Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld February 2019 Volume XX 1St Edition OPENING of MEMORIAL GARDEN at HMAS MORETON VP, DIANA BURNS UNVEILS OUR PLAQUE

Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld February 2019 Volume XX 1st Edition OPENING OF MEMORIAL GARDEN AT HMAS MORETON VP, DIANA BURNS UNVEILS OUR PLAQUE

In August 2018, President Jenny Rathbone, alongside the representatives of other exNavy organisations, planted a tree in a hedge which formed the backdrop for a native garden which was to be dedicated to the former Commanding Officer Navy Headquarters South Queensland.

Close to one hundred people gathered at an opening and dedication of the CMDR Lachlan King Memorial garden at HMAS Moreton on 30 January.

CMDR King died after a brave fight against cancer in 2013. His mother, Mrs Pamela King, was present to unveil, with Commanding Officer HMAS Cap- tain Mark McConnell, the Memorial Stone. Representatives of several organisations associated with Navy simultaneously unveiled their organisation’s plaques which were set onto stones retrieved from the old submarine wharf which abutted the riverside at the Bulimba where HMAS Moreton now stands.

Navy Women Vice President, Diana Burns, unveiled the plaque commemorating Navy Women’s part in the provision of the garden.

Links from the old wharf cables have been incorporated into scattered bench seats topped with wharf tim- bers. An artwork sym- bolising a propeller was also created from the huge chain links.

Aluminium pillars display the Sailor’s Ode and the Submariner’s Prayer.

The garden serves to screen the not very aesthetically pleasing sheds but also creates a space where staff can relax away from their work environment.

The theme of the garden is ‘Reflection and Protection’, ac- knowledging those that lead, care for and support those that have served, are serving or may serve under the Aus- tralian White Ensign.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excel- lency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland. His Excellency also presented the Commanding Officer with the Governor’s Cup for the most excellent Naval establishment in Australia for 2018 and Australia Day Medallions to three of the ship’s company. 1 Naval Association REUNIONS State Conference 2019 On WRANS REUNION 15 and 16 March 2019 2020 at The Hyatt Hotel in Adelaide Tce., Kedron Wavell Services Club Perth, WA Delegates for Navy Women (WRANS- 27-30 August 2020 RAN) Qld will be Jennie Rathbone, Kaye Morgan and Wendy Griggs. Pat Nuss will attend in her role Registration officially opens to all on as Assistant State Secretary and Helen Yench as 1 February 2019. State Vice President. The hotel has started receiving paid Members are welcome and indeed encouraged to be a part of the Meet and Greet on Friday the 15th bookings already. They offer the special and to be registered Observers at the Conference reunion rates extended for 3 days prior on Saturday the 16th. There is a cost: Meet and and 3 days following the reunion dates. Greet ($25), Conference ($28). Those wanting to attend should advise Secretary Wendy with pay- Contact: [email protected] ment asap. Web site: www.wrans-ranreunion2020.com The RAN band will provide the music for dinner and dancing at the Conference dinner. The Conference dinner is open to everyone and all members of Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld are Top End Navy encouraged to attend as we are hosting the event 23-27 April 2019 and would like to have a good number of members Darwin in attendance. Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld is the largest Subsection in Queensland and will For all who served on HMAS Melville and hopefully show that in our dinner numbers. Hus- HMAS Coonawarra, the associated outsta- bands/partners/boyfriends/gigolos are welcome as tions and Darwin-based patrol boats. dancing partners are sparse. See Page 3 for details. Contact; Allan Conway Ph: 0417 597 557 Email: [email protected]

Thanks to Navy Health and the All Navy Reunion Department of Defence Direc- 2019 torate of Honours and Awards for their donation of promotional material for the State Conference. 25-27 October 2019 Maroochydore, Queensland RESERVE FORCES DAY, WONDAI Contacts: Reserve Forces Day is a bit of a mis-direction as at Mark Reading: [email protected] Wondai they do it over two days. 0438 800 799 The weekend of 6-7 July will be the annual commem- Bill Hayward : [email protected] oration of Reserve Forces Day at Wondai. This year’s 0411 024 985 focus will be on the 90th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Second World War. As in past years there will be social bowls at the Won- dai Bowls Club followed by a Meet and Greet at the Hotel Cecil on Saturday, followed by the Parade and Service on the Sunday in Coronation Park. All veterans are invited and encouraged to attend, remember those who served and experience country hospitality. 2 KITTYHAWK ROOM KEDRON-WAVELL SERVICES CLUB 21 KITTYHAWK DRIVE, CHERMSIDE Saturday 16 March 1830 - 2300

ALL EX AND CURRENTLY SERVING NAVY PERSONNEL AND PARTNERS WELCOME

2 course dinner (Special dietary requirements can be catered for if advised when RSVPing)

18 piece RAN BIG BAND and Guest Speaker CAPT Dr Paul Luckin RANR Medical Advisor to the Maritime Safety Authority and Medical Director, Medical Service Branch, St. John Ambulance Qld

$55 For bank transfers: Bank of Qld RSVP with payment to Secretary Acc. Name: Navy Women Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld (WRANS-RAN) Qld NO LATER THAN 4 FEBRUARY 2019 BSB No.: 124 085 Acc. No.: 22446885 3284 0049 [email protected] Ref: [Surname] NAA Dinner (Please email receipt) 3 OUR NEW PRESIDENT here that I was promoted to Petty Officer. I took up golf and again played any sport that was going. I was sad to HELEN YENCH leave in mid 1973 for the cold of Canberra and the Rus- Hello all. After a short career as a Science sell Offices, namely JIO (Joint Intelligence Organisation). Lab technician at a High school, I joined I moved out of Harman Senior Ranks accommodation the Navy from Brisbane at age 18 and a because I was the only one living there. I made many half. I had to wait for a year before my par- friends with Army and Navy personnel during the next ents would sign the paperwork because my three and a half years there. Golf became a weekend father, an ex Sgt in Army intelligence, was sport as well as representing the Navy in Softball and determined that no daughter of his was Hockey. going to join the armed forces. Well, I did. In 1976, I posted to HMAS Coonawarra again and this I travelled to Cerberus with 4 others and began my basic st rd time worked in the new Shoal Bay Receiving Station as a training under the guidance of 1 Officer BD McLeod, 3 O 2IC and later, Chief of the watch when I was promoted to Coral Ashby and PO Liz Beecroft. I then went on to my CPOWRRSS in 1977. Golf, softball and hockey were Radio Operator course where I was trained by CPO Joan again played as representative sports with people like Liz Reynolds (Henstock). Learning Morse Code was some- Grimes, Robyn Stopford, Helen Louer, Di Muller, Lois thing to which I was unaccustomed – but I persevered until Redpath and Sue Bandy to name a few. it was mastered. I married in 1977 to an ex-sailor and we had two daugh- I was posted to HMAS Harman to begin 1969 as a Recruit ters in 1979 and 1982. I took my discharge from the Navy Wran Radio Operator (M). There was more theory from a in 1979 and joined the Reserves for another 5 years. male civie about aerial use and layers in the atmosphere Kangaroo ’82 was my only activity as a Reservist. I and more technical stuff that I still occasionally use in I my moved to Brisbane in 1983 as a single mother of a 3yr general knowledge trivia. Then I commenced watchkeep- old and an 11month old and spent the next 6 years bring- ing in Bonshaw. ing up my two daughters. As I honed my skills and became more proficient, I was In time, not having an equivalent job role in civie street, I posted to HMAS Coonawarra. There, on a watch led by went to Griffith University and gained Bachelor of Teach- Gerry Bandy, I spent a year working and living in the trop- ing and Bachelor of Education degrees. As a Primary ics. I immersed myself in sport – softball, squash and School teacher from 1991, I loved spending my time with hockey mostly. Another short stint in HMAS Harman fol- young people, our Leaders of tomorrow, for 21 years. lowed in mid 1970 then it was back to HMAS Coonawarra From 2001 to 2013, I was employed as a Principal or again, this time as a leading hand, being 2IC to Sue Halpin Deputy Principal in a number of schools. This time in ad- (Hackett). ministration will be the experience I will call on over the In mid 1972, I was privileged to be posted to HMAS Terror next twelve months. in Singapore, living in Sembawang and working at Kranji I am also currently a Vice President of the Naval Associ- with Tri-Service (Navy, Army, Air Force) and Tri Nation ation of Australia Qld Section, where I volunteer two half ( Australia, New Zealand and British) personnel. It was days a week in the Woolloongabba Office in Welfare and Strategic Direction. This involves attending functions and forums in an Official capacity, contributing to presenta- tions and meeting people in all walks of life from Politi- VALE cians to members. If you have information on the death of a member, or any exWRAN please let us know I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and the so that we can inform everyone. camaraderie it brings, working with like-minded women to act as your President of the Navy Women Sub Section. Many members only discover from reading it here that a Navy friend has crossed the bar. TRI-SERVICE LUNCHEON

FREESTUN Joan Helen (nee Horner) Will be held on 30 March 2019 WR2717Asst Writer. Served 1945- at 1946 at HMAS Lonsdale and Cerberus. Geebung-Zillmere RLS Club Died December 2018 aged 92. (Cnr Newmans Rd and Collings St, Gee- bung. TOWNSDEN Ruth Maureen (Number unknown) Cost $30 per person WRROT. Served 1981-85 at HMAS Albatross. Died 11 Dec 2018 aged 56. Entrance is by ticket only and payment by Associations only, so you must have your CLAYTON Beryl W216610. Aged in her eighties payment to our Treasurer by 10 March 2019. from the Ipswich area. No further infor- Banking details on Page 9. mation available. (From RSL News, Edi- tion 6, 2018) Please quote ([SURNAME] TRISERV) in Reference field

MARLOW Margaret Alberta WR1231 LATE PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE TAKEN Wran Stewardess. Served 1943-1946 at HMAS Cerberus and Lonsdale. Please advise any special dietary requirements with payment. LEST WE FORGET 4 If you have a DVA health card, next time you log into your MyService account, you will notice the digital version of your health card has a new design and is now called a Veteran Card.

The new-look card will replace existing DVA health cards providing veterans with access to your regular health benefits, and physical versions of the new card will be sent via mail to new and existing cardholders in the coming months.

The introduction of the Veteran Card is part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant and serves as an opportunity to offer acknowledgement and respect to those who have served.

Need help with myGov More information about the Veteran Card and the Australian Defence Veterans’ or using DVA's online Covenant is available on the DVA Website. services? I already have a DVA card… I want to register for a Veteran Card… myGov support line: There is nothing you need to do – 13 23 07 your existing DVA card (both physi- Log in to your MyService account, select DVA General Enquiry cal & new look digital card) can be ‘Veteran Card’ in the navigation panel Line: used until you receive the new Vet- and follow the prompts to apply. 1800 555 254 eran Card in the mail.

COUNCIL FOR WOMEN AND in 2018, Mrs Rhondda Vanzella OAM, current Presi- FAMILIES UNITED BY DEFENCE dent of the NSW War Widows Guild, will be the in- SERVICE terim chair of the council. The voices of those women and families affected DVA, in its role as secretariat, will soon call for mem- by service in the Australian Defence Force will bership nominations and submit these for the minis- soon be better heard with the establishment of a ter’s consideration. All involved look forward to the new body that will provide independent policy ad- first meeting of the council in early 2019. vice direct to the Australian Government. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, launched the Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service on 14 December, say- ing it would provide a way for women and families to have a direct voice into this office on issues af- fecting them. “The Council goes further than traditional advisory bodies, investigating matters of concern and de- veloping cohesive solutions with Government for the benefit of all women and families affected by Defence service, “ Mr Chester said. DVA ON THE MOVE The idea for the council originated during the 2017 DVA’s Brisbane State Office has moved to 480 Female Veterans and Veterans’ Families Policy Queen Street, Brisbane. Forum. Work progressed on the concept most recently during a planning weekend organised by The new VAN office on is on Level 6 and entry is representatives from Honouring Women United by via the Adelaide Street Foyer. Defence Service on 24-25 November 2018. The Council will be built on the foundations of contem- All existing telephone numbers remain the same— porary lived experience, inclusivity in collabora- General Enquiries 1800 555 254 tion, compassion and respect. It will reflect the broadest definition of ‘family’, and Entrance to the on-site user-pays car park is via include all veterans, partners, mothers, extended 391 Adelaide Street. family, and widow/ers. Mailing address remains the same As the role she played as the initiator and leader GPO Box 9998, Brisbane Q 4001 for Honouring Women United by Defence Service 5 As at: 4 January 2019 If your name is NOT ON THIS LIST, your subs are DUE for 2019 unless paid in the last few days. Please see the form on Page 9 for payment options.

Paid Paid Paid to SURNAME First to SURNAME First to SURNAME First 2019 F Adams Patricia 2021 F Gordon Elizabeth 2019 F Parke Neridah 2019 F Alden Joan 2019 F Griggs Wendy 2019 F Paul Susanne 2019 F Andaloro Jacqueline 2019 F Grimes Elizabeth 2019 F Payne Lorelle 2019 F Andrew Kayemarie 2019 F Henderson-Place Judy 2019 F Pickering Phyllis 2020 F Ashe Cecelia 2019 S Hermann Janelle 2019 S Porter Suzanne 2020 F Baldock Barbara 2019 F Higgins Alroy 2019 F Prewett Judith 2019 F Bell Jennie 2020 S Higgison Jill 2019 F Quinlan Patricia 2019 F Bennet Mary 2020 F Holloway Norine 2019 L Rathbone Jennifer 2019 L Birtles Lorna 2019 L Hunter Judith 2019 F Reghenzani Christine 2019 F Blinkhorn Julie 2019 Hyslop Rae 2019 F Reid Suzanne 2020 F Bott Toni 2019 F Jeisman Robyn 2019 LSM Retallick Elaine 2020 F Brooks Maureen 2019 F Joel Pauline 2019 F Rieken Patricia 2019 F Brunton Christine 2019 F Johnson Lorrae 2019 F Scott Nancy 2019 F Bryan Susan 2019 F Johnston Susan E. 2019 F Shepherd Susan 2019 F Burns Diana 2020 F Johnston Susan R. 2019 F Shepherd Noreen 2019 F Cameron Christine 2021 S Jones Margaret 2019 S Slatter Gayle 2019 S Casey Lettucia 2019 F Kelly Jennifer 2019 F Smith Shirley 2019 F Castles Carol 2019 S Lahey Linda 2019 L Snowdon Barbara 2019 P Clancy Deborah 2019 L Lake Billie 2019 F Southorn Jacqueline 2020 F Conn Barbara 2019 F Lane Theresa 2019 LSM Stokes Betty 2019 F Cooper Anita 2019 S Leung Catherine 2019 F Summers Margaret 2019 F Crettenden Judith 2019 F Louis Marie 2019 F Taylor Marie 2019 F Cunningham June 2019 S Magann June 2019 F Ter Rahe Pamela 2019 F De Silva Noala 2019 F Maiden Agnes 2019 F Timson Jan 2019 F Dean Margaret 2019 F McGahan Marie 2019 S Twigg Anthea 2019 S Dreyer Maxine 2019 McGrath Merlene 2020 S Wailes Doriel 2019 F Duncan Caroline 2019 L McKay Patricia 2019 S Walsh Dawn 2019 F Eastwood Theadora 2019 F Morris Pamela 2019 F Walters Janice 2019 F English Janet 2019 F Moynahan Joy 2019 F Webber Faylaine Berna- 2019 F Nichols Ann 2021 F Whaites Pamela 2019 F Franklin dette 2019 F Nicol Lynette 2019 F Wilkinson Annette 2019 F Gadd Pamela 2019 L Nuss Patricia 2019 L Williams Brenda 2019 HML Gilbert Joan 2019 F O'Brien Rhonda 2019 F Winters Shirley 2019 S Gillis Sandra 2019 S Ogilvie Jean 2019 F Woolrych Janice 2019 F Gilmour Walsh Helen 2019 F Palmer Susan 2019 F Yench Helen 6 Dates to Remember!! (Mark your calendar now) 10 March ...... General Meeting (Bring and Buy) 15-16 March ...... NAA State Conference (Kedron Wavell RSL) 30 March ...... Tri-service Luncheon (Geebung-Zillmere RSL) 14 April ...... General Meeting 25 April ...... Anzac Day Services TBA May ...... Biggest Morning Tea (Kedron Wavell RSL) 4 May ...... Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorations 11 May ...... VE Day Commemorations 14 May ...... Centaur Memorial Service (St. Andrews Church, Lutwyche) 19 May ...... General Meeting (Chocoholics Dream/Death by Chocolate) 25 May…………………………...Battle of the Coral Sea Dinner, Stanthorpe 27 May ...... Indigenous Veterans Day 27 May ...... US Memorial Day 6 June ...... Maroochydore ESWA Luncheon 9 June ...... General Meeting (Best of British) OFFICE HOLDERS 2019

President: Helen Yench Ph: 0402 239 741, [email protected] Vice Presidents: Diana Burns Ph: 07 3848 2895, [email protected] Liz Grimes Ph: 0438 766 493, [email protected] Julie Blinkorn Ph: 0428 859 859, [email protected] Treasurer: Lorrae Johnson Ph: 0409 638 865, [email protected] Secretary: Wendy Griggs Ph: 07 3284 0049, [email protected] Minutes Secretary: Judy Prewett Ph: 0419 877 594, [email protected] Welfare: Margie Gadd Ph: 0438 376 963, [email protected] Committee: Cecelia Ashe, Pat Nuss, Bernadette Franklin, Jennie Rathbone, Margie Dean, Barbara Snowdon

Meeting Times WRANS Qld Meetings are held on the KEEPING TRACK OF MEMBERS The second Sunday of every month**, It is important to us to keep in contact with all members, 1200 to approx. 1500 so please send any change of details to the Secretary Clayfield-Toombul RSL as soon as possible. (corner of Wagner Road & Vine Street, Clayfield) We would also be grateful if you would provide contact details of someone (other than the person you live with) ** Except May, when it is the third Sunday of the who will know where you are in case you move and for- month get to tell us. Bring along a sandwich to munch for lunch during the meeting, and share a little something with a cup of tea If your nominated secondary contact person afterwards. has changed, for whatever reason, please let us know. See form on It is the belief of the committee that if you have to at- Page 9. tend a meeting it should be fun, so we try to make it so. NEXT MEETING: 10 March 2019

7 Order Form for Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld Merchandise

Date: ...... Name: ......

Address: ......

Contact Number: ...... Email Address: ...... Colour Size Quantity Price Each Total Price Polo Shirt White with Navy Blue Trim $27.50 $ Polo Shirt Black with White Trim $27.50 $

Pocket Badge Magnetic $22.00 $ Naval Association of Aust. Scarf NA $37.70 $ (P&H included) Variable - en- Navy Women Name Tag Pin or Magnet quire of Barbara $ Hat Tally Ribbon (reads Navy Women NA $10 $ Qld) $ Add $ 7.45per shirt for postage Add $2.00per pocket badge for postage $ Add $1.00per hat tally ribbon for postage (or organise pick up at a meeting or from the Stores Officer by personal arrangement) $ TOTAL $

Please email form to [email protected] Cheques should be made out to: Or post with cheque to: Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld PO Box 644 REDCLIFFE Q 4020 Payment by Bank Transfer should be made to: Any queries to Barbara on: 0410 693 557 Acc. Name: Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) No orders will be placed until money is received. Qld BSB No.: 124 085 Stores Officer will advise by email when the order is Account No.: 22446885 placed and indicate when you can anticipate availability. Reference: (Surname) Tshirt, name tag, badge, etc Polo Shirt Sizing

WOMENS 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 SIZE HALF CHEST 46 48.5 51 53.5 56 58.5 61 63.5 66 (In centime- tres) SP LENGTH 62 64 66 68 70 72 73 74 75 (In centime- tres)

Office use only: Payment Received (Date): ...... (Amount): ......

Method: ...... Receipt No.:......

Order Despatched (Date): ...... 8 Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION *NEW Members I enclose $38 being Subs payment for ...... (one year) (NEW MEMBERS – Add $5.00 joining fee*) Please add once only $5.00 joining fee – we also require a com- Name: ...... pleted Application form and must sight a copy of your discharge (Please advise if there is any change to the following details at a later date) papers.

Address: ...... Please contact our Secretary for an Application form...... Home Phone: ...... Mobile Phone: ...... Email Address: ......

Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld ANNUAL LUNCHEON PAYMENT Yes, I wish to attend the Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld Annual Reunion Luncheon at a venue yet to be determined in Brisbane on Saturday 2nd November 2019. Cost is TBA Name: ...... Special Diet? (Specify) ......  Check box Address: ...... if paying by Home Phone: ...... Mobile Phone: ...... instalment

Email Address: ...... Enclosed is: ...... $

Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld MISCELLANEOUS PAYMENT I wish to attend the following events:  Other event(s) – please specify ......  Other event(s) – please specify ...... Amount Paid (If applicable): $ ...... Name: ...... Address: ...... Home Phone: ...... Mobile Phone: ...... Email Address: ......

PLEASE NOTE: All cheques and money orders are to Banking Details: be made payable to Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld, Account Name: Navy Women (WRANS-RAN) Qld. and should be sent to: The Secretary, BSB No.: 124 085 PO Box 644 Account No.: 22446885 REDCLIFFE Q 4020 Ref: [Your Surname] [Subject of payment eg Subs/Luncheon] Payment can now also be made via bank transfer if de- (Reference section is vital so that the payment can be attributed to the correct sired. (See details at right) person)

DO WE HAVE YOUR CORRECT DETAILS? Please fill in the details below and return it to The Secretary, PO Box 644, REDCLIFFE Q 4020 Name: ...... Address: ...... Suburb/City: ...... State: ...... Postcode: ......

Home Phone: ...... Business Phone: ...... Mobile Phone: ......

Email Address: ......

NOK (Person to contact if you are MIA) ...... (Name, Relationship and Address and Contact Phone Number): 9 ...... Have you already paid your subs for this year? We have some ladies who are more than two years in advance because they pay every time the news letter comes out. We have some ladies who are two years behind and about to be dropped off the list. If unsure of your status, contact Diana Burns on 3848 2895 or [email protected] If a receipt is required, please include a stamped self addressed envelope.

Use this form to include with your luncheon money and reservation. If a receipt is required, please include a stamped self addressed envelope.

Use this form to include with payment for luncheons and other events. If a receipt is required, please include a stamped self addressed envelope.

Use this form to keep us abreast of your current details. Without them we may not be able to get all available information to you. Please advise those nearest and dearest to you to let us know if you are unable to.