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Birdwood Bugle Autumn 2020
1
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Articles/Items for Spring Bugle 2020 can be emailed to Bugle Editor [email protected] or dropped into the RSL at Birdwood House. Deadline for Spring Bugle is 25th August 2020. Earlier makes it easier to get it assembled and circulated on time if you are able to do that. Publication should be 1
st September 2020.
Items should not exceed 400 words if there are to be pictures inserted; ~500 without picture(s) is fine. . -Ed
Dates to Remember 75th Anniversary of VP Day
15th August Commemoration service details TBA
Vietnam Veterans’ Day 18th August
Commemoration service at 4pm followed by Fellowship, a Sausage Sizzle and Refreshments.
* PLEASE NOTE: It is at the discretion of the Bar person on duty at the time if s/he remains open beyond the nominated closing times.
Birdwood Military Museum
President Barry Stinson ………..... 0408 222 653 Secretary
Mark Gilligan..........................9938 1911
Treasurer Mike Marsh ....................0458 806 311
General Meeting Sunday TBA
Time:-1030 hrs Sausage Sizzle, Fellowship
afterwards
Committee Meetings Monday 1700 hrs
15th June 20
th July
17th
August
21st
September
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Barry Stinson ……..... 0408 222 653 Vice President: Ken Morris.....................0427 010 548
Secretary: April Herbert.…….........0439 883 777 Treasurer:
Vacant Committee: Ken Lawson ….... ........0417 998 315 Norm Chant.......................9923 1602 Colin Strachan..............0427 081 358 Lesley Moyle.....................9938 2619 Bar Manager:
Chris Cox..................0459 655 376 Public Relations Officer: Ken Morris....................0427 010 548 Welfare Officer: Glenn Law.....................0427 442 504 Membership Officer: Mike Marsh ....................0458 806 311 Warden Ross Davies....................0458 299 892
Member RSLWA Board of Directors Ken Morris …..................0427 010 548
* BAR HOURS Thursday 1100 -1400 Friday 1700 - late
Sunday 1200 -1500
FRIDAY
MEAL NIGHTS We are unable to set a date for the BBQ restart at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are hoping to re-open the bar on 12
th June if all our prep
can be completed in time.
WWiinntteerr 22002200 PO Box 1243, Geraldton WA 6531 http://geraldtonrsl.org.au Tel. (08) 9964 1520
Secretary: [email protected] Information: [email protected] Birdwood Museum [email protected]
The quarterly newsletter of the City of Geraldton RSL Sub Branch, Birdwood House, 46 Chapman Road Geraldton WA
BIRDWOOD BUGLE
Birdwood Bugle Autumn 2020
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Other than attending the opening of new extensions and display area at the Northampton RSL Sub-Branch on
the 11th
March and hosting the State President Mr Peter Aspinall to dinner in Geraldton the same evening; the
past three months have seen us in lockdown due to the Corona Virus pestilence that has been sweeping the
world and affecting our activities in so many ways.
As a consequence ANZAC Day as we know it was cancelled, much to the dismay and angst of all veterans
and their families. In the true spirit of the ANZAC Legend and in testament of that good old Aussie
inventiveness, a way forward was found for all Australians to come together in remembrance.
This year at dawn we came together in spirit, whilst keeping our Anzac Day traditions alive and honoured our
veterans and service members from the safety of our own homes and driveways.
Recently RSLWA headquarters issued a lengthy Convid-19 Safety Guidelines & Plan to assist Sub-Branches
in re-opening in accordance with the easing of restrictions imposed by the State Government & Health
Authorities.
A number of our Bar & Kitchen volunteers have completed the compulsory training in COVID-19 control
also a number have completed the Hygiene Officers training.
Prior to re-opening the club will need a vigorous cleaning program and a number of other Covid-19 guidelines
& conditions met. The RSL also requires a COVID-19 Safety Plan Certificate stating what measures will be
taken to keep us safe.
Despite the reduction in some restrictions placed on licensed premises due to COVID-19 our club is
unfortunately still not in a position to open, due to the limitations on the numbers allowed, social distancing
and the serving of food with alcohol.
Despite the club being closed for bar business the committee and a number of dedicated volunteers are
working to ensure that the doors will open as soon as possible. In the meantime I will continue to manage the
office remotely from home with occasional visits to Birdwood House.
Members are still able to access Welfare and DVA assistance by contacting Glenn Law direct, similarly Mike
Marsh our Membership Officer can also be contacted. See cover page for contact details
On behalf of the Management Committee I thank you for your patience and understanding I trust all members
are safe, well and remaining positive in these unprecedented and difficult times.
I hope to see you in the near future, in the meantime please contact me should you wish to discuss any aspect
of our activities.
We’re all in this together. l
Barry Stinson – President
President’s Report
Birdwood Bugle Autumn 2020
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Bugle Publication Apologies for the late appearance of the Winter Bugle. I’ve held it over so that I could publish the results of the RSLWA
board elections and also to include photos of the new ANZAC House Veteran Central building nearing completion in St
Georges Terrace, Perth. We have been assured by our project manager that RSLWA State Congress will be held there
on 26th September.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant little or no activity in Birdwood House to report on, so much of this Bugle will be
taken up with other items that I hope you will find interesting. Please stay safe and observe social distancing!
Ken Morris Editor
Welfare Assistance Geraldton
Welfare provides a full range of welfare services to the veteran community including allied, currently serving members
and their dependants. Welfare can take a variety of forms, such as monetary payments, subsidies and vouchers,
housing assistance, home and hospital visits.
Emergency relief
Advocacy
Overseas Pension applications
Crisis counselling to point of referral
Financial assistance
Referral to other services
Home and Hospital visits
General crisis assistance
All applications are treated in the strictest confidence by the sub-branch welfare committee with the Welfare Officer being the first point of contact. Applicants are required to provide proof of service, financial situation and quote or account from service provider. Contact Glenn Law on 0427 442 504 if you wish to make an appointment to discuss your needs.
Glenn Law -Welfare Officer
RSLWA Board Election The Western Australian Electoral Commission conducted elections over the last few weeks to elect the RSLWA Board of Directors. All sitting members who nominated were re-elected, most with a strong majority. In my view this indicates a very strong endorsement of the policies and actions the board has taken over the past three years and a desire that we continue the work we have begun. On a personal note, to those sub-branches who supported my candidacy, I thank you and will do my very best to justify the faith you have placed in me. New members are Graham Edwards and Wayne Gibson. Former Vice president Donna Prytulak did not nominate for re-election. Results are summarised below. Elected members highlighted. Ken Morris
Birdwood Bugle Autumn 2020
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State President: Candidate Votes Percentage ASPINALL, Peter 73 71.57% HOURN, Geoff 29 28.43%
State Vice President: Candidate Votes Percentage ANDERSON, Duncan 41 40.20% MUNRO, Bill 20 19.61% SPENCER, Royce 41 40.20%
Metropolitan Board members (3) Candidate Votes Percentage
COLLIDGE, Bill 22 31.88% EDWARDS, Graham 24 34.78% SPENCER, Royce 16 23.19% CASHMAN, Robert 5 7.25% IRVIN, Geofrey 2 2.90%
Regional Board Members: (3) Candidate Votes Percentage GIBSON, Wayne 6 18.75% MORRIS, Ken 11 34.38% STEENBACH, Robyn 8 25.00% ANDERSON, Duncan 4 12.50% STARCEVICH, George 3 9.38%
If you are reading the electronic version of the Bugle you can click here for full details.
Life Membership for Con Kikeros On 6th June, Philip Orchard AM, AFNI CMDR RAN (Ret’d) a Trustee of RSLWA presented Con Kikeros, Secretary of Three Springs-Arrino Sub Branch with a life membership certificate at a luncheon held at Carnamah Bowling Club. A wonderful meal was prepared and served by the members of Three Springs-Arrino RSL. Part of Philip’s presentation speech follows.
“If there is money to be raised here in Three Springs, be it for an APC or to send students on the local Lions Club tour or indeed donations to the likes of TS Leeuwin there is always one name that keeps cropping up. That’s the same name that has ensured Three Springs has won 6 Geraldton Shield awards in the last 10 years. That award is for the best all round performance of our regional sub-branches with less than 25 members. It requires good governance and the ability to meet numerous deadlines. That in itself is a record to behold. If you think of the time needed to do these fund raising events and secretarial duties then in between you undertake hospital visits that included secretly organising birthday parties for patients; paying water & power bills for veterans or their widows; organising scout groups to attend
ANZAC Day & Remembrance Day ceremonies; allowing yourself to be questioned about your National Service and time in Vietnam by local school children as you visit 5 or 6 schools prior to ANZAC Day; presenting the ANZAC Endeavour award to a year 6 student annually; attending events at TS Morrow in Geraldton; contributing to meetings held by other local organisations and attending RSLWA state congress 12 years on the trot ……………. You have a person who is wholeheartedly devoted to his Sub Branch and the local community. Constantine Nicholas Kikeros is that person. Con joined the RSL 27 years ago and has been the secretary here for 16 years . When his life membership nomination reached the Honours & Awards Committee that included a much more comprehensive narrative like I’ve just read it takes only minutes to approve. It is with the greatest pleasure that I present Con with this most prestigious award of life membership.”
If you replace "W" with "T" in "What, Where and When", you get the answer to each of them.
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Storm Damage to Birdwood House The storm which hit Geraldton on 24th May blew down a lot of fences and unroofed some buildings and knocked over
a lot of trees. Birdwood House copped some damage to the outdoor area, to the street fence and to some latticework.
Kerry Ross and Barry have made temporary repairs to the fence.
Anzac Day in Three Springs.
Many people had candle vigils on the footpath and commented on the lights further up the street. People were
invited to lay wreaths at the memorial at their own time. When I laid the RSL wreath at 10.30, our usual service time,
there were already five wreaths present and another three were laid after me. A wonderful effort. Richard Davies
took social distancing to another level with his Tiger Moth fly over while I was laying our wreath. Very different but
very special.
Ray Morgan -TS/Arrino President.
Geraldton Legacy Group
Dave Dunn, president of the Geraldton Legacy Group tells me they have been slowed
right down by the COVID-19 restrictions – unable to conduct visits. Nothing to share
with us in this edition.
Cheers
Dave Dunn – President Mob 0467 484 982
Sub-Branch Secretaries /Publicity Officers
If your sub-branch is holding a commemoration service or celebrating an event, holding a social function or
has a story to tell, you are welcome to publicise it in the Birdwood Bugle. Just email the notice/story to
Bugle editor, Ken Morris at [email protected] and I will do my best to fit it in. If no access to
email, mail it to me at PO Box 1243 Geraldton WA 6531. I would love to hear from you. -Ed
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Volunteer Bar Staff. The President and Committee of Geraldton RSL thank Paul Nevill for the great job he did
in managing our bar for almost three years. Well done Paul! Chris Cox is the new Bar
Manager. Let us give him all the support we can. See page 15.
RSA and Bar Manager Training courses are available; costs will be refunded by RSL on
completion of 6 month’s volunteer service. Volunteers typically do one shift per week. If
you think you can help, please call Bar Manager Chris Cox. 0459 655 376 for more
information.
The History of Geraldton’s Water Supply In the 1850’s, water was drawn from wells, collected from roofs in rain water barrels, and in drought periods carted in
from outlying areas. It is thought the first well was near the old goal. In the 1860’s, another was dug 2 miles from
town, at Bluff Point.
As the district expanded and the population grew, the need for more water became apparent. During the summer
months when the demand was greatest, the wells would turn salty and become unfit for use.
Towards the end of the nineteenth century water supplies were obtained from a series of trenches four to five feet
deep at a place called Grimshaw Valley, the site of the present day Geraldton Bowling Club. The water was pumped
from trenches dug in the sand, and timbered at the sides. It was pumped to a reservoir on Mt Scott, and from here
reticulated to the town. This was very good water, but unfortunately, the supply was not great enough to meet
Geraldton’s needs. Engineers were called in to advise on increasing the supply, and on their advice, holes were blown
in the rock bottom of the trenches, which were below sea level. The result was – this let in the sea water, and
completely ruined the whole scheme.
Mahomets Flats, a seepage area about a mile south of Grimshaw Valley, was used as a watering place for stock – the
quality being too poor for domestic use. In 1907 a Water Board was constituted but was abolished four years later
because of a lack of a suitable supply. During this time the surrounding country was searched for suitable surface
storage.
Yetna, Sandlewood Hill, Northampton, Buller River, Narra Tarra and Oakagee River were some of the areas examined.
The main problems again, were salt springs and the large catchment areas needed because of the low rainfall.
In 1914 an 80 million gallon earth dam was constructed on the Buller River, but three years later, following torrential
rain, the dam collapsed.
About this time, some 25 miles east of Geraldton, a small earth dam existed on a tributary of the Greenough River at
Wicherina – the only sizeable creek that had not gone to salt. Another earth wall dam was constructed in 1921, a
quarter of a mile below the original dam wall. The by-wash of the original structure was removed forming 2 ponds
with an inter-connecting channel. The combined capacity was more than 100 million gallons. The dam was later
roofed, to reduce evaporation, and reputed to be the largest covered dam in the southern hemisphere. Combined
with an extensive system of bores in the area, it supplied Geraldton with water until the late 60’s.
The Allanooka Scheme dates back to 1951 when the Public Works Department and geologists of the Mines
Department commenced an extensive exploration programme to locate additional sources of water in the Geraldton
Birdwood Bugle Autumn 2020
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area. Some 18,000 feet of exploratory drilling was carried out over an area of 900 square miles; several areas with
potentially good aquifers were located.
The site is thirty - five miles south of Geraldton in the vicinity of Lake Allanooka where research indicated that each
day between five and six million gallons of water flows through these aquifers towards the coast.
Water for the scheme was obtained from bores each capable of yielding 20,000 gallons of good quality water each
hour. The water from the bores is pumped through two and a half miles of 24 inch diameter steel main to a five
million gallon concrete lined summit tank 416 feet above sea level.
From this tank the water gravitates 31 miles through a 24 inch diameter pipeline to the service tanks in Geraldton and
connects to the town’s reticulation system.
Construction of the Allanooka Scheme was carried out by the day labour force of the Public Works Department. An
average of 50 men were employed throughout the two and a half year construction period, the rate of construction
being mainly controlled by the annual allocation of funds for the work.
Work commenced in the Allanooka area in May 1965, and by Christmas of that year the first two bores, the 24 inch
pumping main, and the five million gallon summit tank had been constructed. The completion of this headworks
section of the project enabled supply of water to Dongara to commence.
During the first twelve months, the construction force operated from a depot in the Allanooka area. Then, in May,
1966, as the centre of operations changed, the depot was moved to the outskirts of Geraldton. The 2,000,000 gallon
concrete service tank at Geraldton, and most of the 24 inch supply main were constructed from this centre.
The pipeline mainly runs through gently undulating country which is ideal from a construction point of view. A short
section of rugged country was encountered near Mount Hill and the only other obstacle was the Greenough River,
where a high level crossing was erected. 15 miles of access roads were constructed in the cross country sections of the
route.
Later improvements included drilling additional bores as demand increased, including a number at Mt Hill,
construction of a Booster Pump Station near Walkaway, and later, when a new Booster Pump Station was required,
duplication of sections of the main.
Future improvements in the planning stage include construction of a large above ground tank at Allanooka, to replace
the aging summit tank, and improved treatment facilities.
Wicherina scheme no longer delivers water to Geraldton, instead supplies non potable water to the Yuna Farmlands.
The Allanooka Scheme now supplies water to a number of towns, including Geraldton, Dongara, Northampton,
Mullewa, and several smaller towns.
Compiled by Norm Chant, from a number of sources.
A man and a woman who had never met before, but who were both married to other people, found themselves
assigned to the same sleeping room on a trans-continental train. Though initially embarrassed and uneasy over
sharing a room, they were both very tired and fell asleep quickly, he in the upper berth and she in the lower. At
1:00 AM, the man leaned down and gently woke the woman saying, "Ma'am, I'm sorry to bother you, but would
you be willing to reach into the closet to get me a second blanket? I'm awfully cold." "I have a better idea," she
replied "Just for tonight, let's pretend that we're married." "Wow! That's a great idea!", he exclaimed. "Good", she
replied "Get your own bloody blanket." After a moment of silence, he farted.
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Editor’s note. Not a lot has been happening at Geraldton RSL since the COVID-19 restrictions have been in force.
In this edition of the Bugle I’ve copied some items from a magazine I proof read for the editor, the RAAF Radio School Association Magazine (RAM). I hope they are of interest. If not, please send or point me to material that is! If you are reading the electronic version of the Birdwood Bugle, you can click here if you would like to take a look at the RAM –Ed.
RSLWA VETERAN HUBS
A game-changing way of providing more support and services to RSLWA Sub-branches is at the core of the development of Veteran Hubs throughout the State of Western Australia. As RSWLA grows in membership, including contemporary Veterans, the development of Veteran Hubs will increase options for Sub-Branches to spread their coverage of looking after their own members, increasing engagement with local communities and accessing a raft of new veteran programs. Over the past 100-years, Sub-Branches have provided a home away from home in the spirit of support and mateship and this proud tradition will of course continue. In consultation and liaison with RSLWA State Branch and ANZAC House Veteran Central, Veteran Hubs would
take counsel from local Sub-Branches about local needs and initiatives to better suit local communities. Veteran Hubs would not, and cannot, replace any Sub-Branch. Quite the opposite. They will exist to be of extra service and support to all Sub-Branches. What a Veteran Hub will provide localized Sub-Branches is additional support mechanisms and services including: • Training for advocates and welfare officers. • Direct portal links to government agencies including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. • On-site medical, allied health and mental health services. • Financial and legal advice. • Meeting rooms, ‘hot-desking’, email and audio-visual facilities for members and ESOs. • Facilities to build relationships with ESOs and Veteran Service Providers. • Added social inclusion with co-located community organisations. • Access to information and advice on retirement, independent living and aged care. • Employment and family needs assistance. • Other support including assistance from local government authorities and regional agencies. LOCATIONS The establishment of the Hubs in the Greater Perth metropolitan area and Regional Centres will rely heavily on Sub-Branch support along with potential redevelopment options while maintaining the long-term future of Sub-Branches.
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Identified sites for Veteran Hubs include, but are not limited to these metro and regional locations (see diagram left). Perth Metropolitan area: • Veteran Central • North Metro • West Metro • North East Metro • South East Metro • Southern East region South West region North West region Goldfields region Great Southern region Midwest region Proposed Veteran Hub locations Critical to the rollout of Veteran Hubs, RSLWA is securing support through a number of government and non-government agencies, not least of which is the Western Australian ANZAC Day Trust. A key component of RSLWA’s grant application for Year 2020 is to use a significant portion of grant funds to further conduct business and financial modelling for the ongoing rollout of Veteran Hubs. The business model for Veteran Hubs will be the same as RSLWA Veteran Central, yet on a smaller scale – that of placing the Veteran and his/her family at the centre of the circle of service delivery. With the advent of new technology remote facilitation of services would assist Veteran Hubs and Sub-Branches in regional areas. RSLWA remains the primary provider of core support services to ex-service men and women in Western Australia. The way ahead for the organisation is to increase its relevance by
supporting the growth of Sub- Branch membership and to augment this growth with the development of Veteran Hubs to allow greater access to facilities by veterans and their families wherever they live.
ANZAC Day 2020
Norm Chant and Glenn Law sent me pictures of their driveway commemoration observation at
dawn on ANZAC Day.
WA Governor Kim Beazley, in a letter to State President Peter Aspinall congratulated Peter on
RSLWA’s fine organisational effort and said he believed that we had created a record
“attendance” for ANZAC Day dawn services.
Well done all who participated. – Ed
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Meet the Members - Alex McKenzie -51434
Meet the Members – Alex McKenzie 51434
Alex was born in Northam on 6th June 1930 – he will have
turned 90 by the time you read this story
In the late 40’s Alex worked for the former Department of Civil
Aviation for a time inspecting and maintaining station airstrips
between Carnarvon and Marble Bar.
He joined the Army and served in 2nd Battalion, The Royal
Australian Regiment in Korea from 17 March 1953 until 06 April
1954.
Alex served in Malaya from 1955 until 1957 during the Malayan
Emergency.
From 1958 until 1960 he served in Malacca where he met the
Duke of Gloucester. He served in Borneo in 1966 during the Indonesian Confrontation.
Alex then served two tours in Vietnam with 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 21 May 1968
until 23 May 1969 and again with 4th Battalion from 01 May 1971 until 17 Dec 1971.
Alex left the Army in
1973. He joined the RSL
in Townsville. He married
Rose and they operated a
Cairns motel for a couple
of years. Alex and Rose
moved to Geraldton
around 1976. His sister had a farm near Northampton, on the road
to Port Gregory. His mother also lived in the Midwest..
Rose passed away in 1981.
Alex has lived in Spalding for over 40 years now. He has a lot of
memorabilia from his many years of service. Pictured is the New
Australia, the ship on which he travelled to Korea in 1953. At left
are Alex’s 4 certificates of thanks for his service in four theatres of
operations.
If you should see Alex having a beer in Birdwood House, ask him about “Bully Beef”
My wife said that if I don’t get off my computer and help with the dishes she’ll slam my head on
the keyboard, but I think she’s jokiasdfasdfq23r41234asdfasdfasdfqr45123451345sdgfasdgf
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A Fed-Ex pilot’s view of the virus crisis. “FedEx still operating close to peak internationally, but we’ve slowed severely domestically. Balances out financially,
as we’re still “above the line” (reference our last quarterly earnings statement). We’ve pulled 4 “semi-retired” FedEx
MD-11s out of the desert and sent them to the Pacific (where I’ve been operating for the past 2½ months). Every run
we’re flying there (between Honolulu, Sydney, Guangzhou, Osaka, Narita, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, etc…) are
maxed out. No one else flying, so all that residual cargo is being directed our way.
That being said, every route is nearly empty, and every airport is completely full of parked jets. A couple of examples: Flew from Osaka to Beijing during 1 segment of a trip and saw only 2 additional aircraft airborne the entire flight. During the time we fly that route (one of the busiest in the world), nearly 100+ additional aircraft are normally airborne. Silence on the radio, from the controllers, etc… most pacific airports have 1 controller that now covers regional approach, tower, and ground… ALL 3 of them. We landed in Beijing and were the only moving aircraft the entire time we taxied in, dropped our cargo, reloaded, and taxied out. Saw 2 other aircraft moving on the ground as we took off. But that was it.
Literally 600+ aircraft parked in every square inch of concrete on that airport. Beijing (and most airports like it) are down to 1 runway, with all additional being used as parking lots for aircraft. Very eerie to see it like that. Was lucky enough to have a United deadhead back from Osaka to SFO at the conclusion of one of my runs. Osaka is one of the busiest international “jump-off points” in Japan and FedEx has a great facility there. From the time I made my way from the FedEx aircraft we landed there, checked in through one of the largest customs facilities I’ve ever seen (at Osaka International), took an inter-airport train to the international terminal and finally made my way to the only 1 of 6 lounges open to await my flight’s departure (United), I only saw 2 people in the entire airport terminal.
That United flight was on a 787 and Polaris Business Class (which normally holds about 36 people) had 4 of us in it. The entire aircraft had about 40 people total… most were United employees (aircrew and attendants) repositioning back to the United States after their routes had been cancelled. This was United’s last flight between Osaka and SFO for a long while (apparently), and there were many hugs and tears with United personnel, Japan airport folks they knew, etc… And the entire United ground crew lined up in a formation to salute the aircraft as we departed… reminded me of Navy cruises when we were launching aircraft to head back to the beach after 6+ months.
Global devastation and economic impacts are very apparent as one travels as much as we do internationally. This is going to take YEARS to recover and return any semblance of “normalcy” (if that term is even relevant any longer) to many areas all over the globe. Incredible to see the lengths FedEx goes to, to keep us all healthy and protected through this mess. My hats off to our dispatchers, ground managers, and everyone on the team who’s making it happen safely for us all as regulations and customs requirements literally change day to day, flight by flight.
If you are reading an electronic copy of the Birdwood Bugle you can have a look at a video via link on this page. https://www.radschool.org.au/magazines/Vol70/Page9.htm It shows world airports choked with parked aircraft. This article is from The RAAF School of Radio Association magazine and is used here with the kind permission of their Editor. –Ed.
When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat
chewing on an aluminium can stuffed with celery?
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12
The Hon Darren Chester MP Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
MEDIA RELEASE Thursday, 28 May 2020
RECOGNISING THE ROLE OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS
TOMORROW is the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers, which provides an opportunity for all Australians to show their respect to those who have served and contributed to global peacekeeping. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, police and civilians have been involved in more than 50 multi-national peacekeeping operations for more than 70 years. “Australian men and women have made a significant contribution to worldwide peace, with peacekeepers in the field with the UN since 1947, where in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) they were part of the very first group of UN military observers anywhere in the world,” Mr Chester said. “Tragically, 16 Australians have died while serving as peacekeepers striving for peace in regions around the world and tomorrow we will honour their memory and thank all those who have served in UN operations.” Over the past 55 years members of Australia’s police services have also served in peacekeeping operations around the world. “Peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved have lasted months, years or even decades, and have seen small to large deployments, often at short notice.” “I would encourage Australians to pause tomorrow on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, as we honour all peacekeepers and their contribution to making the world a safer place.” Australia has made significant contributions to peace operations, including commanding operations in Kashmir, Cambodia, the Sinai, Iraq and East Timor. Currently, Australians are deployed on operations in South Sudan, the Middle East and Cyprus. To learn more about Australia’s UN Peacekeeping history, go to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/media/file/control-stories-australian-peacekeeping-and-humanitarian-operations ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Tharratt: 02 6277 7820
DVA Media: 02 6289 6466 Office of the Hon. Darren Chester, Canberra ACT.
Any DVA patients in hospital who need a visitor or some help please ring Gillian Sharp on 0439 956 244.
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ANZAC House Veteran Central
The new ANZAC House Veteran Central is really starting to look more like a building than a building site. Project
Manager Paul Roberts has assured us that Congress will be held there on 26th September.
The official opening will be in November but parts of the building will be ready for use well before then.
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Laurel Club Hello to our dear readers and our Laurel girls…I do hope you are all fit and well and looking forward to getting back to “Normal living” again… albeit one wonders what that would be like. We held our AGM in March…just days before COVID-19 sat us all down in isolation …results of our AGM are: President: Dulcie Valenti Vice President: Frieda Moses Treasurer: Pat Clews Secretary: Barb Duncan
At the conclusion of our AGM we had a chicken and chip lunch, washed down with refreshments from the bar which was diligently manned by our own Gillian Sharp. During a recent discussion with Legacy Perth it was determined that re-commencement of our meeting schedule is still a debatable topic. There are many considerations to be met before we can meet again….watch this space. “Not only has the deck of cards been shuffled and reshuffled, but we have been dealt a completely new deck.” Warmest happy birthday wishes to all our Laurels who have celebrated another birthday….I trust your day was enjoyable and as memorable as it could be, given the “lockdown”. “Age and glasses of wine should never be counted”
Mothers’ Day was also a different experience and belated best wishes are extend to all mums. Hope your day was enjoyable under the circumstances. “Life is an experiment…the more experiments we make…. the better we are”
Lockdown has given us another way of living ….
Watching Jane Fonda Fitness videos and remembering our own agility and fitness…albeit a distant memory…trying to keep up these days is madness and just warrants another glass of wine. “The starting point of all achievement is desire…we are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” I must admit to getting very inspired with all the cooking shows on TV…I had no idea there were so many but they were very convincing in bringing out the “Nigella Lawson” in me. Inspiration is gained from these shows with one running to the pantry to check for ingredients…after gathering supplies, inspiration disappears and I reach for phone to order take-way….much easier. “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task… which… more than anything else… will affect a successful outcome” Ringing around to check on friends and family does help to pass the time…however some calls do take a bit of “courage muster” with large wine glass (full of course) at hand, because you know the phone will be held at a 2 metres from the ear, you will not get a word in and at the end of the call you will know everything about every ailment, all the world news and not once has anyone asked “how are you”…you do not get to speak…but you have made the call and someone is feeling loved. Pour another glass to recover. “Now is the time to illuminate your day…deeds not words…be a rainbow in another person’s cloud”
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I am sure I am not alone when I say that the last couple of months have seen a well-worn path from fridge to lounge and back again …many times….each day . “We all eat and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly….the only time to eat diet food…is while waiting for the steak to cook.” Well there you have my read for this issue….albeit with not a lot happening…there is not a lot of news to impart. To our Laurel ladies, Legatees and RSL members…continue to “tap-dance” out of COVID-19…and we will all gather again sometime soon….obey the rules and stay safe. I will finish with a quote from Winston Churchill who in 1941 said….
”if we win, nobody will care…if we lose.…there will be nobody to care”.
Until we read again, dear hearts stay safe, strong, fit and healthy.
Cheers Barb – Publicity Officer – Geraldton Laurel Club.
Bar Manager’s Browsings
Before this Covid stuff started I offered my services to help behind the bar, now I find myself as bar manager, not a
role which is foreign to me. In my past I managed a pub, worked the bar at the Wintersun in its glory days, and more
recently involved with running the Geraldton Club.
I look forward to this new challenge and will attack it with enthusiasm. I hope Carly and Gillian will assist me and keep
me on the right path. I have not spent a lot of time at the club, so will not know your names or drink preferences so
please if I am on duty go easy on me till I get the swing of things.
We are not sure what day we will open yet, still trying to get our head around to Stage 3 requirements for hospitality
venues, requiring patrons to be seated needs to be sorted.
We have all done a Covid safe course as required by state health dept, but the next few weeks may be a bit
challenging. I look forward to meeting you all again in this challenging environment.
I also happen to be No 1 parking attendant, and after a bit of a purge late last year things seem to have sorted
themselves out.
I am keen to instigate any ideas that you may have to improve the ambiance or make your experience more enjoyable.
With a different cap on, the 11th Battalion Gallipoli Trench project has been in limbo for obvious reasons, the trench
has suffered damage as it does constantly, so soon we will have to think about filling sandbags and attending to
general problems, we found by painting the sandbags it extended their life but to anything that’s exposed to the
elements like it is, its to be expected.
This Anzac Day was to be my last as Guard Commander at the dawn service, you will appreciate as you age, standing
around for any period now becomes a challenge, time for new, younger blood. Without the income from the cruise
ships tours to Leanes Trench we have no other source of revenue, so always applying for grants for uniforms and
equipment with some success but lots of knockbacks , our insurance alone is $1200/pa.
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Our original intention to use the trench as an education tool remains a priority, and to get every high school student in
the area through our trench experience has to be our goal.
A short YouTube movie was made at the trench and we have yet to see the finished product. All our crew are assisting
in the film called Before Dawn, but I believe this too has been affected by current circumstances. We were hopeful
that it would be filmed at Valley View but they choose a site near Esperance, which they thought was more like a
Pozieres back drop.
Chris Cox
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Winter 2020