RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Issue 8

RSL National President’s Newsletter

Issue 8 November 2015

RADM KEN DOOLAN WITH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALEAND CRICKET CAPTAINS IN THIS ISSUE

We Remember By RADM Ken Doolan, RSL National President

Welcome to the November issue of the National President was invited to join a National President’s newsletter. This panel from US, United Kingdom and month we are sharing the details of the Australia to answer the question: fundraising activities that occurred

around Australia for the Poppy Appeal. “How does your national rally civilian and RSL greatly appreciates the kind military organisations to support Remembrance Day donations of money and time that were wounded, ill and injured members when Read how the RSL supported Remembrance made by so many people. they transition to civilian life?” Day commemorative activities around Australia. The funds will be used for a variety of Dr. Charles Rice, President Uniformed programs in each State and Territory to Services University of the Health help veterans and their families. This Sciences opened the Symposium. The newsletter outlines some of these topics explored included: programs that are being delivered and  defining resiliency and how to instill making a big difference to the lives of this trait in service personnel at the individuals that participate or receive home and when deployed, support.  meeting the increased demands for On 21 and 22 October, National recovery and rehabilitation of President RADM Ken Dooolan service personnel,

represented the RSL at the Warrior Care  supporting service members to st Poppy Appeal and RSL Projects in the 21 Century Symposium in the reintegrate into the military or Learn how the RSL uses donated funds to (US). This event brings transition to civilian life. together Military Service Organizations support veterans and their families. This discussion was highly relevant to and Veteran Service Organizations from the health paper that is being prepared 13 nations to discuss how they support by the President for release in the first members from entry into the military to quarter of next year. transition to veteran status. The RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 2

We Remember By RADM Ken Doolan (continued)

While in Washington, RADM Doolan was able to provide an update on RSL activities to Ambassador. He also visited the Washington DC sub-branch and met with Dave Ward, Honorary Secretary and Richard Southby, President to hear of the good work they are doing overseas.

From 27 to 28 October, RADM Ken Doolan attended the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA) National Conference in Wellington. He laid a wreath at the In early November the National This month included the sad events in Remembrance Service in the Hall of President conducted a private ceremony Paris with the National President Memories at the National War for the captains of the Australian and expressing sympathy to our friends and Memorial. RADM Doolan was a member New Zealand cricket teams that were colleagues in France on behalf of of the official party and addressed the playing the First Test match. He also members. RSL National President Rear delegates in regards to the positive attended and spoke at the corporate Admiral Ken Doolan said, "This horrific advances that are being made by RSL in function about the historic links between attack on innocent people reminds us Australia to serve veterans of all ages cricketers and veterans. once again that the price of liberty is and their families. eternal vigilance. In mid-November, RADM Doolan On 29 October, National President was represented the RSL at the Senate The month closed on a happier note in Melbourne to attend the official Inquiry into the science and engineering with the soft launch of the RSL opening of the Our ANZAC Nurses: workforce. He was able to once again Centenary Logo by the Hon. Stuart Service and Sacrifice Exhibition at the stress the RSL’s position on maintaining Robert MP in on 23 November Monash Hospital. The exhibition a vibrant Australian ship building 2015. commemorates the lives, service and industry to enjoy the flow-on effects this achievements of the nurses from the has on the economy. A full report CELEBRATING 100 YEARS IN 2016 Melbourne Homeopathic Hospital and appears on the national website. the Queen Victoria Hospital who served “The evolution of the RSL logo shows in World War 1. the organisation is changing and willing to evolve to meet the needs of a new RADM Doolan attended the Memorial generation of veterans”, said Stuart service for Digger James that was held Robert MP at the event held at the on 31 October in . Ken was National Library of Australia. asked to recite the Ode and he and MORE INFORMATION: Elaine Doolan conveyed the condolence [email protected] message from all RSL members.

While in , the National President took the opportunity to attend Murgon RSL Sub branch annual dinner. The theme of the dinner was connecting with the local community and many local business leaders and clergy members attended.

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 3

RSL QUEENSLAND BRANCH Queensland shining the light on women By Donna Alexander

This year’s Poppy Appeal in Queensland “They just rallied around me and helped focused on those women who have me through,” she said. given so much over the past century; featuring current and former members Both Samantha and Kym spread the of the Australian Armed Forces and message to Queenslanders that giving Recognising women women who have cared for those who to the Poppy Appeal makes a real RSL Queensland is actively rallying around female have needed assistance. difference, sharing their compelling veterans and their families. State President, Stewart Spurred by the Women Veteran stories in a radio interview on Brisbane’s Cameron with Samantha Freebairn and Kym Whalley. Symposium held in Brisbane in July, RSL 612 ABC: listen to them here. Queensland was keen to shine the light on the contribution of females, which is Gallipoli Poppies and more… often under recognised. Kym Whalley also joined the Gallipoli Representing the nearly 9,000 women Poppies campaign led by the Gallipoli currently serving in the ADF was Royal Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) to Australian Air Force Squadron Leader tell stories of female strength from the and C17 Globemaster pilot Samantha past 100 years. Poppies have an inbuilt Freebairn, who said the RSL was a vital structure that instils strength and connection for her family when she was stability against a range of forces. The serving on operations overseas. Gallipoli Poppies are 10 such women Sharing their stories who have shared their stories so that Kym and Samantha supported RSL Queensland’s Poppy their strength may inspire others who Appeal speaking about their experiences on Brisbane’s “Knowing my family has the support of are facing similar challenges. 612 ABC radio. the RSL gives me peace of mind when I serve overseas and on humanitarian RSL Queensland Branch shared in last FAST FACTS month’s newsletter (Issue 7 – October missions,” she said. 2015) the details of the Post Traumatic “RSL provides a connection for my Stress Disorder (PTSD) Study they 18.3% husband and kids as well as my mum funded GMRF to undertake. This world- and dad. first involved clinical and psychological Percentage of women in (ADF) as at 30 June 2014. evaluations of 300 veterans. “The RSL also sent me care parcels when I was in the Middle East which is one of Stewart Cameron, State President said 1198 my most enduring memories of that “This vital medical and scientific research will be ongoing and will play a Number of women that enlisted in ADF as at 30 June time - they just knew it was the little 2014. things from home that you miss most,” role in best treatments of the disorder she said. both now and in the future.” 73.9% The findings were presented at PTSD Former Australian Army sergeant Kym 2015, held in Brisbane in September for Percentage of women that are retained by ADF Whalley spoke of her experience with following paid maternity leave as at 30 June 2014. which RSL (Queensland Branch) was the the RSL post-service. Patron Sponsor. For more information visit: http://www.rslqld.org/news-events/ Gender Pay Gap Percentages She turned to the RSL for camaraderie

and support after being diagnosed with 3.87 ADF service-related cancer. 7.3 Public Sector “My local Sub Branch help me her

17.1 Private Sector survive one of the most difficult and traumatic periods in my life,” she said.

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Issue 8

RSL WESTERN AUSTRALIA Bright Future for RSL WA By John Arthur

The Returned & Services League of WA WA's overall membership increased last started the 2015 Centenary of ANZAC year for the first time in seven years, year with the ANZAC-themed Royal de although there are still several clubs Luxe Giants from France striding facing closure. They need, we all need, through Perth and we are ending the more support from men and women Existing RSL Headquarters year with yet another giant stride – from younger generations. This is ANZAC House that is located on the toward building new headquarters to corner of St. George’s Terrace and Irwin serve all members. The New Year promises to be a very Street in Perth. good one for the RSL with its State It is incredibly satisfying to end the year Congress and Centenary Ball at the with the WA Government agreeing to Crown Resort in June. hand back the freehold title to 1300sqm of land on which ANZAC House sits. This The images to the right show: of course will be subject to an acceptable business plan.  Existing RSL headquarters in Perth - ANZAC House, on the corner of St RSLWA has proposed a three to four- Georges Terrace and Irwin Street. star 120-room hotel, café, retail facilities  A concept plan for a multi-storey and office and function space. redevelopment of the site.

The development of new headquarters will help RSLWA to win financial independence, provide far better facilities for its current members and hopefully attract an even wider group of current and former ADF personnel into our ranks.

All the hard work is still ahead of us to develop the best concept and satisfy ourselves and government that we have

a viable business plan which will sustain us into the future. Conceptual Plan Another cause for satisfaction is the This is the conceptual drawing of the new immense effort put in by individuals and multi-storey building that would be sub-branches throughout the State and constructed on the existing site of RSL WA throughout the year. Headquarters.

Members held commemorative services on ANZAC Day, Victory in the Pacific Day and Remembrance Day which were moving and meaningful.

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 5

RSL VICTORIA RSL Victoria’s Poppy Appeal

By Kirsty Kennedy

Remembrance Day was marked in The Blue Green Crew Melbourne with a service at the Shrine

of Remembrance attended by RSL RSL Victoria is a proud supporter of The

Victoria State President, Major General Blue Green Crew, a project supported by

David McLachlan AO (Retd). The Victoria Police 4WD Club.

“Remembrance Day is a time for all The project was founded by Marcus Dedicated volunteers Nash, following his attendance at a people to reflect on the service and Volunteers from Clayton RSL Sub-Branch. sacrifice of the members of the corporate lunch in early 2014. Key Australian Defence Force, from our early speakers at the event were two recently beginnings on the shores of ANZAC returned Australian Soldiers, who had Cove through to current deployments in served in Afghanistan. The service the Middle East, and closer to home. We history and what these young men had pay tribute to those who made the been part of had an enormous impact on ultimate sacrifice, and we remember the the entire audience, and inspired Mr. families of those who have not returned” Nash to act. said General McLachlan. “One key issue that stood out from One of the key commemorative listening to the young men was the activities undertaken in Melbourne has potential benefit to them of being able taken place for over 30 years. Since the to escape and get away from the early 1980’s, Victoria Police have halted stresses of the City; the barracks; and traffic at key intersection in the CBD, for their surroundings. As the Vice Remembrance Day one-minute, as buglers sound the “Last President of the Victoria Police 4WD Bugler on Swanston Street with State Post” and “Rouse.” club and an Australian solider and President, MAJGEN David McLachlan. Military Policeman, this gave me a

This year saw 19 buglers, each thought” Mr. Nash said. accompanied by an RSL representative, The Blue Green Crew has been set up to commemorate Remembrance Day in Mr. Nash continues “We are regularly give past and present members of the this special way. It was a wonderful away on 4WD and camping trips and this Australian Defence Force, Victoria thing that people came out of high rise gives us the opportunity to provide a Police, Australian Federal Police and buildings to participate in this act of chance to relax and enjoy a short respite Ambulance Victoria a chance to get Remembrance. to some currently serving or past service some breathing space, share a laugh and personnel, who are struggling with life’s have some fun away from all the The success of the Poppy Appeal little hurdles,”. stressors of life. continues to grow as Victorians show

their support for our veteran community Since its inception in 2014, the Blue

by wearing a poppy with pride in the Green Crew have taken away around 150

lead up to Remembrance Day participants on 4WD trips, and more

than half of that number are Australian

RSL Victoria Appeals Manager Peter Defence Force members. Numbers are

Smith OAM said “The Victorian RSL growing on each trip, with more and

thanks everyone involved in the 2015 more Defence, Police and Ambulance

Poppy Appeal. Whether you are one of members reaching out to assist in the

our amazing volunteers who worked so mental health healing of their mates.

hard or a member of the public who RSL Victoria has supplied funds for the

donated to the Appeal and wore your purchase of camping equipment which is

Poppy with pride, we thank you. Your made available at no cost to

support to those who give so much for participants.

all of us, is very much appreciated."

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 6

RSL Frank MacDonald MM Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize Frank MacDonald, Australia's oldest World War I veteran and its last surviving 2015 serviceman to have been cited for By Noeleen Lincoln bravery in that war. He was born on 26 Frank MacDonald MM was Tasmania’s The Minister for Education, Jeremy June 1896 and enlisted in 1916. last surviving WW1 veteran. Frank Rockliff formally announced the winners Mr. MacDonald received the Military served with the 40th Battalion in of the 2016 Frank MacDonald Memorial Medal for Gallantry at the battle of Belgium and France during WW1, Prize on 25 November. Congratulations Ypres, Belgium, in October 1917, for returning to Tasmania after the war to the following six students: repairing telegraph lines between his ended. Frank passed away in Ulverstone in August 2003 at the age of 107. At that 1. Caitlin Argent (Devonport High battalion headquarters and the trenches School) time Frank was also Australia’s oldest while under fire. 2. Olivia Eade (St Mary's College) WW1 veteran. 3. Amy Hicks (Burnie High School) Mr. MacDonald served as a corporal in 4. Sophie Young (Taroona High the all-Tasmanian 40th Battalion. In 2004, in partnership with the State School) Despite taking part in many battles in Government of Tasmania and its 5. Charlotte Johnson (Sacred Heart Belgium and France, he was never Education Department, a tribute to College) 6. Georgia-Alice Bunge (Ogilvie High wounded. Frank MacDonald was begun in the form of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize School). ''I should have been killed a dozen times, (FMMP). The competition is open to all Congratulations also to the two teachers but I wasn't,'' Australian press reports Year 9 students and the winners have selected Emma Jenkins and Karen Pape. quoted him as telling an interviewer a the opportunity to undertake a two few years ago. ''I had 10 times as much week study tour of the Western Front in The tour group also comprises Guy luck as any man is entitled to.'' the April/May of the following year. Barnett as the Parliamentary representative, Graham Deacon (RSL After the war, Mr. MacDonald worked as The group attends and lays wreaths at representative) and Joan Wylie (Tour a clerk, a real estate agent and a the Dawn Service at Villers Brettoneux Leader) and Samantha Davis (Deputy salesman, living in , Brisbane and on ANZAC Day and also participates in Tour Leader) from the Department of Melbourne. He served with the the nightly Remembrance Ceremony at Premier and Cabinet (DPAC). The group Australian Army in an administrative the Menin Gate in Belgium. They have will spend the coming months preparing role at Sydney during World War II. the opportunity to research a family for their Study Tour of the Western member or local soldier from WW1 and Front in April 2016. Mr. MacDonald's wife, Lillian, died in visit that soldier’s grave site and lay a 1978. Following her death, Mr. tribute. MacDonald returned to his native Ulverstone, Tasmania.

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 7

Remembrance Test Match RSL NATIONAL Menin Gate Buglers By Sam Jackman The Menin Gate Buglers toured Australia in November and visited Canberra on Saturday 9 November to play at the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Cricket Australia selected RSL as its "The ANZAC legend has become part of Memorial. RSL National were delighted charity partner for the Commonwealth the cultural fabric of our two nations and to be able to sponsor an afternoon tea Bank First Test match that was played in we are very proud to be partnering with party that was held in the newly named Brisbane from 5-9 November 2015. The the RSL to honour it during the Brisbane Captain Reginald Saunders Courtyard. match involved teams from Australia Test." and New Zealand and was focused on commemorating the centenary of Cricket and the war have a strong ANZAC. history, with the ANZACs playing a match at Shell Green whilst gunfire reigned above them, sending a message to the Central powers that things were to go on as usual for the Allies. RSL National President RADM Ken Doolan Members of RSL ACT welcomed the reflected this message in his address to three Buglers, 19 students and three the Corporate Partners during the lunch teachers to Canberra. The three buglers break at the match. were able to come from Belgium to tour Australia due to funds raised by the students from Brisbane Water RSL and ADF personnel were involved in RSL National were grateful to 1st and 7th Secondary College, Kincumber High Brigades for providing personnel to the official anthem ceremony and the School and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary fundraising efforts on day one of the assist with the fundraising effort. The College (The Entrance Campus). match. The teams' captains paid their generosity of our ADF volunteers and respects to those who served, laying spectators resulted in almost $10,000 A Remembrance Song wreaths at the Shrine of Remembrance being raised. These funds have been RSL National were delighted to receive the gift of A Remembrance Song from in Brisbane the day prior. given to the Australia Forces Overseas Clare Rosier. She is a 17 year old year 12 Fund that sends care packages to student from the NSW Central Coast, personnel posted around the world. This who has composed and produced the amount will enable the RSL to send song for Remembrance Day. Clare was another 700 packages. inspired to write the song in memory of her grandfather George Lewin fought in the 9th Division in WW2 and her father Anthony Rosier, a regular soldier from 4th Field Regiment RAA.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said the Test match between the two nations provided a fitting platform to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the legendary ANZAC

alliance. The song was played as the Families of the Fallen laid 51 poppies to remember the 41 Australians and 10 New

Zealanders lost in Afghanistan at the Brisbane Test match opening ceremony. RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 8

RSL Operation Hellfire RSL NSW hosted many commemorative By Darren McManus-Smith events during November for Remembrance Day. One highlight was an event held on Sunday 8 November 2015 at the ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park The League in NSW has participated in The contingent used headphones and South. the commemoration of Remembrance personal interpretive device to hear the Day at the Kanchanaburi voices of the veterans of Konyu Cutting A remembrance service and star Commonwealth War graves for four and the railway tell their stories of ceremony was held featuring buglers years. The commemoration is centred horror, deprivation and the hideous from the Menin Gate at Ieper (Ypres) on the Kanchanaburi region. The treatment at the hands of the guards. Belgium. The service was led by contingent attending each year is a mix This experience left participants with a students from Brisbane Water of current serving and transitioned renewed understanding of the sacrifices Secondary College, Kincumber High members and visit the Allied War faced by our forefathers in that horrid School and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary Graves, the bridge over River Kwai and place. College (The Entrance Campus). the notorious Hellfire Pass.

The 2015 Operation Hellfire was organised by South Lake Macquarie RSL sub-Branch. The 2015 contingent consisted of an even spread of five currently serving members of the ADF and five transitioned former members and a member of DVA NSW.

There were incredible efforts made by volunteers across the State for this year’s Poppy Appeal. One of the many examples of RSL and ADF joint efforts was the soldiers from 17 Construction at Holsworthy helping ladies from the Ingleburn RSL Sub Branch Women's

Auxiliary NSW and volunteers to sell poppies and tokens, raising funds for the The Remembrance Day Service is held at Poppy Appeal. The group spent the day the war cemetery in Kanchanaburi. The at Central Station in Sydney helping local Royal British Legion Branch commuters remember the fallen. permits the RSL representatives to lay wreaths on behalf of the fallen Australian men buried in and around Kanchanaburi. The contingent also conducts a private service at the memorial at Hellfire Pass.

This year Wing Commander Billy Merkx delivered an emotional address prior to the laying of wreaths. On completion the group began the trek down the restored section of the death railway.

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 9

RSL AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY From the 12th September to the 11th Floriade Australia’s Biggest October the ACT celebrated the arrival of spring in the Nation’s Capital. The theme for this year’s event was to Celebration of Spring honour 100 years of ANZAC by creating By James Davidson flower beds in full colour representing the Australian National Flag, the Rising Without exception all said that they had RSL ACT at Prime Minister’s XI Sun Badge, the Slouch Hat and medals enjoyed the experience of connecting RSL ACT was pleased to be selected as to name a few. This year the RSL ACT with the public and explaining the charity partner by Cricket ACT to Branch was invited to be a charity meaning and purpose of the Wall. participate in the Prime Minister’s XI partner with Floriade. In closing the second photo show what match in Canberra on 23 October 2015. the wall looked like of the last day of This event was supported by local ADF Floriade Management hit upon the idea Floriade at closing time. members who assisted with the handing of creating a Reflection Wall of a robust It is estimated the Reflection Wall out of poppies, collecting donations and stand covered with Styrofoam and black contained in excess of 45,000 Poppies. providing a ceremonial party to kick off shade cloth with the word “Reflection” The following day the Wall was the game. made from mirror glass placed on the dismantled and the Poppies recovered wall. Visitors to Floriade had the and over the coming days were provided opportunity to place a Poppy on the wall to ACT schools to use in the upcoming

as a token of respect to our past and Remembrance Day commemorations. current Service Men and Women. The photo below was taken less than two In all the Floriade program was a huge hours after the gates being opened on success all round and the RSL ACT the 12th September. Branch very pleased to be a part of the event. The Reflection Wall proved to be very Reflection Wall Week 1 popular with the visitors and the RSL was well supported by them to the tune All the funds raised on the day were of $45,648 during the event. Floriade given to the new Veteran Support Management were extremely pleased Centre in Woden. This Centre opened in with the response and there were many February 2015 and offers local veterans favourable comments about how great and their families a range of support the visual effect was to see a red sea of services. Poppies with the word Reflection standing out even at distance. The small team works with the support of volunteers to help veterans and their The RSL ACT Branch appreciates the This photograph was taken on the families to find the right types of support support given by the public donations. opening day of Floriade. services. But such an event would not have occurred except for the Floriade Reflection Wall Week 4 “When they reach us they are often Management coming up with the idea. feeling frustrated by the amount of work Credit goes to Jake and his team John, it takes to find the help they are seeking Jenny and Jason who took care of any and need, sometimes quite issue that arose and provided much desperately”, says the Centre’s appreciated advice. Community Support Coordinator, Judy Friend. The team helps connect people However credit and appreciation must to a wide network of service providers also go to the RSL Sub-Branch members and government agencies. who volunteered to man the Wall alongside Floriade volunteers who made the event such a pleasure. Special mention must go to Mrs Sandra King, Vice President RSL ACT who attended This photograph was taken on the last every day for the month of Floriade. day of Floriade and shows how well the RSL was supported. RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 8 10

RSL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Poppies were also on sale at four sporting events in November with the Fields of poppies in South RSL forming partnerships with the SA Jockey Club, SA Cricket Association, Australia Adelaide United Football Club and By Darren Adamson Adelaide Bite Baseball Club. The four sports share the colour red in their logos and were more than happy to embrace the poppy and the significance of remembrance.

On Remembrance Day we hosted the The launch included representation from state’s Governor and Premier plus other our Poppy Appeal Partner, ASC, two dignitaries at a formal service at the RSL South Australia launched their 2015 schools and members of the Royal South Australian National War Poppy Appeal at the Field of Australian Air Force who were collecting Memorial. At 11am we introduced the Remembrance on the lawns adjacent to on the day. bugler back to city streets. This concept Government House. Schools and has proven popular in Melbourne and veteran groups planted hundreds of A total of 150,000 poppies were the Adelaide business community miniature white crosses to form the distributed across South Australia and embraced the return of buglers who Field of Remembrance, and the the Northern Territory to sub-branches, played the Last Post at three locations. Governor of South Australia planted his businesses and schools. Our volunteer Plans are in place to expand the concept own cross on Remembrance Day. collectors and current members of the in 2016 to more locations with the local Australian Defence Force were active media providing significant coverage selling poppies on the streets of and calling for more buglers to register

Adelaide. for next year.

The next edition of this newsletter will be the last Friday in January 2016. Wishing all readers a happy holiday.