NVN News

Navy Victoria Network May 2017 Volume 7 Edition 5

Calendar Events NVN current membership: 1065 (see calendar for details of all events) Editorial    01 Jun – 75th anniversary sinking Registered followers of this website are mostly men and women HMAS Kuttabul whose active involvement in service careers took place in the th second half of the 20th century. That was a nervous era 03 Jun – 48 anniversary collision between HMAS Melbourne/USS Evans dominated by the ‘Cold War’ which was a period of East-West tension arising from the widespread Soviet-driven effort to 11 Jun – 74th anniversary sinking impose the Communist system on the rest of the world. This HMAS Wallaroo drive was a factor in the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, 16 Jun – 75th anniversary sinking Confrontation and the Vietnam War. Other major contributors HMAS Nestor to that uncomfortable period were fears about the triggering of a 26 Jun – NHS meeting nuclear war (either inadvertently or deliberately); the dismemberment of the British Empire as former colonies gained 30 Jun – 76th anniversary sinking their independence; and monumental upheavals in society as HMAS Waterhen attitudes to women, lifestyle, discrimination and opportunity changed. Latest News Headlines NOTE: The full articles of the news The Cold War effectively ended with the break-up of the Soviet items listed below can be found on Union at the beginning of the 1990’s. The quarter century our website: elapsed since then has seen dramatic change around the world http://navyvic.net/news/news.html as we have moved into an ‘electronic age’. A communications    explosion has encouraged globalisation and revolutionised our Latest Videos….. capacity to exchange information; a technological tsunami is * Navy mums in Vietnam impacting almost every aspect of business, industry, warfare and * Exercise PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2017 day-to-day life; automation and robotics are replacing men and begins in Vietnam * HMAS Arunta Drug Interdiction women in the workforce and therefore reducing job * Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD underway opportunities; materialism, generous government decisions, * HMAS Newcastle SM2 Firing travel opportunities and changing social mores are generating * Battle of the Coral Sea different expectations and attitudes among Australian youth. commemorative event And a fast-changing world is struggling to come to terms with News….. how to deal with Terrorism rather than a Cold War. It is against this background that the groundwork has been laid for a significant expansion of our Navy and the establishment Navy’s LHDs under the microscope of a national Shipbuilding Industry. This is good news for all The Royal Australian Navy’s flagship, HMAS Canberra, has completed trials Australia but particularly for those of us with ties to the sea. off the NSW coast to help engineers As the population grows, as the nation becomes progressively assess whether its mechanical less dependent on others for our defence and security, as we problems have been caused by a develop closer bonds with countries in our region, and as we serious design flaw or a less serious issue, such as degraded seals. learn how to combat the insidious threats posed by modern warfare, a highly skilled, well-trained and versatile Navy is Long Tan Bursary recipients essential. The fact that the range of ships required will be built announced in country should mean that we become, in time, the leading Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today congratulated the 37 shipbuilding nation in the southern hemisphere. students from across Australia who will receive financial support towards Young Australians already or soon embarking on their working their post-secondary education as lives face enormous challenges – but with those challenges recipients of a Long Tan Bursary come untold and unforeseeable opportunities. Nowhere will Future USS Gerald R. Ford starts those opportunities be greater than in relation to the expansion acceptance trials of the Navy and the steady development of the Shipbuilding The U.S. Navy’s future aircraft carrier Industry. Plans for these activities present the potential for the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) departed nation to become more self-reliant, to restore confidence in our Naval Station Norfolk for its second manufacturing capability and to see maritime matters attain a set of sea trials, known as acceptance trials (AT) on May 24. profile and importance far higher than that currently enjoyed. Achievement of the goals announced by the Government Navy safely responds to fire in HMAS should also contribute to overcoming a dangerous complacency Maryborough On 26 May 2017, HMAS Maryborough we have towards Australia’s defence and security. reported a fire in the engine room while at sea, operating north east of Those of us whose working lives are mainly or totally behind us Darwin. The ship’s crew extinguished should encourage young Australians to consider pursuing the fire in accordance with careers in these areas -in or out of uniform. Getting in on the procedures. No crew members were ground floor of a development expected to grow steadily injured in the incident. The ship is through the course of 21st century, working lives presents an being returned to Darwin for inspection and an assessment of any exciting prospect for those soon embarking on adult life. A damage. An investigation into the window of opportunity is opening for people of skill, initiative, incident is now underway. dedication and a readiness to cope successfully with change. Naval Shipbuilding College Request The challenges will be big but the rewards for those who for Proposal succeed will be even bigger. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today Yours Aye! announced the release of a Request NVN Team for Proposal for the Naval Shipbuilding College. The Naval

Shipbuilding College is a key initiative Funding Grants for Women's Leadership Development in the Naval Shipbuilding Plan, Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is administering a national released in May 2017. initiative to support the development of female leaders across Australia’s naval sector. The initiative is providing women with grants of between $3,000 and $8,000 to enable participation in a range of leadership development Ex-HMAS retires to Western programs. Australia The leadership development programs are part-time and delivered Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan said Ex-HMAS Sydney would nationally via WLA’s blended learning model. Scholarship funding is leave Sydney Harbour today to be strictly limited and has to be allocated prior to the end of this financial towed to Western Australia for year (June 30). recycling. Expressions of Interest Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression The Strategist Six: Mark Binskin of Interest form here prior to June 16, 2017: Welcome to The Strategist Six, which provides a glimpse into the thinking http://www.wla.edu.au/assoc-june17.html of prominent academics, government

officials, military officers, reporters and interesting individuals from around the world.

LRO K.J. Weaver, R49533, 26 May 2017. Aged 81. Securing Australia's naval ABM D. Ryan, R59158, 22 May 2016. Aged 70. shipbuilding and sustainment CDRE D. Miller RAN, O763, 20 May 2017. Aged 89. industry LTO W.P. Aylott, R39170, 20 May 2017. Aged 84. The Turnbull Government has LEUT B. Mills, O110265, 17 May 2017. Aged 62. released Australia’s first Naval ERA K.R. Lowry, R43411, 16 May 2017. Aged 66. Shipbuilding Plan, outlining the WOMTP3 W. Treadgold, R64347, 15 May 2017. Aged 69. nation’s largest ever programme of CPORS C.C. Peterson, R62682, 15 May 2017. Aged 71. naval shipbuilding and sustainment. CPOTAS J. Darnley-Stuart, R36772, 06 May 2017. Aged 89. CPOCK J. Craib, R51232, May 2017. Aged 80. Singapore Navy hosts its first SBLT T.B. Clark, PM4562, 26 April 2017. Aged 93. international maritime review TO S.M. Kean, R50007, 25 April 2017. Aged 82. Over 40 ships and 44 nations AB S.J.D. Atkinson, 32453, 04 April 2017. Aged 91. attended the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first ever international Lest We Forget maritime review to May 15.

To all who read this: If you hear of any of our Navy family that has crossed 2016 Client Satisfaction Survey the bar, please don’t hesitate to let us know([email protected]). We results support client centric reform would like to list their names in perpetuity on our special ‘Vale’ wall on the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan website. If possible list their Rank, Name, Number, the date of their passing Tehan said the $166.6 million and their age. provided in this year’s Budget to implement the first stage of modernising the Department of Bravo Zulu Volume 2 Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) processes Honours and Awards to Australian Naval People, 1975- and IT system would improve client satisfaction with DVA as results of the 2014 2016 Client Satisfaction Survey were From the author Ian Pfennigwerth released today. Missing Data Yachtsmen plaque dedicated at Thankfully, the final version of the Bravo Zulu Volume 2 manuscript is Memorial nearing completion, and is expected to go to the publisher in mid- The gritty persistence of a Melbourne June. Unlike Volume 1, where most of the data supporting recipients’ historian to have a forgotten group of stories was drawn from official records, Volume 2 stories are largely Second World War sailors recognised based on information provided by recipients themselves. Some gaps finally paid off when a plaque was in our data remain, generally relating to the background to awards or post-award naval service. We will publish without this information dedicated to them at the Australian but are making this last appeal for assistance to make the book as War Memorial on 4 May. About 500 complete as we can. Australian volunteers answered a call

from the British Admiralty and joined If you’re on this list, or know somebody who is, it would be much the Dominion Yachtsmen Scheme. appreciated if you (or they) could contact Ian Pfennigwerth at [email protected] as soon as possible. Mental health support for veterans and their families, and medical Chapter 3 – 1983-1990 coverage for veterans of nuclear CPOCK Arthur Brimelow OAM R64816 testing The Government will expand the Chapter 4 – The Gulf War 1993 range of mental health conditions CPOMED Keith Buddle CSM S119607 current and former Australian POSV Gary Cameron OAM R115509 Defence Force (ADF) members can LSSN John Raffo CDS R130295 seek treatment for on a non-liability

basis as part of the 2017–18 Budget. Chapter 5 1991-1995 CPODVR Michael Atkin OAM RANR A100059 The Government will also provide a WOETP Ken Cooke CSM S114397 Gold Card to cover the health care CPOSV Raymon Cooper OAM R109183 costs of the surviving participants of CPOB Leslie Crisp OAM R110491 the British Nuclear Test program in WOETS Robin Gray OAM S109714 Australia in the 1950s and 1960s and LEUT Andrew Hamilton AM O43014 veterans who served as part of the CPOSE Colin Johnson OAM R63259 British Commonwealth Occupation WOEWO Raylene Leechman CSM W117685 LEUT William McMillan OAM O59445 Force (BCOF). CPOQMG Wayne Richards OAM R121942 Australian Navy contracts CHC WOATA Larry Russell OAM R108875 Group for SAR services Chapter 6 – 1996-2000 The Royal Australian Navy has LCDR Bryan Barnett OAM RANR C100077 contracted CHC Group to provide LSWTR Margarita Buchmayer CSM W148109 aviation emergency response services CPOMT Mark Brandon CSM S131458 out of the Australian Navy base at WOCSM Stephen Butt CSM R125262 Nowra, on the south coast of New POMTP SM Jonathan Chapman CSM S134095 South Wales. CPOETS SM Jonathan Dakers CSM S131295 CPOMTP Wayne Dunn CSC S120765 ADV Fourcroy officially joins the fleet CPOWS Owen Egglestone CSC R135080 The first of two Austal-built Cape CMDR Paul Field OAM O122368 CPOB Tom Hodges CSM R115191 Class Patrol Boats has officially joined CPOMTP SM Kim Hyatt CSM S130890 the Royal Australian Navy fleet. POCK John Jones CSM R129714 Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape CMDR Susan Jones CSC L104765 Fourcroy, was handed over to Navy POMED Adrian Leach NSC R133017 by Austal and the Australian White CPOB Gary Lock CSC R124206 Ensign was hoisted for the first time. CPONPC Anthony Mayes CSM A106165 POWRTR Brigitte Milligan CSM W127886 Increased reimbursement for CAPT Phillip Parkins AM O2262 medical expenses CMDR Nicholas Payne CSC O111132 Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan CPOMED Neil Perrin NSC R109618 LSBM Andrew West CSC R147739 Tehan today said veterans could now CPOEWO Annette Wright CSC W123834 claim up to $1,000 reimbursement for medical expenses when they have Chapter 8 – 2001-2005 applied to the Veterans’ Review CPOB Paul Borgas CSM 8059463 Board (VRB) or the Specialist Medical POMED John Brady CSC 8083279 CMDR Peter Burley CSM 8036237 LEUT Lorinda Carlin CSM 8091076 WONPC Christopher Chamberlain CSM 8081222 Review Council (SMRC) review CDRE Mervyn Davis AM O111159 process. LCDR Grant Day CSC 8089018 LSMTP Sebastian Fichera CSC 8100040 Supporting Younger Veterans Grants CPONPC Paul Hayes OAM R112777 Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan WOATA Glenn Howard CSM S132835 Tehan today announced $4.25 million WOCSS Ross McRae OAM 8075840 POAWA SM Eric Musch CSM 8081150 for a grants program to support WOCSM MW Garry Osborne 8074147 younger veterans. WOB Roger Rigby OAM R114194 CPOET Bryan Southwell CSM 8078985 Victorian Budget 2017/18 LCDR Nicholas Stoker CSM 8084687 Supporting and honouring our WOET David Turner AM 8075842 veterans WOMT Brian Wardrop CSM S131040 This special edition of the Veteran Community Newsletter is to advise Chapter 9 – MEAO Since 1996 you of the Government’s continuing LCDR Peter Arnold CDS 8071583 support for veterans in the Victorian LCDR Benjamin Dalton CDS 8095872 LSET David Horton CDS 8116154 Budget 2017/18. The Budget fosters LS Stephen Lambert CDS 8090561 support and respect for veterans with LCDR Sean Leydon CDS 8081850 new funding for a range of targeted LEUT Peter Luck CDS 8096414 programs and initiatives. LSCSO Anthony Wessling CDS 8621198 Inquiry into military honours Chapter 10 – 2006-2010 Minister for Defence Personnel Dan CPOPT Darren Dyball CSM 8079306 Tehan has asked for an investigation LCDR Mitchell Edwards OAM 8062770 into the issue of unit recognition for CAPT Lindsay Evans CSC 8080348 service with the Royal Australian CPOMTP SM Kelvin Harris OAM 8084904 LCDR James Hillock CSC 8087952 Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (the LCDR Keith Jonas OAM 8087202 RANHFV), and service at the Battles CPOCSM Peter Jones OAM 8087753 of Fire Support Bases Coral and CMDR Michael MacNeill OAM 80260551 Balmoral. The independent Defence WOB Alan O’Shea OAM 8048456 Honours and Awards Appeals POETS Benjamin Robson CSC 8097997 Tribunal will conduct the LEUT Peter Russell CSM 8098011 investigation. The fighting at the CPOCSM David Smit CSM 8080279 Battles of Fire Support Bases Coral LEUT Fiona Southwood USN&MC Commendation Medal CPOMT Peter Strzelecki OAM 8077283 and Balmoral was some of the LEUT Ben Weller CSC 8248772 bloodiest and intense fighting by Australians in the Vietnam War Chapter 11 – 2011-2014 where 26 Australians lost their lives CPOMT James Bishop CSM 8091544 and many more were wounded. CPOMT Craig Daly CSM 8985298 LCDR Simon Howard CSM 8095118 Naval Historical Society of Australia CPOB Glenn Lee CSM 8093040 (Vic) President’s May musings is now CMDR Lawrence Stubbs CSC 8072537 available to download…..

Navy League of Australia(Vic-Tas Div) May newsletter is now available Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria’s newsletter, “Rogues’ Yarn” to download..... is attached below Don’t forget to visit the website as there are many more news articles that may be of interest to you but are not included in this newsletter. Volume 7 Issue 5 Newsletter date May 2017 Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria ROGUES’ YARN Commemoration ser- 1. N Class , Commemoration Service, at 1100, Sunday 18th June in the vices at the Shrine of Sanctuary, Shrine of Remembrance. Remembrance that 2. RAN Recruits Pilgrimage, wreath laying service at 1000, Sunday 25th June in the warrant support of the Sanctuary, Shrine of Remembrance. Navy Fraternity 3. HMAS Waterhen, wreath laying service at 1400, Friday 30th June in the Sanctuary, Shrine of Remembrance. Coral Sea If you are a current or former Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral the Japanese offensive maritime force had member of the ADF who has Sea was held at the Shrine of Remembrance encountered significant resistance as they sustained physical or mental on Sunday, 11MAY17. Well over a hundred move effortlessly across southeast asia. This injuries as a result of your service and ex-service men and women paid was also the first maritime engagement where service and you are their respects for the service and sacrifice neither side was to physically see their surface experiencing financial made 75 years ago. Senator Jane Hume ↓ bound enemy, during the five days of hardship you may be eligible engagement. Whilst it was a tactical victory to apply for assistance. for the IJN, the strategic win was with the Alternatively you may also Allied Forces. The Battle of the Coral Sea be eligible to apply if you are service was organized by the Australia the immediate family American Association in conjunction with the member of a current or NCCV. Many ship associations were present former ADF member who along with families of those that served has died as a result of their during WWII. Chaplain Paul Stuart RAN, service, including those who Coordination Chaplain HMAS Cerberus have died as a result of their officiated. The RAN Band, Melbourne physical or mental injuries Detachment supported the service, the and you are experiencing read a message from the Prime Minister of presence of serving men and women provided financial hardship. Phone Australia directly related to the effort of an important emphasis on the occasion and 1300 652 103, or email Australia and America in safeguarding our the importance of these services. ↓ The ode [email protected] shores from the . Ms Jessica Mosnic, representing the Consul → Melbourne Naval General read a proclamation signed by the Committee President of the United States of America. MNC has an agreement with Then CAPT Tim Standen CSC RAN, Senior the Mission to Seafarers that Naval Officer Victoria delivered a detailed allows Navy groups to meet address surrounding the movements and final at the MtS at no cost. To cessation of fighting during the period 4th- 8th book email Ajith Jayasuriya at MAY 1942 when the Japanese were stopped marketing@missionto from attacking Moresby, New Guinea. CAPT seafarers.com.au Standen explained how this was the first time

Navy Victoria Network was recited by Hiram Ristrom, WWII Veteran Navyvic website is for and regular attendee at Navy related services anyone interested in Navy. at the Shrine of Remembrance. Hiram with If arranging a function, Chris Harvey, President of the AMC/LSI check the calendar! Provide Association. The service was supported by information to navyvic to CDRE Jim Dickson AM MBE RAN Rtd, avoid conflict with others. Patron - NCCV and CDRE Bob Richards RAN Rtd, Member Navy Victoria Network, Disclaimer both ex-SNOV and COs of HMAS Cerberus. Articles published are the Our only Victoria Veteran of the Battle of the Authors thoughts, they may Coral Sea, Norm Tame was in New York at be edited to meet the space. the service aboard the USS Intrepid.

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 2 Centaur - 1943 During WWII, at night every city was in darkness pital ship, it was apparently insufficient for that Japa- whilst fathers, mothers, sons and daughters were nese submarine crew who fired a torpedo at the Cen- absent, engaged on active service. Many were over- taur. In several minutes of that calamitous decision, seas, many within Australia committed to 268 men and women were to make the su- essential support roles. The practical preme sacrifice. 64 survived the sinking and connection between Australia and our ser- remained in the water until discovered dur- vice men and women overseas was pri- ing the afternoon of 15MAY17. Many were marily by sea. Allied Navies were tire- grasping pieces of flotsam and barely able to lessly deployed across all of the world’s keep themselves afloat. This was to be an oceans protecting trade routes with the abhorrent occasion for the Australian com- objective of keeping the flow of food, munity, horrified that such an event could fuel, munitions, equipment of war and happen, let alone so close to home. ← The most importantly the transportation of ser- stained glass window on display at Concord vice men and women to the front or for Repatriation General Hospital is a visual re- the lucky ones returning them home. This minder to everyone, located at the site that effort was designed to protect our ports, connects both the medical influence with the despite this effort many merchant ships ongoing support provided to our service men were sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy. and women for many years since. Survivors, In 1943, fourteen ships were their descendants, indeed all de- sunk off the east coast of Aus- scendants from the entire 332 tralia, one was the Australian men and women who were Hospital Ship Centaur. aboard Centaur on that fateful Clearly marked as a hospital day have worked tirelessly to ship with the customary wide keep the memory of those lost, green stripe well above the and departed since, foremost in boot topping, interrupted by our minds. During May, Ser- large red crosses. Whilst dis- vices were held in most States tinctly marked during daylight commemorating the loss of Cen- hours, at 0410, 14MAY43 af- taur and to remember those that ter only two months as a hos- made the supreme sacrifice. Sydney I Navy Week Many artifacts are situated around Australia, a sur- Don’t forget the opportunity arranged for service and prise was to learn that a piece of HMAS Sydney I ex-service men and women, plus their families and was located in Wagga Wagga. Evidence shows that friends over Navy Week Victoria. Several activities a derrick, off Sydney was negotiated as a gift from have been planned for later this year. The first event is Cockatoo Dockyard to the Mayor of Wagga Wag- scheduled for Saturday 21OCT, a Seminar with the ga. On ANZAC Day 1931, the Mayor of Wagga theme‘The changing environment in South East China’ Wagga dedicated a newly established gardens as This will be followed that evening in the iconic Mel- ‘Victory Memorial Gardens’. The local RSL Sub- bourne Town Hall at 1900, with the Navy (Defence) Branch indicated that a flagstaff was necessary to Ball, join us for a fun night. The next morning, 1030 complete the memorial gardens. The Mayor, also Sunday, 22OCT is the 110th Annual Seafarers Church Minister for Markets, NSW Govt used his contacts Service. Each of these events is arranged to offer at Cockatoo Dockyard in the search for a suitable something to the Navy fraternity, your attendance is piece of timber. Much to his surprise, the Dock- the key to success or otherwise for these activities. yard offered a wooden derrick, off the Sydney that We ask that you give these activities serious thought, was stored in the yard. All they needed to do was email one of the addresses below if interested. For the have the derrick transported home to Wagga Wag- Ball, email Sandra at [email protected] ga. A team was formed to prepare the timber so it and [email protected] is could be used as a flagstaff. The finished item was the address for all other activities. The RAN Band, installed and the first occasion the flagstaff was Melbourne Detachment will entertain you at the Ball. used, in October 1931, was when the ANF was un- Nick McCallum will be the Master of Ceremonies. furled on the death of General Sir John Monash. Make it a grand weekend, book your accommodation.

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 3 HMAS Kuttabul Yachties The story of the Dominion Yachtsmen Scheme 1940– 45 was given a well earned boost when a plaque was unveiled and dedicated to their extraor- dinary service during WWII. The occasion, at the Australian War Memorial on 4MAY17 was an out- come supported by many, but none more than the person who initiated it - Jan Roberts Billet. Jan’s tireless effort of research, writing and advocacy championed the cause. Jan realised that 500 Aus- tralians, who had made a courageous effort so far away from home was largely unknown. Serving as Officers in the RANVR they did unbelievable Another of the tragedies of 1942 was the explosion work. Doug Gilling, last of the Yachties, unveiling that sunk HMAS Kuttabul, pictured above as it rests the plaque with Jan overseeing the achievement. on the bottom of Sydney Harbour, at Garden Island Dockyard. Three Japanese midget submarines had entered Sydney Harbour with the sole purpose of causing mayhem. We are told that their primary targetat was USS Chicargo, fortune on Chicargo’s side, but one of the torpedoes strayed under Kutta- bul and exploded when it hit the breakwater, where Kuttabul was berthed. The shock waves crushed the hull of the old ferry and it quickly sunk. Of the 29 sailors aboard at the time, 21 sailors made the surpreme sacrifice. The sinking of Kuttabul will be remembered by a Sydney Harbour cruise, incorporating a wreath laying service, on the water near the site of the sinking. If interested ring Gary Traynor 0449 692401. DVA Projects Welfare and compensation is not something the nounced in NOV16 by the Prime Minister. The NCCV concerns itself with normally, however, as aim is to raise awareness of the skills and experi- many of our readers are members, or should be ence Veterans bring to the workplace. Promotion members of the Naval Association of Australia this of employment opportunities in the private sector is article is to outline several initiatives being pursued a key aspect of the program. An Industry Advisory by DVA. These initiatives are designed to benefit Committee will support this initiative. Transition Veterans and their families. The first is a move to from Service to ex-Service is also under scruti- Digitise their operations. DVA is largely paper ny.Allied Health arrangements are under active re- based and in today’s world of communication they view, this will support the client-centric approach are lagging behind. This is a very big project, they by using a GP to coordinate the Veteran’s care are starting off by scanning incoming correspond- model. One aim is to simplify DVA business rules ence so it can be moved quickly between different in favour of the Veteran, so the Veteran is the focus sections to expedite approvals and improve the gen- of support. The relationship between Private Hos- eral flow of information. Another program is pitals and DVA has been strengthened by way of a Transformation of information as it relates to serv- formal agreement. This agreement has saved con- ing men and women from the Defence Force to siderable money, funds that can be redirected back DVA. Sounds simple, however, given the barriers into other services for Veterans. Suicide preven- surrounding privacy this is a huge obstacle to over tion activities are the priority, evidence provided to come. Recent issues reported around violations of the National Mental Health Commission, the Senate privacy, whether correct or not have had an adverse inquiry and the Suicide Prevention Trial Site in impact on the proposal as it relates to DVA. Then Townsville have all contributed to a better under- there is the Veterans’ Employment Program an- standing of the problem(www.beyondblue.org.au).

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 4

President’s Dit DIRECTORY for NCCV Another ANZAC Day has passed and many of our Shipmates will have participated. General PATRON: CDRE Jim Dickson AM MBE RAN Rtd concensus is that every ex-Service man and woman should front up on ANZAC Day and PRESIDENT: Terry Makings show their respect and support for the service Telephone: 03 9429 9489 [leave a message] and sacrifice of so many Australians that have M: 0411 135 163 done their duty over the past century or so. A VICE PRESIDENT: Marty Grogan OAM close friend recently suggested that we should announce before any significant event, “may I Telephone: 0417 377 763 thank the Service men and women here today Jnr V/PRESIDENT: Pete Johnston for their service to Australia”. This is a great Telephone: 0419 104 473 idea and we should take it up, acknowledging SECRETARY: Chris Banfield those currently serving in the Defence Force. There are many champions amongst us that do Telephone: 0412 832 148 great work, enabled us to achieve noteworthy TREASURER: Jan Gallagher outcomes, however, the time has come to test Telephone: 03 9786 5371 our purpose. Declining membership is a good PR Officer: Chris Banfield indicator of our relevance. We may be overly officious, somewhat inflexible or some other Editor: Terry Makings factor that is turning potential members away. All correspondence to the email address please, Being dormant delivers nothing of value to [email protected] our various constituents. There is a need to or if postal mail is essential, The Secretary at: address the problem, we need new ideas and positive action, what are you doing to help? 316 Nicholson Street, East Fitzroy VIC 3065 Yours aye, Terry Makings Website: http://navyvic.net

Special Notes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There are times Top End. A vital part of the top end is HMAS when we all question our sense of being, but some of Coonawarra employing some 650 Navy person- our mates experience things differently and need nel. They are posted to the Northern Territory in help. DVA has a program to assist, please see a range of roles supporting single service and joint https://youtube/QAqELqcFcBE and call! functions. With 12 Armadale Patrol Boats regular- Women and Leadership. Women & Leadership ly on the move in the NT, Coonawarra is regarded Australia (WLA) is administering a national initia- as the busiest Port in the Navy. A vast change tive to support the development of female leaders from the days of the ’Cell Bar’, originally at the across Australia’s navy sector. The initiative is Administrator’s office, then OFF installation. providing women with grants of between $3,000 and HMAS Duchess. Now is the time to register for $8,000 to enable participation in a range of leader- the 8th reunion of HMAS Duchess Crewmembers. ship development programs. The leadership devel- Now to be held at Surfers Paradise RSL, not opment programs are part-time and delivered nation- Tweed Heads as previously advised. This event ally via WLA’s blended learning model. Scholar- will occur from 6th to 8th October 2017. Cost will ship funding is strictly limited and has to be allocat- be $200.00, this includes dinner on Friday and Sat- ed prior to the end of this financial year (30JUN17). urday nights and lunch on Sunday. If you wish to Find out more and register your interest by complet- attend, then you need to pay a small deposit of $50 ing the Expression of Interest form prior to June 16, by 1st July, 2017, the balance by 8th September. go to: http://www.wla.edu.au/assoc-june17.html To confirm your attendance, contact Rod Clarey Mission to Seafarers. Free access to the River by email to [email protected] or phone Room, provided by MNC is simple. Ring Ajith 0409267388 or call Bruce Bowmaker on phone Jayasuriya, Club Manager on 03 9629 7083 (B/Hrs) 0403243795, or email [email protected] or email [email protected] Navy (Defence) Ball. Booked? - Saturday 21st Please make use of the room or we will lose it! October 2017: [email protected]

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/