Ireland numerous occasions. As Phil was over 95 many Phil is survived by Alice, his wife of almost 68 of his friends and colleagues had pre-deceased years, two sons, two daughters and many many him. Phil took a great deal of comfort from these grand, great and great great grandchildren. regular visits, pinning the ears back of anyone The links formed between this fading WWII Named who would listen to tales of mustering, droving, soldier and today’s vibrant veterans, as represented families and, rarely, the war. by the members of the Hedland Sub-Branch, At the funeral on Saturday August 4th sub-branch clearly demonstrate the bonds which hold this members provided a guard of honour, the Ode League together, for the betterment of not only RVA’s was recited and the Last Posted sounded. A fitting the League, but of our community as a whole. tribute to an Old Soldier. Phil Aitchison’s family thank the Port Hedland Phil served with garrison forces in Broome, Sub-Branch for their efforts during this difficult Manager of Cottesloe ANZAC Working Group Grant Cottesloe RSL Sub-Branch applied to the WA Government’s ANZAC Working Group Small Grants Scheme the Year for a grant to purchase a public address system to enhance the presentation of their annual ANZAC Day Award winner, RSL Care WA’s Kaye Ireland, Lifestyle Manager of both morning service, and for use at meetings held in their dedicated meeting room at the Cottesloe Civic Centre Menora Gardens and Pearson Village. every first Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm. As approximately 95 percent of the Cottesloe RSL members are octogenarians or nonagenarians, the PA RSL Care WA’s Kaye Ireland, Lifestyle Manager life, part time study for professional development system will assist the ‘hard of hearing’ at their gatherings. The Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Member for of both Menora Gardens and Pearson Village and also being involved in many of the special Cottesloe, presented the much appreciated grant cheque to the Cottesloe RSL President Harold Durant in was last month awarded the honour of the their meeting room. Mr Barnett was invited to enjoy fellowship with the members following their meeting, functions that she organizes for the residents, Retirement Village Association’s Manager of many of which take place in her personal time. and he shared with them some information he gathered on past wars whilst he was recently in Europe. the Year Award for 2007 in recognition of her significant contribution and dedication to the One of the residents that nominated Kaye, Judy villages that she manages. Frey said, "Kaye is a perfect blend of compassion Kaye was presented the award at the annual RVA and efficiency, is always smiling and cheerful – she regional conference held at the Hyatt regency Hotel is way out the best". in Perth, in which the theme was "Expanding Another of her nominators, Joan Daglish, said, Horizons" and included 160 delegates from other villages, local and government representatives, "This village would not be as harmonious without architects and other industry representatives. her. Kaye handles the approximately 150 different personalities of the local residents with extreme In a testament to both her popularity and professionalism and finesse". commitment to her job, Kaye was nominated not only by RSL Management but also by the In the 17 years of working in the aged care residents of the Villages that she manages. industry, Kaye has seen many changes take place Kaye has been working in the aged care industry and most recently has been instrumental in Cottesloe RSL Treasurer Barry Hood with Hon and, in particular with RSL Care WA for over 17 managing the development and launching of Colin Barnett MLA at 2007 ANZAC Working years and has worked in a number of different Menora Gardens. Group Grant cheque presentation. positions throughout this period. RSL Care Special Projects Manager, Ken Hamilton Kaye explained, "I have always been a people said, "Kaye’s attention to detail, sense of purpose person, which in this industry is an obvious and and vision throughout the project has ensured essential prerequisite". the village is a place where residents are thrilled Walking around Menora Gardens with Kaye, it to be living". is easy to see why she is so popular. She knows everyone she sees by name and has a smile for For the past 8 years, Kaye has managed Pearson each and every one of them. Village, which contains 58 units and then 3 and a half years ago, after becoming involved in the In acknowledgment to her award, she explained, redevelopment of the Menora Gardens site, Kaye "I was shellshocked when I received the award took on the role of managing this site, which but I have to say I couldn’t do this job without the residents, they are our lifeblood. We work as currently boasts 98 units and in which a further a team, they are all like my extended family as this 27 units will be completed in 2009. Cottesloe RSL Secretary Lynn Durant-Lovell Hon Colin Barnett MLA presenting 2007 ANZAC Working Group job is 24 hours a day 7 days a week". with Hon Colin Barnett MLA at 2007 ANZAC Grant cheque to Cottesloe RSL President Harold Durant in the RSL Kaye also wanted to pay tribute to the support Working Group cheque presentation. Meeting Room at the Cottesloe Civic Centre. Following on from the number of nominations that she receives from RSL Management in that forms given to her, Kaye had to submit the she is given great autonomy to just to get on with completed forms and then go through an interview her job, "It is great that they have so much respect process in front of a panel of RVA representatives, in not only me but also the decisions that I need which lasted for over an hour. to make in the running of this multi million Apart from her obvious rapport and popularity dollar business". with the village residents, asked what she thought was the secret to her success she said, "Having And finally, Kaye pointed out that one of the empathy for my customers, clients, stakeholders greatest aspects of her role is in going to work and acknowledging each as an individual. One everyday and you never know what will happen. really needs to be able to put oneself in their She said, "There is no such thing as a normal day; shoes". always expect the unexpected". Looking at Kaye I was shocked to learn that she That is what makes the job so rewarding and gives is a grandmother, but her seemingly unboundless her such great satisfaction. energy helps her to keep up with the demands of Cottesloe RSL Members (LtoR) Ron Cresswell, “Blacky” White, Doug Hill, Murray Higham enjoying fellowship at the 2007 such a stressful job, as well as her own personal By Sally Hamilton ANZAC Working Group Grant cheque presentation. Welcome Home Parade Vietnam Veterans – 20 years on

The 3rd October 1987 marked Australia’s route in many cases six or seven deep, brought a an approach to Minister Bob Kuchera relative to an and Afghanistan at the appropriate time – the acknowledgement and thanks for all tear to the eye of many a veteran. Anniversary Welcome Home Parade in Perth. The withdrawal of Australian Forces. Veterans involved in the Vietnam War. Minister discussed the idea with the Premier whose It was an emotional time for many who Not all veterans were able to attend this event. support led to the formation of a Committee to Again, it was unanimously agreed that the best travelled to Sydney to march in the With this in mind the thought was mooted investigate the way forward with this idea. way of acknowledgement would be to play Parade. For many it was the first time that the 3rd October 2007, may well be an a prominent role the ANZAC Day Parade they had marched since discharge from appropriate time to again acknowledge Vietnam Subsequent to meetings and feedback from the following the withdrawal of Forces. In addition the AMF. Veterans by way of an Anniversary Parade, again Vietnam Veteran community it was clear that it was agreed to seek Premier and Cabinet in Sydney. For many reasons this idea did not whilst there was some support for a Parade support to cover expenses by way of a Special The comradery by way of reunion gain sufficient support. in Perth, it was unanimously agreed that it Concert subsequent to the Parade. amongst veterans was overwhelming. The would be more appropriate to look towards acknowledgement by the public, who lined the Ongoing discussion amongst some veterans led to acknowledgement of our military forces in Iraq This matter will again be addressed following the The Listening Post October 2007 19 92nd National Congress At our Congress in Perth last year, we The League is in every sense a part welcoming those recent announcements Fund parcels are warmly received is fundamental to our ideals that we reflected back on 90 years of achievement, of our community beyond our by Government, which enhance the and acknowledged by those on become so engaged, and critical to our but focussed on the contemporary needs commemorations. We have engaged lot of our most needy and deserving deployments. future. of the League and the veterans and their this year with the Macular Degeneration veterans, we also acknowledge that there families whom we exist to serve. Foundation in raising awareness of this is more to be done. We have a world • Our National Secretary’s competent The Federal Election debilitating condition. The League has class repatriation system, but we strive to facilitation of Operation CARE, a For four years now I have been stressing also come out in strong support of make it even better. And of course we program funded by the RSL and A Federal Election is expected to be that our enduring objectives may Drug Free Australia, and most of our remain sensitive to the need to retain the Services Clubs Association for the called in the near future. Australians will be drawn together into three broad State Congresses received presentations value of those benefits established, and benefit of the families of those decide who they want to form the next themes: from the Executive Officer of Drug not see veterans’ benefits be regarded as wounded during deployment, government, based on our individual Free Australia to explain further the just another component of community directly helps the recuperation of circumstances, views and outlook. • Reaching Out to the Community those who suffer the consequences of • Quality Welfare dimensions of this major social and welfare. On behalf of our members, the RSL health issue. Past National President, their service. • Committed Membership Three particular initiatives this year has recently made a submission to all Peter Phillips, serves on the Board of this • Our National Defence Committee More recently, I have endeavoured to deserve special mention. Encouragingly, parliamentary parties setting out what organisation, and our National Secretary engages directly with Defence and the we would expect of the next government, define some more immediate goals represented the League at their Annual two of these involve the relatively recently established Centre for Military Government to offer sound advice on and what issues we consider deserve within this broad framework. These Conference. issues of force structure, capability, were: and Veterans’ Health in Queensland. further attention in enhancing our Such community engagement is not and deployment, while our National present repatriation and defence service • To endeavour to resolve many of new. This year is the 21st anniversary of The first is the Defence Deployment Conditions of Service Committee is arrangements. the historical issues which have been the formation of the Australian Cancer Health Surveillance Program – intended closely involved in representations around for some time and were to more closely monitor the ongoing on the full range of pay and service This submission seeks responses on both Research Foundation, now engaged in the principles of veterans’ support, and tending to distract us from our main funding vital work to better understand exposure to hazards, and adverse health condition issues. effects on those servicemen and women some specific proposals. purpose. the nature of this insidious condition • Our Cadet of the Year program deployed on operations around the affecting so many Australians. The fosters excellence in cadet training, It is our view that the major issues now • To endeavour to reach some world or even closer to home. This is League played a large role back in 1986 while other awards which the League needing to be addressed include: conclusions concerning the Special about prevention and early diagnosis, in launching the Foundation, and we makes to Service Colleges and courses Rate Pension, arguably one of the with a view to rapid response to any • A more equitable and rational basis most volatile areas of debate in the remain willing to continue assisting in are highly regarded. whatever way we are able. adverse trends. We all well realise that of indexation of disability payments, veteran community, and military operations bring with them • The ADF assists greatly with nearly compensation and superannuation. • To turn our focus strongly onto We value our many community links huge risks. This is about promoting all of our commemorative events, • Enhancements to assist those totally the emerging needs of our younger – both national and local. They reflect wellness through enhanced resilience and many of our sub-branches enjoy and permanently incapacitated veterans. our strong desire to give back what we and minimising the longer term a close relationship with proximate can to our community, to be of great impacts by rapid response to physical or ADF units and bases. veterans with young families. We have made substantial progress on support in times of adversity, and to psychological damage. It is on this base of engagement that the • Enhancements in the management all of these fronts, but of course more is encourage selfless service within our RSL has recently accepted a key role in of transition from the Service – as needed. I will touch on this further as I community in the spirit of mateship. We would encourage all servicemen and speak this morning about key events of women to participate in this Health supporting the ADF Integrated People proposed in the Integrated People Surveillance Program when requested. Support Strategy. In this way, we will be Support Strategy. the past year, the circumstances we now Veterans’ Welfare face, and the opportunities presented able to lend our considerable experience The second major development and skills to offer social or more direct • Accommodation assistance for to us. Through the active engagement by and is quite recent – the publication of younger veterans unable, because of representations of Minister Billson, and support to servicemen and women and Research Protocols for studies into their families, particularly during that their condition, to live at home. Commemoration and the sterling efforts of the Department of The Intergenerational Health Effects Veterans’ Affairs, the past twelve months critical phase of their separation from • A positive response to the range of Community of Service in the Military. This the Service. Clearly, this is a most have seen substantial advances in veteran comprehensive report by the Centre for issues raised with the recent Military Commemoration has always been a key welfare support. stressful time and historically, many of Superannuation Review. Military and Veterans’ Health is a world the problems arising in the ex-service role of the League. 2007 takes us further leader in this field. It arose through the through the 90th anniversaries of some This is not just about the cash value of community have their origins in the way • Further enhancements to enable our pensions and disability payments. It veteran community’s collective urging in which that separation occurred. older veterans and their families to of the most horrific engagements on to conduct a study into the health of the Western Front: Passchendaele – is particularly about enhanced service age with dignity and choice. delivery and removing the anomalies the children of Vietnam veterans. But Through our extensive network of described by one commentator as a by- it is much more than that – providing a some 1360 sub-branches, our depth of Reponses by all parliamentary parties to word for the monstrous futility of war – which cause great consternation and inequity. model for a much broader undertaking experience in pensions and advocacy these issues may influence veterans and 36,000 of the dead and wounded being in examining the impact of deployments work, and our understanding of the our families in determining how we may Australian. This was, like Gallipoli, an Since the announcement made by the on families from more recent conflicts. exigencies of service life, the RSL is cast our vote. engagement marked by great courage, Minister at our 2006 National Congress, well placed to provide support, and unspeakable suffering, but ultimately which restored the value of our health This approach has received and deserved encouragement and advice at this critical The sacrifices made by many over the achieved little. The Battles of Bullecourt care and support regime by providing bi-partisan support and the Centre for time. years have bestowed upon us the benefits were also remembered this year – another more realistic reimbursement for service Military and Veterans’ Health has done of peace, security, and democracy. May 10,000 lives lost or harmed. providers, advances have been made an outstanding job of developing these To face up squarely to this challenge, we we cherish them all, and meet our particularly in respect of aged care, and protocols. Some $13.5m has been in the League must recognise that these responsibilities wisely. Australians have come to realise that allocated by Government to this work, younger veterans came largely from a World War I was a lot more than mental health. The Prisoners-of-War from the European Theatre have at which will go to tender in the near generation brought up with different Conclusion Gallipoli – without undermining future. Initial results are expected in expectations; a generation more inclined the iconic status that campaign has. last received the benefit of the $25,000 ex-gratia payment, and a welcome 2009-2010. to question than to accept at face value; a We look forward with renewed vigour Building upon the significant volumes of generation which communicates largely and sense of purpose in the year ahead. adjustment has been made to the value The third initiative came to fruition material now available, including on-line electronically; and is generally even less The League is blessed with many fine records, the fine travelling exhibitions of the Special Rate and Intermediate yesterday, World Suicide Awareness Day. aware of their entitlements than some of volunteers and staff who give most and displays developed by the Australian Rate Pensions. Some of us participated in the launch us may have been. But thankfully, this generously of their time and skills. War Memorial, and the desire of our here in Melbourne of Operation Life, From time to time, claims are made that generation is also anxious to seek help to Let me record publicly now our deep younger people to take a closer interest a suicide prevention strategy for the the RSL has been sitting on its hands; it restore their quality of life, and they are appreciation of the contributions made in our military history, the League has veteran community; responding to an is alleged that we have not put enough conscious of the need to find the right by so many of our members across the seen increasing numbers of Australians pressure on the Government; or we do area of great concern to us all. This work/life balance for their families. participating in commemorative services initiative brings together a number of nation. Many efforts go unheralded, not speak out on matters of concern. and possibly even unnoticed. But they and events. The record proves otherwise. programmes aimed at promoting our Since the League’s inception in 1916, one own mental wellbeing, and identifying of our objectives has been to ensure that are all valuable contributions and greatly It is our duty to preserve the memory, The $1.3 billion additional funding others around us who may be at risk. It Australia retains a credible and effective valued. Our communities are better to raise awareness, and to ensure that introduced this past 12 months into the offers us tools to help ourselves and our defence capability. Our commitment to places as a consequence. the wider Australian community, many Veterans’ Affairs budget addresses the mates. I commend this program to all. this recent initiative complements and of whom may have no direct family League’s top budget priority from 2006, builds on our existing relationship. It connection to these events, appreciate and in whole or in part, all five budget the sacrifices made at that time and priorities in our 2007 submission. Younger Veterans subsequently. In honouring those who As I indicated at the outset, younger died and suffered, we maintain the Our measured, considered veterans now deserve more attention public foundations of respect for those representations, our relationship than perhaps they have been given. I who serve, and support for the special and confidence building, our strong am referring particularly to those who needs of all veterans who commit their reputation for community engagement have served after 1975: the Post Vietnam NEW ADM IS HERE! lives in the service of our nation. The and up-front welfare support and generation. League has a most substantial record of aged care, establishes the necessary achievement in this field, and I would environment in which our concerns Younger veterans increasingly experience hope that all who are the beneficiaries will be discussed and addressed. Both multiple deployments across a wide Your medals court of this community recognition might the Minister and Shadow Minister range of operational scenarios – from pause briefly to recognise that. have been most willing to seek our humanitarian relief operations, through views and to discuss options. We may peacekeeping, to high level conflict as or swing mounted This year, indeed this week, marks the 60th have some differences of opinion on in the Middle East. They are, like anniversary of Australia’s involvement in some matters but let me assure you their predecessors, exposed to physical, peacekeeping: a significant milestone. that the Government, the League and environmental, and psychological harm. within 72 hours; Peacekeepers, peace makers, and peace the Opposition at least share a sense enforcers have served Australia with of common purpose in meeting the There is absolutely no doubt that the distinction in many corners of the world reasonable needs of Australia’s veterans men and women now serving in the or they’re FREE!* – they continue doing so today. This and families. The League does not Australian Defence Force, and who have anniversary, given prominence by the engage in name calling, vilification, or recently served, have done so with great Your medals are your family’s heritage, have them professionally mounted with Peacekeeping Conference being held this megaphone lobbying. The pursuit of commitment and dedication. They have totally inert, acid free mounting materials ready to wear - guaranteed no acidic week at the Australian War Memorial, veterans’ concerns in 2007 has to be brought enormous credit on themselves double-sided tapes or superglues - or frame them for posterity! Only museum the ongoing production of the History more constructive than that. and our nation, not just for their quality materials are used to safely mount your medals. *If riband is in stock, we’ll of Peacekeeping, and fundraising for professionalism but their humanity and have them mounted for you within 72 hours! the Peacekeeping Memorial to be It is appropriate at this point to compassion. acknowledge the splendid access we are built on ANZAC Parade in Canberra, The RSL has a strong and effective Heritage Medals Group/Military Framers appropriately highlights this more recent fortunate to enjoy with Government Ministers and the Opposition, and of relationship with the ADF and we value 9/7 Delage Street Joondalup - Phone 1300 797 465 dimension of our Defence and Police 298 Railway Parade Cannington - Phone 9358 5058 course with Defence and the Department greatly the cooperation we enjoy. Forces’ engagement in pursuing our Shop online 24x7x365 at www.heritagemedals.com.au national interests and security. of Veterans’ Affairs. In warmly • Our Australian Forces Overseas 20 The Listening Post October 2007 Off the Shelf Crossword 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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94 95 96 97 98 Team Effort: Author Valerie Everett was intrigued by an old cottage. 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 New look at cottage that was built in a day pennies. People gave curtains, a kitchen dresser, a kitchen table and chairs, a dining table, a bedstead, 108 109 Pam Casellas bedding, pots and pans". www.CrosswordWeaver.com Across 61 Globe Down 52 Make filthy It may well be the oldest World War I memorial in A site at 38 Kalgoorlie Street was selected and 62 Animal with no 53 Film brand the country and certainly it was the first Gallipoli home 54 Containers surveyed. 1 Eat 1 Accommodate memorial in WA. And the history of the house that 63 Peaks 55 Harder to find was built in a day by a local community as a thank The heavily timbered block was cleared by the 4 SE African country 64 English sailor 2 Vase 11 Sage 3 Yuck! 56 Approximate date you to the soldiers of World War I is one of the most volunteers. The last tree they named Lone Pine. 65 In a tilted position 12 Infamous 66 Ciphers 4 Company symbols 57 Game "__ Says" charming of West Australian stories. Work started at 4.30am on February 12, 1916, the 14 Mayan 67 Food and drug 5 Volcano 58 Warm 59 Tiny particles Now that story has been immortalised in print, in hour the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli the previous 17 Stable gear administration 6 Distress call year. The foreman issued his challenge: "Let’s build 18 Billboards (abbr.) 7 Portland locale 60 Beat it! an equally charming children’s book by local writer 19 Spanish "one" this house by nightfall". 70 Papa 8 Scale note 61 Humorous Valerie Everett. 20 Whiter 71 South American 9 Every 60 minutes 62 Tons 22 Coin animal When the horrors of Gallipoli became known and And they did, 200 men and more, their thirsty 10 Small 63 Cuirass labours refreshed by the womenfolk who set up a 23 City 72 Actor Paul (of measurement 64 Thefts wounded men began returning home, an ambitious 24 Clemency Crocodile Dundee) 1/16 of a pound 65 First letter in plan was hatched in Mt Hawthorn. The community bush kitchen and made hearty stews and invigorating 26 A Nissan car 73 __ Oyl (Popeye's 11 Heredity would pool its resources and build a memorial. cups of tea. 27 Dined girlfriend) component Hebrew alphabet Better yet, that memorial would be home for a 28 Race tracks 75 Chichi 12 Coward 66 Skunk-like African As darkness fell, they packed away their tools and animal wounded soldier. 29 Soup scoop 76 Serves meals 13 Legume kettles, the little house all but ready for a reluctant 30 Petty fight 77 Religious holiday 14 Flat 67 Regional plant life The committee chose the first soldier to return to John Porter, who had to be persuaded to accept 31 Ouch! 78 Very warm climate 15 Boxer Muhammad 68 Decline the district, Pte John Porter. A member of the 3rd the house when he felt so many others were also 32 Roman 51 79 Slippery frigid 16 Reminder notes 69 Airmen Brigade and one of the first ashore at Gallipoli, deserving. 33 Sticky 80 Oodles 17 VIP attendants 70 Couple (2 wds.) 34 Has long arms and 81 Cafes 18 Needle worker 71 Vaults he was wounded in the thigh by gunshot. After After the official opening on April 15, the Porter legs 82 Hiking equipment 20 Greek philosopher 72 Shells convalescing in Egypt, he came home, classed as family lived in the cottage until John’s death in 1964. 35 City in Montana 83 I see 21 Rolling… keep 73 Great ape medically unfit and discharged from the army. He His wife stayed in the cottage until she died in 1968 36 Blood factor 84 Rupee (abbr.) them doggies 74 Repeated was disabled for life. and the couple’s descendants lived there until the 37 Inside 85 Movie "King" Rolling ___! 76 Short for fellow early 1970s, after which the house was rented and 38 Union of Soviet 86 Mythical monster 22 Title of Islam's Once the idea took root, the plans for ANZAC head 77 Showy flower became badly dilapidated. Socialist Republics 87 Stadium Cottage, a four-room Federation Queen Anne style 39 Middle age 88 Toward 23 Foolish 78 Small house, grew like Topsy. Says Everett’s book "Inspired In 1991, the Vietnam Veterans Association took over 40 How do you do 89 Toronto locale 24 __ ray 80 Prevents by the community spirit, dozens of men and women and restored it to its original detail by 1997. 41 Thai 90 Evils 25 Fidgety 81 Let fall 26 Ably promised their labour. 42 Pulling aid 91 Big cats 82 Non __ Anzac Cottage: The House That Was Built 44 Infra's opposite 92 Pull 28 Medication 85 Arose amounts "Local residents opened their wallets, purses and In A Day. By Valerie Everett, illustrated by 45 Cheery 93 Contender 86 Scarf 46 Rear 94 Spanish celebration 29 One of the moneyboxes to donate a pound, a shilling or a few Barbara McGuire, UWA Press, $27.95. 87 Respecting 47 Foot parts 96 Kinky Stooges 48 Back street 97 Spiritual being 30 Pouts 91 Thieves' hideouts 49 Lulls 98 Whey's partner 33 Channel 92 Adolescents 50 Leather 99 Lavish parties 34 What the cowboy 93 Explosive igniter 51 Pigpen 100 Tweak did to the steer 95 Airport abbr. 35 Asian country The Kavieng Massacre 52 Criticize 101 Matador’s passes 96 North northwest 53 Divided nation at bull 39 Completely A War Crime Revealed 97 Pulpit 54 Baseball player 102 Defeat 40 Macinnes, author 98 Baseball player Ty By Raden Dunbar 41 Layers Yogi 103 __ Francisco 101 Contagious 55 Pint-sized 43 Allow 104 Grappling disease 56 Assembly of 107 Greek goddess of 44 Narrow openings An engaging book revealing the witches youth 45 Knife 102 Sign of the zodiac shocking truth of the Kavieng Massacre 57 Zooms 108 Classical 46 Zip 105 Jr.'s Dad in March 1944. 58 Compels to go composer 48 Pimpled 106 Teacher's 59 Helper 109 Fleece 49 Small flock assistant, for short This is the first attempt in over sixty 60 Age 50 Stools 107 Short for hour years to produce a comprehensive and historically accurate reconstruction of events surrounding the 1944 murder by Japanese sailors of a large group CHEF JAN’S RECIPE of Australian male civilians and (The Iron Chef) German Catholic priests at Kavieng, Recipe New Ireland in the then Australian- mandated territory of New Guinea. It has involved painstakingly bringing together many hundreds of pieces of Chicken Breast fragmentary evidence from a variety of original and secondary source materials, and has taken much time and effort to develop into a form which Parmigiana (Serves 4) details the sequence of long-ago events Preparation 15 mins Cooking in Australia, New Guinea, Japan and Hong Kong. 15 mins Calories 177 Fat 4g The story of the terrible tragedy in Kavieng describes how a group of 4 Chicken Breasts Mozzarella entirely innocent Australian and 250 grams 2 Eggs other civilians became the helpless Napoliana 500 grams fresh victims of the grand wartime political Sauce bread crumbs and military strategies of American, 250 grams 250 grams plain Australian and Japanese politicians, shredded flour generals and admirals. Trim and flatten chicken breast, place in seasoned The Japanese naval officers responsible flour, then into beaten eggs and dip into bread for the Kavieng Massacre elaborately concealed their crime to mislead Australian investigations. This crumbs. Cook in oil until golden brown. Place on tray concealment was successful and delayed revelation of the truth until 1947. – top with Napoliana sauce and shredded Mozzarella. The Author Raden Dunbar is an Australian who currently resides in Indonesia. Brown under grill – serve with potato and salad. The Listening Post October 2007 21 New Members Poetry I AM……

The State President and members of the State I am just an onlooker Executive extend a welcome to new members, re- A spectator by far But I cannot turn my back enlistments and transferees to the League in WA. On the horrors that haunt Sabah. Their names are listed by sub-branch. I am the next generation To carry on the tale ANDERSON RAYMOND 5716060 59 REJOIN BUSSELTON ARMY Of men bashed and beaten ASPINALL PETER 54154 65 REJOIN ALBANY ARMY Malnourished, diseased and frail. BAKER KINGSLEY 2806071 37 NEW MEMBER BICTON-PALMYRA ARMY ‘ANZAC BEAUMONT RONALD 2791017 58 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY I am also of the opinion BILSBY RALPH 5714637 61 NEW MEMBER BELMONT ARMY That this should not have been BOLTON STEVEN 554826 45 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY Club’ But now it has and we must remember BOOTON HAROLD 6708454 62 NEW MEMBER CITY OF MANDURAH ARMY With recent modifications completed the ‘ANZAC Why they perished from the scene. BROCK ROBERT 8106722 36 NEW MEMBER LEONORA NAVY Club’ has become a very popular location to hold BROWN DONALD 5714461 61 NEW MEMBER CITY OF MANDURAH ARMY seminars, meetings and social functions. As Club I am a blank canvas BUSH JOHN D/MX903865 75 NEW MEMBER EASTERN HILLS NAVY Manager, Mr Nigel Von Bergheim said recently Feel free to bestow on me CALLAGHAN MICHAEL 221293 56 NEW MEMBER ELLENBROOK ARMY "we have extended our club hours until 7.00pm on The story of these brave young men CROSSAN CHERYL W137133 43 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY Fridays which is proving to be popular with both That I will carry with dignity. CUTHBERT GRANT 83510768BT 45 NEW MEMBER GERALDTON CITY ALLIED the veterans and casuals our recently revamped ‘A DARCEY DAVID A57288 61 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAF la Carte’ menu is well accepted with our mid-day I am an Australian DODDS ALAN 5803093 31 NEW MEMBER BUSSELTON ARMY diners". And fly my flag with pride DUDDY PATRICK 6716030 59 NEW MEMBER BOULDER ARMY For the memory of these Aussie men DUNSTAN MARK 553367 45 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY The Chef, Jan, regularly changes the menu with FORKIN FRANK O54044 78 NEW MEMBER BUSSELTON RAAF new and interesting plates. As Jan said "we still Will live forever, though they have died. FRIEND URSULA F328586 39 NEW MEMBER BICTON-PALMYRA ARMY have calls for our old favourites such as sausage and GILES MAURICE R54767 71 NEW MEMBER BUNBURY RAN mash and chicken parmesan and the old favourite LEST WE FORGET. GILLBANKS DANIEL 553730 45 NEW MEMBER CENTRAL ARMY traditional roast and vegetables". GODDARD MICHAEL S139266 36 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN For your Unit and Corporate functions contact By Jordan Nix GODDARD RAYMOND S138101 41 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN Nigel on 92873714. Year 10 Student Boyup Brook GODDARD TRACEY 136485 42 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN District High School, WA GRAY RICHARD VX63936 87 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY Denis Connelly ANZAC Tour to Borneo 18th April 2006 HALE FRED R94216 59 NEW MEMBER CITY OF MANDURAH RAN HARPER CHRISTOPHER R125743 43 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN HARROWER PETER 535071 57 NEW MEMBER GERALDTON CITY ARMY HART PETER 5411190 62 NEW MEMBER LEONORA ARMY HASTIE BRIAN A512703 52 NEW MEMBER BUNBURY RAAF HILL PAUL 5102677 40 NEW MEMBER CITY OF PERTH ARMY MELBOURNE CUP HOWARD LESLIE 4166231 71 NEW MEMBER ALBANY RAF JONES JEAN W133655 44 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN Chicken & Champagne KERTON DANIEL R147271 35 REJOIN CITY OF PERTH RAN LARNER EVELYN F5/183 75 NEW MEMBER RTD-WX SVC WOMEN ARMY LAWRENCE LINDSAY A511582 54 NEW MEMBER NEWMAN RAAF LEVER NORMAN DMX112118 83 NEW MEMBER CITY OF MANDURAH RN LUNCHEON MCARTHUR JOHN D234643D 36 NEW MEMBER BEDFORD-MORLEY ALLIED MCDONALD JOHN S137849 45 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN Tuesday 6 November 2007 MINCHERTON MARK 5800132 39 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY MORGAN DORRINGTON 19177261 78 NEW MEMBER BALLAJURA ARMY LUNCH STARTS FROM 11:30am MORGAN GERALD R53326 68 NEW MEMBER OSBORNE PARK RAN MORGAN IAN R129804 42 NEW MEMBER RIVERTON RAN PAWLETTE PETER S170140 34 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY Roast Chicken, Garden Salad and PRITCHARD REGINALD WX34678 82 NEW MEMBER CITY OF MANDURAH ARMY RADOVANOVICH AMANDA U90454 42 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RNZAF Fresh Strawberries with Cream RADOVANOVICH IVAN GB4278 58 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RNZAF served with a RENTON WILLIAM WX12606 83 NEW MEMBER FREMANTLE CITY ARMY ROGERS RONALD 54905 60 NEW MEMBER PINJARRA ARMY Bottle of Yellow 200ML SIRRINE DENNIS RA11472025 59 NEW MEMBER GERALDTON CITY ALLIED Champagne each or SMITH DARREN R163117 28 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN SMITH PETER 59984 58 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY ARMY (1) Jug of beer TONKIN-JONES LEE-KAYE W120165 49 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN per table TRAN TUAN MINH 69/145548 58 NEW MEMBER VIETNAMESE SERVICES ARMY VAN DER VELDEN PETER 317035 50 NEW MEMBER CANNING DIST-VICT ARMY Tea and Coffee included VOAK ALLAN 511562 55 NEW MEMBER QUINNS ROCKS ARMY WARBER GERARD 53136 75 NEW MEMBER PERTH ARMY WEBB MURRAY 512331 49 NEW MEMBER CITY OF MANDURAH ARMY FOR BOOKINGS YARHAM WADE 8509215 22 NEW MEMBER PORT KENNEDY RAN PHONE ANZAC CLUB MANAGER YOUNG MALCOLM 61401 64 REJOIN CITY OF MANDURAH ARMY NIGEL 9287 3714 HURRY BOOK IN $19.50 TODAY!! LAST POST PER PERSON They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary ANZAC CLUB, 28 ST. GEORGES TERRACE them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest We Forget. The deaths of the following RSL Members (WA Branch) were recorded at ANZAC House.

Airforce VX60336 Bartlett A.G. 5717305 McDonald Robert NX43513 Bell J.S. WX27106 McGlashan G. 427785 Carran Wilfred NEW ADM IS HERE! WX40196 Bolitho George WX40527 McMahon Neal 436319 Dunn Maurice WX32977 Boyd Robert WX35865 Nunn C.J. 406717 Hall L.W. 54147 BraackGordon 2158645 Oliver William 5886 Hayward William WX11792 Brockway H.S.C. 23062181 Pinner Peter A51146 Kitson Kenneth Your medals court SX25730 Buckley Michael 1/2105. Plane Kenneth A218619 Marshall Thomas WX32780 Cable Percy 2822238 Ross Bruce 83278 Mathews J. V22235 Callow Royston W1098 Slater Keven or swing mounted 429717 McGrath Kevin WX29288 Corboy Brian USMC40117 Taylor William 99402 Packard Betty WX27970 Cresswell Thomas 24331 Thomas Desmond 436111 Pearce H.A. within 72 hours; 1790090 Cumming S.G. WX40642 Walker E. 406953 Powell Eric WX17803 Draper Walter WX18076 Wright Ted 83493 Robinson James WX32968 Edward D.O. or they’re FREE!* 436759 Sheills Victor WX23040 Farrington David Navy 103713 Tilbee Joyce 120138 Gillespie Giles F4157 Davies Roderick Your medals are your family’s heritage, have them professionally mounted with 29449 Wann Victor WX28217 Height R. R54654 Devereux Hilton totally inert, acid free mounting materials ready to wear - guaranteed no acidic 45689 Watson Frank WX32223 Holt Frank F3238 Easby John double-sided tapes or superglues - or frame them for posterity! Only museum 427110 Wells Donald WX31903 Hubbard N.H.R. F2374 Glossop C. quality materials are used to safely mount your medals. *If riband is in stock, we’ll 119941 Young William 5410631 Hunt Donald JX214070 Hadden George have them mounted for you within 72 hours! 5509 Itzstein Peter R56603 Jackson Richard Army 33568 Joyce B.T. F4409 Jones Alwyn Heritage Medals Group/Military Framers WX39061 Aitcheson George 2059798 Lawrence Stanley WR2008 Medlend Thelma 9/7 Delage Street Joondalup - Phone 1300 797 465 5/25419 Anderson Edward WX34014 Marshall R.K. F5301 Sutton William 298 Railway Parade Cannington - Phone 9358 5058 WX35913 Armstrong F. WX27576 Martin R.W. F2786 Wreford William Shop online 24x7x365 at www.heritagemedals.com.au 22 The Listening Post October 2007 Bits 'n' Pieces Scouts Australia – Helping the Youth of the Diamantina 1363 3RD & 4TH Cavalry Regiments karen.strahan@health. Association I had been on a number of wa.gov.au World escape to WA ships during my career with the Navy. Found Medal In January 2009, Scouts Australia (WA Branch) will be hosting an amazing twelve I have found a medal that is day camping adventure for Scouts from not only Australia but from all over World, at I am trying to find some broken away from the holding Fairbridge Village, south of Perth in Western Australia. guys and some of the crew bar but it is an original issue who served on the HMAS as it is inscribed with the The 14th Australian Venture, also known as Escape, will allow these youth members Diamantina during the Member’s particulars, it is to be part of something unforgettable. Australian Ventures are well known throughout period of March 1963 to the 1939-1945 medal. the Asia Pacific region for being high quality, great fun events. It will attract over 1000 December 1963 including Member being 85263 DG scout youth members aged between 14 to 18 years including over 100 international any names of crew which Baker, member or family can Scouting participants. may be deceased, I am trying contact me on 0894193003, Youth members will spend 5 days and 4 nights on an adventure expedition of their to track down a crew list R A McKenzie. choosing, with other young people from across Australia and around the world, who during that period. I have have chosen the same challenge. Then they will be reunited with their friends from tried Canberra and they tell Airfield home along with their new friends, they embark on phase two – 7 days and nights based me this is unavailable. I at Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra. would be most grateful if Construction you could send me any Squadron The Cavalry Regiments Association was formed on 3rd June From Fairbridge they will have the chance to take part in a program of activities information you might have Association: designed to provide a positive, safe environment that allows the youth members to enjoy 07 at a meeting of ex-Cavalry-men held in Nambour Qld. The on the above to the following National Reunion Twin the challenges, camaraderie, adventure, independence and fun of the Venturer Scout intention of the Association is to become a National body with email. Thank you Towns, 10-13 March 2008. program, while exploring the best Western Australia has to offer. representation in each State and the Northern Territory, to Rod Hoult. Contacts Australian youth members will be able to spend time with Scouts from across the globe rodandjennyhoult@bigpond. provide a common “meeting ground” for ex Cavalry Regiment Lorna Ross 0266877393 – learning that they are people with the same hopes and dreams but sometimes living com. Gentlemen. The annual Membership fee is $20.00 which Tom Wilson 0754767246 in very different circumstances. In a time of global uncertainty, the need for Scouting Email: Imr@surfphotos. includes the cost of a Members Lapel Badge. Application Found Medal com.au to provide young people with an opportunity to develop friendships across borders has forms can be downloaded from the website: http://members. never been greater. My family have found a Volunteers tripod.com/~sitrep1/cav3-4e.htm medal and would like to Scouting and the RSL have much in common. They both believe strongly in building find out who it belongs to. Wanted Volunteers for Ex-Cavalry men are invited to visit the Forum and make community ties, in helping others less fortunate and in developing today’s youth into It is a shield with a crown ‘ANZAC House’ with recent contact with the members. This new Association in no way the leaders of tomorrow’s world. clerical and administration intends to distract from any existing Associations; but is in on top saying “Returned The RSL WA State President, Mr Bill Gaynor, has kindly pledged his support to office experience to assist addition to the existing groups. Sailors & Soldiers Imperial encourage sub branches to engage with their local Scout Groups across Australia to help League” Number 14477. with the administration of our Head Office. Duties Contact details are:- Cavalry Regiments Association those kids attend who might not otherwise be able to due to financial circumstances out Any assistance you could (Inc.) of their control. A proposal document has been sent to via the State President. give us would be appreciated. will include assisting with President: Bill “Bones” Kearney, (07) 4168-9767. our annual raffle and general RSM-Hon Treasurer: Les “Ripa” Riley, (07) 4692-6148. On behalf of the organising committee, I offer my grateful thanks for RSL WA Branch’s Thank You e-Mail: [email protected] office duties. For further pledge of support to help us to help them escape to Western Australia for what will be an Karen Strahan information please contact Q-Store: W.A. (08) 9467-6535. Ph: 9690 1304 Fax: 9690 e-mail: [email protected] up-lifting, empowering, possibly life changing, and most definitely FUN experience. Office Manager, Vicki, on For more information on the proposal, please contact the 14th Australian Venture Welfare Assistance Chairman, Mr Scott Sargant ([email protected] or 0416 114 220) Jack Read is a 90 year old Ex-serviceman who was a Scott Sargant, Chairman paratrooper, serving 7 years overseas in WWII. 14th Australian Venture Organising Committee www.escape2venture.com Jack's health restricted his mobility from his bed and so required a special type of wheel chair. OT Miss Candic Schalit, who works with Jack and others who are confined to wheelchairs, together with Phil Quartermaine a volunteer with Veterans Affairs From left to Right: Candice Schalit, Jack Read and Phill Quartermaine - Men’s Health Peer Education and Mrs P A Rowland OAM JP, who was Welfare Officer for the R.S.L.HQ. at the time, got together with help from the W.A. Aged Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's Relief Fund, and were able to organise a special type of wheel chair for Jack, so now Jack has more freedom and is now able to move from his bed sometimes when he wants to. Happy 100th Birthday to Scouting

2007 marks 100 years of Scouting worldwide. 2008 is Australia’s RSL Bowls Scouting Centenary and has been named the official "Australian Year of the Scout" and will be celebrated across the State at a huge range of Forty-eight RSL bowlers filled the new coach functions and events. for the new bowling season’s annual ice- breaker trip to Northam to play the local These milestones provide renewed ambition for Scouting - to celebrate National Servicemen’s Association. the beginning of a new century of Scouting, with a focus on developing prosperous relationships and opportunities – both locally and The trip wasn’t too bad, the company was good, the food internationally. Scouting is glad to enjoy a strong and continuing was very good and the results were catastrophic. relationship with the RSL and look forward to strengthening ties in the I won’t go into the gory details except to say we were overwhelmed by the home sides. Best local team was: Merv Gibson (skip), Brian Lalley, Rodney White and CROSSWORD solution Frank Evans. 1S 2U 3P 4L 5E 6S 7O 8T 9H 10O Doug Lind’s team of Brian Ellis and Peter Sassella (this 11 12 13 14 15 16 rink was reduced to three after Jim Weaver defected with G U R U N O T O R I O U S M A M 17 18 19 20 21 injury) and Keith Ireland (skip) Bob Furphy, Ray Gross R E I N S I G N S U N O P A L E R and Ron Cattle were the only two game winners for the 22 23 24 25 26 C E N T G E N O A M E R C Y A L T I M A RSL. 27 28 29 30 31 A T E D O W N S L A D L E S P A T O W The visitors cause was not helped by two teams scoring 32 33 34 35 36 minus 15 and 13. They have been ear marked for extra L I G O O E Y R A N G Y B U T T E R H pre-season training. 37I N 38U S S R 39F O R T Y 40H U L L O 41T A I 42 43 44 45 46 A new tournament has been added to the programme P U L L E Y S U P R A P E R K Y H I N D for this season. 47 48 49 50 H E E L S A L L E Y C A L M S S U E D E 51 52 53 54 February 8, 2008 is an open mixed fours Gala Day S T Y S C O L D K O R E A B E R R A (ie: open to all capitated bowlers, two men and two 55 56 57 women) at Osborne Park. This event is to raise money R U N T Y C O V E N S O A R S 58 59 60 Avenue Dental for the 2008 RSL Nationals Womens’ Committee for H A L E S A I D E R S I X T Y the entertainment of interstate wives, girlfriends etc of 61 62 63 visiting bowlers. W O R L D S T R A Y A C M E S 7x2 64 65 66 67 68 69 L I M E Y A C O C K Z E R O S F D A Roma Gamble – 9581 9907 is the chairlady – organiser 70 71 72 73 74 and would appreciate donations and sponsors for her P A T E R L L A M A H O G A N O L I V E 75 76 77 78 raffles and trading tables. A R T Y F E E D S P U R I M T R O P I C 79 80 81 82 83 The season is now underway, we are hoping for record I C Y H E A P S D E L I S G E A R A H attendances, you should all have your programmes so get 84 85 86 87 88 R E R A L P H T R O L L A R E N A T O your entries in PRONTO, especially the bus trips as they 89 90 91 92 93 are filling rapidly. O N I L L S L I O N S T W A N G F O E 94 95 96 97 98 The Committee welcomes all new members, we need F I E S T A N A P P Y D E I T Y C U R D 99 100 101 102 more, wishes you all good bowling for the new season F E T E S N I P F A E N A L O S S and looks forward to seeing old and new faces on the 103 104 105 106 107 greens again. S A N W R E S T L I N G H E B E 108 109 Max Plester. 94058991 S T R A U S S R O B The Listening Post October 2007 23 Paraquad Industries Poppy Day Contract 2007 Paraquad Industries, a 8 and 15 kg bags or in bulk and The Manager, Paraquad Industries can Division of the Paraplegic- has the capacity to provide grounds support your business. Call Noel Bodey VIETNAM Quadriplegic Association of WA Inc, undertakes a maintenance, mowing and horticultural on 9381 0197 or visit the Association’s & range of commercial management to commercial and website at www.paraquadwa.asn.au to activities facilitating the residential properties. learn more about the Association’s role Anzac Day SINGAPORE employment of people at with disabilities. The General Packaging Section, Long Tan 14 days the flagship of Paraquad th Industries, has the production departing 15 April 2008 capacity and equipment to undertake short and long run ! packaging and related contract work at competitive prices. Escorted Perth to Perth by Disability is not a barrier to (Captain CMF Rtd) fast, reliable, consistent and George Booth professionally finished work. The Red Poppy Day contract undertaken by Paraquad ™ Industries employees for the RSL Hanoi is typical of the work undertaken ™ Ha Long Bay on a Junk at the Association’s Shenton Park facility. The production area is well ™ Hoi An (China Beach) equipped to support companies and businesses requiring product ™ Ho Chi Min sorting, weighing, labelling/ ™ tagging, document folding, mail Vung Tau (Anzac Day at Long Tan) outs, shrink wrapping, industrial ™ Singapore gluing and a host of other general bench work. Paraquad Industries can also Cost $3,445 per person twin share supply cleaning rag in handy (single room sole use cost available on request) Includes: Return economy class airfares Perth to Perth (including taxes) Transfers from airport to hotel and return Accommodation (12 nights Vietnam & 2 nights Singapore) twin share Meals (as stated in the itinerary)

Sightseeing, entrance fees (as stated in itinerary) ! Services of an escort from Perth to Perth

For more information and bookings THE Contact George Booth Paraquad employees Wayne Listening Post License Number: 9TA1041 McGorrery (left) and Peter 9381 9644 Anderson (right) So that the Listening Post is providing the service that you, our readers and RSL members need to keep you informed, the Editor of “Listening Post” has decided to carry out a Readers Survey. Please answer the following questionnaire and return to RSL, ANZAC House, “Listening Post” Editor by either mail to: RSL WA ANZAC House PO Box 3023, Adelaide Tce Perth 6001 or Fax (08) 92873732 or by hand to: “ANZAC House” 28 St Georges Tce Perth

marked Listening Post Readers Survey! Please answer the following questions:

Please Tick your answer underY es No Do you like the physical shape of the "Listening Post" (newsletter format)? Do you find the information useful? Do you read the articles? Would you buy the "Listening Post" if it was commerciallly available What do you like about the "Listening Post"? Battle Tours 1/4 page

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Remember the "Listening Post' is your newspaper, we need your feedback so we can provide the service that you require and need. Don't forget to return completed form to "ANZAC House". Editor. 24 The Listening Post October 2007

AMAZING HEROES Lest we forget. Hollywood always remembers.

Monash Avenue, Nedlands Telephone 08 9346 6000 www.hollywood.ramsayhealth.com.au