District Digest RSL (Queensland) Wide Bay & Burnett District Branch Inc District Digest NEWS—NOTICES—REMINDERS—INFORMATION—LAUGHS Issue No 01/15* Editor: Allison Paige Lest We Forget INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chairman’s Chatter……….…….…..........p2 Welfare News………………………..........p3 District PAWS Officer report……...……...p4 Sub Branch News........................................p5 Funding reports…………………...............p6 RSL YDP & Educational Resources…….. P7 ANZAC Day stories………………...…p8-14 News from ANZAC House………….…..p15 Flag protocol at funerals………….……...p16 Last Post...............................................p17-19 District Information & Planner…..….p 20-22 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS Over the last few years there has been a swing where Sub Branches liaise direct with relevant de- partments within ANZAC House. When this is re- quested by the relevant department, eg Charities Compliance, Membership, L&A etc then that is ac- ceptable. However in the same time there has been a swing for Sub Branches requiring assistance to contact ANZAC House in the first instance rather than ap- proach District. This trend is not acceptable. In most cases the matter is referred straight back to District for handling. All correspondence should come through the District office or the District of- fice copied into emails and correspondence. The District operates to provide more hands on and lo- cal knowledge. If the members of the District Board are not across what is happening with Sub Branches it makes it more difficult to provide assistance. If a sub branch requires assistance regarding any matter the known and prescribed procedure is to contact District first. ANZAC Flame Hervey Bay are the custodians of the flame and it has already being busy touring the District and into PFH. The District Board resolved the costs associ- ated with the flame travelling the district will be met by District but any accommodation costs can be met by the receiving Sub Branch. The ideal would be to make the most of the flame in the ar- ea and arrange visits with school or other commu- nity groups and surrounding Sub Branches. To book the flame for a visit contact the Hervey Bay Sub Branch direct. GRANT WRITING It is acknowledged that grant writing can be an arduous task and many are daunted by the prospect. To help Sub Branches succeed with grant writing the District Board approved that costs associated with contracting a grant writer to do the job will be covered by District. If you have a project to undertake and need to lodge a grant application please contact the District of- fice to discuss your needs and make the necessary arrangements. FACEBOOK Many Sub Branches are now embracing social media and entering the realm of Face- book. If you have a Face Book site please let the District of- fice know. This way other Sub Branches can be no- tified and those on Face Book can ‘like’ and ‘follow’ each other. This spreads the word and lets you share good news stories about what your Sub Branch does. Remember to ‘like’ District’s page as well. If you have any content you would like to put on the Dis- trict face book page to promote an event or share some news please send it through. TOBi (Training Office Bearers Information) The Charities Compliance Team have begun the roll out of the online training modules for committee members. An overview of the pro- gram will be given at the District General Meeting to be held on July 19th in Moura. A training manual will be available for each committee member and distributed at that time.
Transcript
WBB District Digest page
RSL (Queensland) Wide Bay & Burnett District Branch Inc
District Digest
NEWS—NOTICES—REMINDERS—INFORMATION—LAUGHS
Issue No 01/15* Editor: Allison Paige
Lest We Forget
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chairman’s Chatter……….…….…..........p2 Welfare News………………………..........p3 District PAWS Officer report……...……...p4 Sub Branch News........................................p5 Funding reports…………………...............p6 RSL YDP & Educational Resources…….. P7 ANZAC Day stories………………...…p8-14 News from ANZAC House………….…..p15 Flag protocol at funerals………….……...p16 Last Post...............................................p17-19 District Information & Planner…..….p 20-22
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS Over the last few years there has been a swing where Sub Branches liaise direct with relevant de-partments within ANZAC House. When this is re-quested by the relevant department, eg Charities Compliance, Membership, L&A etc then that is ac-ceptable. However in the same time there has been a swing for Sub Branches requiring assistance to contact ANZAC House in the first instance rather than ap-proach District. This trend is not acceptable. In most cases the matter is referred straight back to District for handling. All correspondence should come through the District office or the District of-fice copied into emails and correspondence. The District operates to provide more hands on and lo-cal knowledge. If the members of the District Board are not across what is happening with Sub Branches it makes it more difficult to provide assistance. If a sub branch requires assistance regarding any matter the known and prescribed procedure is to contact District first.
ANZAC Flame Hervey Bay are the custodians of the flame and it has already being busy touring the District and into PFH. The District Board resolved the costs associ-ated with the flame travelling the district will be met by District but any accommodation costs can be met by the receiving Sub Branch. The ideal would be to make the most of the flame in the ar-ea and arrange visits with school or other commu-nity groups and surrounding Sub Branches. To book the flame for a visit contact the Hervey Bay Sub Branch direct.
GRANT WRITING It is acknowledged that grant writing can be an arduous task and many are daunted by the prospect. To help Sub Branches succeed with grant writing the District Board approved
that costs associated with contracting a grant writer to do the job will be covered by District. If you have a project to undertake and need to lodge a grant application please contact the District of-fice to discuss your needs and make the necessary arrangements.
FACEBOOK Many Sub Branches are now embracing social media and entering the realm of Face-book. If you have a Face Book site please let the District of-fice know. This way other Sub Branches can be no-tified and those on Face Book can ‘like’ and ‘follow’ each other. This spreads the word and lets you share good news stories about what your Sub Branch does. Remember to ‘like’ District’s page as well. If you have any content you would like to put on the Dis-trict face book page to promote an event or share some news please send it through.
TOBi (Training Office Bearers Information) The Charities Compliance Team have begun the roll out of the online training modules for committee members. An overview of the pro-gram will be given at the District General Meeting to be held on July 19th in Moura. A training manual will be available for each committee member and distributed at that time.
WBB District Digest page 2
CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER Mid-year is upon us already and it only seems a few days ago that we met at Hervey Bay to hold our WBBD AGM. I would like to thank all those Sub branches who attended and encourage those who did not attend to give serious consideration to sending your delegate to all the District meetings. Committee members of Sub Branches are elected to manage the affairs of, and represent their members. It is the right of every member to have his or her voice heard. These meetings are organised so that mem-bers through their Delegates can have a say in how their organisation is to be managed. The input from Sub Branches and members is very important to the executive whose job it is to endeavour to make the right decisions for your members. You are denying your Sub Branch their opportunity to have an input into how their affairs are managed if they are not represented at these meetings. Your WBB District Board has taken some new initiatives to make it easier for Sub Branches to host AGM’s by increasing the amount required to be paid by Sub Branch Delegates who attend the AGM. This will make it easier for Sub Branches to cover catering costs etc. In addition the registration cost of the Delegates will be covered by District thereby relieving the attending Sub Branch of this cost. This initiative, coupled with the payment for travel to attending Sub Branches, should go a long way towards making it more affordable for your Sub Branch to attend. The details of this additional assistance will be forwarded to your Secretary. The expressions of interest for input into the WBBD Strategic Planning session have now closed and a date, time and place for the session will be decided. Once the Plan has been bedded down it will be distributed to members for consideration and put to a council meeting for approval or otherwise. Treasurer Collin Bell has been hard at work building a proposal for a Tri Service Cadet Challenge in 2016 as part of the Centenary celebrations. This proposal will require a substantial financial investment from our District Cadet funds. The proposal will be released as soon as details are finalised in order that you may give consideration to the proposal. I am also pleased to add that there has been an increase in Cadet Fund-ing across our WBB District thereby fulfilling our charter to youth development. VWAP is also being more widely used with an increase in funding reaching Sub Branches across the District to help them deliver welfare to our members and our Military Family. Please avail your Sub Branch of these funds by applying to District if you have a need. Keep in mind our TCC obligations and the need to be delivering welfare as the end game. PAWS. John is now in full swing and will be dispersing a program in the near future for the district. There is a great need for more Practitioners across our District so I would encourage you to complete a course to help us meet our welfare obligations. I look forward to seeing you all at the Moura Meeting in July. Bill Taylor WBB District President
BUNNINGS SUPPORT FOR SUB BRANCHES As you are aware Bunnings are very supportive of the RSL and are keen to work with you. The methods of sup-port may vary from store to store. The Bundaberg store offers these suggestions or ideas of ways they can assist: *Cake stalls (instead of sausage sizzles) * Sausage sizzle * Merchandise stall *Use of our DIY, team training room (upstairs with doors for privacy etc) and light refreshments provided for meetings or get togethers (open to all sorts of suggestions here!) * Awareness tables *Donation of goods (at managers approval) *Team assistance with gardens, beautification, painting, small repairs to buildings (window latches, weather stripping, washing walls etc) If you want to explore any of these ideas or you have your own, contact the stores Community Involvement/Activities Organiser.
WBB District Digest page 3
2015 TIP training —calendar and nomination forms on DVA website under the tab ‘Consultation & Grants’
RSL QLD Branch is certainly undergoing some major refurbishment of the Veteran’s affairs portfolio with the re-instigation of QVSAC (QLD Veterans Services Advisory Committee), chaired by Peter Ryan and the work of the Veteran’s Affairs department under the management of Alan Payne. The two are working closely and have issued a revised RSL QLD PAWS policy and revised the training requirements for refresher training. TIP is still responsible for providing initial training for practitioners but ongoing refresher training is now provided by RSL QLD Branch. The first sessions for pension and welfare officers was conducted in May in Townsville & Ipswich. RSL QLD covered all costs associated with the session. Unfortunately no one has provided a report on this session. There were 8 welfare officers and 4 pension officers from within Dis-trict that went to Ipswich. All practitioners came home with a new wardrobe and having enjoyed a visit to Mates4Mates. No doubt the feedback from this first course will pave the way for future refreshers. The next session being offered in July is for Lv 3 advocates needing to undertake refresher training this year. RSL QLD Branch have also undertaken a review of staff resources and are expanding the number of PAWS staff across the State. District has been favourably considered and will now have two RSL QLD practitioners in the area. Unfortunately as a part of the reshuffle we are losing Anita who is relocating to an office at Amberley. Anita’s role has been split in two and whilst the office in Hervey Bay will remain, an office is also being established in Bundaberg and Gympie. The two appointees will attend the Hervey Bay office
JULY COURSE LOCATION CLOSING DATE
7, 8, 9 L1 VEA, MRCA,SRCA,W/W NEW FARM 9 JUNE 2015
13, 14, 15, 16 L3 ADVOCATES’ TOWNSVILLE 16 JUNE 2015
6, 7 L1 War / Defence Widow(er)s Townsville 8 SEPTEMBER
2015
13, 14, 15 L1 /L2 Consolidated Welfare Caloundra 15 SEPTEMBER
2015
NOVEM-
BER
EVENT LOCATION
THU 19 TCG Meeting NEW FARM
WBB District Digest page 4
From the desk of the District PAWS Officer
At the recent District AGM I was nominated as the Dis-trict PAWS Officer and since then have been determining how I should go about the task.
In order to determine the extent of the task I have sought out Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) data and had discussions with Alan Payne the Ser-vices Delivery manager, Veteran Service from State Branch and others. I have settled on three key points on which to concentrate my efforts, they
are Oversighting, Mentoring and Recruiting within the area of PAWS. This direction has been agreed by the District Board. The study of the available DVA data is sobering and provides an indication of the unmet demand, in the area of disability pensions, which is out there. It is estimated that within Australia there are some 343,000 veteran and ex-service mem-bers who are eligible for disability pensions, how-ever, only some 110,500 are receiving disability pensions, a participation rate of only 32%. Fur-ther, many of those receiving disability pensions are not receiving the full rate to which they are entitled. Given this participation rate and apply-ing it to the numbers receiving disability pensions within the District the indications are that there could be a further 4 – 5,000 veteran and ex-service persons within our District who would qualify but are not receiving disability pensions. It would be a daunting task to eliminate this backlog and could not be achieved by putting a couple of additional pensions officers on the ground prepar-ing disability claims. At last count the District had 7 advocates, 19 pen-sions officers and 49 welfare officers. However, of the 41 Sub Branches within the District 21 of those had neither an advocate, pensions officer or a welfare officer. Further within those numbers there are some whose qualifications are not cur-rent and some who are not practicing. To me it has become obvious that the task needs to be tackled head on with a recruiting drive de-signed to identify suitable persons for training which would enable them to become practition-ers, mentor them and oversight their progression and encourage them as and where possible. In conjunction with State Branch, who are propos-ing to establish a state wide register of practition-ers, and if arrangements can be made with DVA which would allow us to monitor the numbers of disability claims being submitted by out practi-tioners and the success rate of those claims, it is expected that this would provide a good indica-tion of where our efforts should be directed. In the short term I am planning to arrange visits to Sub Branches in order to assist with the identifica-tion of potential practitioners and encourage their progression through the various levels of training. Sub Branch executive officers and practitioners are encouraged to contact me to arrange for me to visit. I can be contacted through Ph 5485 5093 Mob 0419 207 263 or via email on [email protected] John R Simmons District PAWS Officer
weekly. The Gympie position has been filled with Alan Bir-kenhead (former Sub Branch Secretary & pension officer) accepting the position. The Bundaberg position is still being finalised.
A Farewell message from Anita As most of you are aware I will be moving on to Ips-wich as a State Advocate in the Moreton District. I would like to thank you for your support and friend-ship in the Wide Bay District and making me feel very welcome when I first relocated here. Many of you know I have been a hard lady to catch as this area has been keeping me very busy. As a result of this RSL State Office has decided that the best move would be to add another Advocate to the area making two new representatives for the State Branch Veterans Services Team. Alan Birkenhead has been appointed to the newly created Gympie Role and will be servicing the South and West half of the District. Our other representative who is yet to be officially appointed, will be predominantly based in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay but will be able to travel to the North and West of the District along with Caroline Wright who is still located in the Rockhampton Office. When further contact details are confirmed for the new representatives we will be sure to let you know. Please make them both feel welcome and I am sure you will all meet them both in the very near future. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information and I will gladly assist. It was fantastic working with such a great District whom I will miss, I am sure though that I will be back for regular visits to the area. Thank you once again for your support and ongoing friendship over these past 3 years it has been a wonderful and memorable journey. Anita Bentley
WBB District Digest page 5
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT
MT PERRY annual show had the ANZAC Centenary as its theme. The RSL were there in force with a stand and inviting Simpson & his Donkey to attend. The show society also had the Gympie
Light Horse attend to do a display. The pavilion entry themes were all based on the ANZAC Centenary and there were poppies everywhere. I don’t know whose job it was to count them or how close the winner was. It was a good way of engaging all ages.
SUB BRANCH REPORTS At this stage of the year it is good to report that there are only 16 Sub Branches to have their AGM re-turns sent to ANZAC House for TCC compliance re-view. I also enjoy the opportunity of reading the Presidents & Welfare Commemorative reports. I’d like to share with you a couple of stories that are a bit out of the ordinary or demonstrate a unique way of meeting the objects of the League. The following are copied with permission.
Maryborough A special partnership commenced during 2014 be-tween Maryborough State High School and RSL Care Chelsea. The Sub Branch provided sponsorship to the school of $1500 towards a camp for students with disabilities and $1000 towards the School Breakfast Club and in return for our financial sponsorship, the School runs a number of programs for the residents of RSL Care Chelsea including feel good beauty services with light massage, make-up and hairdressing done by the students, musical performances for the Resi-dents enjoyment and student work experience within Chelsea covering various fields. Mt Perry The Sub Branch provides an assistance package of $600 to the State school. This provides assistance for books, uniforms, fees and attendance on school out-ings or camps for those children who would be unable to go.
The District President
invited me to attend the
2015 Annual Assessment
and ceremonial parade
for TS Bundaberg in
March. It was an enjoya-
ble afternoon watching
the sunset as the cadets
demonstrated their newly
acquired drill skills and band performance.
WBB District Digest page 6
CADET FUNDING 181 ACU HERVEY BAY’S NEW TRAILER Lieutenant (AAC) Jennifer Emmerson recently re-ceived a delivery of a new trailer which the Wide Bay District RSL Branch helped with funding along with the units’ Parent Support Group in the purchase. The trailer will assist in moving cadet equipment to camps all around the region. The trailer was manufactured by Trailer Now of Hervey Bay and fit for purpose. The unit really appreciates the efforts of everyone who assisted in raising funds. The Wide Bay RSL Sub-branch fund is designed to sup-port all tri-service cadet units in the delivery of the Cadet continuum to participants. For more infor-mation about the Australian Army Cadets and how to contact a cadet unit, visit www.armycadets.gov.au Caption: LT (AAC) Jennifer Emmerson accepts delivery of a trailer presented by Brian Tidyman on behalf of the Wide Bay District RSL. Cadet funding has also been donated to: Bundaberg Sub Branch for 18 ACU Bundaberg: $1046 IT equipment Kingaroy-Memerambi Sub Branch for 135 ACU Wondai: $897 marquee Planning on the Centenary Tri Service challenge is still being progressed. The submission is with the Sub Branches for finalising at the July general meeting.
VETERAN WELFARE ASSISTANCE FUND Donations have been made to: Woodgate Beach: $2 000 Memorial dedication service Theodore: $1 884.40 ANZAC poster competition & Community Link project Cooloola Cove: $1 200 office equipment Wowan: $1 378 Filing cabinet & ANZAC commemora-tions
Gayndah: $4 450 retaining wall at units Orchid Beach-Fraser Is: $1 200 bowls day Toogoom and District: $10 000 towards shed Bundaberg: $5 000 reimbursement for donation to disabled athlete Hervey Bay: $2 970 assist disadvantaged students participate in Canberra excursion Tin Can Bay: approx. $3000 computer & printer, of-fice furniture Cooroy-Pomona: $913.06 printer Toogoom and District: $1000 towards opening day
WHO’S READY FOR A CHALLENGE? Ben O’Donnell put the challenge out to mem-bers at the District AGM that he would like to put a team together to participate in the WWI
Challenge where proceeds go to Mates4Mates.
Ben has picked August 22nd to give us time to get fit. So far there are 6 willing participants but we need some more. A brief meeting will
be held with the organisers and support crew Saturday 20th June at the conclusion of the State AGM business session. If you want to
know more please contact Ben on 0427 432 471 to discuss.
WBB District Digest page 7
MURGON YDP RECIPIENT: Daniel Lawson Dear Mr. Sanderson, My name is Daniel Lawson and I recently found out that I have received a $5000 RSL Youth Develop-ment Grant. I completed my application in Novem-ber last year after being endorsed by the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch, which I extend my gratitude to you for. I applied for the grant for Academic purposes to fund my attendance to the 2015 National Youth Science Forum, the cost for this Forum was slightly under S2000 after support from the Murgon Rotary club and Kingaroy State High School. When I ap-plied for the RSL youth Development Grant, I was hoping for a $2500 grant and I definitely didn't think I would be in the top 10% of recipients fortu-nate enough to receive a $5000 grant. With the $3000 left over; I intend to partly fund the cost of a National Youth Science Forum international program if I am successful with my application. The programs that I am eligible for include 6 weeks of scientific research in the United States at the Massachusetts institute of Technolo-gy, a two week science forum in London and a 4 week scientific research program in Heidelberg Germany, amongst others in south Africa, Singa-pore and Canada. As an RSL Youth Development Program Grant re-cipient, I am also invited to attend a leadership
The RSL YDP initiative was established by the RSL QLD Branch Board in 2008 to foster the development of our future leaders and raise awareness about the League with the younger generations. Applicants are required to provide a description of their chosen pursuit, a supporting letter from their local RSL Sub Branch and a 500 word essay on the importance of RSL and ANZAC values to Australia's youth. In 2015, the program will award 200 of Queensland's most exceptional Year 10 and 11 students with an op-portunity to share in over $500,000. Winners will each receive a grant of $2,500 with the top 10 per cent highest achieving finalists to receive greater recognition via a $5,000 grant. From this year there will be a greater emphasis on students from Australi-an Defence Force families. For more information contact [email protected] or call 07 5595 1067.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES DVA The DVA website has a wealth of information that will assist schools and community groups regarding commemorations. DVA produces resource packs that are sent to all Australian schools are available for downloading or viewing on DVA’s Anzac website c a l l e d t h e A n z a c P o r t a l (www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au). Sandra Jenkins, DVA VAN Community Support & Commemorations Officer, QLD is more than happy to assist Sub Branches with information that may be available. Sandra also has a supply of past post-ers if you are interested. Contact Sandra on Ph 07 3223 8841 or [email protected]
DEFENCE WEBSITE A "handy hints" section has been added to the De-fence website that may assist with planning of AN-ZAC Day services, including all musical require-ments http://www.defence.gov.au/ceremonial/CentenaryOfANZAC.asp
RSL National On the national website www.rsl.org.au under ‘education’ is the link to another useful batch of information www.servingaustralia.info/
forum at Bond university on the Gold Coast, which I am looking forward to and am eager to share my experiences at the forum with you afterwards. lf I had not been successful for an RSL Grant, these opportunities would have been much harder to raise funds for, so I would like to express my grati-tude again for your endorsement and to the RSL organisation in general for providing his wonderful opportunity.
RSL Requests for Ceremonial Support from Defence The ADF now has a cen-tralised request process for all requests for cere-monial support. This replaces all former single ser-vice arrangements throughout Australia. Any RSL entity seeking ceremonial support for any RSL func-tion needs to complete a ‘Request for Ceremonial Support from Defence’ form downloadable from the internet: www.defence.gov.au/ceremonial
ANZAC Centenary Projects
QLD Government Anzac Centenary program To find out more about the Queensland Anzac Cen-tenary legacy projects, grant program, events and news http://anzac100.initiatives.qld.gov.au/
RSL Spirit of Anzac Grevillia Senator Ronaldson said the RSL Spirit of Anzac Grevillea was a distinctly Australian plant that would provide a sense of ‘home’ at international memorial events. “The hardy, attractive shrub will be a floral tribute to the first major military action by Australian and New Zea-land forces at Gallipoli 100 years ago” “Planting this grevillea at commemorative sites and cemeteries within Australia and overseas will provide an intrinsically Australian element to the final resting place of those who sacrificed all for their country,” Senator Ronaldson said. The selection of the RSL Spirit of Anzac grevillea is particularly significant as it is the only plant that has approval to include ‘Anzac’ in its title. “Proceeds from the sale of each plant will benefit current and former members of the Australian De-fence forces through a special RSL trust.
TROOP TRAIN I am a bit disap-pointed in that I haven’t heard any stories on the Troop Train jour-ney. The train wasn’t scheduled to stop in Bunda-berg but I went along to watch it go past. To the few onlookers we were surprised that it did stop at the very end of the platform for a driver change. We all ran down to chat to the travellers and have a closer look. Those I spoke to all seemed to be enjoying the ex-perience.
ANZAC Day in a World Heritage Wilderness Area from Orchid Beach-Fraser Is People started to arrive on Fraser Island up to a week before ANZAC Day, some bring camping equipment, others going into rental accommodation, while residents prepared their homes to wel-come their guests. With people settled into their camps or houses the usual prelude to the ANZAC Day, the ‘ANZAC Bowls challenge’ between the Orchid Beach RSL Bowls team and the Ferny Grove Bowls Club team was held on Thursday, 23rd April. Yes, there is a bowls green at Orchid Beach, Fra-ser Island. The RSL Sub Branch supports the maintenance of the green with a donation annually. This year challenge was won by the visiting team for the first time in ten years. Local knowledge did not help this year. The sound of tractors broke the silence of the morning of ANZAC eve, towing trailers loaded with equipment to the area on the beach des-ignated by National Parks for the holding of the ANZAC Day Service. Four wheel drives carrying Sub Branch members and younger volunteers followed in the procession down the beach. Soon equipment was unloaded, marquees erected, the two up ring and a kitchen created by the volunteers. A flag pole, dais and a memorial were soon in place. Qualified tradesmen set about checking and readying the fryers, ovens, barbeques and other equipment required. Sometime during the early morning of ANZAC Day the cooks arrived to prepared breakfast. Then from 4am the beach was awash with lights as people made their way to attend the service. It looked like a scene from the movie “Field of Dreams” as a convey of car headlights could be seen for several kilometres as cars made their way up the beach. Then at the appointed time the Sub Branch President, John Quincey called over 600 people to order and the Service began. A group in uniform from RAAF Amberley provided the Catafalque and flag party. Prayers, wreath laying, a short speech, the silence and the Ode was recited as the sun rose over the Waddy Point headland. A memorable moment that often brings tears. Following the Bene-diction and the National Anthem, the President invited everyone present to join him in a comple-mentary drink of rum and milk. Over 500 people enjoyed a cooked breakfast served by volunteers. Two utilities pull up, their trays transporting very large eskies holding kegs of beer and ice. Volun-teers rapidly moved the beer and ice to the bar and soon the beer is flowing. The two up activity starts with much noise, centre and side bets and the spinner tossing the pennies. Many cheers and some groans but the action continues for much of the day. The volunteers from the kitchen continu-ally move through the crowd offering freshly made sandwiches, nibbles and fish sourced from local waters. By mid-afternoon most of the people have returned to their homes or camps. The site is secured and a night watchman takes over. The following morning the tractors, members and the volunteers return to the site. The equipment and marquees are repacked into the trailers and then taken for storage. The site is cleaned and the only things left in this World Heritage Wilderness area are the memories.
A great photo at the start
of the Nanango service.
WBB District Digest page 10
Mount Perry Remembers 1915 Remembering ANZAC Day one hundred years on was a special occasion to many members of the Mount Perry community. A record 140 people attended the dawn service at 5.25am, twice the number than last year. During the silence after the last post a lone Kookaburra called as though part of the ceremony. Again this year the local cemetery was open for visitors to walk amongst the selected candlelit graves and remember the returned servicemen laid to rest there. A big Gun-fire Breakfast followed in the Memorial Park next to the 100 year old Turkish field gun which was captured in Palestine by the Australian Light Horse a couple of years later. Some people even walked across the road to visit the offspring of the Lone Pine tree from Gallipoli that was planted behind the Leopard Tank Memorial in 2011.
The main service was attended by 110 people after a short march from the General Store. The march tracked the route of the Australian Army re-cruitment parade that came through Mount Perry in 1914. The Cen-tenary ANZAC Me-morial Service was lead by Mount Perry RSL Sub-Branch President Peter
Baker. The Bundaberg Army Cadets provided the Cata-falque Guard at the cenotaph. Wreaths were laid by the RSL, Cr John Bowen for the North Burnett Regional Council, Mark Boon – General Manager for Evolution Min-ing, Queensland Police Service, the CWA, Mount Perry State School (top) Gin Gin State High School (bottom), and others. The service was followed by a free luncheon at the Community Hall which was catered by the Mount Perry P&C Committee. A Centenary of AN-ZAC display was erected on the side wall and on the ta-bles knitted and handmade paper poppies flourished. Poppies with name tags were pinned to wall hangings in re-membrance of fallen heroes. RSL Presi-dent Peter Baker presented Captain Walker of the Bundaberg Army Ca-dets with a cheque to support the cadet unit. Local Mount Perry State School student, Karyssa Rofe
The Mary Valley Community Centenary Anzac Day
was a memorable event. Approximately 400 plus citizens attended the Dawn Service with a considerable number staying for the gunfire breakfast provided by the Mary Valley Lions Club. The schools provided entertainment during the morning. Approximately 400 citizens attended the Day Service with 120 people attending the luncheon. The March was well attended with Gympie Naval Cadets providing the Catafalque Party, The Caledonian Pipe Band provided the music. As well for this occasion we had a 1942 M3 Stuart Light Tank and a 1942 Chevrolet Blitz Radio Truck in the pa-rade and on static display courtesy of Mr Phil Lloyd of Jimboomba. Our thanks to Gympie Regional Council for providing assistance of $2000 through their Community Events Grant Prog ramme, Gympie Tilt Tray Hire for transport and McC l i n to cks Fuel Supplies for fuel for the vehicles. As well we had static displays in the hall this year pro-vided by Mary Valley State College, Dagun State School and numerous other citizens. Images by Barbara Harris sourced from Flickr
won the Ken Purdue Memorial Trophy for her ANZAC story based on her Great Grandfather Harry Vanderwolf’s service as a Gallipoli and Western Front veteran. She received a commemorative medallion with the Sands of Gallipoli. It was a great day to remember and give thanks to the sacrifices made by our brave ANZACs in the forging of our young nations and in bringing an end to the Great War. Lest We Forget.
WBB District Digest page 11
NEWS FROM BIGGENDEN For the first time in many years a dawn service was held at the Degilbo Memorial and double the numbers expected turned out for this moving service. Residents also turned out in force for the town service held in the grounds of the Biggenden Memorial Hall. Guest speakers were district school children who had researched a soldier from the area. Cr Lofty Wendt said the research had inadvertently generated a new group of children who have an understanding of the military credentials of the area.
Guest speakers at the Biggenden Anzac Day service were Max Corfield (Coalstoun Lakes), Bailey Griffin, Aiden Eggelston Biggenden), Monica Hetherington and Jonah MacDonald (Dallarnil). The students had researched a soldier from the area who died or served in the First World War. On the Friday, Dallarnil School held their own service and at the same time unveiled a plaque placed at the base of the flagpole. Special guests at the Biggenden State School ser-vice were the Gympie Lighthorse and retired war-rant officer Bill Rough of Childers. Biggenden RSL Sub Branch secretary Alex McNaughton spoke of his grand-father, Arthur Alva Gray who was killed on April 25, 1917 when an accidental explosion occurred in Hill 60 when a mine charge being set up exploded.
Year 9-10 students during the year had researched all 42 soldiers who had died from the area in the First World War. A special moment was when each placed a poppy beside the soldiers name on a large Victoria Cross cut out. BROOWEENA Residents from the Brooweena area converged at the Memorial Bridge on the Brooweena-Woolooga Rd for their Anzac Day service which was followed by a picnic lunch and the planting of a Lone Pine.
A new display board was unveiled at Memorial Bridge on the Brooweena-Woolooga Rd on Anzac Day. Local resident Felicity Rockemer spent the past five years researching the lives of the nine soldiers who died in the First World War. The Brooweena school is also supported by the Maryborough Sub Branch with the establishment of the Community Link project. Maryborough has funded the badges and the students were wearing them on the day of their school service to which George from the Maryborough Sub Branch attended.
RSL Community Link gives peo-
ple of all ages the opportunity to
attend remembrance services as
the personal representative of an
Australian or Allied service vet-
eran who has passed away – no
matter when or where they
served or when they died. Representatives proudly wear a
‘Veteran’s Memorial Plaque’ which shows the basic details of
the veteran’s service and includes a full-colour representation
of the veteran’s medal ribbons. A ‘Representative’s Link Card’
is worn to show the representative’s relationship to the veter-
an. If your Sub Branch is interested in developing a Community
WOODGATE BEACH With the dedi-cation of the new memorial washed out by Cyclone Mar-cia, ANZAC Day was the first day using the memorial.
At the citizen’s service, students from Goodwood School laid pictures of local residents who served in WWI.
At the conclusion of the service the school principal and captains presented the Sub Branch President with their commemorative project (pictured below). The Sub Branch put the school in touch with a similar sized Sub Branch and school in New Zealand. The ‘across the ditch’ liaison fosters the bond established at Gallipoli. The picture shows an image of the ceno-taph from each respective area and a photo of the schools. In the centre are photos of those that enlist-ed from the areas, surrounded by photos of the cur-
rent school cohort.
GIN GIN On 25 April 2015, the Gin Gin Sub Branch of the RSL was presented with a painting depicting a scene at Villers Bretonneux. The artist, Gary Woodfield, is a resident of Gin Gin and presented this work as his contribution to the Century of ANZAC. Gary spent many hours researching the subject and the scenes within the painting are all taken from personal diaries of the soldiers represented. This painting and all of Gary’s artwork is completed without the use of brush-es. The “paint” is applied to the canvas using bamboo skewers, tree bark, pine needles, sponges, cotton buds and bare hands. Gary’s passion for truth in his artwork has produced a unique painting which has been admired and commended both here in Australia as well as overseas. “A BLOODY HARD DAY’S WORK” GARY WOODFIELD’S ANALOGY OF HIS WW1 PAINTING:
On the night of April 24 1918, Villers Bretonneux France, two Australian brigades took part in the counter-attack to stop the German spring offensive supported with three British battalions. Australian troops displayed great bravery, but also suffered a terrible loss. Some 2,700 Australians had become casualties in the vicious hand-to-hand fighting to recapture the town. During the morning and most of April 25th, the exhausted depleted Australian units fought on courageously. In one section of the ruined town reduced to rubble and cinders, an en-tire battalion was nearly decimated taking out an enemy MG nest, the few remaining survivors of this action had paused graciously for a smoko knowing the town was now secured in their hands. A battle weary Sergeant holds back his tears puffing on a pipe eyeing all the dead and wounded, his voice trembling, this was “A bloody hard day’s work”. Involved in this two day battle, was Gin Gin’s very own Private Ernest Allen who perished in action at Villers Bretonneux. This painting honours his memory and bravery like so many others whom had fallen in the line of duty. The Allen family, who be-came pillars of the Gin Gin community, sadly lost 3 sons during the Great War with Private Ernest Allen paying the ultimate price in this action at Villers Bretonneux. For more details on the painting contact District for the information.
WBB District Digest page 13
Calliope Calliope RSL Sub Branch’s ANZAC Day service drew over 500 people, including representatives from Gladstone Regional Council, Federal Member for Flynn, State Member for Glad-stone, Calliope Branch QCWA, Police, Fire Service, Calliope State School, Scouts, Roosters Rugby League Club, Soccer Club, Rotary Club. Calliope State School Students acted as flag bearers for the march, read the names of the fallen and raised the flags. A fallen soldier’s personal and service history was read and also a letter from a soldier serving in WW1. An organist and Gladstone Thistle Pipe Band provid-ed music and a Bugler sounded The Last Post and Reveille. President Paul Howkins conducted the service assisted by father Kevin Redmond. Both the Australian and New Zea-land flags were flown this year and a RAAF FA/18 Super Hornet fly past was re-ceived.
Calliope’s ANZAC commemo-ration even extends beyond the shores of Australia. Sub Branch member Paul Staken-burg works on Lihir Is-land. Paul laid a wreath on behalf of Calliope Sub Branch at the Dawn Service. photo of the service and let-ter attached to the wreath.
Photo of Moura’s service
WBB District Digest page 14
WBB District Digest page 15
SUB BRANCH INTERNET & PHONE ROLLOUT What is being offered? RSL (Queensland Branch) will be offer-ing Internet access to all of the Sub Branches. The Internet access will be delivered to the Sub Branch office loca-tion, or if none exists, will be delivered to a loca-tion specified by the Sub Branch president to best assist the Sub Branch. Sub Branches that expressed an interest were categorised into 3 phases depend-ing on need. If your Sub Branch is interested and you have not completed the online form to secure your order please contact District for the details.
COMPUTERS RSL (Queensland Branch) is replacing its computers and laptops this year. The old computers (approx. 100) will be donated to the Sub Branches. More details will be distributed when known.
CORPORATE BRANDING At the District AGM Vasili gave a presentation on the new branding and thrust of RSL communica-tion. This emphasis is based on telling the RSL story and the image of RSL to be more contemporary. This involves new branding on the vehicles, new stationery and marketing materials. Each District received an ‘expo pack’ for use by Sub Branches. This includes a marquee, pull up banners, tear drop banners and table stands for postcards. If you would like to borrow these items please contact the office. Sub Branches have received an issue of document folders, flyers and postcards that you can use as applicable.
STATIONERY As part of the ‘rebrand’ new stationery has also being prepared. Sub Branches are given the option of ordering letterheads and with compliments slips. Templates of the letterhead have been sent to Sub Branches. The template is to be reviewed. If you wish to proceed please contact Vasili direct and discuss your needs as well as confirm what infor-mation the Sub Branch wants on the letterhead.
CONSTITUTION: The State constitution is under review at the AGM.
STATE BY LAWS Changes have been made to By Law 10 regarding the Sir Raymond Huish award. Amendments have also been made to By Law 8; amendment is to clause 8.9 only - the cost of the Meritorious Service Medal is to now be covered by State Branch. The updated By-Laws are available on the RSL QLD website under Important Documents. RSL ANZAC Centenary fund revised The eligibility criteria has been revised with Sub Branches able to cluster and apply for funding for a regional activity rather than a full District event. The application form is available on the website.
RSL News Some changes have been made in regards to how the content for RSL News is arranged. The Sub Branch news sections will now fo-cus on two areas of activity in particular; ‘Mateship’ and ‘Community’. Mateship is focused on the RSL mission of: provid-ing welfare and support for the wounded, injured and ill, and will include instances where Sub Branches have provided a helping hand, support and/or advocacy services (of particular interest) to veterans and their families. Community is focused on activities that demon-strate RSL working within the community. This could include sponsorship, support or the develop-ment of a program within a school, other local community group or event. Closing dates for submissions are: Edition 4—July 16 Edition 5– September 17 Edition 6—November 6 Please forward all submissions to [email protected]
RSL NATIONAL HAS MOVED RSL National has moved into new premises. New details are as follows: Address: 7-9 Geelong Street Fyshwick Phone: 02 6280 4079
FLAG PROTOCOL at FUNERALS As you are aware a current or ex-serving ADF mem-ber can have the Australian flag over their coffin. After a recent episode with a Sub Branch a timely reminder for the process is recommended. Naturally the situation may vary from town to town and with different funeral homes so whilst there isn’t a standard there is an acceptable practice. Under the Constituents Request Program, Federal members have an entitlement of flags for distribu-tion. The larger flags are available to a family member, or an ex-service organisation representa-tive, for use at the funeral of an Australian war veteran. There are 4 large size flags—the standard one issued for funerals by the Member for Hinkler is 1800x900mm. A flag should be requested from the local member in writing. If you are unable to get to the Member’s office the flag can be posted. In my enquiries I have found what happens next varies. Sometimes the funeral home has a larger (& maybe weighted flag) for use that covers the whole coffin. This is not the flag to be handed to the fam-ily (unless pre arranged with the funeral home). The flag to be handed to the family is placed fold-ed on the coffin and following the service the fold-ed flag is handed to the family. Alternatively it is acceptable practice that the 1800x900 flag that is more commonly used can par-tially cover the coffin and following the service this is folded and handed to the family. According to the experience of Carrol & Richardson there is a stronger connection for the family if the flag cover-ing the coffin is the one handed to the family. It is more common for the full sized flag to be used in military services. If time doesn’t permit and the Sub Branch uses the funeral home’s flag and presents it to the family it is the responsibility of the Sub Branch to request a replacement flag from the Federal Member.
Alan Payne, RSL QLD Service Delivery Manager for-warded the below information on the Lions Club initiative , Street Swags. Whilst RSL QLD endeavours to provide emergency accommodation to the members of our Defence Family; this is not always possible for a variety of reasons. Whether the reason be a determination to look after themselves and/or remain independent, or any other reason; there are past & present members of defence who are sleeping rough. May-be this initiative is an idea RSL Sub Branches could support. Anyone can contact a local Lions Club to fund a Street Swag. The Lions actually donate money for t h e m a n u f a c t u r e o f t h e s w a g . The Swag is then forwarded to a Community pro-vider such as RSL Welfare, St Vincent de Paul, Sal-vos etc. for distribution to the recipients. We, the Lions, stay away from the welfare aspects thus en-suring privacy and confidentiality is respected. The following link will provide information on Jean Madden and her community industry http://www.streetswags.org/about-street-swags.php For more details contact: Terry Carmody Lions Club of Ashgrove/The Gap Inc. PO Box 6 The Gap QLD 4061 0488 999 108
AUSTRALIAN WAR ANIMAL MEMORIAL ORGANISATION INC
Did you know there are also purple poppies? The purple poppies are to remember animals that died during con-flicts. The Australian War Animal Memorial organisation has issued a purple poppy that can be worn alongside the red poppy as a re-minder that both humans and animals have and continue to serve. If you are after an excellent guest speaker contact Nigel Allsopp from the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation on 0415 980 804 or go to www.awamo.org.au/ for more information.
Deceased Mates LIFE MEMBER NANANGO WHELAN Richard Air Force 151885 SERVICE MEMBERS/LIFE SUBSCRIBERS AGNES WATER-1770 EVANS Lindsay Army 1734471 BIGGENDEN WADE Stan Army 1704063 BOYNE-TANNUM PEARSALL Athol Army VX52066 BUNDABERG BRAGG Edwin Air Force 015010 CALLINS Gordon Navy R24308 CHRISTENSEN Walter Navy R37599 DAWSON Robert Army 1878030 GEYSING Kenneth Army 1718580 GOLLEDGE Steve Army 24402839 GROVES Arthur Navy FX684956 IRWIN Alfred Army QX33293 JACOBSON Geoffrey Army - KERNICK John Army 440668 LOHSE Stan - - LUDE Gordon Navy R37802 McCAULEY James Navy 5123804 McKENZIE Douglas Air Force 151695 MARKWELL Richard Navy R52626 MOLLER Alan Navy R50228 MURCHIE Kennedy Army QX61872 PATTERSON Frances Navy W1834 POMFRETT Valda Army QF273166 REEPSDORFF Harold Army QX31073 SIMMONDS Alfred Army QX23512 THORNTON Gloria Air Force 98891 VLIES Doreen Air Force W19347 WILLIAMS David Army Q135354 COOROY-POMONA BRANSON Murray Air Force 39888 FERRIS Carmel Army NFX200353 GLADSTONE GROEN IN’T WOUD Pieter Navy X61545 HURTZ Thomas Army NX128746 LEE Joseph Army QX54939 MARSDEN John Army TX11004 WHELAN Brian Navy B6469 GYMPIE COMERFORD John Other 1/711203 ELSTOB Rollo Army VX58733 GOLDBERG Keith Air Force 75542 ILETT Clarence Army Q25119 LOWE Stanley Navy R46947
WBB District Digest page 18
SUNDSTRUP Erik Air Force 0215187 TANNER Dennis Army Q269998 HERVEY BAY ALLEN Ron Air Force 417181 ARMSTRONG Herbert Army QX30250 CADMAN Keith Navy R47473 CHARMAN Harold Army VX979 CHRISTIE Jack Army NX206173 CLARKE Graeme Army 365533 COOPER Christopher Navy R121862 COOPER Edward Army 19118777 DENARO Ralph Navy R58227 DWYER Bernard Air Force A15841 FORREST Doris Air Force 90774 FOX Eileen Army NF460481 GALLOTT Gerald Army QX58685 HARRIS Victor Air Force 438067 HARRISON Thomas Army NX205956 HENRY Neville Navy 36926 HODGES Herbert Army 464824 KATH Clyde Air Force 441147 McGARRY Charles Army 25026 McLAUGHLIN Ronal Navy - MARSH Harold Navy KX798976 MOCKFORD Douglas Navy P/JX171857 NICHOLLS Wilfred Army NX105694 PALMER John Army NX169416 PARRY Robert Army 467913 PARKER Alick Army QX45788 PEDLER Harold Air Force 153479 RIBES Rafael Air Force A110709 ROBINSON Jack Army QX28761 ROWLANDS Lawrence Army VX96817 SANDERS Neville Army WX31244 STEEL George Navy R50251 SUMMERS Gary Air Force A19868 VANDENBERG Nico Army 400425043 WRIGLEY Joyce Army F3/310 ISIS HARGANS Dennis - - WELMAN William Navy R66390 KINGAROY-MEMERAMBI CULLEN Dude Army QX33725 REMIN Manfred Army 3411445 MARYBOROUGH CASEY James Army QX18018 CLISSOLD Neville Army 2/7539 HALL Raymond Air Force 73153 IGGLESDEN Allen Air Force A320272 HOFFMANN Wilfred Army QX8542 PRICE Mervyn Army QX45452
WBB District Digest page 19
OBITUARY: Agnes Water-1770 President (courtesy of Fraser Coast Chronicle ) Lindsay Evans was the face of the Agnes Water/1770 RSL Sub Branch. He loved the Agnes Water community, and was a
catalyst in the development of the town's memorial cenotaph. His friend Cheryl Wickes had hoped he would live to see that
project come to fruition. but Mr Evans died on April 16 at 67, one week before Anzac Day. "He had been working on that as a
project for seven years," Ms Wickes said. Mr Evans - who penned his own eulogy in March - will be remembered for his kind heart and organisational skills. His son-in-law David Pilgrim had nothing but praise for Mr Evans, who suffered from liver cancer until his death. "He was very organised and the pillar of the family," he said. "In February he asked me to take him out to organise his funeral
with him. I was blown away." Mr Evans was born on April 19, 1948. In 1968 Mr Evans was called up for National Service. "He always joked that it was the only raffle he ever won in his life," Mr Pilgrim said. A year later, Mr Evans married first wife
Margaret and was posted to South Vietnam. When he returned, they had three children - Anthony, Leigh-Anne and Darryl - but the couple's marriage didn't last. Mr Evans met Lynn in 1981 and they married in 1989. The couple moved to Agnes Wa-
ter in 1999. It was in 2003 that Mr Evans became seriously involved with the RSL, and he was president for more than 10 years. "Together with all the members of the RSL sub branch, and with Lynn by his side, they worked tirelessly and enthusiastically
to improve the sub branch's stature in the community," Mr Pilgrim said. Mr Evans had severe health issues as he got older, his
liver cancer beating him in the end. "Never once did he complain about his pain and always had a smile for his entire family
when they were around," Mr Pilgrim said. Ms Wickes said he would be missed. "He did so much for the people of this town. He was an all-round good fellow who would help anyone."
SMITH Dennis Army QX20788 ZEMEK Bevis Navy R32807 MARY VALLEY BATES Leslie Army 218053 BUTCHER Frank Navy B4606 MT MORGAN ROWE Abby Army QX64144 MOURA EVANS Steven Navy S154804 MUNDUBBERA EMERSON Grattan Army 1/712215 HUNT Eric - - RAINBOW BEACH DUIGNAN Noel Army 1713232 WONDAI SUNDERLAND Max Navy 2710635 WOODGATE BEACH YOUNG John Air Force 1531247 SHORTEN Arthur Air Force 72941
Lest We Forget
Please note that the list of Deceased is extracted from the MMS for the period 22/11/14-13/5/15 and is
based on deceased date. Due to the more regular distribution of RSL News that includes the Last Post it is considered a duplication
including the same information in the District Digest. As such this will be the final edition of Last Post. If a
Sub Branch would like a particular member’s eulogy or details included in the Digest then please send that
through.
WBB District Digest page 20
DISTRICT CONTACTS President & State Director Bill Taylor Ph 4995 7049 Deputy President Brian Tidyman Ph 4128 3617 Treasurer Colin Bell Ph 0417 287 490 Vice Presidents Don Davey Ph 4162 3307 Craig Fothergill Ph 4161 1148 Secretary: Allison Paige Ph 4151 0325 PO Box 687 Bundaberg Qld 4670 0409 068 142 [email protected]
All correspondence to the Secretary please. The Sub Branch listing is on the back page.
Other District Appointments
District PAWS: John Simmons 0419 207 263 District Honorary Life Vice President: Tom McLucas OAM BEM AWARDS 2014 (presented ADC 2015) DISTRICT SHIELD: Hervey Bay Highly Commended Award: Sub Branch with Membership greater than 100: Maryborough Sub Branch with Membership less than 100: Gayndah EVENTS Annual General Meeting & District General meeting: 12-13 March 2016, Kingaroy
State Appointments—WBB Regional State Advocate: Anita Bentley [email protected] Office: Legacy House 1 Bryant St Pialba PO Box 3137 PIALBA QLD 4655 Ph: 4194 1511 Fax: 4194 1522 Mobile: 0447 763 794 Regional State Advocate: Caroline Wright (Gladstone & North only) [email protected] Office: Tobruk House, Ground floor. Suite4/8 Archer St Rockhampton PO Box 1041 ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4700 Ph 4922 7747 Toll Free 1800 773 80 1ax 4922 7718
DATES TO REMEMBER
19-21 June: State AGM, Brisbane
4th July: Strategic Planning session
10 July: General Meeting registrations due
19 July: General Meeting, Moura
5 October: Agenda for End Year General meet-
ing closes
11th November: YDP applications close
14th November: Cooroy-Pomona Sub Branch
Annual Dinner
15th November, End Year General Meeting,
Cooroy
12-13 March 2016: AGM, Kingaroy
Service Records The onus is on the Sub Branch to verify a person’s
eligibility to join the RSL. If a person can not provide service details then a copy can be
is a joint initiative between RSL Australia and ADCU. They have partnered together to provide a range of banking products such as a low Rate Visa Credit Card, a Deeming Account and the Sub Branch Account. For more information go to www.rslmoney.com.au or phone Ann Roach on 0418 400 143.
WBB District Digest page 21
2015-16 PLANNER JUNE State AGM June 19-21 2015, Brisbane Agenda for Mid Year District General Meeting 2015 closes Monday 8 June. JULY Registration for District General Meeting Friday 10 July Mid Year District General Meeting Sunday 19 July Moura AUGUST SEPTEMBER Consider motions and general business items for November District General Meeting OCTOBER Agenda for end of Year District General Meeting closes Monday 5 October NOVEMBER RSL Youth Development Program applications close 11 November Registration for District General Meeting Friday 6 November “Important Items” package arrives from District. Put District AGM & District General Meeting business on the Agenda for Sub Branch meeting End of Year District General Meeting 15 November, Cooroy DECEMBER ¨Renewal period commences (1 Dec -28 February) ¨Begin entering 2015 membership renewals into the Membership Management System ¨If not meeting early January – deal with District AGM items (motions, nominations, awards, general business) JANUARY 2016 ¨ Agenda items for District AGM & District Council meeting close at District on 3rd Friday ¨Prepare for Sub Branch AGM - ensure nominations/nominees are financial, prepare books for Audit, write
President report, write Welfare report. ¨ Call AGM. Appoint Welfare & Pension Officer practitioners at AGM (as per TCC compliance guidelines for
Traditional Sub Branches the AGM should be held by 31 March and all reports forwarded to District) ¨Complete letter of authorisation for all Appointed Welfare & Pension Officers & send copy to District ¨ Send in Nominations for hosting 2016 meetings, any motions or general business items by 3rd Friday ¨ Applications for Sir Raymond Huish CBE Memorial Grant close with District AGM agenda ¨ AGM & District General Meeting Agendas will be sent from District ¨ Book accommodation for District AGM FEBRUARY ¨ Following Sub Branch AGM forward Office Bearer returns, AGM minutes, Presidents, Welfare & Audit re-
ports to District. ¨ President’s Report & Sub Branch Welfare report due at District before 28 February (regardless of your AGM)
for District Shield judging ¨ State AGM Registrations process (TBA). ¨ District AGM Registration due at District by 26 February. ¨ Contact unfinancial members and remind them their membership is due ¨ Consider the District AGM & District General meeting Agendas at your meeting. ¨ 28 February: Membership renewal period closes ¨ RSL QLD Branch District & Sub Branch Welfare Fund closes MARCH ¨ AGM minutes, Presidents, Welfare & Audit reports to District by end March ¨ WBBD AGM & District General meeting 12-13 March, Kingaroy ¨Register for State AGM APRIL ¨ RSL Youth Development Program applications open April 25 MAY ¨ Applications for ANZAC Day Trust Grants close 20 May ¨ Consider motions and general business items for July District General Meeting. ONGOING Send articles & photos to District for inclusion in District newsletter Send Veteran Welfare Program & Cadet funding applications to District
WBB District Digest page 22
WBB Sub Branch Contact Info
Agnes W-1 Allen MASON 0417 607 133 PO Box 254 AGNES WATER 4677 [email protected] Biggenden Alex McNAUGHTON RFD 0427 127 779 PO Box 44 BIGGENDEN 4621 [email protected] Biloela Aotea Onekawa 4992 1511 PO Box 263 Biloela 4715 [email protected] Boyne/Tan Mike Robbins 4973 2448 PO Box 3347 TANNUM SANDS 4680 [email protected] Bundaberg Rudy Valzan 4132 6512 PO Box 2216 BUNDABERG 4670 [email protected] Burrum Jim JONES 0423 759 704 District PO Box 6 HOWARD 4659 [email protected] Calliope Darryl SAW OAM 0447 417 746 PO Box 237 CALLIOPE 4680 [email protected] Cooloola Brian Johnson 5486 4897 (H) Cove PO Box 195 TIN CAN BAY 4580 [email protected] Cooroy- Angela CULL 5447 6131 (C) Pomona 25 Maple St COOROY 4563 [email protected] Eidsvold Annie CONNELLY 52 Moreton St EIDSVOLD 4627 [email protected] Gayndah Craig FOTHERGILL 4161 1148 PO Box 330 GAYNDAH 4625 [email protected] Gin Gin Joy Culey 4157 8346 1 Kestrel Rd BUCCA 4670 [email protected] Gladstone Peter YOUNG 4972 8372 PO Box 26 GLADSTONE 4680 [email protected] Goomeri Warren WOODALL 4168 4404 PO Box 14 GOOMERI 4601 [email protected] Gracemere Jean Robinson PO Box 151 GRACEMERE 4702 [email protected] Gympie Bob STRETTON 5483 7707 217 Mary St GYMPIE 4570 [email protected] Hervey Bay Robert NEY 4197 7477 PO Box 3042 PIALBA 4655 [email protected] Isis Mel HAMILTON 4126 1354 55 Churchill St CHILDERS 4660 [email protected] Kilkivan Gloria BAILLIE 5484 1415 PO Box 109 KILKIVAN 4600 [email protected] Kingaroy-M Warren COCKBURN OAM 4162 1755 PO Box 161 KINGAROY 4610 [email protected]
Maryborough Mel STEPHENS 4122 2321 PO Box 12 MARYBOROUGH 4650 [email protected] Mary Valley Ian STUBBINS 5484 5245 PO Box 203 IMBIL 4570 [email protected] Monto George WANDERS 4166 3882 P O Box 151 MONTO 4630 [email protected] Mt Larcom Peter TAME 0418 608 990 PO Box 1713 GLADSTONE 4680 [email protected] Mt Morgan PO Box 18 MOUNT MORGAN 4714 [email protected] Mt Perry David ROFE 0458 563 580 PO Box 94 MT PERRY 4671 [email protected] Moura Jeff DICKSON 0427 579 917 PO Box 234 MOURA 4718 [email protected] Mundubbera John OGDEN 4165 4242 PO BOX 192 MUNDUBBERA 4626 [email protected] Murgon Louise THOMPSON 0427 031 483 PO Box 34 MURGON 4605 [email protected] Nanango Darryl OKELY 4163 1435 26 Henry St NANANGO 4615 [email protected] Orchid Beach Col BELL 0417 287 490 1755 Tin Can Bay Rd GOOMBOORIAN 4570 Proston David CECIL 4168 9166 28 Nelson St PROSTON 4613 [email protected] Rainbow B Darren DAVIES 0400 036 264 PO Box 97 RAINBOW BEACH 4581 [email protected] Rosedale c/- District Theodore Shelley O’DONNELL 4993 1432 PO Box 222 THEODORE 4719 [email protected] Tiaro Peter KELLY 4129 6270 PO Box 205 TIARO 4650 [email protected] Tin Can Bay Cherryl MOSSMAN 5486 2726 PO Box 25 TIN CAN BAY 4580 [email protected] Toogoom Jack CROOK 4129 5609 10 Dreamtime Av BURRUM HEADS 4659 [email protected] Wondai David SCRIMGEOUR 0428 785 828 PO Box 70 WONDAI 4606 [email protected] Woodgate Malcolm WEBB 0410 543 659 PO Box 269 WOODGATE 4660 [email protected] Wowan John LAW 4937 1214 C/- Post Office WOWAN 4702 [email protected]
