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Thc-rsl.org.au

Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Sub Branch
NEWSLETTER
October/November, 2010 Edition Returned & Services Tweed Heads & Coolangatta League of Australia President: Joe Russell - 07 55344076
Secretary: Dr. John Griffin - 07 55361164
Treasurer: Norman Henstridge - 07 55344644
Pensions & Welfare Coordinator: Jenny. - 07 55361164
Newsletter Editor: Les. Taylor - 07 55234746
Sub-Branch Office: Twin Towns Services Club Building,
Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.
Office hours: 09:00 am to 12:00 noon, Tuesday to Friday.
Postal Address: P.O.Box 369, Tweed Heads, NSW, 2485
Phone: 07 55361164. Fax: 07 55994400. Web: www.thc-rsl.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Tweed Heads & Coolangatta "LOOKING AFTER OUR OWN" From the President:
Contents:
Spring has arrived and I hope everyone got through a cold winter well. Many of our members have not been in good health and I wish them all a speedy re- From the President covery and happier times ahead. Flexible advance payments I am sad to report that one of our very good Welfare Officers, Bill O'Connor passed away. Many would know Bill who was a Welfare and Visitation Officer at John Flynn Calendar of Events, 2010 Hospital for many years. He will be missed. ESO Composite Programme. Jenny and the Pension Officers are looking at the files and have been trying to finalise Health identifier service. some of the older cases. Travelscene Twin Towns We have been contacting members who may not be getting their full entitlement. If you feel that you need your pension file looked at, please contact Jenny and ar- Korea President's letter range an appointment with a Pensions Officer. F111 Maintenance workers We have had some very good results re-opening the old files. Army Iroquois Choppers Also, if you are caring for someone or you are being cared for, you may be entitled Help for G.C. War Museum 8 to a Carer's Allowance (This is not means tested). History recordings in A.W.M. 9 If you want to discuss the Carer's Allowance please contact me at the Sub-Branch Anzac Centenary commem. Veteran Community notices Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels honoured 10 T.H.& C Sub-Branch officers T.H. & C . Sub-Branch welfare 11 Students, Defence technology 12 Warship acquisitions. Thanks from Parramatta Deceased Members/Funerals. 13 New health cards The Waterloo dinner ‘Popeye' to the rescue. Montevideo Maru tragedy. Newsletter Questionnaire October/Nove
mber, 2010 Edition
New Issue of Australian Health Cards, 2010.
All Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Repatriation Health Cards are due to expire during 2010 and the issue of new cards has progressed through the year. All eligible veterans, war widows/widowers and dependants will be issued with a new card during 2010. Some improvements have been made to the new cards and the cards look slightly different but there have been no changes to either eligibility or how the cards may be used. The changes are as follows:  The magnetic stripe on the cards contains the card holder's name, file number, card type and the card expiry date (which is also shown on the front of the card). No sensitive information is contained in the magnetic stripe. Former versions of the cards had a magnetic stripe but this was not activated (i.e. it contained no information);  The cards contain micro printing and a DVA registered hologram as additional security features to ensure the cards can- not be reproduced illegally;  The scanning number above the card holder name has been removed; and  Leading zeros have been added to some file numbers; for example, ZX1234 would now appear as ZX001234. These changes are expected to improve provider satisfaction, as this wil enable providers to swipe DVA cards in the same way Medicare or Private Health Fund cards are currently utilized. By improving the claiming experience for the providers it will increase the likelihood of providers accepting DVA cards. Specialised descriptions on DVA Gold Cards will remain unchanged, these descriptions include but are not limited to:  Totally and Permanently Incapacitated;  War Widow/Widower; and  PoW. For the first time, eligible veterans, war widows/widowers and dependants living overseas will receive a DVA card. This means they wil no longer have to obtain a "letter of authority' from DVA when they receive health care in Australia. Entitlement to treatment overseas is limited to veterans that have an accepted disability/disabilities and DVA funds treatment of those accepted disabilities only. This process for receiving treatment while overseas will not change. Further information, including images of the new cards, can be found on the DVA website: http://www.dva.gov.au/benefitsandservices/health/health_cards/pages/changes_march_2010.aspx Or telephone: 1800 555 254 (Country residents) or 133254. Or visit the VAN Office, Tweed Heads. Free ID for War Widows and Pensioners
An announcement was recently made by the NSW Government concerning changes to driver licencing, vehicle registration and NSW Photo Card fee concessions for
war widows and pensioners. Photo Cards may be obtained from any RTA Motor Registry.

Pensioners and war widows applying for a NSW Photo Card will be exempt from fees, and all war widows, irrespective of
their age, will not have to pay for their driver's licence or vehicle registration.
The NSW Photo Card is a voluntary identification card for people who do not hold a current NSW driver's licence or other
form of photo identification, to help them prove who they are. It replaces the proof of age card and brings them into line with driver's licences. Now pensioners and war widows, regardless of whether they hold a pensioner concession card, will not be charged to obtain a Photo Card. This change will help with access to government services as well as providing identification when people might be asked to show photo identification to commercial retailers and service providers. War widows under 60 currently receive concessions on their driver's licence and vehicle registration. This change will mean all war widows will be able to receive these concessions. That will make driving cheaper for them. Before war widows older than 60 had to hold a pensioner concession card to continue to receive the concessions. For enquiries, phone: 02 8588 5535 or email [email protected] Source: DFWA ‘NATTER' , June, 2010. October/November, 2010 Edition Calendar of Events for Tweed Heads & Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch in 2010.
Day/Date
Time (Qld)
Members' General Meeting. Mon. 22 February Members' General Meeting Members' General Meeting Members' General Meeting Members' General Meeting Members' General Meeting Mon. 26 July Guest spkr: Snr. Const. Scott Griffin; "Action required after involvement in a vehicle accident".
Mon. 30 August
Members' General Meeting Guest speaker: Jan. Fitzgerald; Brand name or Generic Medicines?
Mon. 27 September Members' General Meeting & Social Luncheon Mon. 27 September Guest speakers: Abigail Broderick & Deleese Boyd; "Home Front Services"
Members' General Meeting Signatures restaurant.
Guest speakers: Project reps. from the Banora Point Upgrade Alliance.
Thu. 11 November Chris. Cunningham Park Mon. 29 November Members' General Signatures restaurant.
Mon. 29 November Guest speaker: S. McPherson; ‘Wills, Enduring powers of Attorney & Executor services'
Ex-Services Organisations, Composite Programme of Events.
E.S.O. Event
Coach excursion to Alstonville, Ballina & Byron Bay. (NSW time). Morning tea (Devonshire Tea) at House With No Steps, Alstonvil e. Visit Navy Museum, Ballina, ( $2 coin donation). Hamburger & chips lunch & tour of Brewery, Byron Bay. Cost $15, each passenger. Purchase tickets at Sub-Branch office. Coach excursion to Brunswick Heads (Morning tea), Rocky Creek Dam Depart TTSC Wharf St. entrance at 09.00 NSW time. All inclusive fare, NAA members and their partner: $30 p/p. Visitors: $35.00 p/p. Caribou Retires after 45 Years of Service.
After 45 years of faithful service the RAAF have retired it's aging fleet of Caribou aircraft. The Caribou aircraft has been in service with the RAAF since 1964 and has been involved in virtually every conflict from Vietnam onwards. The versatile short take off and landing capabilities of the Caribou have been used to good effect in many opera-tions. The aircraft were set to retire in 2013 but the Government has brought the date forward. Source: Gold Coast Flyer, Vol.6, Issue 3, Aug. 2010. October/November, 2010 Edition.
TWEED HEADS & COOLANGATTA RSL SUB-BRANCH
EXCURSION TO THE IPSWICH RAIL MUSEUM.
It is promoted as the birthplace of rail in Queensland and the newest campus of the Queensland
Museum and it provides an opportunity to transition 140 years (the first train to run in Queensland steamed from
here to Bigges Camp, now Grandchester, over 140 years ago) of development in rail transport in a one day visit.
These oldest continually operating railway workshops in Australia, where thousands worked during the decades of
rail construction and expansion and produced 200 steam locomotives, are now operated by a group of enthusiasts
passionately restoring and displaying icons which make for a visitor experience second to none.
The Workshops Rail Museum is a campus of the Queensland Museum, the custodian of the State's natural and cul-
tural heritage and a much-loved icon in the lives of many Queenslanders. It includes a ‘Nipper's Railway' , a monster
‘Model Railway' and various and numerous ‘hands on' displays.
Our visit by thirty two members and partners included a two-course lunch in the Heritage Dining room.a silver-
service, dine-in-style, venue.
Visit www.qm.qld.gov.au for information on other campuses of the Queensland Museum.
Australian National Service
60th. Anniversary, 2011

The Memorial (Image at right) to Australia's Navy, Army & Air Force National Servicemen was
dedicated in a ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial on 8 September, 2010. The Memo-rial is a dignified and striking tribute to all National Servicemen. Set in it's own garden, it bears the inscription: "Dedicated to all Australian National Servicemen and in memory of those who died". Of the 287,000 Australian men called up for National Service, from 1951 to 1972, 19,450 served in Vietnam, all with the Army. The Royal Australian Mint has produced a new 50 cent coin (image at right) to commemorate the 60th. Anniversary of National Service. At the recently constructed National Service Memorial site , one of the coins were permanently laid under the dedication plaque by Major General Steve Gower, AO, AO(Mil), Director of the Australian War Memorial, as an everlasting symbol of gratitude to these servicemen. Details of the minted coin are: Metal: Cupro nickel. Diameter: 31.5mm. October/November, 2010 Edition SUPPORTER OF THE QUEENSLAND RSL BOWLS ASSOCIATION-
GOLD COAST ZONE
ELSCENE TWIN TOWNS
Level 2, Twin Towns Resort,
Wharf St., Tweed Heads
Ph: 07 55994088
October/November, 2010 Edition QRSLBA-Gold Coast Zone
President Gorden McLaren 55961210
Secretary Les Taylor 55234746
Treasurer Norman Bradbrook 55246565
Games Director Garry Pickett 55904411
The Darling Downs, Gold Coast, S.E. Brisbane & Sunshine Coast, Zones bussed their players to Bongaree B.C. on Sunday,12 September.'10 to compete in the Inter-Zone Shield competition but, for the second consecutive year, the Brisbane Zone were too strong and retained the Shield. It will be displayed at the Bribie Island B.C. for the next 12 months. Congratulations to H.Mason, A. Crombie & T. Gerrish (Skip) who won the GCZ social bowls at Kingscliff in August & to J. Crombie, G. McLaren & K. Schmidt (Skip) who were runners up. The Weather was fine with strong winds and, with the greens running at 20 secs., play was 'interesting'! The Tweed Heads B.C. hosted the GCZ social bowls on Sunday, 19 September. The 2 games of 15 ends of 2 bowls triples resulted in J. Pearce (Skip), B. Massey & C. McHaffie winning and D. Falvey (Skip), G. McLaren/G.Pickett & L. Pickett coming second. The Test Squad, 2010, will play a Trial game against a selected side at Beenleigh B. C. on Sunday, 3rd. October,'10. Social bowl-ers and partners are encouraged to attend to share the day's activities including a full BBQ lunch. Congratulations to Frank Dawson who struck silver in the Men's Singles and Bronze in the Open Pairs at the Vision Impaired games at Enoggera in August, 2010. Congratulations also to members Barry Jackson and Mick Round who have been elected President and SVP respectively of the McKenzie Park B.C. at Nerang. For further information, please contact the Secretary, Tel: 07 55234746; Email: [email protected] COMMEMORATING THE KOREAN WAR
To commemorate the anniversary of the Korean War, I was recently invited by the Korean Government to participate in the 2010 Peace Camp for Youth and the March for Peace and Unification. Between 20-31 July, 2010, I and other university students from around the world travelled to South Korea to participate in events which paid respect to the United Nations forces who risked their lives on behalf of South Korea. Each participant in the event had a Grand-Father who fought in the Korean War. Over two weeks we visited many important sites, such as the Seoul National Cemetery, the War Memorial of Korea, the U.N. Cemetery in Busan and Panmunjeom in the De-Militarised Zone (DMZ). We also participated in many events to promote peace in Korea, such as a bicycle peace march, a march along the DMZ (from Dosol battalion to the Gachilbong Observation Post), a group artwork, a music concert for peace and even a Korean gameshow! We listened to lectures from compelling speakers, such as a man from North Korea who escaped into South Korea. We also enjoyed many tourist activities, such as the bullet train, Seoul tower, Haeundae beach and Hantan river rafting. I was deeply impressed with the developments made by South Korea in the last 60 years. They are the first country to have gone from being an aid recipient to an aid donor, with their total GDP growing 745 times since the Armistice was signed. I feel very proud of the efforts made by my Grand-Father (Les. Taylor) and his fellow U.N. soldiers when I consider the im-mense changes that have occurred. Today, South Korea is taking strides to bring about unification with the North, and I sincerely hope that one day Korea will achieve peaceful unification. I am immensely grateful to my South Korean hosts for the opportunity to visit Korea and learn more about the Korean War. I and my fellow participants now have a greater understanding of the need for peace in Korea and a greater appreciation of the efforts made by our Grand-Fathers on behalf of South Korea. October/November, 2010 Edition Repatriation Benefits List
The following is a list of products that are available on a Doctor's prescription for Gold Card Repatriation Patients.
It is recommended that you take the list with you to your Doctor as he/she may not be aware of all these medica-
tions being available to Veterans and then, when you get to your Chemist, he/she may have to order them in.
Skin care:
Sorbolene & Glycerine cream, Calmurid cream, & Pinetarsol solution.
Hair care:
Sebitar shampoo, Sebi rinse conditioner, Nizoral shampoo, & Selsun.
Suncare:
15+ cream, lotion, & solarstick, Ego Sun Sense 30+, & Aquasun.
Oral hygiene: Savacol Aquae Spray for dry mouth.
Allergies:
Telfast, Claratyne, Zyrtec, Phenergan, Drixine nasal spray, Beconase nasal spray, Rhincort nasal spray, Sudafed, & Demazin tablets. Cough mixtures: Senagar & Ammonia, Durotuss.
Fibre supplements & Laxatives: Nucolox, Normacol, Metamucil, Coloxyl with Senna, Senokot, Glycerine Sup
Dressings:
Micropore tape, Cutilfilm Plus waterproof dressings, Metolin dressings, Handy Bandages, Cotton Wool, Betadine Antiseptic, Solugels, Barrier creams, Disposable gloves, & Prantal powder.
Antifungal Agents: Lamasil cream, Canesten cream, Loceryl nail paint.
Haemorroidal treatments: Proctocedyl ointment & suppositories, Anusol.
Ear preparations:
Ear Clear for wax, Waxsol, Ceromol ear drops.
Vitamins & Minerals: Calcium sup tablets, Caltrate, Vityamin B1 (Betamin), Magnesium tablets (Mag-Min),
Accomin
Joint pain & Arfthritis:
Metsal cream or liniment. Arthro-Aid (Glucosamine).
Sexual health: Viagra, Cialis, Caverject.
Pain:
Asprins-Cartia, Astrix capsules, Cardiprin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen.
Weight loss: Optifast, Xenical.
Various:
Nicorette patches (Quit smoking), Vermox ural sachets (Urinary alkalinizer). October/November, 2010 Edition MEDIA RELEASE
Defence opens new warehouse at Bandiana
Commander Joint Logistics, Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib, recently opened Defence's newest warehouse in Albury / Wodonga The new facility will replace eight World War II-era warehouses at the Bandiana site and will be fitted with technology and equipment that will significantly streamline storage and distribution of Defence's clothing supplies. "From early next year Australia's deployed servicemen and women will all be supplied with combat clothing and other essen-tial equipment from this new facility," said Air Vice-Marshal Staib. Air Vice-Marshal Staib congratulated local company Joss Construction for their part in the $27m project. "Not only did Joss deliver on time and within budget, they worked in cooperation with Joint Logistics Unit (Victoria) to avoid disruptions to the vital operational support provided to the ADF." The new warehouse wil hold up to 19,000 pallets of clothing and field equipment on racking seven pallets high. Inside will be a modern warehousing functionality and operating systems so staff can work more safely and effectively. Also included is a
new fleet of materiel handling equipment that will operate with the latest in-floor automatic guidance systems.
Rainwater harvested from the warehouse roof will be used as part of Defence's local rainwater reticulation plan and for pur-
poses such as washing and steam cleaning of military equipment, thus reducing reliance on local water supplies.
Throughout the construction period it is estimated that in excess of 600 local and interstate personnel were employed on the
project at various times. The warehouse will be operated by Defence contractor BAE Systems and will be staffed by up to 40
personnel.
Local Media contact:
Peter Worsteling - 02 60552775 or 0417335632
Peter Johnson - 03 9282 6226 or 0418399 780
Too many chiefs in Army mess.
By Ian McPhedran, Daily Telegraph, 16 August, 2010. The Australian Army's recruitment levels are skyrocketing, leading to a record surplus of officers as the latest dig-ger to die in Afghanistan brings the nation's death toll in the conflict to 18. Record recruiting levels and low departure rates have left the Army with 1100 more soldiers than it budgeted for. The Army attributed it's excess troop numbers, known as average funded strength (AFS), to historically low sepa-ration rates, higher than predicted enlistment figures and continuous full-time service (CFTS) usage. "Army forecasts it will exceed it's AFS by approximately 1100 personnel if the issue is not managed", Defence said. There are 67 surplus warrant officers 1st. Class(WO1) along with 29 lieutenant-colonels and a staggering 121 too many lieutenants. The force currently has 728 WO1s, 1098 lieutenants, 1609 majors, 582 lieutenant-colonels and 571 colonels to manage a total permanent force of 22,800 troops. In addition, there are a record 25 generals sitting at the top of t he rank structure as well as 49 brigadiers, the most bloated general's club in the Western world. The U.S.Army (including reserves) has a soldier-to-general ratio of 3632 GIs for each brass hat, compared with just 1560 diggers for each general in the Australian Army. Australia is well above Britain and Israel and not far behind ‘top heavy' forces such as Thailand. The budgeted AFS for 2010/11 was 28,800 personnel. Colonel Kath Stewart said the Army had a surplus at several ranks including lieutenant-colonel, lieutenant and war-rant officer. "Surpluses at the private and lieutenant ranks are required to continue Army's growth towards it's future end state of 30,500 personnel by 2016," Colonel Stewart said. Army reservists are paying the price, with a dramatic drop in deployment opportunities. Colonel Stewart confirmed that, until the surpluses were reduced, there would be restrictions on regular army promotion rates and Reserve WO1 CFTS. October/November, 2010 Edition VETERAN COMMUNITY NOTICES
 The Tweed Heads & Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch general meeting of members is normally held in the
ANZAC Room, TTSC on the last Monday of each month except December. The meeting starts at 12 noon Eastern
Standard Time. A light lunch is provided after the meeting. Contact the Secretary, Dr. John Griffin, 07 55361164.
Please note that the venue for the General Meeting on Monday, 25 October, & Monday, 29 Novem-
ber, 2010 will be Signature's Restaurant.
 The Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Legacy Laurel Club meets at 1.00 p.m., NSW time, in the Horizons
Room, South Tweed Sports Club, on the second Wednesday of each month, except December and January.
President: Dee Patchett, 07 55246600. Contact the Secretary, Ray Coles, 07 55365057.
 The Tweed/Coolangatta & District Ex-Service Women's Association Inc. meets at 9.30 a.m., Qld
time, in the ANZAC Room, TTSC, on the fourth Monday of each month, except January.
President: Hilary Schmidt, 07 55368054. Contact the Secretary, Denise Arnold, 13 1559.
 The Gold Coast/Tweed Heads EDA War Veterans Association meets at 10.00 a.m. (Qld.), at the
TTSC (check the noticeboard at main reception for venue), on the second Monday of every month. Contact the
Secretary, Heather White, 07 55934412.
 The Association of Queensland Korea Veterans Inc. normally meets in the Integrity Funerals building,
Tonga Place, Parkwood at 10.00 a.m., on the third Wednesday of February, May, July (AGM), September and No-
vember (BBQ). President: Jim Blake, 07 55935750.
 The Gold Coast and District RAAF Association meets at 09.30 for 10.00 a.m., at the Surfers Paradise
RSL Club on the second Saturday of each month, except January.
President: Jim Leita. Secretary: Ray Donovan, 07 55323262. Publicity: Errol Grimmond, 07 55314346.
 The Legacy Club of Coolangatta/Tweed Heads meets at 11.00 a.m., NSW time, on the fourth Tuesday of
each month at Legacy House, 32 Enid St., Tweed Heads. New members welcome.
Contact Legatee John Fry, 07 55346089.
 The National Servicemen's Association of Australia (Queensland) Inc., Gold Coast South—Twin
Towns Branch, normally meet in the ANZAC Room of the Twin Towns Services Club at 10.00 a.m. on the third
Sunday, of January, March, May, July, September, & November. The next meeting will be held on Sunday, 21 No-
vember, 2010. Contact the Secretary, Ian Manwaring, 07 55362700.
 The Point Danger Day Club meets each Tuesday from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., NSW time, in the St.
Cuthbert's Church Hall, Florence St., Tweed Heads. Contact the Co-Ordinator, Lyn., 07 55239715.
Asst. Co-ordinator: Pat Britton, 07 55244039.
 The Royal Air Forces Association meets at 10.00 a.m. on the 4th. Wednesday of each month at the
Surfers Paradise RSL. Contact Geoffrey Hutton by email: [email protected].
 The Tweed Heads War Widows Guild Social Club meets, on the first Monday of each month except De-
cember & January, at 11.30 a.m., Qld. time, in Horizons, TTSC, for lunch and then, at 1.00 p.m. (Qld.), in the Ren-
aissance Room, TTSC, for a meeting. Contact Pat Illsley , tel. 02 6674 2113.
 The Tweed River War Widows Association meets at 1.00 p.m., NSW time, in the Auditorium, South
Tweed Sports Club, on the first Monday of each month, except December and January. New members welcome.
Must hold Gold Card. President: Noela Nunan, 07 55249423. Hon. Secretary: Dee Patchett, 07 55246600.
 The Twin Towns Naval Association meets at 1.30 for 2.00 p.m., (Qld) normally in the Renaissance Room,
TTSC, on the second Monday of each month, except January. President: Don. Johnstone. Contact the Secretary,
Alma Acton, 07 55760424.
Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine. Dijon vu—the same mustard as before. Practice safe eating—always use condiments. A hangover is the wrath of grapes. Reading while sunbathing makes you well red. What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead give away). October/November, 2010 Edition TWEED HEADS & COOLANGATTA RSL SUB-BRANCH
OFFICE BEARERS
MEMBERSHIP
WELFARE PRACTITIONERS
Advocate Level 3 & Psychologist: Welfare Officer, Pensions: Treasurer: Norman Graham Cruickshank , Welfare /Pension Co-Ordinator: Trainee Pension Officer: Graham Finlayson Welfare Officers:
FUNERAL REPRESENTATIVES
Graham Cruickshank Representative: Bob Lominga Life subscribers: The Practitioners' office is located in the Twin Towns Services Club building, opposite the Sub-Branch office upon entry from Wharf St. To make an appointment, phone (07) 55361164. The Practitioners' office hours are 9.00 a.m. to 12 noon, A Day Club is a group of people who meet regularly in their local community Monday to Friday. to participate in a varied programme of stimulating activities such as trivia games, quizzes and gentle exercises. Presentations on health awareness and other topical issues are also regularly featured. Welfare Practitioners' Activities
Most Day Clubs are sponsored by an ex-service organization (ESO) and oper- July/August, 2010
ate with some assistance from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). Day Clubs are open to all members of the community—you don't need to be a veteran or ESO member to join. Accumulated Welfare contacts Jan. to Aug.'10: 1532 Pension assistance: The Point Danger Day Club, sponsored by the Tweed Heads & Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch and the DVA, meet each Tuesday, 10.00 am to 2.00pm, in Section 31 appeals the St. Cuthbert's Church Hall, Florence St., Tweed Heads. If you would like to volunteer your services to this worthy cause or to seek further information on the Point Danger Day Club, please ‘phone Lyn., the Pension contacts: 97 coordinator, on 07 55239715. October, November, December,‘10 Programme.
5 October:
Commonwealth games. A Request for Help
Mystery excursion. (Minimum 30 passengers). Do you have some spare time and Information Tech- Halloween. (Dress up please). nology skills that you would like to put to good use? 02 November: Melbourne cup, plus entertainer. President Joe Russell would appreciate some part time 09 November: Remembrance Day. voluntary assistance to draft, record and print docu- 16 November: Entertainer. (Alex Blockart). ments pertaining to procedures for the ANZAC Day 23 November: Make your own Christmas decorations. commemorative services. 30 November: Make your own Christmas decorations. If you think you could help or would like further infor- 07 December: Pets as therapy. mation, please consult President Joe. 14 December: Christmas break up. October/November, 2010 Edition TWEED HEADS & COOLANGATTA RSL SUB-BRANCH
& TWIN TOWNS SERVICES CLUB
WELCOME YOU TO
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Thursday, 11th November, 2010
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM PARK, TWEED HEADS
92nd. Anniversary of the ARMISTICE of 1918.
All A.M. NSW Time 10.45 to 10.50 Arrival of Veterans/Public. INTRODUCTION: RSL Sub-Branch President: Mr.J.J.Russell
(Please remove hats) THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD, AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD.
AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM (All should repeat)
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Sounds "LAST POST'
ONE (1) MINUTE'S SILENCE.
"LEST WE FORGET'
BUGLER: Sounds
ADDRESS AND CALL TO REMEMBRANCE
OFFICIAL LAYING OF WREATHS & SCATTERING OF POPPIES.
Play "LAMENT"
Wreath laying by other Associations/General public. ADDRESS TO COMMUNITY:
CLOSURE: President:
FLAG MARSHALL: Mr. R. Lominga
INVITATION TO REFRESHMENTS: For Tweed Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch members, and their
Wife/Partner/Carer, in the ANZAC Room of the Twin Towns Services Club. (Enter through main Club entrance).
COST IS $10 PER PERSON—PLEASE PAY AT THE DOOR.
October/November, 2010 Edition VALE DECEASED MEMBERS (Notified 24 July—17 September, 2010)
Ayre, Charles
17.07.'10 Monk,
Briggs, George
31.08.'10 O'Connor, William RAN
Callaghan, William Army
26.07.'10 Pead, James MBE
Chamberland, Keith RAN
Rogers, Reg.
Cruise, Ken
16.09.'10 Rummery, Lionel Army
Galbraith, George RAN
22.08.'10 Williams, Robert RAAF
Grant, Lawrence Army
30.07.'10 Yates, Leonard
Total members deceased for period= 14. Members funerals attended=8 Non mbrs.=1.Total funerals attended by invitation during period= 9 Stronger Than Grief
By Chaplain Jim Cosgrove Chaplain at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera Australians are all reeling and many folks are feeling They believe their precious sons, brothers, dads, beloved ones, dismayed with all our recent soldier's deaths. have paid the price of freedom on our shores. We farewell a fallen brother then another then another They want to tell their mates to never doubt or hesitate, and its like we need to stop to catch our breath. to fight this fight against the reign of terror. While one family is grieving another is receiving An untimely made decision to turn our backs on this mission the news that takes their world to grief and sorrow. would be at this sad time a costly error. There's lots of fear and tension, you can sense the apprehension As families deal with grieving they are strengthened by believing as we wonder if there's more bad news tomorrow. that their soldiers gave their lives for you and me. But the families will tell us they are so proud of their fellas In the history of their nation there are many generations even as they stop to wipe away their tears. whose sacrifice has made our country free. They say they feel inside an intense and burning pride And so in this time of grief, please don't falter in belief as they face the nightmare of their deepest fears. that our Aussie boys are where they need to be. Their courage and belief are even stronger than their grief They've got the guts to fight their wars, keep supporting them because that their sacrifice is for a worthy cause. they need support from their community. This poem was recited by Macca on ‘Australia all Over' on Sunday, 29 August, 2010. October/November, 2010 Edition An American's thoughts on Tolerance
I wonder if tolerance is a one sided deal, it certainly is where I come from in the USA.

I am perplexed that so many of my friends are against a mosque being built near Ground Zero.
I think it should be the goal of every American to be tolerant.
The mosque should be allowed, in an effort to promote tolerance .
That is why I also propose, that two gay nightclubs be opened next door to the mosque, thereby promoting tolerance within
the mosque. We would call the clubs; "The Turban Cowboy" and "You Mecca Me So Hot"!
Next door to the nightclubs should be a butcher shop that specializes in pork and it should have an open to all BBQ with spare
ribs as it's daily special. Across the street, there should a very daring lingerie store called; "Victoria Keeps Nothing Secret",
with sexy mannequins in the window modeling the goods.
Next door to the lingerie shop, there would be room for an Adult Toy Shop (Koranal Knowledge?), it's name in flashing neon
lights, and on the other side, a liquor store, maybe call it "Morehammered"?
The Spanish Solution.
In Sevilla, Spain some local people found a way to stop the construction of another mosque in their town. They buried a pig on the site, making sure this would be known by the local press. Islamic rules forbid the erecting of a mosque on "pig-soiled-ground". The Muslims cancelled the project! .and no protests were needed by the local people. G-G presents Long Tan medals.
A veteran of the epic Vietnam battle of Long Tan 44 years ago has been presented with the Medal for Gallantry. That's the equivalent of the Military Cross (MC), initially recommended for Second Lieutenant Geoff Kendall, a pla-toon commander in the thick of the fighting in the best known action of Australia's decade in Vietnam. In the aftermath, that was downgraded to the lesser Mentioned in Despatches (MID), also awarded in the same Honours List to the Australian task force postman, for meritorious service. In Canberra, on the 17th. August, 2010, Governor-General Quentin Bryce officially presented the Medal for Gal-lantry to Second Lieutenant Kendall. She also presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Mrs. Joan Dohle, the widow of Flight Lieutenant Clifford Dohle. He was the Captain of one of two Iroquois helicopters which delivered the vital resupply of ammunition to the be-leaguered Australian soldiers at the peak of the fighting. Both pilots were initially recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross but, in Flight Lieutenant Dohle's case, that was downgraded to the MID. The Battle of Long Tan was fought on August 18, 1966 when the 108 members of the Delta Company, 6th. Battal-ion (6RAR) encountered a vastly superior North Vietnamese force, repelling a series of attacks until the enemy withdrew. Eighteen Australians died in the bitter fighting. Following the battle, Delta Company Commander, Major Harry Smith, made a series of award recommendations which in many cases were downgraded or rejected. That prompted a long campaign for redress and a series of reviews, with recommendations in some cases that Long Tan veterans receive current day awards in place of no longer available imperial awards. October/November, 2010 Edition Joint approach to Stabilise & Rebuild Afghanistan
Australia's military, police, and civilian agencies are taking a joint approach to stabilize and re-build Afghanistan. Working together, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), AusAID, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), are improving security, governance and development in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The ADF and the Australian Government representatives are delivering projects that are improving the lives of the Afghan people; e.g. a new waste management facility, a boy's primary school and high school, a girl's school and numerous water crossings in the Province. In May, 2006, the Australian Government announced the deployment of the first Australian Reconstruction Task Force (RTF-1) as part of the Netherlands-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Oruzgan Province. The RTF had three components: an engineering and indigenous capacity building group, a protective force, and command, logistics and support elements. The 2006-7 budget provided $218.2 m for the RTF across three financial years. Subsequently, the RTF was re-named the Mentoring & Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF). MRTF-1 was based in the provincial capital of Tarin Kowt, and worked originally from the Dutch base of Kamp Holland. The second Mentoring & Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) was deployed in 2009. After more than 8 months of intense operations in Afghanistan, another re-naming occurred and the 730 members of MRTF-2 officially transferred au-thority for security, mentoring and reconstruction to the Brisbane-based Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) which de-ployed in February, 2010. A high quality book on the tour of operations of MRTF-2 has been produced. The book is A4 Landscape, has a hard cover and contains 254 pages of high quality pictures including general descriptions and task graphics of operations conducted. The full colour photos give an excellent snapshot of the terrain and the people of Oruzgan Province. The book can be purchased for $10 plus postage from MRTF-2 Books, C/o Capt. Peet, A coy., 1RAR, Coral Lines, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Qld., 4813 Veteran,
One of the seven key Commanders at the legendary Battle of Long Tan, Major Morrie Stanley MBE has passed away peacefully at his home in Campbells Bay, New Zealand. Morrie Stanley oversaw the vital artillery fire missions in support of the 108 besieged soldiers of D Company, 6RAR as they battled for more than three and a half hours, in pouring rain amid the shattered trees of a rubber plantation called Long Tan. As the forward Artillery Observer (FOO) from 161 Field Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery attached to D Company at the Australian Nui Dat base, Stanley worked by radio communications received from the battle scene five kms away to direct more than 3,500 high explosives. From a folded map held in his hand, constantly wiping off the mud and running rainwater created by monsoonal downpours, the N.Z. Officer called on every ounce of his experience and training. Many, including Long Tan veterans and military historians, credit the skill, professionalism and gallantry of Stanley for stemming the enemy forces, while the front line soldiers fought off attacking waves of thousands of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers. At critical points during the battle, Stanley was directing artillery from Australian, New Zealand and American how-itzer battery teams to within 50 metres of the Australian platoon front line positions. In May this year Stanley, along with his former radio operator at Long Tan, fellow New Zealander, Willy Walker, were presented with the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG) at a service in New Zealand attended by his former Long Tan commanders, Harry Smith, Bob Buick and Dave Sabben. October/November, 2010 Edition The BROTHERHOOD….By George Mansford, August, 2010.
No matter what war, soldiering can be Spartan and grim Enduring hardships with him, him and him Him being Blue, Jed, Snow, Gazza, Moff and Bill And other wonderful bastards who trudged from hill to hill Didn't matter the genes, black, white or in between Micks, Proddys, Atheists; even those who voted green What ever your origins, the old world, bush or big smoke If you wore the proud cloth, you were one of the blokes. You huddled together shivering in icy rain Even shared spare socks, again and again The last of water or a rusty tin of meat for a stew Not forgetting risks and dangers more than a few How often did you swap letters as well as dreams too? Caring and protecting each other and showing new blokes how Holding a dying mate's hand or cooling a fevered brow It wasn;t the Queen or Canberra suits that made you fight The reasons were the mates beside you, by day and by night. What ever the odds, more often than not, you stood fast And when it seemed a few of your mob couldn't last There were some who thought God had forgotten for others Yet his greatest gift was that he made all of you brothers That helping hand or comforting word, a shared smoke and tea A wag who cracked a joke and tension gone while mirth ran free And so the question often asked is why such mateship never dies? Well, I guess you have to be one of the mob to understand why. Defence MINISTER Visits Fleet Base West.
(Media release, 21 September, 2010).
Today I visited Fleet Base West, Garden Island, Western Australia. HMAS Stirling is one of Australia's most important Navy bases and plays a critical role in protecting Australia's maritime Interests. Twelve Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessels including ANZAC Class frigates and Collins Class submarines are stationed at Fleet Base West. Seventy other ADF units are also based there, including the Submarine Training and Systems Centre, and an Australian Clearance Diving Team. During my visit I was briefed on Fleet Base West's role and on the RAN's global activities. I was briefed on the significance of HMAS Stirling to Navy's operations and the capability provided by the ADF personnel who serve at Fleet Base West. I toured the Collins Class submarine HMAS Waller and met her crew. I was briefed on the success of the Submarine Sustain-ability programme which has significantly improved submariner numbers and conditions over the past eighteen months. I also toured the Navy's replenishment ship, HMAS Sirius.

Source: http://thc-rsl.org.au/Newsletters/RSL%20Newsletter%20October%20November%202010%20Edition.pdf