Issue 143 – Feb 2021

SERVICEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL NASHONASHO 51 72 NAVY • ARMY • AIRFORCE NEWSNEWS NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUST (QLD) INC.

Issue No 143 Februay 2021

Feature Stories: President/Treasurer Reports Page 1 Notice of Motions Pages 2-3 The Queensland National Service Memorial Page 8

Directory Front Cover State Management At the President’s Christmas Committee Party for Supporters and Patron: Sponsors a group including Lord Councillor Angela Owen Mayor Adrian Schrinner and wife President: Nina, Patron Angela Owen, Alex Garlin 07 3847 9690 0417 621 411 Councillor Sarah Hutton, Joe Vice-President: Kelly MP, Insurance rep Amy Tony Stevenson OAM 07 3397 7512 Morrison, Heritage Bank Rep Secretary: Gordon Tunstall 0412 886 042 Belinda Kelly, President Alex Asst Secretary: Garlin , VP Tony Stevenson, Ingrid Lundgren 07 3324 1277 Padre Tom Andrews. The Council Treasurer: provided for Wacol a grant of Neal Freier 07 3348 2080 $10,000, Heritage Bank $10,000 0427 000 408 and Sarah arranged a grant to Administration Manager: floodlight the flags. Tony Stevenson OAM 07 3397 7512

Welfare Officer: Vacant Official NSAA Chaplain: Merchandise Thomas (Tom) Andrews OAM 07 3396 8033 OFFICIAL NSAA MERCHANDISE 04 0845 7931 Beret $32 Minute Secretary: Beret Badge – Pewter $5.50 Beret Badge – Silver Six Sided Logo $20 Gordon Tunstall 0412 886 042 Book – 20 Year History of the NSAA 1987 to 2007 $25 Caps Embroidered with Nasho Logo $17.50 Coffee Cup with Nasho Logo $ 9.00 Editor Nasho News: Flag – Association Logo White Full Size (6'x3') $220 Flag – Association Logo White small size (hand waver) $12.50 Vince Crowley 07 4779 9460 Lapel Badge – Association Blue $5.50 0428 193 076 Lapel Badge – Navy, Army or Air Force $6.50 Lapel Badge – Tri-service $6.50 Editor Branch News Medals Full Size Unmounted Swing Court John Hardy OAM 07 4095 4154 ADM $18 $22.50 $27.50 ANSM $18 $22.50 $27.50 0408 939 910 Duo ADM+ANSM $36 $45 $55 Miniatures Unmounted Swing Court Membership Officer: ADM $12 $16.50 $21 Ingrid Lundgren 07 3324 1277 ANSM $12 $16.50 $21 Duo $24 $40 $45 State Office Medal Ribbon Bar with ADM+ANSM medal ribbons $15 Miniature Metal Ribbon Bar ADM+ANSM $10 Eric Sivell Park, 171 Boundary Road, Camp Hill, Necktie with Nasho Logo $33.50 Brisbane 4152 Nasho Pocket Patch – Bullion Thread – Red $36 Office Hours: 9.00am to 1.00pm Nasho Pocket Patch – Queensland Red Logo $10 Nasho Port $13.50 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Nasho Key Rings Acrylic $4.50 Phone (07) 3324 1277 Nasho Wattle Key Rings $10 Number plate covers ‘I Am a Nasho’ $22 Email: [email protected] Shirts – Chambray short or long sleeves S M L XL XXL (add $3 for XXXL size) $36 Mail to: National Servicemen's Association Shirts – Polo White or Maroon S M L XL XXL P.O. Box 7014 Holland Park East Qld 4121 (add $3 for XXXL size) $31 Web: www.nashoqld.org.au Stubby Holder with Nasho Logo $5.50 Video – 50 year anniversary celebrations $5 Nominal Roll/Webmaster Video – Last March Out at Wacol $5 Alex Garlin 07 3847 9690 [email protected] Wall Plaque – 6 sided Nasho Logo on Timber $42.50 Pay by Credit Card – add $1.00 National Website: www.nashoaustralia.org.au Postage not included

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained or implied by this publication, without taking appropriate professional advice which relates specifically to their particular circumstances. The publishers and authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person whether an Association member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or part of the publication. Views expressed in any Editorial may not necessarily be those views held by the Management Committee. STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Alex Garlin) For a welcomed change for our Association, we all look forward to this year for a couple of reasons. Firstly in that it is the 70th anniversary since the first Nashos commenced training in July 1951 at RAAF Garbutt. Secondly coaches full of Nashos are preparing to travel to our State Memorial at Toowoomba to commemorate National Servicemen’s Day on 14th February. Some of our other Branches throughout the State will be doing likewise with local ceremonies. Down the track, I am still planning to recognise the 1965-1972 Nashos who died while completing their training obligation. Condolences to our families that have lost a loved one throughout 2020 but fortunately we were able to feel part of the ceremony when they are live streamed. Our Association SMC Executive met with the Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner at Wacol on the 22nd September 2020. Adrian must have been impressed as he and his wife returned again as guests for the President’s Christmas Party on 13 December which recognises volunteers and sponsors. Several other MP’s and Councillors also enjoyed themselves. On departing, the Lord Mayor took his wife and other dignitaries to visit the Soldier’s Chapel; all left most impressed as the front page photo shows. Likewise as reported in the Branch News, all Branches across the state assembled to commemorate the birth of Christ with their respective Christmas parties. A couple of important meetings confront us. Firstly, we will have Executive representation in Canberra for the National Association committee meeting on 18 March with our State leading the way for many aspects. As our Association plans for the future, Members are encouraged to attend the AGM being held at Wacol on Saturday 20 March. Our State Management Committee (SMC) is holding nominations for most positions, but we are looking to fill the position for a State Wellbeing Officer. Vice President Tony and I currently fulfil this position in an honorary capacity. We both look forward to renewing acquaintances at this meeting. As I remove my mask, I’ll say stay safe and keep well. TREASURER’S REPORT (Neal Freier) Despite COVID-19 still impacting on us, we all seem to be keeping our heads above water. All members of SMC are well and free of this virus at the time of typing this report and I hope all our members are. In my last report I mentioned that I was waiting the result of two large grant applications, one of which would have almost paid for the completion of work at the Wacol Precinct. We were very disappointed to have that large grant from DVA disapproved. I understand money in the Federal coffers is not plentiful at the moment. We will be making further applications to DVA and elsewhere to assist in finishing our work at Wacol. The other grant I was waiting on was from the Anzac Day Trust Fund. Last year we received some $57,000 odd. and this year we were only granted $5,616. This was a disappointment considering the many long hours put into this application. SMC member John Hardy OAM assisted me and he alone put in a total of 94 hours. Suffice to say there was disappointment for a small return for so much effort. Last year we were able to give ten of our smaller and less financial branches $2,000 each to be used on welfare. We were hoping to do something similar again this year had we been more successful with this particular grant. I am flat out preparing my reports and getting my financial reports completed so I can take everything to our auditor. Notice to all branch Treasurers & Presidents You have till the end of March to have your audited financial reports including a signed Statement of Members of the Branch Committee sent in to the State Headquarters. This form is available on line. https://nashoqld.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Statement-of- Members-of-Branch-Committee..pdf. That is a total of 3 months from the beginning of this financial year. In previous years I have had total co-operation from every branch for which I have been very grateful. – So please do your bit to help. Last year I had two naughty branches who well and truly did the wrong thing. Even though I contacted them a number of times they did not put in their financial returns for quite some time after the due date. One branch was out of Brisbane and the other branch was in Brisbane and I had to even go to their Secretary’s home to personally get their financial report from them. If I have this problem again I won’t hesitate to name and shame them! That’s all for this edition. We are still financially sound and have survived COVID-19. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy new year.

PAGE 1 Notice of Motions to be moved at the March 2021 NSAA State Conference by Vince Crowley and Ian Kuhl, or their nominees.

Motion 1: This motion requires Special Resolution “That the five constitutional motions passed at the March 2019 General Meeting of the NSAA (Qld) Inc be rescinded.”

Rationale: The motions were passed at the March meeting but were not lodged with the Office of Fair Trading within the three month timeframe. The motions were also flawed in that they did not comply with OFT guidelines and our Constitution that specifies motions amending constitutions must be identified as requiring Special Resolution. The Secretary has to sign a Statutory Declaration that the Association has complied with all the requirements of the Act and the association’s rules to the calling, holding and passing of the special resolutions at a general meeting of (date). He also declares that the amendments to the rules passed by the members of the abovementioned association by special resolution on (date) ….. and I make this solemn declaration”, in other words the motions were invalid. The Secretary cannot sign the statement unless the motions are moved again.

Motion 2: This motion requires Special Resolution. “That Clause 12 be amended by deleting sub-clause 9 and re-numbering the remaining clauses” Sub Clause 9 reads “Contested Executive positions for the SMC shall be decided by postal ballot, all other positions will be determined by majority vote at the relevant AGM.

Rationale: A postal vote is a very expensive exercise and, from past history, there would be a very poor response to the mail-out. Members have a right to participate by using their right to a proxy votes and this should be encouraged by inserting a Proxy Form in the Nasho News. It is essential to retain the position of Returning Officer who is a member who is not standing for office. It is the duty of the Returning Officer to initially start the process of election at the Annual Meeting and declare the result. Refer to Nasho News Edition 140, May 2020

Motion 3: This Motion requires Special Resolution “That clause 28(13) be amended by deleting sub-sub-clause (iii)” Sub Clause 28 (13)(iii) reads “for the use of the words “National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Queensland Branch” or the letters “NSAA Qld Inc” in its name. Rationale: The incorporation of Branches is designed to make it easy for Branches to continue in the event that the State Body ceases to function. When it was originally proposed that Branches could amalgamated, it was considered that an Incorporated Branch could transfer funds to the new body. However, OFT has advised that a Branch of the State cannot transfer funds as the funds remain the property of the State.

PAGE 2 Motion 4: This motion requires Special resolution “That sub-sub-clause 28(14)(ii) be amended by deleting that sub-clause (c ).” Sub clause 28(14)(ii) reads “an application to SMC for a new charter to be issued in the name of the newly incorporated Branch.

Rationale: The Incorporated body is not an operating part of Association and a Charter is not necessary, however Branch Funds cannot be transferred to the Incorporated body until State ceases to exist

Motion 5

“That the State Treasurer send a copy of the Financial Reports, Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet to Branch Secretaries twice yearly. The first being for the period 1st January to 31st December for the previous year and second to be for the period of the 1st of January to 30th of June for the current year.” Rationale: Long gone are the days where members of the Association attending State Conferences were provided with a booklet containing Agenda, Reports and Financial. Now those attending meetings, representing only half the Branches are lucky to receive any copies of financial reports.

Motion 6: This motion requires Special Resolution. “That Clause 5(d) of the Constitution be amended by deleting two-thirds’ in line 3 and inserting ‘three quarters’ and, adding after Association in line four the following ‘, who may cast a vote at a General Meeting in accordance with Clause 25 hereof.

Clause 5(d) reads in part “A Member who has given long and outstanding service to the Association and its Members may be granted Life Membership, upon the written recommendation of the SMC, by a majority vote of two-thirds or more of the Eligible Members of the Association. The conferring of Life Membership shall be in accordance with the criteria as set out in the Association’s By-Laws.

Rationale; Special Resolutions require three quarters to pass motion. The present wording requires two-thirds of the State Eligible members to approve a Life Membership. In the original draft the section being inserted was in the clause and the sentence following was not. Apparently, when inserting the sentence on By-laws the section being inserted was accidently deleted. I cannot understand why the baby was thrown out with the bathwater and the sentence re Bylaws was not deleted. I believe this is the only reference and we have to wait two years to delete

Motion 7: This motion requires Special Resolution That the granting of Life Membership to members who have received the award since the adoption of the Constitution in 2015 be ratified. Rationale: The procedure of granting Life Membership since the Constitution was adopted in 2015 was not followed. As the awards were granted in good faith it is recommended that awards be ratified.

PAGE 3 TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States. The World War I “Unknown” is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other foreign nations’ highest service awards. The U.S. Unknowns who were interred are also recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by U.S. presidents who presided over their funerals. The monument has no officially designated name. The tomb guards are soldiers of the United States Army. The first military guards were troopers from the 3rd Cavalry, “Brave Rifles”, who were posted nearby on Fort Myer. Since April 6, 1948, (known then as “Army Day”), when the regiment was reactivated, it has been guarded by soldiers from 3rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”. The Old Guard is also posted to Fort Myer, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. It is considered one of the highest honours to serve as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Fewer than 20 percent of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards. This attrition rate has made the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge the third least- awarded qualification badge of the United States Army; as of July 4, 2020, they number 683, including 23 which have been revoked and 7 “administrative errors”, it is preceded by the 15 Military Horseman Identification Badges and the 17 Astronaut Badges. The soldier “walking the mat” does not wear rank insignia, so as not to outrank the Unknowns, whatever their ranks may have been. Non-commissioned officers (usually the Relief Commander and Assistant Relief Commanders), do wear insignia of their rank when changing the guard only. They have a separate uniform (without rank) that is worn when they actually guard the Unknowns or are “posted.”The duties of the sentinels are not purely ceremonial. The sentinels will confront people who cross the barriers at the tomb or whom they perceive to be disrespectful or excessively loud. Some interesting facts about the guard include: • The guard take 21 steps during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honour given any military or foreign dignitary. • The guard also hesitates 21 seconds for the same reason as above after his about face to begin his return walk. • His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. • He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. • Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. • For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5’ 10” (177cm) and 6’ 2” (188cm) tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30” (76cm). • They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. • After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 683 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. • The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. • There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, JFK, Joe Lewis {the boxer}, Medal of Honor recipient Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame. • Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

PAGE 4 NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC

Memorial cemetery commemorating fallen soldiers, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is known locally as “Punchbowl Cemetery.” The common name refers to the cemetery’s position at the Punchbowl Crater, an extinct volcano. Since the cemetery’s founding in 1948, thousands of veterans have been interred. In February 1948, Congress approved funding and construction began on the national cemetery. Since the cemetery was dedicated on September 2, 1949, approximately 53,000 World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans and their dependents have been interred. The cemetery now almost exclusively accepts cremated remains for above-ground placement in columbaria; casketed and cremated remains of eligible family members of those already interred there may, however, be considered for burial. Prior to the opening of the cemetery for the recently deceased, the remains of soldiers from locations around the Pacific Theatre—including Guam, Wake Island, and Japanese POW camps—were transported to Hawaii for final interment. The first interment was made January 4, 1949. The cemetery opened to the public on July 19, 1949, with services for five war dead: an unknown serviceman, two Marines, an Army lieutenant and one noted civilian war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Initially, the graves at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific were marked with white wooden crosses and Stars of David—like the American cemeteries abroad—in preparation for the dedication ceremony on the fourth anniversary of V-J Day. Eventually, over 13,000 soldiers and sailors who died during World War II would be laid to rest in the Punchbowl. Despite the Army’s extensive efforts to inform the public that the star- and cross-shaped grave markers were only temporary, an outcry arose in 1951 when permanent flat granite markers replaced them. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was the first such cemetery to install Bicentennial Medal of Honor headstones, the medal insignia being defined in gold leaf. On May 11, 1976, a total of 23 of these were placed on the graves of medal recipients, all but one of whom were killed in action. In August 2001, about 70 generic “Unknown” markers for the graves of men known to have died during the attack on Pearl Harbor were replaced with markers that included USS Arizona after it was determined they perished on this vessel. In addition, new information that identified grave locations of 175 men whose graves were previously marked as “Unknown” resulted in the installation of new markers in October 2002. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific contains a “Memorial Walk” that is lined with a variety of memorial markers from various organizations and governments that honor America’s veterans. As of 2012, there were 60 memorial boulders (bearing bronze plaques) along the pathway. Additional memorials can be found throughout the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific—most commemorating soldiers of 20th-century wars, including those killed at Pearl Harbor. WHERE WERE THEY BURIED BEFORE HAWAII? They were interred in a dedicated cemetery in Cemetery Road, Ipswich. At the end of the war more bodies were transferred from Townsville and New Guinea, making it the largest American Cemetery in Australia. The first burial was in May 1942. By December 20, 1947, 200 Australians and Americans had completed the job of exhumation and embalming, The flagpole and gates were taken away and all signs that it was a cemetery would be removed. A State Funeral was held for one soldier and all bodies then taken to a ship. The casket of one soldier was carried on gun carriage from Redbank to King George Square where wreath lying was held. The casket proceeded to Newstead Wharf where it was received with full military honours and then placed aboard the Victory ship “Gouchee Victory”. At the request of Council, the Federal Government purchased the land which has remained a Memorial. The area is now named Manson Park in honour of Mrs Rose Manson who cared for the graves.

PAGE 5 THE PADRE’S CORNER. G’DAY EVERYONE. Greetings to you all and may I wish you a very happy, blessed, safe and healthy New Year. As I write this article I hope that everyone is coping with how things are in our world today and we in Brisbane are in lockdown. It is unbelievable that the coronavirus is still a real problem throughout our world. My prayers and thoughts are with you all regularly, as a group, and personally for those whom I know real well. Please stay safe and do what we are supposed to do. To start a New Year and in the lockdown here, I thought a little humour would cheer us all up a bit. These thoughts below from your Padre may have happened somewhere in some place and they all brought a smile to my face or a giggle in my mind. # A son says, “Dad do you know what the Bible means?” His father smiled and replied, “What do you mean, you ‘know’ what the Bible means?” The son replied, “I do know!” “Okay,’’ said his father. “What does the Bible mean?” “That’s easy, Daddy ....” the young boy replied excitedly. “It stands for ‘Basic Information Before Leaving Earth’ “. # There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another State. “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk. “Only ‘The Ten Commandments’, “ answered the lady kindly... # “Somebody has said that there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning.” # A minister parked his car in a no - parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under windscreen wiper that read, “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. ‘Forgive us our trespasses’.” When he returned, he found a parking ticket from a police officer along with this note. “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. ‘Lead us not into temptation’.” # Another minister waited in line to have his car filled with petrol just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him to- ward a vacant pump. “Reverend,” said the young man, “I’m sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.” The minister chuckled, “I know what you mean. It is the same in my business.” # People want -- the front of the bus, -- the back of the Church and -- the centre of attention. # The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play. “Here’s a copy of the service,” he said impatiently. But you will have to think of something to play after I make the announcements about the finances.” During the service, the minister paused and said, “Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up.” At that moment, the substitute organist played the National Anthem. And you know what? that is how the substitute became the permanent organist.

My sincere thanks to all those who rang or emailed me about previous articles. It is a great encouragement to know that what I’ve written is a blessing to some, as it has been to me. Also feel free to make contact with me at anytime. 0408 457 931 or [email protected] I am only an old Nasho from Wacol’s First Intake, 1956 who wants to serve you, wherever and whenever I’m needed. God bless you all for now and in the days that lie ahead. Thomas S. Andrews, OAM. (State Padre).

PAGE 6

LAST POST This LAST POST includes Nashos who are not members of the Association. No Branch is shown beside these Nashos.

2563NS BARTER, James Elliot Flinders Depot 1/1953 Unattached X Bne South 1/709958 BERTELLO, Thomas Pietro (Peter) Wacol, 1/1954 Burdekin 1731562 BUDDEN, John George Singleton, 1/1966 Ipswich 1/720036 CHERRY, Kenneth Cecil Wacol, 1/1956 Mackay 1/712506 CROOK, William John Wacol, 2/1954 Redlands NS7770 DANIELS, William David HMAS Penguin Ingham 1/707689 DARCY, Leslie John George Wacol, 2/1953 1/719940 DOYLE, Dr Peter Wacol, 1/1956 1/7 DUNN, John Wacol (Stanthorpe) 1/708656 DUX, Maurice Edwin Wacol, 3/1953 Beaudesert 1/718541 FRANKLIN, Donald Arthur Wacol, 3/1955 Pine Rivers 3/775154 GRIFFIN, Graham Daniel Puckapunyal, 2/1956 Gold Coast Nth 1/701924 JAMIESON, Reginald Joseph Wacol, 1/1952 Moree 1/711605 JACOBSEN, William Boi Wacol, 2/1954 Hervey Bay 1/702409 LINDEN, Vern Wacol, 1/1952 Sunshine Coast 1/713902 MacLEOD, Kyle Davis Wacol, 3/1954 Townsville 1/708439 MULLER. Keith William Wacol, 3/19532 South Burnett 1/701329 O’CONNOR, Michael Raymond Wacol, 3/1951 Redlands 2783783 PARKER, Frank Robert Puckapunyal, 1/1966 Sunshine Coast 2/761714 PARKER OAM, Teasdale George (Dale) Ingleburn, 1/1959 Townsville 1/723675 ROOKWOOD, Gordon Stanley Wacol, 3/1956 Brisbane South A116672 STANSBIE MBE, Bevan John Amberley, /1956 Dalby 1/728055 SOLEY, Desmond John Wacol, 2/1958 Rockhampton A116883 SMITH, Reginald Thomas John Amberley, 1/1957 Rockhamptom 1731507 STEEL, James Gideon Singleton, 1/1966 Coral Coast 1/702576 WAGNER, Grahame Nils Wacol, 1/1952 Rockhampton A116697 WHEBELL, Donald Graham Rathmines, 2/1956 Beaudesert

LEST WE FORGET THEY SERVED AUSTRALIA FLASH BACK: NATIONAL SERVICE HERITAGE PRECINCT: Metroplex, developers of the former Wacol Army Camp. has made a new proposal to the NSAA for the future of the National Service Heritage Precinct. The Company has offered to transfer three more buildings to the Precinct, provide water, sewerage and other services and to pay the NSAA $500,000 in return for an agreement to reduce the Precinct by almost half a hectare to one hectare. This would involve the loss of most the Parade ground and would see the Precinct bounded on three sides by roads. Originally, Metroplex had agreed to transfer the entire Precinct to a new site on Bullockhead Creek, restore and maintain the existing buildings and provide new ones; provide an income earning building and to compensate the NSAA for the $150,000 it already has outlaid on the Precinct. Nasho News 2011

PAGE 7 THE QUEENSLAND NATIONAL SERVICE MEMORIAL

Memorial or attend a service, would be amply rewarded for a day out or a weekend. The Toowoomba Committee is enthusiastic, cohesive group, dedicated to the ideals of the association and are willing to do all it can to provide you with a State Memorial of which we can all be proud. We have the support of the Toowoomba City Council in our bid to attract the Memorial here. Coincidentally, the State Management Committee had asked the Media Officer, Allen Callaghan, to report on a suitable site for Queensland National The National Servicemen’s Association is service Memorial in Brisbane. He examined a range considering a Queensland Memorial to National of sites from Wacol to Norman Park in the inner Service. City and as a result began negotiations Suncorp- Metway on a site bounded by Queen, George and Two sites have been suggested, in Toowoomba and Adelaide Streets and North Quay. This is the Brisbane. temporary park from which the National Service A summary of both proposals follows to enable Day march have started for the past two years. members to make a choice when the Memorial is In his report to the State Conference, Mr Callaghan put to the vote. No decision has been given yet on a pointed out that this is a prominent site in the centre design. of the city and would be seen by thousands of The proposal by the Toowoomba branch points out people each day. that the Association was founded by the late Barry The Brisbane City Council has stipulated that part Vicary in the city in 1987 and has now spread of the site must be dedicated public use. Suncorp/ Australia-wide. Metway indicated that any site for a Memorial on The Branch said: “In consultation with Toowoomba this land would be granted perpetuity and thus City Council, we have identified an excellent site. inalienable. We have written approval from Council to erect the He said: “What is proposed is a Memorial to State Memorial in a very prominent position in East National Service, not to the Association. The Creek Park, adjacent to the Mothers Memorial majority of National servicemen are not members. Gardens and Cenotaph. We need your support to Most Queensland National Servicemen did their have this site developed in tribute to all Nashos”. basic training in the Army, at Wacol, in Brisbane. The Council has designated this park for future That site is not available because it has to be memorials in its recently released Masterplan for developed for industrial land and also is the centre the area. of the fire ant invasion and will be subject to baiting Council has offered any assistance with design and for next five years.” planning, but no financial assistance, which is “Another problem that Wacol and Toowoomba understandable. We feel that our site, in a dedicated share is that both will be out of the way for most Memorial Garden, is more appropriate than the site National servicemen, particularly if the Memorial is proposed by Brisbane , which, we understand, is to be the site for annual commemorations. A opposite the Treasury Casino, in the forecourt of the Memorial on the Brisbane site will be the only one yet to be built Suncorp/Metway Building. Our in that prominent park. At Toowoomba, the National committee is concerned that the erection of a State Service Memorial will be one among many.” Memorial on a site controlled by commercial This article is presented in the Nasho News to interests, could possibly compromise its long term enable all members to make an assessment on the future, should the site change hands. location of the state Memorial. It will be an item for Toowoomba is a city of 90,000 people, 120km west decision at the General Meeting of the Association of Brisbane and is ideally situated to host the annual to be held on 30th March 2003 Commemorative service. Because of its large number of tourists and conference facilities, we believe that any visitor to the city, to view the Colin Bell September2002

PAGE 8 BRANCH NEWS Edited by John Hardy (john.hardy51@bigpond com) Under the Privacy Act, details about the person including Birthdays, illness and hospitalization cannot be included to Branch News without the person’s consent. Closing Date Wednesday 21st April Folding Date Friday 14th May

BAYSIDE: (Meeting 1st Tuesday of each month at 1030 hrs at Wynnum RSL, Tingal Road, Wynnum.) Bayside finished the year with gusto at a Christmas luncheon party at the Wynnum RSL who did us proud. At this function on Saturday 12 December, our secretary/treasurer Pat Dunne was presented with a plaque for his achievements and dedication to Bayside. It was a very happy event and I think we were all looking forward to 2021 with optimism and enthusiasm. And why wouldn’t we----we came through the COVID crisis (ongoing of course) and still managed a trip away to Gympie and the Red Rattler in October and some day trips. Planning for this year is underway with an exciting whale watching adventure to Hervey Bay in the pipeline. Probably the only sad note was a few missing faces. Our branch had to say a final goodbye to Bayside Belle Ruth Richardson in the weeks before Christmas. Her passing followed that of husband Mick on 10 October. Tough on the family and our branch. Our badge selling for Remembrance Day was a huge success and our thanks to Wynnum Plaza for their donation of a prime selling spot in the complex as we did not have the sponsorship of Bartons Motors at that time. Our thanks go to the Merchandising Team and everyone who came and manned the selling point. We had a small but moving Remembrance Day Service at our Memorial, numbers dictated by the COVID requirements. The blokes cooked a sausage sizzle breakfast afterwards in the park which was a great opportunity to catch up for a chat and a cuppa. Everything is in place for our AGM on Tuesday 2 February when our 2021 year will officially start. Branch Contact: Secretary Pat Dunne 07 3396 8723. BEAUDESERT: (Meetings 1st Monday of even months 1300hrs. Venue: Beaudesert RSL Function Room) We received a grant from DVA for Veterans Health Week enabling us to hold a luncheon in our RSL Club on Monday 2 November which was attended by 60 members and guests. We were given a demonstration by Ambulance Officers on the operation of our defribulator. On Sunday 29 November, twelve of our members attended the graduation presentations of the Jimboomba Army Cadets. The photo shows our president Phil Johns presenting one of the major awards to one of their cadets. Our branch was presented with a certificate of appreciation for our support. Following the presentations, we enjoyed lunch at a Jimboomba restaurant. We held our Christmas meeting and luncheon on Monday 7 December where over 60 members and guests enjoyed lunch in our RSL Club. Our President awarded several certificates of appreciation and presented a Widows Pin to the wife of a deceased NASHO. We lost 2 of our members just before Christmas, our 1st Vice President Maurice Dux and our Padre Rev Don Whebell. Our AGM is on Monday 1 February; a full committee is nominated. Contact Secretary Brian Buckby. Mob.0413 897 608. BEENLEIGH-LOGAN: (Meeting: 4th Monday each month (Feb to Dec) at 1000hrs. Venue: Beenleigh RSL). What a horrid year we have endured! It has been great to have things in our area return to some sort of normality. Seems very strange to say we have had our second meeting for the year and it was November and our Christmas gathering on December 14 for end of year activities. Whilst the attendees had a merry old time, we mention our recently resigned Vice President, Forbes Strachan and his wife Carol were unable to attend on that day because Forbes took quite ill that morning. Carol has been our events co-ordinator for the last 2 periods and organised the Christmas function. This event was taken over at short notice by Jenny, our merchandise officer and accolades to Jenny. Carol has resigned as events co-ordinator to care for Forbes. We would like to thank Carol for a great job over the last couple of period, there were some very interesting events organised by Carol with a lot of work behind the scenes, no doubt.

PAGE 9 In the photo, our patron, Federal member for Forde, Mr Bert Van Manen MP (on the left) at the Christmas function sitting across the table from our President Stuart, and on the other end is our recently transferred new members Alf and his wife Helen, recently transferred from a Sunshine Coast branch. Afraid this is the only way a branch is acquiring new members. A conversation with this scribes brother in law in the Bendigo area recently, describes the situation which could be facing our organisation. There is no association operating in any area within the Bendigo district. This has been a little trivia I have been privy too! So sad! As a branch, we would like to give our committee a great big thank you for a job well done under extraordinary circumstances in recent times. To all other branches, the Beenleigh – Logan branch wishes all a Happy and Prosperous New Year, and the best possible health. Branch contact – TBA. BRIBIE ISLAND: (Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 1130 hours. Venue: - 46 Cosmos Ave., Banksia Beach). The Bribie Island Branch of the Nashos celebrated Veterans Health Week by travelling to Maleny on Thursday 5 November. We visited the Light Horse Brigade Museum where our Treasurer Peter Doolan had his photo taken before a 25 pounder field gun which was the type of gun he operated during his Nasho service. We then went to the Maleny Dairy for morning tea and then onto the Maleny Hotel for lunch with a stop at the Maleny Cheese Factory on the way home. Some of us found the Chocolate Factory also. Our next outing on Tuesday 17 November was a train trip from Caboolture to the Nambour RSL where we had a great lunch in a private dining room and conducted a General Meeting before returning home via the train. To celebrate Christmas, over 40 members and supporters gathered at the home of the President on Saturday 5 December to enjoy great food and good company. Thanks to all the ladies who assisted in preparing the food and decorating the tables. We watched the Bribie Boats parade passing by, an annual event with prizes for the best decorated boat. As a finale, we handed out 2021 Calendars supplied by DVA. Branch Contract; President – John Price – 0439 287 747. BRISBANE NORTH: (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Kedron Wavell Services Club). “March to June - we faced a period of uncertainty” - Words from our branch President Dave Burgess. We have had many emails and phone calls amongst members and several committee meetings to keep members informed during this difficult period. Once we knew we could hold our Christmas function, although with limited numbers, we swung into action. It was decided to prepare a “Christmas pack” for all, not only those that could attend the Christmas function, but all Nashos, so that they all realised they were not forgotten. Preparation of the packs was a great social event. Deliveries were made by members all over Brisbane. Each pack contained a Lions fruit cake, plus a diary and a couple of small gifts and a Christmas card with a message from our President, over a painting by Sandra Nichols, one of our Supporters. All very well received. The photo shows National Association President Earl Jennings presenting 6 Nashos and Supporters with their OBE’s L to R Steve Payne, Pam Burke, Jon Stanford, Bev Markham, Bernie Carroll and Jenny Tidey OAM. All dates have been booked in for the year ahead, but as I write this report, Brisbane is in day 1 of a 3 day lockdown. Let’s hope it doesn’t prove to be a more serious situation with an extended period. Best wishes to all fellow Nashos, and hope 2021 brings better health to everyone. Branch Contact Secretary Trevor Koks - 0456 701 200. BRISBANE SOUTH: (Meeting: Last Sunday each month 0930 hours. Venue: Runcorn Tavern). We all enjoyed our final outing for the year, the Christmas party. A big attendance with the venue staff at Runcorn Tavern outdoing themselves with beautiful food, a decorated hall and friendly personal service. Our first meeting for 2021 will be on 31 January. Our first function, restrictions permitting, will be a social lunch where we have as our guests the widows of members who sadly have left us too soon. Our SMC met in mid-December to plan our 2021, coming up with a few new places we can visit and enjoy whilst staying within the guidelines for everyone’s safety. We discussed taking a small bus to Toowoomba for the Nasho Day celebrations but that will depend on numbers going. I’m sure we’ll have a good turnout for the 70th anniversary celebrations. Branch contact – Len Ramsay, Branch Secretary, 07-32095541.

PAGE 10 BUNDABERG: (Meeting: 2nd Saturday of the month 1330 hrs. Venue: Bundaberg RSL Board Room) Another year down and what a year it has been. Truly never wish to see another like that one appear. The photo shows the Bundaberg Nasho Memorial at Bargara where Tong Bruce OAM laid the wreath on Remembrance Day on our behalf. We finished year 2020 with our Patron’s luncheon on 16 December at a local hotel and was attended by our diminishing members and partners. In December, our volunteer members attended the Bundaberg Services Club each Saturday morning to assist with the raffles, for which we get an amount which assists in expenses of the Branch. Thank you again those volunteer members, you know who you are! Luckily none of our members have suffered with the 2020 curse – COVID-19. Our Social Secretary Brian has once again gone into the cupboard and got the thinking cap out to plan for our first coach trip for 2021. Any suggestion put forward by members would be considered, so if you have a trip in mind, feel free to make the destination know to Brian at your earliest convenience. Subsidised luncheons will continue whilst our funds last, so if you attended our AGM on Saturday 9 January 2021, you would know the details already. A very quiet time was had by members during the last month or so. Stay healthy! Branch Contact: Secretary Brian Trost 07 4151 3485. CABOOLTURE and DISTRICT: (Meeting 2nd. Monday each month 1030hrs for 1100hrs start. Venue Sports Central Caboolture (previously RSL Club, Beerburrum Road). Welcome all to a new and, hopefully, far more lifestyle-friendly year than its pandemic-ravaged predecessor! In mid-December, the branch again celebrated its annual Christmas Party in the recently refurbished former R.S.L. Club premises. The club’s catering staff are to be congratulated for their efforts that day. The function room’s decorations were most spectacular, as the accompanying photograph (again kindly provided by Carmel Tunstall) clearly illustrates. Moreover, both the meal and the service were excellent. Throughout the function, members and guests were entertained with songs befitting, and enjoyed by, our generation by the Woodford Vintage Vocals group, which included our own Moya Handsley. During the lunch proceedings, a number of the branch’s long- serving members were presented with Meritorious Service Awards for their efforts over the years. Many were also the recipients of LiveLife 4GX Mobile Medical Alarms purchased by the branch; thus further highlighting the physical/medical problems many of us now face with our advancing age. The device triggers rapid response to any emergency. The behind-the-scenes function organising by our Treasurer, Geoff. Murray – this time wearing his Event Coordinator hat- also deserve to be recognised. Many thanks Geoff! Provided no COVID-19 related lockdowns occur in the near future, the branch plans to attend the upcoming 70th. Anniversary of the first (1950s) National Service Scheme’s inception at the State Memorial in Toowoomba. Invitations will be conveyed to two (2) neighbouring branches to accompany us on the bus. Logistically, however, the service’s proposed 9.30 am start time means a very early drive-off from Caboolture. Best wishes to all! Branch Contact: Secretary Graeme Marlow (07) 5498 8037. CAIRNS and DISTRICT: (Meetings 2nd Thursday each month at 1030hrs Venue: Upstairs at the Cairns RSL boardroom.) We wish everyone a Happy, Safe and a Healthy 2021. Thanks to our SMC and QLD. Branch Committees and helpers who, through 2020, have worked in trying times attending to their normal duties and responsibilities, whilst dealing with problems brought about by COVID-19. You all are appreciated. On Sunday 13 December, Innisfail and Tableland members travelled to Cairns to join us for our Christmas Luncheon held at the Balaclava Hotel. Their presence helped make the occasion a happy and an enjoyable one. We would like to thank them for their attendance and particularity thanks was also extended to the generous prize donators, our own loyal supporters and the committee crew. The management and staff of the hotel also get a special mention for their service and the special three course meal we all enjoyed. The photo shows President Pat Galwey and Treasurer George Russo handing out prizes. Branch Contact: President Pat Galwey Ph 07 4045 1667.

PAGE 11 CORAL COAST BOWEN BRANCH: (Meeting 2nd Sunday each month at 1030hrs. at the Larrikin Hotel, corner of Herbert and Powell Street, Bowen). As you will probably note, our venue for our meeting has changed due to CORONA virus and we now meet as above. The hotel does not open on a Sunday at the moment, but the owner has kindly allowed us to hold our meetings there. Entrance is from the rear of the building. We have had very little activity in recent times but thanks to the generosity of our State HQ, we organised a day trip to Hamilton Is. in the Whitsundays in October, with the help of Bowen Tourism. We ended up with 9 members and supporters driving from Bowen to Airlie Beach. We had morning tea at the terminal at the Port of Airlie and then proceeded to board our craft for the journey to Daydream Is. on the way to Hamilton Island. The weather was glorious and it was very enjoyable on the water. Arriving at the Marina, we had a look around the area and made our way up to our luncheon site at Popeye’s Fish and Chips Takeaway where we dined on delicious fish and chips with our seating and tables beside the water accompanied by some large parrots and other birds. (A nice interlude). Afterwards walking back to the Marina, we called into the ice cream parlour for dessert. You could not ask for better weather and the trip back to Airlie was very smooth. In December, we had to have our Christmas meeting and luncheon on a Saturday to fit in with the hotel bookings. It certainly was a strange and unusual year so let’s hope 2021 will be a much better time. Our next meeting will be on Sunday 14 February, so look forward to seeing our Nashos and supporters then to celebrate National Servicemen’s Day. Wishing you all a Happy and Safe New Year. Branch Secretary Edna Sanderson, Phone 47861527. GLADSTONE: (Meeting 3rd Wednesday of month at 1300hrs: Venue: Rocky Glen Hotel) Now that the gloomy old year 2020 is done and dusted, it is time to welcome in a brighter and healthy new year 2021 for us all. With COVID-19 still lurking in the background, vigilance has become our new word of the month. Gladstone Nashos joined with our local RSL members on Remembrance Day for a service at Anzac Park. It was pleasing to see the many students representing their schools, joining in the service and the wreath laying. The beautiful weather on the day was a bonus. Following the service a light lunch was served at the RSL and Bowls Club bistro with COVID safe guidelines in place. Our final function to round off the year like no other, 2020, was a Christmas BBQ, held at the Rotunda on the Millennium Esplanade at our beautiful Tannum Sands beach (as shown in photo collage). The weather was perfect, with members and supporters enjoying steaks, sausages onions, plus a profusion of salads followed by plum pudding and custard, tea and coffee. Graham, Greg and Brian were organisers and ‘Chefs Extraordinaire’ for the day. What’s not to love about a Barbie, organised and cooked by our very capable men; the change in venue and format was enjoyed by all attending. At our forthcoming Annual General Meeting in February (date to be advised) we hope for a good attendance of members. National Servicemen’s Day will be celebrated on February 14. Branch contact: Val Buchanan 0409 766 141. GOLD COAST NORTH BRANCH: (Meetings held second Tuesday in even numbered months. Venue Mudgeeraba Showgrounds Hall, commencing 0930hrs with a Sausage Sizzle following the meeting). Welcome to 2021; we all hope for a better year. Gold Coast North Branch look forward to returning to normal, with the usual activities. The AGM is on February 16, Memorabilia sales and ANZAC Day in April, Nasho Commemoration in July etc. Our SPOONS (Ladies committee) have already planned the first of the years Social functions; a lunch at the Seaway Café, at the Spit. Our 2020 finished up with member numbers fairly static. Three members passed away, one moved to a new address and two new prospective members. The Branch received good news in that it that the SMC had awarded Gold Coast North Branch the “Peter Ryan Award”. This was presented at the December 8 meeting by State President Mr Alex Garlin for outstanding work by a Branch during the year by promoting the Association including publicity and dedication. Peter Ryan was a Life Member and the State President from 1994-97.

PAGE 12 At the Christmas Party held on Monday November 23, there were six members awarded the OBE (Old But Elegant), this year all ladies; Nicky Bertwistle, Merle Bearer, Merle Dunstan, Bernice Moss, Vonnie Park and Jean Walsh. As the branch was limited to 50 people at the Nerang RSL Memorial Club for the function, numbers were down and our sponsors were unable to be invited to the Christmas luncheon. However this will be rectified in the New Year when they will be recognised. Branch contact: President Brian Handke. Phone 07 5630 8071. HERVEY BAY: (Meeting: 4th Wednesday every month 1000 hours. Venue: Hervey Bay RSL, 3rd floor.) Hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a good New Year. Plenty has happened in the past year, hope this year is better! Since the last edition we in Hervey Bay had another member pass away, Mr. Mal Toy was a loyal and loved member. He was our Bus driver who had many tales to tell us on our various trips we had. His occupation after NASHOs was Interstate Transport (a Truckie, 18 wheeler or more), he could tell you the best pie places in any town in Australia. We had our Christmas Break up on the 6th December, and the turnout was the most we ever had. Everyone enjoyed themselves, with Jacqueline Barker winning the “Graeme Hartland Award”. Our local award is given to the most outstanding Worker/Supporter within the branch, for that year. Committee members are not entitled to receive this award, as they do the judging. In the past couple of months we have been preparing for the 2022 State Conference. Many items on the “TO DO LIST” are being crossed off. Although 2021 is the 70th anniversary of the “First Intake”, 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the “Last Intake.” Our AGM was held on the 27th January, and at time of writing there was talk of another member stepping up to help on the Committee. Branch Contact is President Brian 0467642730 or Secretary Ray 0477799971. INGHAM: (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 1800 hrs. Venue: Ingham RSL.) In November, members attended the Ingham Remembrance Day ceremony. The photo shows Member John Piotto and Supporter June Janson placing a poppy in memory of the fallen. The last remaining Nasho function for this year was our Annual Christmas Get Together held at the Ingham Golf Club on Tuesday 8 December. It turned out to be a great social occasion and enjoyed by all in attendance. Our Guest of Honour was Ren Cantatore and his wife Livia. Ren has been President of the Ingham Bowls Club for 12 consecutive years and has always been very attentive to the needs and requests of the NSAA Ingham Branch. The attendance of both he and his wife was much appreciated. It was a superb finale to a long and trying year and hoped by all that 2021 ushers in a new era. We all look forward to better times ahead. Branch contact: Secretary Maurie Filei. Phone 07 4776 1752.

INNISFAIL/BABINDA/TULLY: (Meeting: 4th Tuesday each month 1800hrs. Venue Innisfail RSL). A rifle shoot at Ravenshoe in November resulted in our branch crack shot, Lorry Calleja bringing home the Nasho FNQ Marksman Trophy yet again for the eighth time. The Remembrance Day commemoration at Innisfail cenotaph was a scaled-back affair because of social distancing. The annual Christmas Luncheon at the Innisfail RSL on Saturday 5 December was very well attended and members from Cairns and Tableland branches were welcomed. One photo shows the three Branch Presidents in a festive mood; L to R David Grima (Innisfail), John Hardy (Tableland and Pat Galwey (Cairns). Sixty eight people enjoyed the Christmas fare and entertainment provided by emcee John Wakefield. Saunders 0428 612 770. One photo shows Secretary, Margaret Saunders, being presented with an OBE and a beautiful bunch of flowers. Brass bands from The Salvation Army across Australia and the world traditionally have spent the Advent season on the streets playing Christmas carols in a variety of settings. This year, the Innisfail Salvation Army choir called on homes of 3 Nasho supporters to sing carols.

PAGE 13 They usually stroll through the hospital singing, but were not permitted to this year. The annual Carols by Candlelight on the river was also cancelled. It was a lovely gesture by the Sallies. They did similar for Anzac Day where they brought a bugler to play the Last Post. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 19 January, a week earlier than usual because of Australia Day. Good rain has been a welcome Christmas present, especially for our members who are still farming. Branch Contact: Secretary, Margaret Saunders 0428 612 770. PINE RIVERS: (Meeting: 3rd Wednesday each month 0930 for 1000 hours start. Venue: Bray Park/ Strathpine RSL, cnr. Ellis and Galvin Street, Lawnton.) The Branch has attempted to resume some sought of routine that was disrupted by the advent of COVID-19 earlier this year. In November, our members attended Remembrance services at the Bray Park/Strathpine RSL and the Pine Rivers RSL. On the 18th November we gathered at Mc Gavin View and conducted our Branch meeting followed by a BBQ. The 24th November, members sadly attended the funeral of our long time member Donald Franklin (3 Intake / 1955 Wacol). On a lighter note some 18 members attended a lunch at the Lawnton Hotel. The year was wound up with a Christmas lunch at the Warner Tavern. The next meeting will be on the 20th January 2021 at a new venue Bray Park/ Strathpine RSL corner of Ellis and Galvin Street Lawnton. Time 09.30 for 10.00 am. Branch Contact Len 07 3205 8674. REDLANDS: (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 0945 for 1000 hours start. Venue: Gallipoli Room, Redlands RSL once we can meet as a group again.) We have managed to hold several meetings under COVID-19 restricted conditions and, while it can sometimes be restrictive and annoying, the fact is that we have been able to operate quite successfully and to the satisfaction and benefit of members. Whenever activities have been able to be held it has, when we review them, been obvious they have been worthwhile and provided benefit to the welfare of members taking part. Most recent of them was the Christmas party held as usual at the Redlands RSL Club, but this time in the dining room of the Sails Restaurant as regulations ruled out the Gallipoli Room. These imposed changes resulted in both benefits and losses. Our usual listening and dance music could not be provided, and speeches proved to be impossible. On the other hand, it seemed to be easier to get our meal out quickly. Thinking it over, perhaps there were more gains than losses. Many of us hold to the view that speeches at a social gathering are superfluous at best although it is nice to record publicly the good work of members. Our Christmas party did provide the opportunity to acknowledge the long period of service Barry White has contributed to the branch. Barry was presented with a Meritorious Service Award, recognising his management committee involvement since 2002. This photo was taken by Bruce Reedman to record the event. A presentation was also made to our Secretary, Ken Cullum, in appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the branch. As usual the RSL staff did an excellent job and did everything they could to ensure that all present had an enjoyable time. Hopefully COVID conditions will continue to improve and we can look forward to more frequent and varied opportunities to get together. Happy New Year to all. Eric Shaw, President. Branch Contact: Les Warner, Membership / Development Officer, 07 3821 2894 Mobile 0450 577 186.

PAGE 14 ROCKHAMPTON: (Meeting: 4th Wednesday of each month. 1000hr for 1030hr start. Venue: Frenchville Sports Club) Remembrance Day merchandise sales this year exceeded all expectations, and a number of local charities will become beneficiaries. (Perhaps our community has opened its heart in grateful recognition of being spared the pandemic which has been a curse on so many other parts of Australia). The photo shows just two of the ever-reliable sellers of Remembrance Day memorabilia, Noel Moore and Graham Bashford, at the local Allenstown Supermarket. When merchandise officer, Adrian Martion, phoned Kealie Pollett of Lightning Ridge that she had won a WWI Nurse Bernadette Bear in our November raffle, her response was that it would be given to the children’s ward at the local Base Hospital. Thank you Kealie for your generosity. Once again our Christmas Dinner held on Sunday 15 November at the Frenchville Sports Club was hugely popular with a plethora of donated raffle prizes. By popular demand, a slide presentation depicting members during National Service activities will be expanded upon at next year’s dinner. Sadly, the “Last Post” in this edition will record the recent passing of several of our valued members. Our Padre Barrie Harvey conducts services which always provide much needed comfort to the bereaved families and fellow Nashos. Thank you Barrie, for your dedication to our branch members. At our November meeting, members expressed their appreciation of the enlightening messages contained in every edition of Padre Andrews’ “Corner”. To all fellow Nashos and your families, our branch members wish you well for 2021. Branch contact: Secretary John Phillips. Ph: 07 4928 1017 / 0418739113. SUNSHINE COAST: (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of the odd month at 1000 hrs. Venue: Maroochydore RSL) Well goodbye 2020 and a Happy Welcome to 2021. We hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday time. We hope things will gradually get back to normal. We miss all our Meetings and social events. Not much has happened since our very successful Christmas Party at The Taphouse Bar and Restaurant on Wednesday 8 December. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to going again. We will be celebrating National Servicemen’s Day on Tuesday 9 February at our picnic day at Power Memorial Park, Mudjimba. Our AGM on 9 March will be held at Drysdales Reception Room where we will be trying to organise bus trips to local Wineries and various luncheons. So please all try to attend and put forward your suggestions. If you have any queries or problems please get in touch with President Ted Weidner at 07 5443 5915. TABLELAND: (Meeting: 2nd Sunday of each month at 1000 hours. Venue: Nasho’s shelter at the Rocky Creek War Memorial Park). Our year finished on a high with the celebration of Christmas by our own and other Branches. After travelling by bus from Atherton on Wednesday 2 December, 36 people enjoyed lunch at the Millaa Millaa Hotel. Four Innisfail members joined us for the festivities. During lunch, Branch Patron Ray Byrnes presented Atherton Carinya Activities Officer, Christine Bourke with a donation of $250 being for the annual maintenance of the PARO seal used to comfort dementia patients. Christine responded as a professional singer with a couple of Christmas songs which was enjoyed by all. The function concluded with the distribution of raffle prizes, Steven Nowakowski’s landscape calendars and Secretary Terry Edmondson’s passionfruit butter. Branch members also travelled to attend the NSAA Innisfail and Cairns Branch Christmas parties in December; all reported a great time. A Branch Christmas Lights Bus Tour literally put the icing on the cake to finalise the year. Held on “The two nights before Christmas”, 23 December with the bus leaving Atherton RSL at 7pm after some people took advantage of having dinner there beforehand. Bookings were fielded from 10 men, 17 women and 14 children. The trip covered 30km around the Tolga area and 20km around the Atherton area. All those on board reported a memorable time and reflected on the amount of time and effort that some people put into erecting the lights. Thanks to Joe Schmid for navigating the large bus around some of the tight Closes. Planning is finalised for our National Servicemen’s Day 2021 following our AGM on Sunday 14 February when we will be unveiling 9 memorial plaques at the Rocky Creek WWII Entertainment Igloo. A Community Grant has been secured from Tablelands Regional Council to assist with holding the event which attracts wide media support on the day. May 2021 be more forgiving than 2020. Branch Contact: Secretary Terry Edmondson Ph. 07 4095 4154.

PAGE 15 TOOWOOMBA: (Meetings: Odd months, 2nd Tues 7:00pm; Even months, 2nd Sun 1:00pm; Venue: Irish Club Hotel (Meals available before meetings). A Widows “Let’s Connect Day” lunch held on Sunday 25 October at the Irish Club Hotel honoured five of our Supporter Members; Isabelle, Dot, Lynn and the two Heathers. Our annual Christmas Party was a roaring success being held again at the Irish Club Hotel on Saturday 5 December. We had over 80 attendees, who enjoyed themselves at this festive occasion. We were able for a time to ignore the health events of the past 11 months and look forward to a much better year. On the 14 February our branch will be celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the first intake of Nashos in 1951. We are pleased to welcome a contingent from Brisbane and surrounding areas and the SMC. It will be a time for all of us to pause and remember the good times we spent as Nashos and to remember those of our large and diversified group of Nashos who have passed on in the interim. Branch Contact - Secretary (07) 4633 2564. TOWNSVILLE: (Meeting: 2nd Wednesday each month 1930 hours. Venue: Townsville RSL.) Following the disasters that struck the Townsville RSL in the floods of January 2019, Brothers Leagues Club stepped in and assisted us with functions up to our Christmas Function last December. Now it is time to go back to the RSL. Brothers had limit of 85 placed on us due to the COVID-19. Fortunately, the RSL has moved the pokies out of function area so the limit is about 150, we wish. Our Christmas Party on Wednesday 16 December finished on a sad note as we were advised of the death of our long term Secretary, Kyle MacLeod (Wacol 3/54). A large number of our members attended the service for Kyle and the final journey to the crematorium was with Veterans Motorcycle members as escort. At a later date his ashes will be laid up at Logan Village where he was born and went to school. During his time in the Villa Vincent Home, Kyle filled four large albums with photos. These albums and hundreds of other photos have been passed onto our President. Every package of photo has the event on outside and photos have a post-it-note on back with names of people. Who else is that methodical? Our branch has decided that all future social events will be held during the day as many members do not drive at night and that has been appreciated by members. Our next major events will be the National Servicemen’s Day service at our Memorial at Rowes Bay. Twenty seven plaques will be dedicated and poppies placed. We will also be presenting Widow’s pins and Education Bursaries at the luncheon. We have been warned that there may be limited numbers at the Memorial. Any reasonable suggestions as to what to do with the Branch photos would be appreciated. Branch Contact Secretary Ian Kuhl 07 4778 2313. NORMAN PARK & NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S RSL SUB BRANCH (INC): (Meeting: 2nd Sunday each month except May which is the 3rd Sunday at 0900 hours. Venue: Norman Park Sports and Community Club, Norman Avenue, Norman Park.) Norman Park & National Servicemen’s RSL Sub Branch (Inc) is the new name change for National Servicemen’s RSL Sub Branch. This was finalised at the end of 2020. We have returned to our home meetings being held at Norman Park Sports and Community Club, Norman Avenue, Norman Park, Brisbane. (now under new management). We are all pleased to return to our meetings there. We held our Christmas breakup lunch on Sunday 13 December at Norman Park, a most enjoyable time was had by all that attended. Mrs Judy Alterator was our invited guest, it was lovely to see her again and she had luck on her side winning one of our raffle prizes. Everyone attending receiving a prize/gift to take home and enjoy. We hope all enjoyed some much-needed family time over the Christmas / New year break. We are also looking forward to attending the 70th Anniversary ceremony of National Servicemen’s Day being held in Toowoomba on 14 February 2021 at 0930 hours. . Contact. Ms Cheryl Smith 0407643334. If you have any enquiries.

PAGE 16 NASHO NOTICEBOARD Got a reunion planned? Looking for an old Nasho mate? Want to get information on anything? This is your page . . .

WACOL SUPERVISOR The SMC is no longer seeking a Supervisor for Wacol as Steve Milner and his wife Robyn are doing an excellent job in improving the Complex, working with the Executive.

Beenleigh Logan Branch has had the above bumper sticker made for its members. The stickers cost $3.00 each plus postage to any branches that requires them.

STATE MEETING Three State Meetings will be held at the Wacol Heritage Precinct on Saturday 20th March 2021. The Meetings are Delegates, General and Annual General. Branches are entitled to two delegates for the Delegates Meeting and any Eligible Members can attend the General and Annual Meetings. The timings for the meetings are: Arrive Wacol Heritage Precinct: 0830hrs Early Morning Tea on arrival: 0830hrs Delegates Meeting commence: 0900hrs General Meeting commence: 1100 hrs AGM: 1400hrs Depart from complex: 1700hrs The Agendas for the meetings will distributed at the respective Meetings. Notices of Motion at the General Meeting and Election of Officers at Annual Meeting.

FLASHBACK: Edition 47 April 2000 I AM ONLY ONE!! I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the Something I can do. Helen Keller United States Armed Forces Military Cemetery in Cemetery Road, Ipswich was used as a temporary cemetery during war in the Pacific. After repatriation of the bodies to Hawaii in 1947 the Commonwealth purchased the land for a Memorial Park. In 1998, an American Flag was presented to Council by visiting Naval Officers and the flag now flies over the site. See story page 5.

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOC (QUEENSLAND) INC. NEWSLETTER POSTAGE PRINT POST P.O. BOX 7014 HOLLAND PARK EAST PAID QLD, 4121 PP10000/3661 AUSTRALIA