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The article on the pages below is reprinted by permission from United Service (the journal of the Royal United Services Institute of New South Wales), which seeks to inform the defence and security debate in Australia and to bring an Australian perspective to that debate internationally.

The Royal United Services Institute of New South Wales (RUSI NSW) has been promoting informed debate on defence and security issues since 1888. To receive quarterly copies of United Service and to obtain other significant benefits of RUSI NSW membership, please see our online Membership page: www.rusinsw.org.au/Membership

Jump TO Article INSTITUTE NEWS AND NOTICES Council’s Report on the Activities of the Institute for 2008-09

Last year, Council reported that it had been a busy year. This year has been even busier and your Council has worked hard to review the current standing and organisation of the Institute and, where appropriate, undertake improvement. The Council has continued to refine the management and development of the library and the website, and address the issue of membership. Improvement of management practices and development of the organisation resulted in a substantial increase in running costs. However, the organisation has weathered the financial crisis relatively well and, combined with a modest increase of membership, there has not been a deleterious effect on our working capital. In fact, the Institute opened the year with $70,497 and finished the year with a bank balance at 30 June 2009 of $75,383. We continue to be indebted to our Patron, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, Governor of New South Wales, and our Vice-Patrons: Rear Admiral , AM, RAN, Commander Australian Fleet; Major General D. L. Morrison, AM, Commander Forces Command; Air Vice- Marshal Mark Skidmore, Air Commander Australia; and Major General Craig Williams, AM, Commander 2nd Division; for their continuing support for the Institute. During the year Mr John Renfrew left the employ of the Institute and the Council has expressed its gratitude for his loyal and effective service to our organisation.

Membership The past year has seen severe challenges across the community as a result of the economic crisis. In spite of these challenges, I am pleased to report that our membership has continued to grow from 825 on 30 June 2008 to 846 on 30 June 20091. This is a reassuring trend reversal from that of previous years. The success of our increased membership can be directly attributed to an improved website, the continued distribution of our journal United Service, the luncheon-lectures and the visits programme. However, the recruitment campaign conducted by Captain Noel Christensen, strongly supported by Mr Jim Braid and Flight Lieutenant Stuart Doyle, has without doubt provided a strong contribution. The campaign conducted by the team included leaflet distribution and briefings to other organisations supported by PowerPoint presentations. The Council congratulates this resolute team for their tireless efforts and their excellent results. Word of mouth continues to be a most effective advertising medium and members continue to be strongly encouraged to talk about our organisation and introduce new members. Council continues to urge members to invite guests to our luncheon-lectures and visits where they are able to showcase the Institute.

The Ursula Davidson Library The Institute has an excellent library with a focus on military history comprising some 35,000 books and is arguably the best of its type in New South Wales. Unfortunately, it is much underutilised. Last year there were 600 loans – 404 non-fiction and 195 fiction. The Council urges members to avail themselves of this outstanding reference library.

1Membership, by class, comprised: Honorary Life 4, Life 95, Honorary 18, Ordinary 684, Family 36, and Corporate 9.

United Service 60 (4) December 2009 Page 3 The Library Management Committee under the leadership Website of Lieutenant Colonel Peter Court, supported by Group The website has been established for nearly two years Captain Doug Roser, Major Laurie Hindmarsh, Captain Tony and the Council is pleased to report that it has developed into Walker and Mr Barry Collins, invested $3,991 in adding new an excellent asset for our organisation. Under the leadership editions to the collection to keep it up-to-date. of Captain Chris Skinner RAN, the development of the During the year, the Institute has been the recipient of website has been well managed and provides members of the generous donations of book collections bequeathed by Institute with the opportunity to access copies of addresses members. The Council wishes to publicly acknowledge by our guest lecturers; gain an update for coming events and donations from the John Laffin estate and the Neil MacArthur- the latest news; link to the RUSI Australia website; learn of the Onslow estate. The size of these collections has presented a latest acquisitions to the library; or purchase Institute significant challenge to the Library Management Committee. merchandise. Review and induction of them into the library is an ongoing The website is currently being reconfigured to enable process. There have also been generous cash donations to payments of membership subscriptions and purchase of support the library as enumerated in the Treasurer’s report2. merchandise using PayPal. Members already have the option Last year, the Council reported that a project to of using cash, cheque or direct debit when dealing directly computerise the library records had been launched. The task with the office. Shortly people wishing to join the Institute will has continued to grow to include the disposal of duplicate be able to do so on-line through the website. books or books that are not considered relevant to the library Importantly, the website continues to provide a link with collection. This is a large and demanding task and reflects a members of the community who share the goals and interests previous lack of husbandry of the library collection. A Library of the Institute and a portal for those members who cannot Development Committee3 was subsequently formed for this always attend the luncheon-lectures or visit the library. task and is led by Group Captain Doug Roser with The National Council of the Royal United Services membership comprising Brigadier Phil Carey, Captain Chris Institute (RUSI) of Australia at its meeting held in Melbourne Skinner RAN and Lieutenant Geoffrey Ellison. The Council is on 18 March 2009 agreed to proceed with evolving the pleased to advise that the progress made by the Committee national website to provide password-protected access for all has been considerable. The Committee’s first priority remains members of state and territory bodies. Work is underway to computerisation of the library records, recording the results in develop this website accordingly. At this stage, it is the a format that is compatible with the National Library of intention of the New South Wales Council to continue to Australia and thereby making the library much more widely maintain our own website and the links with the national available to the public (a condition of the Library’s Deductible website. In line with the national website, the Council is Gift Recipient tax status) – 1000 books have been recorded in considering providing a members-only section on our own this manner to date. The Committee also will continue with the site. Access to the members-only sections of both websites disposal process and will seek to identify a theme for our will require use of a password and the Council will keep you library so as to streamline the purchase, donation and the advised of developments. disposal processes. One of our members, Lieutenant Colonel John Howells, In April, Ms Jan Titcombe was employed as the Office has been the architect of the website and web manager. The Manager and Librarian. Ms Titcombe is well qualified and Council wishes to express its gratitude to Colonel Howells for brings a wealth of experience to both tasks. The positive effect his professional management of the site and the support he of her employment is already being noticed. and his company, continues to provide.

Journal – United Service Luncheon-Lecture Programme This year marks the anniversary of 62 years of unbroken The lecture programme has continued to be successful, publication of United Service, a journal of which we as with the Institute attracting high quality and interesting members can be justifiably proud and one which reflects the speakers during the year. This year the Lectures Committee hard work of our dedicated editor, Brigadier David Leece. The has endeavoured to continue to provide a balance between Journal continues to be published four times a year and is contemporary issues and matters of historical significance. held in high esteem. It continues to be a link across the During 2008-09, audiences attending lectures have averaged membership and into the community. The Council is grateful around 100 to 120 members and guests. In response to rising to Brigadier Leece and his supporting team Brigadier Phil costs, the price of the sandwiches plates was increased by a Carey, Group Captain Doug Roser and Air Vice-Marshal Bob dollar to $8. Treloar. Lectures delivered for the period include: “Commentary The Council also wishes to express its gratitude to the on Defence and Security Matters” (Neil James); “Mine members who have contributed articles, commemorative Warfare” (Captain Martin Brooker CSC RAN); “The Year in features, book reviews, letters to the Editor and other Review” (Mr Rory Medcalf – Lowey Institute); “The Life and commentary for inclusion in United Service. It is also Loss of HMAS Perth, 1939-42” (Mr Mike Carlton); “Fighting appropriate to acknowledge the continuing high performance the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan” (Major General Jim Molan of the publishers, Pinnacle Publications, and the printer, AO DSC); “Afghanistan Reconstruction Work by RTF4” Galloping Press, for the presentation of the journal. (Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman); “AE2 in the Dardanelles” (Commodore Terry Roach AM RAN Retd); “Australian Reserve Forces” (Major General Greg Melick AM RFD SC); “East Timor – Challenges and Future Prospects” (Colonel 2Published separately on our website at www.rusinsw.org.au. A paper copy may be obtained from the Office Manager by phone on (02) John Hutcheson); “Air Warfare Destroyer Project” (Captain 9393 2325 (between 12 noon and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday). Jaimie Hatcher AM RAN); and “Australia’s Border Control 3The terms of reference for the committee are: Operations” (Group Captain Warrick Paddon). • Develop policy for the development and management of the library, The Lectures Committee comprising Air-Vice Marshal Bob including development of a process for disposal of books identified Treloar, Rear Admiral Tony Hunt and Brigadier Phil Carey is to surplus to requirements. be commended for the quality of the programme. • Develop and oversee the conversion of the card catalogue to a computer-based catalogue. Anniversary Dinner • In the process of the development of the library, conduct a The 121st Anniversary Dinner was held at the Royal stocktake of the library holdings and report thereon to Council. Automobile Club of Australia on 21 August. The National

United Service 60 (4) December 2009 Page 5 President of the RUSI, Chris Ritchie AO RANR Patron: Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, and Mrs Ritchie attended as the Guests of Honour. The Governor of New South Wales dinner was supported by 90 members and their guests. The Vice Patrons National President addressed the dining group on his vision Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM CSC RAN for the RUSI in Australia. Major General David Morrison AM Major General Craig Williams AM Visits Programme Air Vice-Marshal Mark Skidmore RAAF The visits programme continues to be led by Commander John Ellis. During the reporting period, Commander Ellis President arranged visits to the RAN Diving and Hydrographic Schools, Air Vice-Marshal R B Treloar AO RAAFAR and an onboard visit to HMAS Stuart at Garden Island. The Immediate Past President visits were well attended and members and guests were Brigadier P R Carey AM RFD ED (Retd) invited to dine at the relevant wardroom. The hospitality Vice Presidents afforded our members by these organisations is very much Brigadier D R Leece PSM RFD ED (Retd) appreciated. Group Captain D J Roser RAAF (Retd) These visits are becoming increasingly popular and a visit Secretary and Public Officer to HMAS Kanimbla is programmed for September and a visit Lieutenant Colonel K J Broadhead RFD (Retd) to the Holsworthy Army establishment in November. Assistant Secretary Strategic and Business Planning Lieutenant Colonel E H Ralphs RFD ED (Retd) Following on from previous planning activities, Lieutenant Treasurer Geoffrey Ellison is leading a project to develop a strategic Lieutenant G McN Ellison CA MAICD (Retd) plan that will guide the development of the Institute for the Assistant Treasurer next decade. He is supported by members of the Executive Lieutenant P J Cameron FCA (Retd) Committee. It is a large and demanding task and one which requires vision, determination and a measured approach. It Representative Councillors will take some time to develop and implement. A business Captain N Teague CSM RAN plan will evolve from this activity. A successful outcome is vacant important as the viability of the Institute depends on it. Colonel K R Turner RFD Flight Lieutenant J de Haan RAAF Finance and Administration Elected Councillors The Institute remains in a sound financial position as the Mr J Braid audited statements of account show, despite the Institute’s Lieutenant Colonel P K Court RFD ED (Retd) stockmarket investments reducing in value. The General Flight Lieutenant S J Doyle (Retd) Fund incurred a loss for the 2008-09 year of $11,5454, Commander J W Ellis RANR (Retd) but had net assets as at 30 June 2009 of $173,131. In Colonel J S Haynes OAM (Retd) addition, the Library Gift Fund as at 30 June 2009 had a Rear Admiral A L Hunt AO RAN (Retd) balance of $9,981. Vice Admiral D W Leach AC CBE LVO RAN (Retd) We continue to be indebted to our Treasurer, Lieutenant Mr K S Pryor Peter Cameron, our Assistant Treasurer Lieutenant Geoffrey Air Vice-Marshal B H Short AM RFD RAAFSR (Retd) Ellison, and the Finance Committee led by Mr Keith Pryor for Major N Symon RFD ED (Retd) their continuing sound management of the Institute’s finances Honorary Auditor and investments. The Council expresses its gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel P J Edwards RFD CA (Retd) Lieutenant Colonel Peter Edwards for his service as Honorary Auditor. New Members Gratitude The Institute warmly welcomes the following new As President, I am keenly aware that the Councillors have members: significant obligations outside the Institute and I remain Lieutenant R D Crawford (Retd) deeply grateful for their willingness to take on additional tasks Air Commodore P F Devine RAAF (Retd) from time to time, and particularly for accepting long-term Mr E R Dickinson Council obligations. Mrs E D B Eggleton It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with the Corporal J J Gardner Council over the past year and to serve the Institute. Mr D J Hassett Mr C R Hill R. B. Treloar, AO Lieutenant Colonel A Hine Air-Vice Marshal, RAAFAR Squadron Leader P M Hughes RAF (Retd) President Mr W A V King Mr P H Lewis Sergeant B L McRae New Council Mr M F Morgan Following the Annual General Meeting on 14 September Lieutenant J E Nove, Royal Engineers (Retd) 2009, the Institute’s office-bearers and councillors for 2009- Lieutenant Commander M A Perrott RAN 2010 will be: Mr I M Stevens Ms J E Titcombe

Vale 4This included payment of salaries to both Mr John Renfrew and Ms Jan Titcombe ($8,000) for an overlap of employment of The Institute records with deep regret the deaths of the approximately two months. following members:

United Service 60 (4) December 2009 Page 7 Lieutenant K A Bond Flight Lieutenant R Bowman Captain J C Grover Captain D B Kirkpatrick Lieutenant H E Martin Major G F McGee Lieutenant L H Patterson Lieutenant W Pond Mr J R Richmond Major C R Wilshire

Ursula Davidson Library Gift Fund The Institute records its deep appreciation of the following recent donors to the Ursula Davidson Library Gift Fund: Wing Commander K C Andrews Captain G Beale Lieutenant Colonel D C Boyall Lieutenant Colonel K J Broadhead RFD Flying Officer K L Buls Mr M M Campbell Major B L Chapman ED Major F M Clark OAM RFD Lieutenant Colonel P K Court RFD ED Lieutenant G McN Ellison Lieutenant Colonel J Findlay Captain E A Flint MBE ED Major R I George Commodore J D Goble Lieutenant Colonel I M Guild MBE Captain W T Gwynne RFD Lieutenant Colonel V E Hallinan RFD ED Squadron Leader A Hind Major J G Hitchen RFD Vice Admiral D W Leach AC CBE LVO Brigadier D R Leece PSM RFD ED Captain J D Leece OAM Colonel K E Light Dr P E Newlyn Captain the Honourable Reverend F J Nile ED Dr P E Newlyn Major R C Olsson Colonel K J O’Neill DSO Commander R A Osborn Mr G F Paton Major J G Pegg Colonel D M Ramsay OAM Lieutenant W A Service Major J H Skipper Group Captain G J M Smith CSC Mr R H Thompson Mr F W Venn-Brown Colonel A D Watt OBE

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 19 January 2010 at 1 pm Level 11, Defence Plaza January luncheon-lecture Speakers: Two members of the Institute Subject: “Defence and Security – a Member’s Perspective”

Tuesday 23 February 2010 at 1 pm Level 11, Defence Plaza February luncheon-lecture Speaker: Major General David Morrison AM Commander, Forces Command Subject: “Forces Command”

United Service 60 (4) December 2009 Page 9