FROM WARFARE TO WELFARE - vvfact.org.au Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Inc FROM WARFARE TO WELFARE Number 62 March 2015 WW1 Commemoration year The Vietnam Veterans and Veterans

Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Inc

FROM WARFARE TO WELFARE

Number 62 March 2015

WW1 Commemoration year

The Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation actively pursues the welfare of all Defence Force members and

their families. Our services are available to both serving and former members.

2015 Membership is now due! Remember your support helps others in need.

(Membership is per calendar year and is due in January each year)

2 Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Inc

Veterans Support Centre—Belconnen

Vietnam Veterans & Veteran Federation of Australia (VV&FACT) 9 Burkitt St, Page ACT 2614 Phone: 6255 1599 Fax: 62551577 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.vvfact.org.au (Office Hours 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Mon to Fri) Patron: Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO (Retd) Life Members: James Wain, John Padovan, William Rolfe, Robert Tyrrell, Jean King, Kevin Byron, Phillip Porta, Norbert Hagel OAM, Steven Blakers, Richard Aubrey ACT Branch Committee 2014—2015

President: James Wain Committee: Brian Agnew Senior Vice President: Ian Thompson R.F.Jones Vice President: Danny Burton John Kearns Gerard Mapstone Geoff Bolwell Treasurer: Peter Olsen John Sainsbury Asst. Treasurer: Bob West John Padovan Secretary Terry Lawler Trevor Goodhew Public Officer: Len Little David Tonacia Chief Welfare Officer: Karen Toscan Rachel Ingram Office Manager: Leannda Mackie Office Assistant: Taryn Duggan General Counsel: Fergus Thomson Suicide Intervention: Karen (0438 123 268) or 6255 1599 Veterans Line—Phone Toll Free—1800 011 046 (24 hours) - Lifeline 131 114 Mobile calls Free) ACTIVITY CONTACTS OHSM - Gerard Mapstone Membership: Robert F. Jones Editor & Publisher: Roland Camons Metal Manglers: Peter Armstrong Entertainment/Cooking Group: Karen Toscan Hospital Visits: Terry Duffy Foodvan: John Padovan Walking Group: Terry Lawler PTSD Group: David Tonacia Golf Group: Jason Brown Task Co-Ord: Terry Lawler Wood Workshop : Peter Kercher Grants: Trevor Goodhew & Don Richards The Committee cannot do everything required to keep the Federations service to veterans fully operational. It is assisted in many tasks by, and very much appreciates the efforts of, non committee members. If you would like to assist in any way please contact Karen on 6255 1599. VV&VFACT is a registered charity established to assist serving and former Defence Personnel and veterans from all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in their dealings with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and also actively pursues the welfare of their families to help them to optimise the quality of their life, as the effects of war service begin to take a heavier toll. Formed in 1994, VV&VFACT is an incorporated entity—ABN 58 534 419 650. It is registered as GST exempt, a deductible gift recipient and an income tax exempt charitable institution.

Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Inc 3

Presidents Report

This year started sadly with the death of our National President, Tim McCombe OAM, on 31 January at Bowral hospital. Tim’s heart finally gave out after having had a number of stents put in over the years. Karen & I attended the funeral at the Cabramatta Catholic church, last Saturday 14 February to represent the ACT Branch. Lachlan Irvine, his partner and son also attended. Graham Walker gave the eulogy, Senator Ronaldson, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs spoke as did Jennifer Collins, DVA Deputy Commissioner for NSW and the ACT. A large number of South Vietnamese Veterans attended the service wearing their distinctive berets. The national president of the RSL Ken Doolan and the National President of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association, Ken Foster, also attended. Redgum’s John Schumann and Hugh McDonald sang three songs including, of course, “I was only nineteen”. Father Peter Duong conducted the service and it was interesting to discover just how much Tim had helped the South Vietnamese Veterans community. Father Duong told us how Tim had actually helped Father Duong’s own father. A choir of Vietnamese ladies and gentlemen, with the ladies dressed in their national costume, sang a psalm in Vietnamese: the singing was hauntingly beautiful. After the service we repaired to the Cabramatta RSL for a wake and refreshments. A number of other people took the opportunity to speak, including Bill Roberts, National Secretary, Graham Walker, Blue Ryan, former National President of the TPI Association and finally Senator Jackie Lambie, who undertook to keep up the fight to support veterans. We have just hired a lady to help out in the office, Ms Tarryn Duggan will start on Mon 23 February. The extra money for salaries was due to DVA agreeing to our request to merge our admin funding with our previously received salary funding. I look forward to another busy year welcoming our members to enjoy the facilities at Page and continue to support our younger serving and retired ADF members with claims and appeals. Jim Wain


Legal and Financial Matters for People Affected by Cancer Cancer Council ACT is running a free seminar for people affected by cancer that will cover a range of financial and legal matters you may face. Come and listen to experts in the field talk about early access to superannuation Centrelink benefits and eligibility, wills, powers of attorney and guardianship as well as other issues commonly faced by cancer parients and their families. There will also be information about Cancer Council ACT’s free legal and Financial Planning Referral Service. When: Saturday 21 st March 2015 Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden Time: 10am - 12.30pm RSVP: by Friday 13th March 2015 (registrations essential) For further information please call 6257 9999.

Hospital Visiting Team Help is needed Now!

Veterans need your help by becoming part of our hospital visiting team (even to help out on a part time basis - once a month). Training and Support is available.

I can tell you hospital visiting is very rewarding and you get to meet some very interesting people. If we can get someone to smile for 5 seconds then we know that we have enlightened their life for a moment in time even though they may be gravely ill.

If anyone would like to join our visits group, to visit The Calvary Hospital, The Canberra Hospital and John James Hospital please contact Terry Duffy on 6296 1068 after 5 pm.


Significant Commemorative Dates for Anzac Centenary National Programme

2015

Date Event Location

25 April 2015 Anzac Day – Dawn Service at Anzac Commemorative Site

Gallipoli, Turkey

25 April 2015 Anzac Day – Australian National Memorial

Lone Pine Cemetery, Turkey

25 April 2015 Anzac Day - Dawn Service, Australin National Memorial

Villers-Bretonneux, France

25 April 2015 Anzac Day - Australian Service, Digger Memorial

Bullecourt, France

25 April 2015 Anzac Day 2015 National commemorations

May 2015 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe London & Paris

19 June 2015 65th Anniversary of the Malayan Emergency

July 2015 70th Anniversary of Operation Oboe Borneo

6 August 2015 100th Anniversary of August Offensive Lone Pine Cemetery, Turkey

September 2015 70th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific. Note: Whilst the date for VP Day is 15 August, the commemorative mission will go to Wewak, where Major General Roberston accepted the surrender of the Japanese 18th Army on 13 September 1945.

11 November 2015 Remembrance Day National commemorations


Ferro Carriel Central Andean Railway Peru

While in Peru visiting our daughter, her partner and the grandchildren I took the opportunity to travel to Huancayo in the central Andes Mountains to ride on the famous train which is the second highest train trip in the world. I had wanted to travel up and down the whole journey but the trip to Huancayo from Lima was not available so I had to fly. The trip up was most interesting with a group of local people and some Nuns and Padres from the Franciscan order onboard. I had packed some warm comfortable clothing as it is cold at 15,000 feet. I decided to keep the baggage down to a minimum as I would have to lug it all around the place. To get to the plane we boarded a bus at Lima’s Callao airport and went to the military hardstand area and the end of the airport where there was a collection of helicopters and transport planes mostly vintage Russian military stuff. Quite a few old twin and contra rotating helicopters and cargo planes all in unserviceable condition. I boarded a small regional airline without any trims and flew from Lima to the Andean capital of Huancayo with Andean Airlines. The taxi to the runway was a dead giveaway as to what I might expect from the rest of the trip. The aircraft did not even reach the piano keys but took off at an angle from where the taxiway joins the main runway at hurtling speed. We climbed straight up through the ever present Lima mist and after a half hour or so we levelled out and landed at JUAJA airport pronounced Waha in Huancayo. The landing was almost as terrible as the takeoff with the woman across from me rattling her rosary beads all the way down to the runway. The pilot actually seemed to fly the aircraft into the runway rather than landing on it and they were all good landings the six or so times we struck the runway. I got out of the plane and was met by a lady who was to be my guide for the next few days. She was very organised and had a driver with a fairly comfortable car. After taking me to my Posada for a nights rest she arranged to pick me up the following day and drive me to the various places that she had organised to visit. The Posada was basic but comfortable as I had travelled by myself as Sandie did not want o chance the altitude and the long journey back down the mountains with her health. I had been drinking the Coca Tea which staves off the altitude sickness that we encountered at 15,000 feet in Huancayo but still managed to be sick as a dog for the whole fight night. I could not eat breakfast the following day and after being picked up at around 9am we travelled to the Silversmith to look at his workshop and to see how he made this marvellous jewellery. He had been getting ready for the local festival and had his native Quechuan costume on so looked very funny indeed.


He showed us how he started with the raw silver being worked with an acetylene torch and ended up making very fine filigree ornaments and jewellery. He stretched the hot silver into various shapes and proceeded to make the most beautiful jewellery there and then. Off to another shop where they specialised in making textiles on really old looms. It was a family run business and they were very professional. The prices here were better than in Lima as it is off the beaten track and so less tourists equals less money. The region around Huancayo comprised the centres of Concepcion Chupaca and Juaja all in the fabulous Mantaro Valley. The Mantaro valley is a food bowl of sorts for most of the other cities and many goods find their way down to Lima. We visited some freshwater lakes where the people have stocked trout and had a nice lunch of trout washed down with Cuscuena beer and a local malt brew which was very strong. I ate some food when we came back to town but was still a bit careful. The night passed better than the one before and I had a good Peruvian breakfast of strong coffee and freshly cooked breads smothered in butter and jam etc at the Posada and then went out for the day again. This time we went to a dairy established recently which very small but modern. We sampled the cheese and some Helados (Gelato ice creams) and had a good time. They had very expensive dairy cows here many years ago having been donated as part of a Foreign aid project but the local people did not know how to manage them so they ate the beasts. We also visited Archaeological sites in the valley where the native people fought off the invading Spanish for a long time before succumbing to their might. At one of these digs we saw two trees that were reputed to be 500 years old. We went to the convent of Santa Rosa De Lima who is the patron saint of Lima. We saw some fine Spanish and pre Inca art in the convent dating back hundreds of years and a library set up by the friars with original parchments and books on a whole range of Botanical Scientific and Historical subjects also several hundreds of years old. The convent is still occupied and welcomes visitors. The local tribe in the Mantaro valley are unfortunately called the Wanka tribe. On day three I booked the train ride and went shopping with my guide for vegetables in the local market Mercado (market) I managed to get several varieties of Potato and some other vegetables to take back to the family in Lima. Peru has hundreds of varieties of potato and they grow them in small plots high up in the hills. They always plant several varieties so that they are sure of a crop if there is a problem with one particular variety. The bag was heavier than my other bags combined and I was keen to stow it on the train the next day. The last night in town we saw a huge procession for the local patron saint Senor De La Malagros. The people drew motifs and threw flowers on the road in front of the advancing crowd and everyone in town seemed to be there .


Arriving at the train station early the following day I loaded my gear and settled in to the carriage. I had been warned to take my own food and drink and that was good advice. The train was basically a mining haulage train with some old carriages done out for passengers. The seats were reasonable providing that you did not suddenly lean back as the local were worn and subject to going all the back at the slightest movement. There was one carriage open at the back allocated as the viewing platform. At the station were some very old engines on sidings and the engines that we had were fitted with a gas powered diesel assist system that gave them more power for hauling ore and heavy goods up and down the hills. Off we went through the main streets of Huancayo dodging people, scooters, cars and buses on the way out of town . The country side was level initially along the valley floor through farming areas and then when we reached the end we started the descent into the Andes. The colours of the mountains were dramatic and there are mines everywhere extracting Iron ore, Silver, Zinc, Lead and Copper. The ride down through the mountains takes thirteen hours and there are some areas where the train uses a set of switchbacks. The switchbacks are quite interesting. They disengage the engines and turn it around by hand and then take the train backwards until it can rejoin the other track. We went through in excess of sixty tunnels and over some very rickety spanned bridges between mountain walls. A road followed us down the mountains almost on every turn and traffic was constant on that road. The trip by road takes around 4 hours unless you get stuck behind heavy vehicles and often they have vehicles that go over the edge with huge casualties. Breakfast was served eventually and then I realised why I had been advised to take my own food etc. It was basic and they really have not sorted out the service which was expected of a tourist train. I had a six pack of beer for the latter part of the trip and enjoyed them with an elderly Danish fellow on board. The train between Cusco and the Macchu Picchu along the Sacred Valley was amazing in comparison. The trip was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities so I was fortunate to be able to travel on it. We travelled through areas where there were very large mines and industrial support centres. The minerals are so prolific that the hills change colour constantly with the proliferation of differing metals. The trip was long and a bit uncomfortable in some areas. It rained at one stage and I had to shift seats as the roof leaked but that is standard. The weather ranged from dry and cold, to warmer and wet with the occasional rain squall. We had two Policia Nacional guards in each compartment armed to the teeth and they mostly slept except for the occasional walk through to check on passengers etc.


(The above article was submitted by Pensions & Welfare Officer - Gerry Mapstone when he was visiting his daughter in Peru.)

The train eventually reached lower areas of the Andes and we had a complete change of scenery with small outposts and some greener areas where farms were tucked in all along the rushing streams coming from the Andes. The areas here provided the vegetables and fruit for Lima and other areas. Finally we arrived in the centre of Lima at a wonderful old railway stations and disembarked. Overall I enjoyed the trip and it was a wonderful experience. Would I go again? Maybe for the views and to visit Huancayo again but I would like to see the railway carriages etc upgraded and the train run more professionally. There is an opportunity to draw bigger crowds if they do. The cost was minimal around 300 Nuevo Soles or $US 100 for the one way trip and $US 250 for the round trip. I would be happy to talk more about the trip and provide additional detail for the train buffs. I will include some pictures of the Silversmiths, the Textile factory, the Lake, The Convent, The Archaeological sites and of course the train trip down the Andes to Lima.


Canberra OP Slipper Parade information The end of 2014 has marked the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, and the International Coalition against Terrorism mission across Afghanistan and the Middle East which commenced in October 2001. To mark the end of Operation SLIPPER a parade and memorial service will be held on Saturday 21 March 2015 within Canberra at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra participation in the commemoration activities will be limited to Defence personnel who deployed on Operation SLIPPER and Other Government Agency personnel who deployed in support of the Whole of Government commitment to combat terrorism in the Middle East from Canberra, Wagga and Goulburn regions. Additionally, allied nations’ veterans and locally engaged employees who served as part of this operation are welcome to participate. The majority of commemoration participants will be current Defence personnel including a number of discharged veterans and Other Government Agency, these members can register using this form provided through to support event planning. This form should be sent to the Canberra address at the bottom of the form. http://www.defence.gov.au/ceremonial/opSlipper.asp#Canberra Form up points and Car parking

March and Memorial Service. The march will commence at 0930 h. The Memorial service will take place straight after the march on the ground of the Australian War Memorial. Transport. Transport will be provided for participants and their families to and from the parade from the Russell Precinct by ACTION Buses. Participants are to responsible for their own transport to Russell precinct. Bus pick up points. The bus pick up point for the OP Slipper participants will be the Russell car park precinct prior to the activity from 0800 hrs. Car parking. Car parking will be provided for participants at the Russell precinct.

March form up point. The form up point for the march will be along Anzac Parade at the intersection of Currong St and Anzac Parade. Pick up point at conclusion of OP SLIPPER parade. The bus pick up point at the completion of the OP SLIPPER parade will be Treloar Cresent directly behind the War Memorial up until 1300 hrs.


Route for the march. The march will commence at 0930 hrs, and the route for the march will be along Anzac Parade onto the grounds of the Australian War Memorial where a Memorial Service will follow. After the ceremony. A free sausage sizzle will be offered to serving and ex-serving veterans and their families based on first come, first served. This will be held at Remembrance Nature Park and will be conducted by volunteers from the local community.

ACT Region Seminars

Seminar Title Time & Date Accommodation Options in Retirement 2.00pm 25 March Understanding Your Pension 2.00pm 26 March Retirement Reality and Investment Choices 6.00pm 22 April Understanding Superannuation 6.00pm 23 April Financial Planning and Choosing a Financial Planner 6.00pm 20 May Aged Care—Fees & Charges 6.00pm 21 May All the above seminars will be conducted at the Hellenic Club Matilda Street, Phillip Bookings are essential: call 13 6357 or Email: [email protected] Average seminar duration : 2 hours

The Financial Information Service (FIS) is a free education and information service available to everyone in the community. FIS has no association with financial products or fund managers. Some presentations have guest speakers from the financial industry. Changes Possible: Please confirm seminar titles & dates when booking in for seminars.


HomeFront Changes (Exerpt from Truce JAN/FEB 2015) HomeFront Gold and White Card holders who continue to live in their own homes are also eligible for an annual free HomeFront assessment. HomeFront is a falls and accident prevention programme. A trained assessor will identify hazards in and around the home and recommend the installation of minor safety items such as non-slip surface treatments for floors. The cost of the home assessment, and of providing and installing recommended minor aids or home modifications will be met by DVA up to the limit of the HomeFront subsidy. Home Modifications In certain instances, DVA will fund home modifications for Gold or White Card holders (with assessed need due to an accepted disability) based upon their clinical need as assessed and prescribed by an appropriate health professional. Falls prevention support for the veteran community Changes to the Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP) will see the inclusion of several falls prevention items in the program’s National Schedule of Equipment (the schedule). The RAP Schedule will be expanded to include some of the falls prevention items which are currently supplied through the HomeFront programme. At the same time, the provision of items and services through HomeFront and the Veterans Home Maintenance Line (VHML) will cease from 6 Feb 2015. These changes will eliminate unnecessary duplication in program overheads and assessments between the RAP and the HomeFront programme. The inclusion of these falls prevention items in the RAP Schedule represents a reduction in ’red tape’ and will result in an easier assessment process for eligible veterans as only one assessment will now be required. The amended Schedule will ensure that the RAP continues to be appropriate and effective in meeting the clinical needs of veterans and dependants from contemporary conflicts, as well as the more extablished client groups from the Second World War and Vietnam. The RAP assists eligible members of the veteran community to be independent and self-reliant in their own homes. This is achieved through the provision of a wide range of clinically required aids and appliances which are available on the Schedule.


A comprehensive Review of the RAP Schedule and the RAP National Guidelines was undertaken in 2013 and 2014 to ensure the Schedule continues to be fully responsive to the changing needs of the veteran community. Eligible veterans can continue to access the falls prevention items in the same way they access other itmes on the RAP Schedule by asking their GP for an assessment. If the falls prevention item is clinically required, the item will be supplied to them. Questions and Answers Q. How do I access falls prevention items? A. You will need to undertake a RAP assessment which will be carried out by a health professional, usually an Occupational Therapist or Registered Nurse. If you believe you have a clinical need for a falls prevention item, just ask your GP for a RAP assessment and they will arrange for a health professional to go to your home and carry out a RAP assessment. If the assessment identifies that you clinically require items/services that are available on the RAP Schedule, then the health professional will work with DVA in delivering those items to you at no cost. Q. I had my assessment in January 2015, but have not received my items yet. Will I still

get them? A. Yes. Items/services that were identified in an assessment prior to 6 February 2015

will be delivered to you. It can take up to two months to receive your items. If you do not receive your items within two months from the date of assessment please contact DVA and we will follow up for you.

Q. I had a HomeFront assessment scheduled after 5 February 2015, will this still go

ahead? A. No. The HomeFront programme ceased after 5 February 2015. If you require an

assessment after that date, it will need to be done as a RAP assessment with a referral from your GP.

Q. As a white card holder can I still receive falls prevention items? A. As the falls prevention items will be available as part of the RAP Schedule, you will

need to undertake a RAP assessment to determine your clinical need for the items. Your clinical need is linked to your accepted disabilities.

Information about accessing RAP services is available in DVA FactSheet HSV107 - Rehabilitation Appliances Program. Gold and White Card holders should phone 1800 801 945 to arrange a HomeFront assessment.



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT A big THANK YOU from the Federation to our member Rachel Ingram for taking the amazing photos at our Christmas Lunch on Thursday 11th December 2014.(pages 14&15 as well as the photo on page 22)


(Photos submitted by Len Little)

The ACTEWAGL Big Christmas Party raffle of the Sitro Vega Deluxe BBQ valued at $799 was won by Des Grubb - Congratulations !


(Photos submitted by Len Little)


Over 60 and still working, your may be eligible for a Service Pension! Is your age pension being paid by Centrelink. From 30 September 2014, the Service and Age pensions income cut off limit changed to Single Pensioners $1,868.60 p/f ($48,583 pa) and Couples (Combined) $2,860.00 p/f ($74,360 pa) these rates are updated every 6 months, next increase due at the end of March 2015. This will be good news to those who’s partners are working and/or are in receipt of DFRB pensions (classed as Superannuation). Returned ex-service personnel can apply for the age service pension at 60 years of age, even if they are still working! Contact the your local VAN office or Sydney DVA and they will be able to discuss with you the service pension eligibility criteria. Readers are reminded that subject to the generous income and asset tests, male veterans can obtain the Service Pension (same rate as old age pension) at the age of 60 even if they are still working. It is important to have your super and investments in order prior to turning 60. Those under this age and cannot work more than 8 hours per week may be eligible under the Permanently Incapacitated provisions. Persons who receive Centrelink Age Pension and a DVA disability pension at any rate can have their age pension paid via DVA so that you only need to deal with one government Department. It is quite simple to transfer just complete the DVA form D0664 “Claim to transfer of payment of Centrelink age pension to DVA”. For detailed information refer to DVA Factsheet IS47 “Eligibility for Social Security Age Pension paid through DVA”. Income from DVA Disability Pensions are not counted as income for the Service Pension but ARE counted as income for CentreLink pensions and allowances. Since the Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) was introduced, if any Centrelink payment for you (and your partner) is affected by your Disability Pension then DVA pays the difference as the DFISA payment. (**NOTE – If your pension is reduced by Assets, no DFISA is payable**). Make sure you advise the Centrelink staff as many are not aware of this. Refer to DVA factsheet IS19 for detailed information. If you are over 60 and cannot meet the income and assets test for the Service Pension, look at the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC). Veterans with qualifying service need to be 60 years of age and have to meet an income test in order to receive this card. Applications forms are available on line or can be requested from local DVA office. Different age criteria applies to a CSHC for partners of veterans with qualifying service. War widows/ers have the same age criteria as veterans with qualifying service for the CSHC. Make sure you apply now as the Government has announced some proposed changes. For full details of Pensions, Rates and Application Forms contact the DVA VAN Office on 1300 55 1918


(This is an excerpt from the latest ONECOTA For older Australians magazine February/March 2015)

As Australian’s leading national publication for over - 60s, TheSenior is proud to support ACT Seniors Week 2015 and TheSenior 2015 ACT Seniors Week Expo. The Expo is to be held at Thoroughbred Park on March 17 from 9.30am to 3pm and is a wonderful opportunity for the ACT’s older residents to discover what’s new to support, improve and enhance their lifestyle. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with representatives of organisations and businesses relevant to seniors and to try out some of their latest products. From retirement and lifestyle choices, travel and finance to government and community services, the Expo brings to life many of the information, advice, entertainment and feature stories that TheSenior covers every month. See www.thesenior.com.au for information. During ACT Seniors Week we’re making it easier for you to get your affairs in order. Attend one of our free seminars on the importance of having an up-to-date Will and Enduring Power of Attorney. Monday Thursday 16 March 2015 19 March 2015 Hellenic Club Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison Matilda Street Cnr Catchpole & Bowman Street Woden Jamison Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm Time: 09:30am-12:00noon Places limited, Bookings essential call 62079800 Highlights : * Lucky door Prizes * Free will voucher for all attendees 60years of age and over.


VVCS Group Program Calendar

Sleeping Better 5 March –16 April Canberra 7 weeks—Thurs evenings Communications and Conflict Resolutions 9/10th April Canberra 2 days Stepping Out 22/23rd June Canberra 2 days

Sleeping Better is an educational and skills based group program assisting participants to understand the sleep process and more effectively manage disturbed sleep. The full program is a 2 hour session once a week for 7 weeks.

Communication & Conflict Resolution - to recognise and understand triggers of

conflict and the impact they can have on communication in interpersonal relationships; to learn techniques to address common communication issues and enhance personal relationships

The Stepping Out group program is a 2-day program developed for ADF members and their partners who are about to, or have recently separated from the military.

Registrations and enquiries

Phone VVCS on 1800 011 046

Or complete and submit the Online Registration of Interest form.

Presented by a member to say thank you to the Federation and they wanted to brighten the office staff’s day


ACT SEASONAL ANTIQUE FAIRS present

2015 Autumn Antiques & Collectables Fair

In the Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra

Friday Night March 20 - 6pm to 9pm Saturday March 21 - 10am to 5pm Sunday March 22 - 10am to 4pm Presented by Rotary Club of Canberra City

Established, Genuine Antiques & Collectables Fair

Admission $7 (Concession $5) (Children under 14 years admitted free)

ENQIURIES: 02 6231 5244 or 0418 631 445 - Refreshments available

Proceeds to support local organisations that assist the less fortunate in the ACT.

Sponsors of the Fair include WIN TV and other local businesses. Wheelchair access is available

Selkirk ANTIQUES & RESTORATIONS

Offering personalised service and sales. Specialising in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian

Mahogany and walnut furniture Small silver items, both sterling and plate

Selkirk Antiques have selected pieces of Doulton,

(including Flambe’), Shelley & Moorcraft Ceramics

Furniture restoration service available

29 Summerland Circuit, Kambah ACT 2902

02 6231 5244

Fax 02 6231 3656 Mobile 0418 631 445


ANZAC Ultra – April 2015 To help remember the ANZAC Centenary and to raise funds for Canberra Legacy , the ANZAC Ultra is a Long distance running race and is being held from the 6 th to the 12 th April 2015 on the Canberra Centenary Trail. The best long distance runners from around Australia and overseas will be competing in the event. For more information , please go to www.anzacultra2015.com for further details . An event like this will be relying on the good people of Canberra to volunteer their time for 6 hours or more during the week. The volunteering jobs include helping at checkpoints, helping at the start / finish area, helping to get supplies to the checkpoints plus many more jobs. If you would like further information about volunteering at this great event or think you might be interested, please contact Belinda Essam on 0431909694 or [email protected]

Recipients of Certificates of Appreciation

Sharon Onyett Bruce Glossop Barry Prewett

L-R: Ron Culton (COA), Jenny Goodhew (Flowers), Jim Wain, Joy Perrin (Flowers),

Colin Perrin (COA) and Mindy Sutherland (COA).


ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANZAC DAY 2015

We will be forming up behind the above banner on the day, at

1015 hrs start and our parade positions in number (TBA). Full details will be published in The Canberra Times and on our

website when available. Should you wish to reserve seating please email

[email protected] with the required number of seats or call 6260 6344.

Veterans Support Centre Australias Biggest Morning Tea

Members, friends and partners are invited to attend Morning Tea at the Centre on Thursday 14th May 2015 commencing at 1100 hours.

The purpose of the morning tea is to raise funds for the Cancer Council of Australia.

Bring a plate and a donation - tax deductible


Veteran Support Centre

It was agreed at our recent AGM (16 Sep 14) to use the title Veterans Support Centre. This change (as previously advised) is to allow the Federation to be seen as more inclusive.

The Veterans Support Centre is a network of accredited, experienced, entitlements officers who advise and support veterans who seek to understand and apply for entitlements that are available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans, particularly younger veterans from operational deployments such as Iraq, East Timor, Afghanistan, and the Solomon Islands, are welcomed and are encouraged to make use of the federations advice and advocacy services.

The Federation also operates extensive Mens Shed activities.

Membership Details Update

Since the December Newsletter several emails have been sent to members (eg Xmas lunch), if you haven’t received this email please email

[email protected] with the following information :

Subject Heading - Membership Details Update.

The contents should include:

First Name Middle Name

Surname Contact Phone Number

Date of Birth as well as any other necessary information eg; change of postal address

If you don’t have an email address please contact our office on 6255 1599 between

9am - 4pm Monday to Friday with any relevant changes.


2015 Holidays, Important Dates etc

March April (cont) Monday 9th Canberra Day Friday 24th Kapyong (Korean War) Day Tuesday 17th St Patricks Day Saturday 25th ANZAC DAY (Centenary) April May Friday 3rd Good Friday Friday 29th Indigenous Veterans Day Saturday 4th Easter Saturday Sunday 5th Easter Sunday June Monday 6th Easter Monday Monday 8th Queen’s Birthday Mounting Medals and Memorabilia The mounting of Medals is available from: Ross Smith Ph: 6292 1266 Mob: 04218 345 998 (Medal Boxes and Memorabilia Boards) Tony Mann Ph: 6295 2038 Christine Wilde Ph: 6231 9922 Mob: 0409 900 315 Dave Etherington Ph: 6292 2699 Mob: 0419 819 503

KEEPSAKES: AUSTRALIANS AND THE GREAT WAR

To mark the centenary of the First World War, Keepsakes explores the diaries, photographs, letters and mementos kept and treasured as reminders of the Great War. Date: until 19th July 2015 Venue: The National Library of Australia Cost: Free


WALKING GROUP (The Group is open to all Veterans, men & women, and their family & friends)

Contact Terry Lawler 0401 109 550 or

[email protected] The walking schedule is available on our website and

copies of the schedule are available at our office

IF IT’S RAINING STILL MEET AT THE APPOINTED START PLACE TO DECIDE TO WALK OR GO AND HAVE COFFEE.

Please don’t forget to bring your water

Guitar group The guitar group continues to meet on Friday mornings at 0930 hrs. New

members are always welcome no matter what stage of playing you're at. If you are interested in learning to play either guitar, banjo or ukulele or simply come along and jam with us, give Ian Schafferius a call on 0434 717 093 or just be here on Friday morning. You don't need an instrument to get started as there are a couple of guitars and banjos that can be taken on loan. That’s right we have a couple of members who are willing to teach ukulele.


CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

April Saturday 25th ANZAC Day May Thursday 14th Aust Biggest Morning Tea 1100-1300 hrs

COMING FOOD VAN DATES

March Sunday 22nd Bikies Brekkie (Dvr Trg Sutton Road) C Sunday 29th Auto Italia (LOPH) C April Saturday 4th Corvette Club (LOPH) C Weekend 11-12th Kowan Forest Bikes C May Sunday Equestrian Event TBC June Sunday Equestrian Event TBC Our Food Van is our main fund raiser. Your assistance at any of the above functions would be appreciated. If you are available to help please notify our office on 6255 1599. Updates can be checked through our website www.vvfact.org.au. NB: If you hold a heavy vehicle licence please volunteer to drive our Food

Van truck, by notifying our office staff.

Current Weekly Activities

Here are some of the activities available for members, wives and partners. Tuesday BBQ (1200-1400hrs) $5 per head. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the social and the working days at Page. Other activities: Golf Group Walking Group Woodwork Metalwork Fishing Group Guitar Group Computer Instruction Hospital Visits Singing Group (Last Thurs in the month) Come on over ………….we would like to see you!


Muraguldrie Veterans Retreat For those interested in camping or caravaning there is a veteran’s retreat near Tarcutta. All veterans and their families are most welcome at the retreat. The facilities offered at the site are excellent and include cooking/dining shed, toilet/shower block and open fire places. You can run your own generator if you want power to light in the facilities. Rain water tanks have been installed. It is a great place for a quiet stay close enough to Canberra for a weekend away. Further information can be found at: http://watchdog05.tripod.com/id20.html or contact: Gordon 0428381292 Les 69226097 Jim 69316261/0419414909 Other retreats are also located throughout Australia. Information regarding those retreats can be found at: http://veteranretreat.tripod.com/retreats.htm There is now a cabin that is available (unfurnished) , and wheel chair and disability access to showers/toilets/firepits. Gas bottle required for access to hot water.


Military Service Ribbon Stickers

The Veteran Support Centre has had many requests for Service Ribbon Stickers for other conflicts (Vietnam Service Ribbon Stickers are still available at our office) All requests for these stickers are available through Facebook.

Donations

Donations are always appreciated at any time. If you are considering a donation (tax exempt) to a charity please consider the Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Federation.

VV&VFACT is a registered charity established to assist veterans from all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in their dealings with the quality of their lifestyle as the effects of war service begin to take a heavier toll. Formed in 1994, VV&VFACT is an incorporated entity - ABN 58 534 419 650. It is registered as GST exempt, a deductible gift recipient and an income tax exempt charitable institution.


The Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Federation Newsletter Advertising Rates

Contact the Office Manager for sample sizes and rates. The editor reserves the right to increase the size of the ads for a particular issue of the newsletter for aesthetic purposes. There will be no added cost to the advertiser if this occurs. The newsletter is published quarterly (March - June - September - December), with cut-off dates the last Monday of the prior month. (Circulation is approximately 500—550)

Membership?

Are you Financial? Membership of Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Branch is for a

calendar year, January to December. Membership gives access to training and workshop facilities, a range of social and community activities .....and a place to get together with a mob of like- minded Veterans. Membership is open to Veterans of any conflict, serving and retired service personnel. Cost is $35 single, $40 family, Payments by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, bank transfer or credit card through the office are all acceptable. Current members are required to complete the top section of the form only, located in the back of this newsletter or you may download a PDF version of the Membership Form from the website. Print it out, complete and mail it to the office with your payment. Please provide a stamped self-addressed envelope for your receipt and Membership Card (Membership is tax deductible). Thanks to those who have already renewed their membership, it is much appreciated. (NB. Direct Debit payments must include your name and initials) (See membership form on opposite page)

Please remember: even if you do not require our services any more, we have many more veterans who require assistance, so your funds play a vital role in the welfare of the veteran community. Please show that you care! Phone 6255 1599 Now!

WARRANTY AND INDEMNITY BY ADVERTISERS OR THEIR AGENTS.

Advertisers or their agents by lodging material with the Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Federation of Australia (ACT Branch) Inc , hereafter called the Publisher, for publication or authorizing or approving of the publication of any material, INDEMNIFY the Publisher, its servants and agents against all liability, claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to indemnify each of them in relation to defamation, slander of title, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks or names of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights of privacy. Advertisers or their agents WARRANT that the material complies with all relevant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the Publisher, its servants or agents and in particular that nothing therein is capable of being misleading or deceptive.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright of all original material in From Warfare to Welfare is held by the author and should not be reproduced for profit without the permission of the author. Reproduction for non-profit newsletters, military archives or study purposes in proper context is allowable but acknowledgement of the author and source should be made.


9 Burkitt Street Page ACT 2614

Ph: 02 6255 1599 Fx: 02 6255 1577

Email: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2015 – INVOICE The Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation actively pursues the welfare of all Defence Force members and their families. Our services are available to both serving and former members. Your membership fees and donations help support others in need and are tax deductible. Membership is due January each year and capitation fees go to our National Office in Granville to support the publication of the national magazine. RENEWAL INFORMATION

Membership is per Calendar Year and is due January each year. Subscriptions are $35 for single and $40 for family (includes dependents). You can pay by cheque, money order and in person by either cash or EFTPOS, at the Centre. Membership payments by Credit card, can be accepted at the Office by telephone. Please include a stamped self-addressed for your receipt and Membership Card. Payment by Direct Debit through Internet Banking Account Name: Vietnam Veterans Federation ACT BSB: 805 022 Account Number: 03413747 (must include reference your name and initials)

CURRENT WEEKLY ACTIVITIES……….for members, wives and partners Tuesday BBQs (11am ll 2pm) $5 per head Tuesdays and Thursdays are the social and workshop days at Page from 10am Other ac vity groups include: Golf, Walking, Woodwork, Metalwork, Computers, Guitar, Singing and Hospital visi ng. Come on over…….we would like to see you!

Surname: First Name: Second Name:

Address:

Postal Address:

Telephone Home: Telephone Work: Mobile:

Current Occupation: Useful Skills: Email Address:

Date of Birth: Next of Kin: Relationship & Phone No

Can you help with any of the following: Foodvan : Gardening : Cleaning : Hospital Visiting : Administration : Maintenance Projects

Membership: $: Donation: $ Total enclosed: $

Receipt Number: Date: Entered in Database: Membership Card Number:

Payment Type: Cash:

Cheque:

Direct Debit

EFTPOS:

Credit Card:


Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Inc wish to thank the following friends and sponsors

A Class Signs 6241 5535 ACT Brake Services - Mitchell 6241 5122 ACTEWAGL 13 14 93 Ainslie Football Club 6248 8422 Beaumont Tiles Fyshwick 6239 1771 Canberra Sand and Gravel 6280 4133 Defence Health 1300 335 425 M & G Industrial Supplies (Metal) 6280 7517 Pace Farm Eggs 1300 653 447 Seears Workwear 6280 0500 Vikings Club Erindale 6121 2100 Waste Away Hume 6260 1288 Trend Windows and Doors 6260 1266 (Suppliers of Prowler Proof Security Screens)

Documents

FROM WARFARE TO WELFARE - vvfact.org.au Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Inc FROM WARFARE TO WELFARE Number 62 March 2015 WW1 Commemoration year The Vietnam Veterans and Veterans