Registered by AUSTRALIA POST NO. 100003999 THE December 2013 VOL. 36 No. 6 The official journal of THE RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA POSTAGE PAID SURFACE ListeningListeningWA Branch Incorporated • PO Box 3023 East Perth, 6892 • Established 1920 PostPostAUSTRALIA MAIL Merry Christmas Remembrance Day 2013 articles inside 2 THE LISTENING POST December 2013 THE December 2013 VOL. 36 No.6 Listening Post LISTENING POST MESSAGE BOARD Deadline for next edition: 3rd February 2013 For contributions to next edition. Opinions expressed by contributors in If possible, submissions should be typed and double-spaced. articles and reproduced articles are the Preferred method of receiving submissions is via email. individuals opinions or the authors of such Photographs can be black and white or colour. This is your reproduced articles and are not necessarily journal and contributions are welcome. those of the RSL. Address to: The Editor, The Listening Post Reproduction of articles (or extracts) contained in The Listening RSL, PO Box 3023 East Perth, WA 6892 Post are welcomed, provided the source is acknowledged. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject, sub-edit and Email: [email protected] re-arrange material submitted for publication. The State President, Graham Edwards AM, The State President and State Executive andwishes the allState members Executive of RSL WAwishes a Merry all members Christmas of and a RSL WAHappy a Merry & Safe Christmas New Year and a Happy & Safe New Year CONTACT DIRECTORY Editorial Information Contact Directory STATE Editor/Vice President: Denis Connelly (08) 9287 3716 CEO / State Secretary: CMDR Phillip Orchard EXECUTIVE Email: [email protected] AFNI RAN (Rtd) Assistant Editor: Amy Hunt (08) 9287 3700 Assistant State Secretary: Nola Keen 2012-2015 RSL Advertising: Executive Assistant: Caitlin Harnwell Editorial Assistant: Nola Keen State President Administrative Assistant: Amy Hunt Email: [email protected] Mr Graham Edwards AM Mr John McCourt Receptionist: Wendy Quinn Graphic Design: Type Express Mr Peter Aspinall Membership: Kathy Clark, 8.00am to 3.30pm State Vice President Printer: Rural Press Mr Ross Davies Mon-Thurs, 9287 3705 Mr Denis Connelly Mrs Donna Prytulak Contact Details ANZAC House Manager: Matthew Holyday 9287 3714 State Treasurer Mr Damian Dixon The Returned & Services League of Australia Financial Services: Peter McGlade 9287 3718. Mr Phillip Draber RFD JP WA Branch Incorporated Helen Beech 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Thurs 9287 3703 Mr Tony Fletcher State Executive ANZAC House 28 St Georges Tce PERTH WA 6000 Records and Information Manager: Helen Starkie Trustees Mr Bob Allen OAM Email: [email protected] Welfare: Rosalind Howat 8.30am 4.30pm Mr Kevin Trent OAM RFD JP Mon-Fri, 9287 3707 • 0412 009 191 Mrs Judy Bland Website: www.rslwahq.org.au Mr Wayne Tarr RFD ED Telephone: (08) 9287 3799 Snr Advocate: Jim Boland 8.00am to 4.00pm Mr Gavin Briggs Facsimile: (08) 9287 3732 Mon-Fri, 9287 3708 Mr Bill Collidge RFD Mr Don Blair OAM RFD ED WA Country Callers: 1800 259 799 Mr David Elson BM STATE Secretary PO Box 3023, East Perth, WA 6892 Mr Scott Rogers CMDR Philip Orchard AFNI RAN (Rtd) THE LISTENINGTHE LISTENING POST December POST October 2013 20093 3 The Presidents Page GRAHAM EDWARDS AM POPPY DAY Like many of you I was appalled, disgusted, This was a crime he should never have been angered but above all saddened to learn subjected to and a crime which should raise the of the Poppy Day snatch and grab of a hackles of every decent law abiding Australian. collection tin from 93 year old war veteran I believe Alby is entitled to the mateship, Mr Alby Passmore. support and comfort of knowing that we in Mr Passmore has for many years collected on the RSL stand with him share his anger at this Poppy Day at the Gosnells shopping centre. unacceptable experience. This year he was subjected to a crime he could Should he have to attend court to give evidence not have anticipated nor contemplated. against the accused then I believe a strong showing of RSL members, well dressed and His collection tin was snatched from his table wearing their medals, should attend with him to and the offender bolted. Unable to chase he show him, his mates, his sub-branch and the could only watch as his mate Don Blanchard broader community that he does not stand alone. tried to give chase but fell. This was a despicable crime against an aged The Coles employee who did give chase digger. Indeed not just against an aged digger and caught the offenders was beaten and the but a crime against a community tradition and a offenders escaped with the tin containing several community standard. hundred dollars. The employee was injured but I understand has now recovered and I will write A crime that we should not allow to be glossed to him on behalf of RSLWA to thank him for his over. endeavours and wish him well. It is unacceptable to us that one of our aged, A member of the WA Police Force in the South Eastern suburbs started a collection The money was not important compared to respected and dedicated members was so treated to replace the money stolen. As a result of their generosity they recently presented Alby the wellbeing of Mr Passmore and those who and so too it should be unacceptable to our with some $2800 donated from their ranks. assisted him. community. RECOGNITION OF YOUNGER VETERANS If this recognition and acknowledgement of service line. All in jest of course but the humour was so The 12 months since election to the position is not shown next year it just may not happen at all. characteristic of Australian who did it tough. Above all the RSL must not repeat the cold shoulder of State President have flown. It has been a Something Wally said that day has stuck in my offered to Vietnam Veterans and as always we must busy year with some runs on the board but a memory ever since because of the passion with earn from our mistakes of the past. lot more to chase. which he said it. VALE RSLWA is in good shape with strong work being done He simply said “if you didn't have a mate you didn't in and around our sub-branches and membership It is of great sadness that we learnt of the survive.” base. This is being complemented by the work passing of Mandurah Sub-branch stalwart of Phil Orchard and his team at ANZAC House. Wally Holding. Rest in Peace Wally and I am sure when the Pearly Numerous positive decisions have been taken which Gates open there will be many a “mate” to greet will carry us into 2014. Wally served in the 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion and you. was taken prisoner when Singapore fell. Like so Importantly these include the decision to many of his mates he suffered on the Thai/Burma FESTIVE GREETINGS acknowledge our younger veterans by inviting them railway and in Changi prison as a POW. As this is the final Listening Post for 2013 I want to to lead our March next year. He joined the RSL early after his return to Australia take the personal opportunity on behalf of Noelene This will be an Australia wide ANZAC Day RSL and through a life of service to our organisation, and myself, to wish you and your families a peaceful initiative and each State RSL has agreed that we need the local cadets, his fellow members and mates and gentle Christmas which we hope will bring an to take this opportunity to recognise all who have he was recognised with Life Membership and the opportunity to relax and enjoy this special time of served post-Vietnam through various deployments Meritorious Service Award. the year with loved ones, family members and your from Somalia right through to Afghanistan. " mates " While the logistics are still being worked through I remember listening to an argument Wally had it is important to provide this recognition and with a mate after a recent ANZAC Day Service. Thank you for your support throughout the year and acknowledgement next year because the followings One had worked on the Thai end of the notorious I will welcome 2014 with enthusiasm, a sense of years will see the strong focus on the Centenary of railway and the other on the Burma end. They were challenge and confidence knowing that RSLWA has ANZAC. arguing over which group had built the best railway much to look forward to. Bruce Rock 2013 Bruce Rock 2013 4 THE LISTENING POST December 2013 Bruce Rock Parade Bruce Rock Parade Bruce Rock RSLWA State Secretary and State other stall holders including TPI, Partners President Graham Edwards set up of Veteran and many more. shop over the Veterans weekend at We will be back there next year Graham Bruce Rock. said and if the weekend is held immediately A big crowd of veterans, family, friends after the Commemoration in Albany it was and locals enjoyed the great atmosphere likely that many veterans will combine the and the friendship which has now become a two events. hallmark of this annual event. Phil Orchard said 'it is important for the From all reports the RSL presence was RSL State Branch to venture into new areas, appreciated and numerous pieces of particularly as BR does not have its own information and material were passed sub branch and maximise the opportunity onto veterans and their families who made enquiries. to talk to the local population and visitors to the area about what the RSL is focussing on State President Graham Edwards said he for the future and Centenary period.