Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans’ Voice people have served in every conflict and peacekeeping mission in which Australia has participated, from the Boer War to the current conflict in Afghanistan. Prior to 1967 they served despite a national policy that discouraged and at times prohibited them from enlisting. A Message from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Despite these barriers, Aboriginals and Artist’s Impression of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial Welcome to this ANZAC edition of Torres Strait Islanders did enlist and they Veterans’ Voice. offered their lives for a country that at servicemen and women anywhere in for the service and sacrifice rendered by the time did not afford them full rights Australia. In alone we have all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander This is the second of citizenship. Moreover, they rendered over a thousand war memorials, including veterans, and to finally render them the time I have been the distinguished service in all theatres of memorials to war dogs and horses, yet national recognition they so richly deserve. State Minister for conflict. Aboriginal served in the we do not have a memorial of note to Veterans’ Affairs. The first of its kind in Australia, the I was initially appointed Boer War and went ashore on the first Aboriginals who served! memorial will stand proudly in the military in 2010 only to lose in 1915. They have been To this end, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait heartland of our state. It was designed the portfolio to my decorated for gallantry, taken prisoner of Islander War Memorial Committee has by local artists and will have a strong and colleague and friend the Hon. Tom Kenyon war and, sadly, killed or wounded in action. embarked on an appeal to raise $700,000 symbolic presence, providing a place for M.P. the following year. Minister Kenyon did Some lie forever in foreign lands. to build a Memorial that will recognise this remembrance and a focal point an excellent job as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, his energy, interest in, knowledge of Australia prides itself on its spirit of special group of Australians. for reflection. and concern for the veterans’ community “mateship” and “remembrance”, yet there As we look toward the Centenary of If you require any further details or wish to will be sorely missed. is one gaping hole in our rich military ANZAC in 2015, this is a truly appropriate support this worthy project, please contact history. Until now, Aboriginal and Torres I feel close to the portfolio and particularly time to realise a long overdue initiative Simone Campbell at the appeals office by Strait Islander service has largely been privileged to be re-appointed to it. Minister Snelling with LTCOL Mick Garraway, Commanding , 7R.A.R. that will demonstrate community respect telephone on: 08) 8226 1193 or by email: following his appointment to the V.A.C. unrecognised. There is no national [email protected] As some of you may recall, my father John memorial of significance to Aboriginal is a Vietnam veteran having seen service to do an excellent job and the rotation of I look forward to attending more veterans’ with 1A.R.U., 1R.A.R. and 5R.A.R. during members ensures constant refreshing of functions as the year progresses and to 1968 and 1969, so I feel I have empathy the Council’s ideas and experience. meeting as many of you as possible. with veterans and especially their families. Please feel free to invite me to visit your Since its inception, the V.A.C. has Aboriginal Commemorative Service contribution to the Parndana area. It will be organisation or special function and I will I have recently appointed the Veterans’ represented the veterans’ community with unveiled by the Hon. Jack Snelling M.P., do my best to join you. Aboriginal veterans will be honoured at Advisory Council (V.A.C.) for 2012. I thank Minister for Veterans’ Affairs on 26 April in distinction. It has achieved its mission to the sixth annual Aboriginal Veterans’ the outgoing members and congratulate ensure your views are represented at the With best wishes, the presence of Jamie’s family, friends and Commemorative Service at 10.30am on incoming members. The V.A.C. continues highest levels of State Government. his Army mates. Friday, 1 June, 2012 at the South Australian On your behalf I would like to thank Sir Eric National War Memorial, North Terrace, Enquiries about Veterans’ Voice Invitations can be directed to: Neal A.C. C.V.O. for his capable leadership Adelaide. can be directed to: and splendid example during the last twelve Kapyong Day Service The Hon. Jack Snelling M.P. months. I know that all of you appreciate Hon. Jack Snelling M.P. The event originated in 2007 as part of Veterans SA Minister for Veterans’ Affairs The annual Kapyong Day Service will be his guidance and wise counsel. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Reconciliation Week to acknowledge the G.P.O. Box 2264 conducted by the R.A.R. Association (S.A. G.P.O. Box 2264 40th anniversary of the granting of full rights ADELAIDE S.A. 5001 Branch) at the National War Memorial, ADELAIDE S.A. 5001 of citizenship to our Aboriginal peoples. Phone: (08) 8226 8552 North Terrace, Adelaide commencing at Phone: (08) 8226 8552 Email: [email protected] 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 24 April, 2012. Email: [email protected] The service will be on the north-west Sapper Jamie Larcombe Memorial side of the main memorial and will be Parndana Area School followed by drinks and lunch at the London Funding Opportunities Do you want to keep in touch, The veterans’ community recall and mourn Tavern, North Terrace, Adelaide. The to have your say or find out To assist ex-service organisations, the loss of the most recent South Australian commemorative address will be given by what is happening in the Veterans SA has put together killed in Afghanistan. Spr Jamie Larcombe Gerry Harrison O.A.M., ex-3 R.A.R. at the a consolidated list of funding Veterans’ Community? came from Parndana on Kangaroo Island. Battle of Maryang San and member of the opportunities that governments, both Would you like to receive regular He was killed in action on 19 February, Veterans’ Advisory Council. State and Commonwealth, are offering articles and updates about issues of 2011. Jamie is the son of Steven and Trish Dress for the service will be medals for to the veterans’ community. relevance to the veterans’ community? Larcombe and brother of Ann Marie, Emily ex-service personnel. and April. Jamie is well remembered by Please telephone my office on If so, please contact Shane or Paul Minister Snelling with 2012 V.A.C. Members (Back L-R: BRIG Laurie Lewis A.M. (Retd), all South Australians and will be honoured For further information please contact 8226 8552 should you require any at Veterans SA on 8226 8552 or if Mr John Gillman, LTCOL Mick Garraway, Mr Bill Schmitt A.M., GPCAPT Robert Black A.M. by a memorial to be unveiled at the Adrian Craig, Ceremonial Officer, 3 R.A.R. further information about these you have an email account then email (Retd), Mr Michael Benyk J.P., Mr Gerry Harrison O.A.M., Mr Michael von Berg M.C. Parndana Area School. The Memorial will (S.A. Branch) by telephone on 8263 4784 funding opportunities. [email protected] & Ms Cheryl Fittock. Front: Mr Leon Eddy, Mrs Kath Harrison, Minister Snelling, honour Jamie’s link with the school and his or by email on [email protected] Sir Eric Neal A.C. C.V.O., Mr Jock Statton O.A.M., MAJ Ian Smith (Retd) & LTCOL John Spencer O.A.M. R.F.D. (Retd). Absent: Mrs Jan Wallent).

Autumn 2012 Planning for the ANZAC Centenary The Board and the Working Groups will The South Australian Members of the Veterans’ Health Advisory The VHAC meets at least four times a year For more information about the VHAC Period – 2014 to 2018 play a pivotal role in planning for the ANZAC Working Groups are: Council Success and is chaired by Mr Jock Statton O.A.M., or to refer an issue to the VHAC for Centenary commemorations, particularly in Deputy Chair, Veterans’ Advisory Council consideration, please contact Scott Harris, On 13 March, 2012 Air Chief Marshal • John Schumann, Singer/Songwriter, The Veterans’ Health Advisory Council the areas of: and State President of the RSL. Senior Project Officer, Operational Planning Angus Houston A.C. A.F.C. (Retd) visited Military and Cultural History Working (VHAC) was established in 2009 to advise • Education and curriculum; Group; All VHAC members are appointed by the Unit, SA Health, on 8222 0742 or email: Adelaide to meet with the Governor, the Minister for Health and Ageing about Minister for Health and most members have [email protected] Premier Weatherill, Minister Snelling, Sir • Military and cultural history; • Ms Rebecca Richards, Indigenous the health issues facing veterans, war Eric Neal A.C. C.V.O., the Board of the experienced military service. Rhodes Scholar, Youth Working Group; widows and their families, and to advocate RSL (S.A. Branch) and various veterans’ • Business; and on their behalf. and broader community representatives, to • Ceremonial and commemorations; discuss preparations for the Centenary of • Mr Bill Denny A.M., Director, Veterans Although our World War II veterans are ANZAC commemorations from 2014-2018. • Youth; and SA, State, Territory and Local ageing and our World War I veterans are Government Working Group. The ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board is • Engagement with state, territory and gone, the VHAC will continue to play a chaired by A.C.M. Houston and has 16 local government. An informal arrangement has been made pivotal role in shaping the future of health between A.C.M. Houston and Sir Eric care for veterans in South Australia. It is general and four ex-officio members. The role of the Working Groups will be Neal A.C. C.V.O., whereby Sir Eric has On 9 February, 2012, the Hon. Warren to consult within their sectors and report estimated that there are 29,000 veterans of agreed to act as a “community pulse” Snowdon M.P., announced the membership directly to the Board. The Board will all conflicts in South Australia together with for A.C.M. Houston. Sir Eric and A.C.M. of six Working Groups that will report to then make its recommendations to the approximately 30,500 partners and 27,000 Houston will speak regularly so A.C.M. and support the ANZAC Centenary Commonwealth Government. children. Advisory Board. Houston may gauge South Australia’s The South Australian members of the community perception of ANZAC Centenary The VHAC recently completed the SA The Board and Working Group members ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board are: preparations. Health Framework for Veterans’ Healthcare are Australians drawn from all walks of life and include historians, business leaders, • His Honour Judge Rauf Soulio, Chair of 2012 – 2016. This excellent document academics, journalists, a sports personality, the Australian Multicultural Council; and outlines the issues that currently exist in a singer, teachers, artists, a former the provision of healthcare in the veterans’ • Professor Christine Charles, Chair, politician, former service personnel, an community and makes recommendations Resources Technology Innovation Indigenous Rhodes Scholar, a war widow that will address these issues. Centre. and two Victoria Cross recipients. Minister Snelling with members of the VHAC (from left: Mr Michael Curry, Mr Jock Statton O.A.M., Associate Professor Susan Neuhaus C.S.C., Professor Alexander McFarlane A.O., Dr Chris Butcher & LTCOL John Spencer O.A.M. R.F.D. (Retd) Veterans Honoured on Australia Day Bob was asked to step in after the last of Indonesian Confrontation in 1963 and in the Australian Battle of Britain pilots died Vietnam during 1964-65. Graham was Lest We Forget Two prominent veterans were honoured in and represented them in England at a discharged from the R.A.A.F. at his own the recent Australia Day Honours List. Philip De Quetteville Robin, memorial service in 1995. More recently request in 1967. Champion SANFL footballer and ANZAC Squadron Leader Bob Cowper D.F.C. Bob coordinated a memorial honour Graham is also a member of the Vietnam and Bar added an O.A.M. to his already board commemorating the service of our Phil Robin was a bank teller from Norwood. Veterans’ Federation, the RSL, the Proposing a toast to the bride and groom, distinguished list of post nominals. Bob is Australian Battle of Britain Pilots, which was Vietnamese Veterans’ Association and was He enlisted in 10Bn 1st AIF on 24 August, the CO, Colonel S. Price Weir, as reported a true “ace” of World War II. He finished unveiled during September 2011 and will a V.V.A. representative on the committee 1914. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, in the Adelaide newspaper The Observer on the war as Commanding Officer of 456 eventually rest in the R.A.A.F. Museum at that planned and erected the Vietnam 1915 - the very first ANZAC Day - and 20 February, 1915, said: Squadron, Australia’s only Night Fighter Point Cook. War Memorial. Graham’s close links with with his school mate , Squadron. During his service Bob did three “I do not suppose that a similar wedding Bob lives quietly in retirement at Netley with Vietnamese veterans were recognised penetrated to Third Ridge. This was the operational tours – Northern Ireland, Malta has been solemnized so close to the mighty his wife Kay. Congratulations Bob – fighter when he became the first non-Vietnamese furthest any Allied troops advanced in the and finally England, pre and post D Day. Pyramids for many years; indeed for many ace and local living legend! person awarded honorary membership of whole ANZAC Campaign. Robin was He survived two crash landings - one when the Vietnamese Veterans’ Association thousands of years. Graham Dunstan O.A.M. has been active killed on the third day of the campaign. his Beaufighter crashed in the Sahara desert (S.A. Branch). in the ex-service community for many Blackburn went on to be awarded the We have all known Pte. Robin as a brilliant and another off the coast of Malta. For his years and is the State Vice-President of the Graham is a well deserved recipient and Victoria Cross for actions in France. footballer. When he wore the red-and-blue distinguished service in the Malta action Bob Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia can be proud that his bi-partisan support of the Norwood club, he played hard and was awarded a D.F.C. He was subsequently What many do not know is that Philip (V.V.A.). of all Vietnam-era ex-service organisations clean, and helped to win the game for his awarded a Bar to his D.F.C. for service has allowed him to make a significant De Quetteville Robin was a famous closer to D Day. Graham joined the R.A.A.F. in 1954. He side. Now that he has donned the colours contribution to the broader ex-service Norwood footballer. A product of St Peter’s served in support of the Maralinga Nuclear of his country, red, white, and blue, I am Bob has retained an enormous loyalty to community. College, Phil Robin made his league debut Testing at Woomera, in Malaya during the sure that he will be as good and brave a the members of his unit and their families. with Norwood in 1907, became a regular as he was an exponent of football. the following season, and for the next We all hope that when we have defeated seven years was widely acknowledged as Veterans Radio Updates our enemies he will return to South Australia one of the finest wingmen in the game. with his wife, to peace, long life, and An interstate representative on seven Weekly Updates are featured on the following radio shows from the prosperity.” (Cheers). Office of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Jack Snelling M.P. occasions, he played in South Australia’s victorious 1911 carnival team. That same Well it was not to be. Phil Robin’s best Show Time Station year saw him receive Norwood’s best and man, Malcolm Teesdale-Smith, was VVF Tuesday 6pm - 8pm 88.7 FM (CoastFM) fairest player award, making him the earliest wounded at the Gallipoli landing and died known such recipient on record. that day. Phil Robin barely survived him. VVA Thursday 7pm - 8pm 1197 AM (5RPH) More tragically his war bride also died in En route to Gallipoli Robin was granted childbirth with her child, soon after. RSL Thursday 6pm - 6.15pm 1197 AM (5RPH) special permission to marry his Adelaide Vietnam Veterans Monday 6pm - 8pm 105.1 FM (TraxFM) sweetheart, Miss Nellie Honeywell, an Lest We Forget. Mid North of SA Minister Snelling with Squadron Leader Bob Cowper D.F.C. and army nurse, in Cairo on Sunday, Philip De Quetteville Robin - Image used with Bar, O.A.M. and Mr Graham Dunstan O.A.M. January 17, 1915. permission of Mr Charles Robin Ashwin (relative)