Riverside Express Issue 11

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RIVERSIDEXPRESS
THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (QLD BRANCH)
South Eastern District Ltd
42 Oxlade Drive
New Farm 4005
PO Box 45 New Farm 4005
Ph: 07 3358 3155
Fax: 07 3254 1520
[email protected]
EDITOR
Wendy Taylor:
[email protected]
www.rslsouthqueensland.com.au
SOUTH EASTERN
DISTRICT RSL
EXECUTIVE:
• President
Andrew Kilgour AM
• Senior Vice President
Dave Ardrey OAM
• Treasurer
Judith Munday OAM
• Company Secretary
Alan Hellier
• Vice Presidents
Peter Kinsella
Peter Mapp
Wendy Taylor
Neville Veal
• Zone Vice Presidents
Northern Zone
Neville Layt
Southern Zone
Dave Ardrey OAM
ISSUE. 11 - MARCH 2012
President’s Message
As you read this Newsletter, our Sub
Branches and the District are attending
to the annual process of AGMs. These
are an important part of attending to the
governance of these entities – I encourage
members to participate where you are
able to do so.
RSL (Qld Branch) delegates voted in a new
Constitution at the Extraordinary General
Meeting on 26 November 2011 – this
Constitution was finally registered by the
Office of Fair Trading on 2 February 2012. Over the next 12 months or so, District
Branches and Sub Branches which are
incorporated will need to go through the
process of adopting relevant changes to
their own Constitutions or Rules. The new
RSL (Qld Branch) Constitution is available
on line at www.rslqld.org
RSL South Eastern District celebrates its
90th Anniversary this year. The milestone
will be recognised at our District
Conference on 10 March 2012.
The District and our Sub Branches
continue to be active in the execution
of the RSL’s core objects of welfare and
advocacy, commemoration and patriotic
service, community engagement, and
youth development. I encourage all
members to be active in their Sub Branch
endeavours to the extent that health and
availability permit. For its part, the District
continues to offer: Pensions, Welfare
and Advocacy support from our team at
Greenslopes Private Hospital; information
for Welfare Officers and other interested
members through our bi monthly Welfare
Forums conducted at the District Office;
the conduct of some ‘Diggers Functions’
at the Riverside Receptions for veterans
and war widows in aged care facilities
across our region; and direct support of
the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade and the
annual VE Day Memorial Service (at the
SED Memorial Forecourt).
In assuming the District Presidency
in August 2011, I promised to improve
communication of information to the Sub
Branches. While I am confident that this
has certainly happened, we all need to
remain vigilant to ensuring that the flow
of information to Sub Branches is timely
and accurate. Equally, our members
should feel free to provide feedback
and initiate policy change through their
Sub Branches to District. The District
Council meets monthly and reviews/
progresses Sub Branch motions as they
arise. From time to time, the National or
State Presidents will seek input on policy
issues – the most recent example of this
occurred in December when the National
President sought advice on whether the
RSL should support a submission before
the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal
on the award of a VC to the Unknown
Soldier entombed at the Australian War
Memorial. I sought and received advice
from many Sub Branches over the space
of a few days and was able to provide SED
input to the State Board.
I wish you all the best as we get on with
the services that the RSL is famous for.
Andy Kilgour AM
District President
The next issue of the Newsletter will be due out in June 2012. Submissions
or letters to the Editor are always welcome. Please forward submissions
to the Editorfor inclusion in issue 12.
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RIVERSIDEXPRESS
COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE- VE Day
RSVP 27th April 2012
Ms Judith Munday OAM
Honorary Secretary
VE Day Committee
16 Samoa Street
TAIGUM 4018
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0409 872712
Dress: Lounge Suit/ Uniform
Medals may be worn The Chairman and the The VE Day Commemorative
Committee invite you to attend the 67th Anniversary
of the “Victory in Europe” to be held at the “Allies
Memorial” South Eastern District RSL 42-50 Oxlade
Drive New Farm on SATURDAY 12th May 2012
commencing at 1000hrs.
(Light refreshments will be served following the
Service)
The Committee would be pleased if you would provide and lay a wreath
to remember “Those who did not return”
DAY OF MOURNING SERVICE-30th April 2012
“Day of Mourning Service”
30 April 2012
4.30PM
ANZAC SQUARE BRISBANE
Commemorating the sacrifices of the
Republic of South Vietnem
AND ALL ALLIED SOLDIERS
THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY IS PART OF THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION, AND “DAY OF
MOURNING” PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE ALLIED AUSTRALIAN SERVICEMEN AND THOSE OF THE REPUBLIC
OF SOUTH VIETNAM WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE, OR FELL TO THE OCCUPATION
BY THE NORTH VIETNAMESE.
IT WAS ON 30 APRIL 1975 THAT THE NORTH VIETNAMESE INVADERS OVERRAN SAIGON.
Enquiries: Peter Mapp [RSL Darra Sub-Branch] 07 3372 1458 or 0415 313600
Email:[email protected]
RSL QLD certificate of achievement presented by SED
Company Secretary Alan Hellier to Dorothy Fraser (Defence
Service Nurses RSL Sub Branch) for her outstanding
accomplishments within the RSL and other Civilian
charitable organisations- Well Done Dorothy.
The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to other creatures;
but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.
Mark Twain 1835-1910
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THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (QLD BRANCH)
ISSUE. 11 - MARCH 2012
SUB BRANCH PROFILE
To make our series of Sub Branch profiles a little more personal we decided to also include individuals from Sub
Branches to enable others in the district to know more about their fellow members.
BARDON RSL SUB BRANCH How’s this for a Community Effort?
Bardon Sub Branch Welfare Officer, upon arranging his
usual visit to the Bardon State School to speak to the
students on Remembrance Day, was surprised to have
the new Principal ask him what he did. The Welfare
Officer, Kevin Howard told him he came to the School
to speak and see the small children perform. The new
Principal said “instead of you coming here, how about
I bring the school to you” Kevin asked, “how do you
get 250 students to the Bardon Bowls Club”? “March
them”, replied the Principal Craig Douglas, ‘I’ll put
them in training now”.
When news got around that the whole school was
marching to the Bowls Club for the RSL Sub Branch
service on Remembrance Day a good half km WOW!!!
Mrs Geraldine Knapp, councillor for the Gap, donated
$100 towards drinks for the students, with the Hon
Andrew Fraser (Patron of Bardon RSL Sub branch),
State Treasurer, and acting Premier also donating $100
and the Bardon RSL Sub Branch making up the rest.
The 250 children looked fantastic creeping along like
some worm creature, up and down the terrain, and
then occupying every vantage spot to see as much of
the Service as possible. When they began to wilt in the
heat, cold poppa drinks were handed out.
Another local touch was the rendition of the last post and
rouse by last year’s year seven student, Sam Doherty,
who got time off from his High School. Sam’s trumpet
was bugle like, and realistic; as it got the attention of
all. Sam is our regular Bugler young man.
At the end of the Service, the children marched off
reluctantly, one was overheard to say, “Wow, Super”.
Principal Craig said, “we must do this again”. The Sub
Branch members and the locals all agreed that the
whole thing was highly meaningful, with a bit of fun for
the Kids.
Has this been done at a Suburban Sub Branch
before????
Kevin Howard
Bardon RSL Sub Branch with Bardon State School at the Remembrance Day Service
Kevin Howard behind the Memorial Wall - picture 1
REDLANDS RSL SUB BRANCH Cadet Donations
Sunday 23rd October 2011 at our monthly Sub Branch
gathering, Acting President Alan Harcourt presented
three cheques provided by SED for the ongoing support
to the three Cadet Units in the Redlands Area. All the
Cadet Units in turn thanked the RSL and SED for the
support to our young Australians and also indicated the
funds assist in providing the Cadets in valuable training
as well as the day to day expenses in running a Cadet
Unit.
Following the presentation Capt Roland Heath from 136
Army Cadet Unit called upon myself to accept a donation
of a replica Steyr assault rifle to be placed on display
at our Library/Museum. Flying Officer Mick Brett from
217 Squadron Air Force Cadet Unit presented a RAAF
Ceremonial sword to be placed on display as well.
We have a large membership of Servicemen and
Women who have served and the above donations are
very much appreciated by all and is a great addition to
our collection of memorabilia.
Ian Gray
Vice President Redlands RSL
(L to R) SBLT Wayne Larsen, Capt Roland Heath and
FLGOFF Mick Brett
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RIVERSIDEXPRESS
TRAMWAYS RSL SUB BRANCH Col’s Nativity Scene
Decades before Brisbane’s community competitive
streak entered the Christmas display arena; one of
Bridgeman Downs man was crafting his own displayall by hand.
Colin Noller, who turned 93 in February, hasn’t let his
age stop him from regularly setting up his hand-carved
Nativity Scene display at Bridgeman Downs Aveo
Retirement Village. He hasn’t been tempted to enter
any of his displays in competitions, setting up his scene
purely “In the spirit of Christmas”. Despite living at
Aveo, and being older than many people in the village,
the retired farmer and World War 11 veteran just doesn’t
know how to sit still. He moved from Kingaroy to the
North side with his wife Lois in 2001 and brought with
him one of his five hand-crafted Christmas displays.
“He made all the figures (out of timber) including the
manger, a couple of shepherds and even a donkey”.
He said he had to use his imagination with the clothing
and was often “looked at a little differently” when he
shopped for women scarves at St Vincent de Paul
stores, which he used as clothing for the figures.
He has been setting up his Nativity Scene at the
retirement village for the past 10 years. The display
at night twinkles with hundreds of lights he has also
installed.
“This year people are very enthusiastic, they really
appreciate it”. Col said.
Keith Gardiner
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S RSL SUB BRANCH
On Saturday 29th October 2011 President Brian
Besgrove, Secretary Roy Tredwen and our photographer
Alan Langridge attended the Churchie Tri-Service Cadet
Graduation Parade. We have a very happy association
with the Churchie Cadets over the years. This year we
created a Perpetual Shield to be won by the Best Cadet
from any of the three Cadet Units, Navy, Army or Air
Force. This year it was won by a Cadet from the Army
Unit, he received a Replica of the Shield to keep. We also
had the pleasure on behalf of South Eastern District
RSL presenting each of the Cadet Units a cheque
for $2100 to be spent on equipment. President Brian
Besgrove is photographed presenting the cheques to
the representatives from the 3 Cadet Units. This was
well appreciated by the general public in attendance.
November was a very busy time for the Sub Branch with
members and their wives selling memorabilia at the
various shopping centres raising much needed funds for
our member’s welfare and the upkeep of our Memorial
Gardens. Remembrance Day Service was attended by
a large crowd including members from some of the
local nursing Homes. During the service our Chaplain
Doctor Noel Wallis blessed a Time Capsule containing
Sub Branch and National Service items and history.
This was buried in the Memorial Gardens to be opened
in twenty years’ time. Photo showing the Capsule being
blessed.
December 1st 2011 saw our members and wives
travelling by coach to Wivenhoe Dam for morning tea
and the presentation of Christmas presents to all.
Then on to historic Rosevale Retreat Hotel (which was
established in 1852, making it Queensland oldest hotel
building still in use) for a wonderful Christmas lunch
with all the trimmings. We returned a different route, a
really good way to finish the year.
President Brian Besgrove presenting the cheques to the
representatives from the 3 Cadet Units.
Chaplain Doctor Noel Wallis blessing a Time Capsule
containing Sub Branch and National Service items and history
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THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (QLD BRANCH)
ISSUE. 11 - MARCH 2012
BEERWAH/PEACHESTER RSL SUB BRANCH Life Member
At the Beerwah/Peachester RSL
Sub Branch on the 19th Nov 2011
Deputy State President John Strachan
OAM presented District Councillor,
Committee Member and Coast Zone
Vice President Neville Layt of the
Beerwah/Peachester RSL Sub Branch
with a Life membership badge and
Certificate.
Neville Layt with his Life
Membership Certifcate and RSL Card
Deputy State President John Strachan
OAM with Neville Layt
BEERWAH/PEACHESTER RSL SUB BRANCH Official Opening
Message from SED President
At last! The Beerwah/Peachester Sub Branch Inc has
officially opened its doors to the cheers and applause
of all those members who attended the official opening
of the Club on Thursday, 23 February 2012 and even the
rain could not dampen their spirits.
President John Rouhan and his team can be proud of
what they have achieved to get this Club up and running
after all the turmoil and obstacles that were placed in
their path. The Club looks amazing and the welcoming
feel when one walks through the front door is a credit to
John and his members. Mr Mark McArdle, MP officially
declared the Club open and reiterated the sentiments of
the local Councillor Mrs Anna Grosskreutz who noted
how much the Club had meant to the local area over
many years and what it meant to the local community to
have Beerwah/Peachester RSL Club open once again.
Ms Judith Munday OAM, Treasurer, South Eastern
District Ltd delivered the first address and presented
to the guests greetings from the SED President, Mr
Andrew Kilgour AM as he was unable to be present
due to commitments to the RSL State Board. Once the
Club was officially opened, all guests were invited to
partake of a delicious morning tea and entertained with
live music.
Next time you venture towards the North Coast, do
yourself a favour and drop into the Beerwah/Peachester
RSL Club for a visit. You will be glad you did.
Judith Munday OAM –Treasurer SED
Greetings from the Board and District Council of RSL
South Eastern District on the occasion of the Official
Opening of the Beerwah RSL Club. Today represents
the beginning of a new phase in the long and successful
history of the Beerwah/Peachester RSL Sub Branch.
The Sub Branch has always been a corner stone of the
local community and the Official Opening of the Club
today is yet another example of the Sub Branch and its
close engagement with community.
The recent history surrounding the facility has certainly
been disruptive for both the Sub Branch and the
community. The tenacity and vision of the Sub Branch
Executive over the last twelve months to restore this
great community facility to the condition that it is now
in is a credit to Sub Branch President, Mr John Rouhan,
and his team. The Board of RSL South Eastern District
has been pleased to support the Beerwah/Peachester
Sub Branch in its outstanding achievement.
On behalf of the Board and District Council I wish the
Beerwah/Peachester RSL Sub Branch the very best
as this outstanding facility once again serves the local
community surrounding Beerwah.
Andy Kilgour AM -District President
RSL South Eastern District Ltd
Photos from SED Life Members Lunch 23rd November 2011
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RIVERSIDEXPRESS
ASHGROVE RSL SUB BRANCH Membership
of the District.
With a broader reach to the community, it is anticipated
that more activities and events can be planned and
delivered.
Some of the Citizens Auxiliary work-in-progress
initiatives include:
The Ashgrove District RSL Sub Branch is celebrating
it’s 80th Anniversary! According to its Charter, the RSL
was formed February 29th, 1932.
2010 saw the formation of a Citizen’s Auxiliary. Now,
family and community members are eligible to join
the Citizens Auxiliary and support the Objects of the
Ashgrove District RSL Sub Branch.
A number of community events are being planned over
the year in response to membership input.
Every year the Ashgrove RSL has been reaching out
to the community to deliver day trips and other social
events to improve the welfare of its members and that
- The Birralee Blokes Choir Project
-A
Facebook information service for community
awareness
- Jackson Irwin, 2011 Australia Pride Medalist to
encourage local young leaders
ASHGROVE RSL SUB BRANCH Annual Visit to Greenslopes Private Hospital
For 25 years, Les Gordon has been playing Santa for the
Ashgrove RSL Sub Branch.
As the current Vice President, and with the help of the
Citizens Auxiliary as Santa’s Helpers, Les brings the
spirit of Christmas to the Ward.
Both patients and staff have a wonderful afternoon
spending time together opening gifts, sharing stories
and reminiscing of times gone by.
Welfare activities like these are a large part of the good
work the membership contributes to the community.
Community fundraising efforts by the Ashgrove RSL,
through the annual Poppy Appeal and other RSL
initiatives, raise
funds for the
continuation
of the delivery
of its services
and community
activities.
PALMWOODS RSL SUB BRANCH 90th Anniversary
A few short years after World War I, a few ex-servicemen
formed the Palmwoods RSL Sub Branch. This year,
as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary, we continue to
support our community:
• In 2011, we donated 1,200 ANZAC Day ribbons and
1,600 Remembrance Day poppies to Palmwoods,
Eudlo, Chevallum and Woombye State schools. We
were successful in applying for a SED community
grant for this project, for which we are most grateful.
• October 2011 we hosted our annual reunion luncheon
to which we had 110 attend. Once again we were
successful in applying for a
SED community grant to cover
costs for putting on such an
event, thankyou very much. We
were pleased to welcome the
SED executive who travelled
from Brisbane to be with us,
Andy Kilgour, Dave & Merline
Ardrey, and Neville Veal.
• November 2011, on behalf of
SED, we presented a cheque
for $2,150 to 207 Squadron Australian Air Force
Cadets, who we have been proud supporters of for
many years.
Unfortunately during the last 12 months, we have lost
three of our much loved and long serving members,
which has reduced our membership to 20. Nevertheless,
we continue to help our community in whatever way we
can.
Richard Waldie- Secretary
Remembrance Day Edulo State School
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Remembrance Day Woombye State School
THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (QLD BRANCH)
ISSUE. 11 - MARCH 2012
CITY-NEW FARM RSL SUB BRANCH Supports Community
City-New Farm Sub Branch has recently agreed
a donation plan which will see $6000 donated to
community activities during 2012.
As a result of our Sub-branch’s successful Anzac
merchandise and Poppies selling prior to Anzac and
Remembrance Days, we have raised enough funds to
make considerable donations to a number of local area
welfare providers as well as local primary schools. Of
course the major recipient of our support is the RSL
Care Haven Treetops in New Farm. Over the years
we have either provided, or arranged for the provision
of, funds for the fitting out of the Sensory Room at
Treetops, developing their Sensory Garden, providing for
a number of Hi-Lo electric beds, and the Care Haven’s
monthly entertainment activities for the residents. The
development of the Sensory Garden, which includes
raised tank gardens for vegetables, herb gardens, fruit
trees and a chook house with resident chooks, not only
required considerable financial support from our Subbranch, but also the physical activity of a number of our
members. They worked in the construction of the tank
gardens and the chook house/run, and the planting of
various vegetables, herbs and fruit trees.
Another of the local area welfare providers the SubBranch supports is the 139 Club Inc. The 139 Club
has been operating in the inner Brisbane City area for
the past 36 years and, since 1988, at 505 Brunswick
Street, Fortitude Valley. This Club is the largest day
centre supporting persons experiencing homelessness
and other social barriers in Queensland. There are
approximately 60,000 – 70,000 visits to the Club each
year for the services provided by the Club. The Club
offers these people a safe haven during the day away
from the streets - a place where it is warm, comfortable
and safe. Some of the services offered are: free and
low cost meals (Breakfast and Lunch); day beds for
people who have had a rough night on the streets;
warm showers and personal hygiene products such as
soap and toiletries; laundry facilities including washing
powder so people can have clean clothes; lockers for
personal belongings; and sitting areas where people
can mix, watch TV or a movie. The centre also provides
a mail and message collection service. Visiting services
include a doctor, a nurse, a chiropractor, Centre Link,
Caxton Legal Services, and others who deal with drug
and alcohol abuse and mental health.
The City-New Farm RSL Sub-Branch is very proud of
the support its members provide to a number of local
area welfare providers including the 139 Club. Long
may the 139 Club provide much needed support to the
less fortunate who live in our Grand City and long may
our Sub-branch continue to support our most worthy
local area welfare providers.
Ross Clelland AM
The 139 Club 505 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
HOLLAND PARK- MT GRAVATT RSL SUB BRANCH 50th Anniversary
Photos taken on the 8 February 2012 at the Celebration of the Holland Park- Mt Gravatt RSL Sub Branch 50th Anniversary
What did the Number 0 say to the Number 8? Nice Belt... Well the kids like it!
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RIVERSIDEXPRESS
NERANG RSL SUB BRANCH Community & Welfare Grant
moisturises, decorations and so on… Your donation will
also provide students with a free celebration luncheon
at a restaurant for their completion at the end of each
term and an end of year follow-up event called Shine
Reunion in 2012.
“The Shed” deals with the concerns we have for the
future of our young men and also builds leadership,
team
skills and practical life skill information for students.
Each week the program runs through games and
activities that pertain to each new topic we go through
such as dealing with man’s identity, his responsibilities
and the doors that open up real adventure for the
authentic man.
This money donated has now enabled us to continue
the Shed Program for 2012 providing a wholesome
breakfast (which is an integral part of the program
each week). It also enables us to cover our costs for
the Shed Celebration BBQ Night at the end of each
Term with their respective father/guardian/male role
model in life and an end of year follow-up Camp Trip
to the Outlook Campsite in Boonah were we practically
challenge our young men with everything they have
learned throughout the program.
Once again thank you for your support! If you would like
more details about the following programs please don’t
hesitate to contact me.
Nerang RSL Sub Branch, with funds provided by SED
Community and Welfare grants program was able to
help the Nerang State High School with two of their
projects. The below excerpt is from the School Chaplain
Principal.
On behalf of Nerang State High School we would like
to thank you for your contribution/donation of $5,000
towards the SHED/SHINE Program’s. Your contribution
will go a long way towards shaping our future generation
and tackling issues concerning students at their critical
time in life for 2012.
Below is a little bit about both programs you are
supporting and what we intend to utilize your donation
for in our programs for 2012.
The Shine Program is a personal development program
with an inspirational, practical and experiential
approach to learning with a heart to see healthy values
formed in our youth and create an environment where
young people, especially girls, can discover truth.
The program is designed to create a non-confronting
environment for students which help breakdown
communication barriers and assists in building rapport
between students and facilitators. The overall aim of the
program is for the girls to feel accepted, valued, believed
in, and treated with understanding in an environment
that is motivating and encourages growth.
This money donated has now enabled us to continue the
Shine Program for 2012 and purchase resources utilized
each term such as journals, books (such as Broken
Wing Butterfly), gifts, makeup and grooming utensils,
Chris Perry Scott Ison
Nerang State High School Chaplain Principal
Presentation of cheque for $5000 to Nerang
State High School.
David Barnicoat Secretary Nerang RSL Sub Branch Mr. John Brinkworth
Deputy President Nerang RSL Sub Branch,
Mr. Chris Perry Nerang State High School Chaplain (holding paper) and
the Mentors of the Shed Program.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT? OR WHERE THIS IS?
This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division of the United States of
America. It will eventually be shipped to the USA and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood, Texas.
The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was
forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts
of Saddam that dotted Baghdad Kalat was so grateful for the America ‘s liberation of his country; he
melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a
memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months... To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier
comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms. Riverside Express invites all members of SED to contribute to OUR Newsletter. We welcome Letters to the Editor–
Upcoming Events for your Sub Branch– Jokes– Quotes and Items for Discussion, etc.
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