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RAAFVVA Quarterly Newsletter: June 2012
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RAAF Vietnam Veterans
Association (Vic)
ABN 34 550 672 219
NEWSLETTER
June 2012 www.raafvva.org.au
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RAAFVVA NEWSLETTER
The official journal of the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association (Vic), a Sub-Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch Incorporated.
(Reg. No. A0029247G. ABN 34 750 672 219)
Patron: Air Vice Marshal E. M. Weller AM
PRESIDENT Lee Scully Phone (03) 9827-8313
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Nick LeRay-Meyer AM Phone (03) 9386-6961
VICE PRESIDENT Gareth Davis Phone (03) 9878-7940
SECRETARY Rick Holmes PO Box 462
Ascot Vale Vic 3032
Phone (03) 9317-7304
TREASURER Maree Jongkryg PO Box 73
Melton Vic 3337
Phone (03) 9743-1273
WELFARE OFFICER Lee Scully Phone (03) 9827-8313
ASST SEC/MEMBERSHIP Gareth Davis Phone (03) 9878-7940
COMMITTEE MEMBER Alan White Phone (03) 9598-1007
COMMITTEE MEMBER Pieter Jongkryg Phone (03) 9743-1273
COMMITTEE MEMBER Bob Brackin Phone (03) 5261-2630
COMMITTEE MEMBER Andy Lapins Phone (03) 9511-4693
COMMITTEE MEMBER Geoff Rose Phone (03) 9372-7709
COMMITTEE MEMBER Neil Morgan Phone (03) 9687-8871
COMMITTEE MEMBER Peter Raymant Phone (03) 9583-1053
WEBMASTER Anthony (Tony) Pahl OAM [email protected] SPECIAL PROJECTS Nick LeRay-Meyer AM Phone (03) 9386-6961
RAAF REGIONAL ADVOCACY, WELFARE AND PENSIONS OFFICERS
Bill Wiltshire (Advocacy, Pensions & Welfare) Melton Phone (03) 9746-9582
Ron McMullen (Pensions & Welfare - information only) Laverton Phone (03) 9746-9582
David Taffe (Welfare & Pensions) Kilmore Phone (03) 5782-2779
Lee and Ellen Scully (Welfare) Melbourne Metro Area Phone (03) 9827-8313
Gill Coughlan (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone 040 850 3986
Andy Lapins (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone (03) 9511-4693
VETERANS’ CENTRES SUPPORTED BY RAAFVVA
Western Suburbs Veterans and Services Centre Phone (03) 9746-9582 Fax (03) 9746-9583
Melbourne Veterans and Services Centre Phone (03) 9282-3518 Fax (03) 9282-7854
DISCLAIMER
The material, comments and/or extracts of articles appearing in the “RAAF VIETNAM VETERANS NEWSLETTER” is of a
general nature only and neither purports to be, nor is intended to be, advice on any particular matter. No person should act on the
basis of any material contained in the NEWSLETTER without considering, and if necessary, taking appropriate professional advice
upon their circumstances. The RAAFVVA Committee, the authors and publisher expressly disclaim all and any liability to any
person, in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or
part of the contents of the “RAAFVVA NEWSLETTER”. Any member of the RAAFVVA, or other veteran organisation or any
interested party may submit articles, letters, and advertisements for publication in the NEWSLETTER. The Committee and
Publisher reserve the right to veto any such article, letter or advertisement.
EDITOR: RAAFVVA Committee PUBLISHER: Geoff Rose
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Congratulations are extended to Graham Edwards (ex W.A. Federal MP), a well known and respected Vietnam Veteran, who received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his long-term advocacy and support work for veterans and the disabled, in the recent Australian Honours List. It was good to see others of our community also recognized in the List, for their voluntary service to veterans and their families.
Regrettably, I couldn’t attend ANZAC Day services and the March in Melbourne, due to a recent ankle reconstruction. Melbourne turned on a grey, cold and blustery day. Despite this, some 40+ hardy souls braved the weather and marched, and attended the luncheon/social get-together held after the March. Well done to all involved.
Some major items of interest arose at the VVAA State Council Meeting held at Box Hill RSL on 19 May 2012, which I attended as a Delegate along with Andy Lapins:
* National VV Museum, Phillip Island - mortgage for the land has now been cleared, with title transferred from State VVAA to the National Museum Board of Trustees, in perpetuity. Donations for this came from the Museum, veteran and other donations including a large contribution raised during the 2012 VetRide, and all contributors can take a bow for their efforts in this regard. A symbolic handover of the land title will take place on Museum Day at Phillip Island on 18 November 2012 - be there!
* The Huey delivery to the Museum, via Army Transport, is scheduled this month. We will be recommending to the Museum that during the rebuild/renovation process, the aircraft should be reconfigured in a format to display one side as a “Bushranger” Gun-ship, and the other as a “Slick.” This outcome would truly represent the operational roles performed by the chopper during RAAF No. 9 Sqn service in the Vietnam War.
* Vietnam Veterans Day 2012 - State VVAA has all stops out to make the 50th Anniversary activities a success. US veteran involvement in the March has been confirmed, with NZ participation confirmation awaited. The AATTV will lead out the March, and a Gunfire Breakfast will be available from 10.00am. The invited Dignitary List is filling, and we believe the Day will be a great success. Please be involved.
Our member-approved transition to the Air Force Association Victoria is well on track, thanks to the tireless work undertaken by your Committee. (Details of the timeline and action plan are outlined in the current Newsletter). I can reaffirm that our involvement as a (smaller) RAAF Sub-Branch of VVAA Victoria will continue in 2013.
Stay warm and keep well this winter. For the “Grey Nomads” travelling to warmer climes, may you stay safe during your travels.
Kind regards,
Lee
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PROGRESS OF MAJORITY SUB-BRANCH MEMBERSHIP TRANSITION TO AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, VICTORIA
Below is an update of progress following our Committee’s Transition Planning Meeting held on 28 May, 2012. Eight (8) Executive and Committee Members attended the Meeting, and the following timeline and outcomes for the transition planning were realized:
Existing Sub-Branch Members, who voted against the merger proposal in December 2011 or abstained from voting, will continue as RAAF VVAA SB Members for 2013. This will be subject to 2013 membership financial renewal receipt for the RAAF VVAA Sub-Branch, and no formal advice of their wish to subsequently transfer to the Air Force Association made.
Confidentiality will be maintained for those specific Members, with no personal information
to be provided to the AFA Victoria.
The timeline for the transition for agreed Members to the Air Force Association, Victoria, will be 01 January 2013. The new Branch title will be “Vietnam Veterans Branch.”
All financial/Life Members will be kept advised of progress of the transition process to AFA Victoria, by relevant information outlined in the quarterly SB Newsletter, with Member feedback sought.
It may be feasible to meet Branch Newsletter and Website requirements for the new Branch by combining both. This would ensure State/inter-State Members are kept informed of relevant veteran and Service matters.
Finances for the new AFA Victoria Branch will be kept separate from the existing RAAF VVAA SB Accounts. A new and distinct identity Bank Account will be opened for the Vietnam Veterans Branch, AFA Victoria.
It is planned to hold a concurrent Annual General Meeting for the RAAF VVAA SB, and the Vietnam Veterans Branch of the Air Force Association, Victoria, early in 2013. Voting at the AGMs will be maintained on a separate basis with only financial Members allowed to vote for their respective Branches.
Funding raised by donation, VV Badge Week etc. activities specifically relevant to the RAAF VVAA SB, will be exclusively banked and accounted for in that Sub-Branch Account(s). Existing audit requirements will continue to be met.
All RAAF Vietnam Veterans will continue to be welcomed to march with the RAAF VVAA SB on future ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day.
The Air Force Association, Victoria, Vietnam Veterans Bursary will continue to operate without change to the existing funding and criteria.
Assistance provided by non-RAAF SB people on legitimate fund-raising activities for VVAA Victoria will have their Public Liability Insurance covered under the AFA Victoria’s policy.
Members are encouraged to ask questions or seek clarification of any aspect of this process. Further updates will appear in RAAFVVA September Newsletter.
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION
&
RAAF VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION
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NOTICE BOARD
RAAFVVA Monthly Luncheon – *Change of Day for June* - TUESDAY 19th
Some members indicated their ongoing Wednesday commitments have prevented them from attending RAAFVVA Monthly Lunches. We aim to please, but unfortunately cannot satisfy all needs. However, at the June Committee Meeting, it was agreed to experiment by amending this month’s lunch day to Tuesday, 19th June. Venue remains the very convenient Mail Exchange Hotel – 688 Bourke Street, (Cnr Bourke and Spencer St, directly opposite Southern Cross Station).
Generally, our monthly luncheons are planned for the third Wednesday of each month. Dates for remainder of the year will be posted on our website as soon as available
VETERANS WARNED OF POTENTIAL SCAMS – DVA Media Release, 1st June, 2012
Veterans have been approached by scam artists claiming to represent the Australian Government, Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Mr Ian Campbell said today.
Mr Campbell said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) had been made aware of several approaches to members of the veteran community asking for personal information in order to receive assistance under the Government’s Household Assistance Package. In some cases these people posed as officers from DVA.
“These ‘offers’ are false and my Department is investigating these incidents,” he said.
“There is no need for veterans to be asked for personal information, such as banking details, over the phone in order to receive their household assistance from the Government.
“Veterans across the country should be aware of the potential scams and be vigilant about providing their personal information over the phone.
- Be cautious about when and to whom you release your personal information.
- If you receive a phone call or letter asking for personal information such as your DVA client number or banking details, do not answer straight away. Contact your nearest DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia to confirm the source is legitimate.
“It is disappointing that our veterans are being targeted by cowardly scams and I encourage members of the veteran community to contact DVA if they have any concerns,” Mr Campbell said.
Visit the Government’s Scamwatch website – www.scamwatch.gov.au – or call the hotline on 1300 795 995 for useful information on how to protect your privacy.
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*RAAFVVA member, Dan Nebauer, offers discount to all current and ex ADF members. Dan has
specialized in Asian travel for more than 23 years, but assures his experienced staff will cater for all travel needs - international and/or domestic.
OUT AND ABOUT
RAAFVVA Life Member, Graeme Dodd OAM (far right) and his wife Telmay (3rd from right), travelled to RAAF Base Williamtown in late February to attend a reunion of former Air Force personnel who were stationed at MacDonnell Douglas, Lake St Louis, Missouri, to facilitate the acquisition of the F/A-18 Hornet into RAAF service, 30 years ago.
About 80 former members and their wives gathered together for the first time since being in the US, to reacquaint, reminisce and enjoy formal and social activities as guests of 3 SQN and 2 OCU.
Australian Government
Department of Veterans’ Affair
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THE GRAND MEMORIAL DAY FOR KINGS HUNG VUONG - THE NATIONAL FOUNDERS OF THE VIET PEOPLE
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTRE (VIETNAMESE ANCESTRAL TEMPLE) 90 Knight Ave, Sunshine North 3020 - Saturday 31st MARCH 2012
This year’s Vietnamese Ancestral Day provided an opportunity for Victoria’s Vietnamese Community to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Ceremonies began with the Australian and Vietnamese National Anthems, followed by one minute of silence. There was a dedication of their Long Tan Cross Memorial, which now includes a replica of the Cross and pictures and information surrounding the battle. The Long Tan Cross replica was donated by VVAA’s State Education Team, and they in turn, were presented a Commendation Plaque, in acknowledgement of efforts in telling the real story of the Vietnam War.
Established in a nearby corner, is a Shrine honouring Australian service personnel killed during the war. The Australian Flag is displayed above individual photographs of all those who paid the supreme sacrifice. The Victorian Vietnamese Community remains truly grateful for Australia’s involvement during their struggle against oppression in South Vietnam.
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ANZAC DAY 2012
(This article would have been a lot smaller without Chick Mercieca’s photos - thanks Chick!)
“THE SPIRIT OF ANZAC” – Son, Father and Mate
Chris and Ray Appleford, and Ken Ewin
Ongoing tram works along Swanston St resulted in a somewhat shortened march this year. Most groups formed up south of the Yarra, on St Kilda Rd, and notwithstanding initial confusion about the location of our stepping-off point, 42 determined members managed to navigate their way to Rick Holmes and the RAAFVVA Banner, positioned directly opposite the Victorian Arts Centre. There was plenty of time for mingling and chatting, in the cold wind and rain, as we patiently waited for the March Organizers - to get organized, but eventually RAAFVVA stepped-off and headed towards the Shrine. Unfortunately, no marching band was in earshot, so many thanks must go to ex WOD, Ron Douglas, who did his best with the old “Efft-ite-eff”, trying to keep us in step. His timely commands of “Up umbrellas” and “Down umbrellas” were also very much appreciated. There were a few stops and starts along the way but our contingent managed to reach full stride, just in time, to present a well disciplined team marching along the forecourt to the Shrine. Then it was down to the Garden of Remembrance to pause at the RAAF Vietnam Plaque, and on to Citro Restaurant for the post-march get-together. Despite the inclement weather, approximately the same number of members and guests arrived to enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere at Citro. RAAFVVA’s generous donation towards the cost of liquid refreshments enhanced the anticipation of a relaxed and pleasant afternoon. No one was disappointed.
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It was a cold day, but ‘Snow’ found a clever way to keep his hands warm.
Some from the ‘Pointy End’: Nick LeRay-Meyer AM, Dave Ozanne DFC, and Alan Reed AO
‘Pimba’ Williams fulfilled a life-long ambition to conduct a Marching Band
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You might think they look like an untidy bunch of rabble..........
..........but they sure smartened up when they had to! (Just like in the ‘old days’)
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Members and guests cheerfully discussing their Lunchtime Menu at Citro Restaurant
Yes, I can hear you Keith - but the 3rd Race is just about to start. (Keith Palmer and Mike Lewino)
Peter Raymant and Pam Ashley John Mitchell and Alan White
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DID YOU KNOW?
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DVA Gold Card Entitlement - 70 Years of Age with Qualifying/Warlike Service
The criteria below were included in an article published in our December 2011 Newsletter.
As of 1 July 2002, all Australian veterans who are 70 years of age and over and who have qualifying service (from post World War 2 conflicts).
All MRCA members who are 70 years of age (and over) who have rendered warlike service on or after 1 July 2004.
However, please NOTE: you must first establish your eligibility by completing DVA’s four-page form, D3057 – “Application for a Gold Card for Veterans of Australia’s Defence Force”.
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RAAF REUNION - 2SD, 2SDGEMS & 2SDD Date: Saturday 10 Nov 2012. Time: 7.30pm till midnight
Venue: Rosnay Golf Club, 5 Weymouth Ave, AUBURN NSW
Cost: $25 per person - includes finger food and entertainment. Drinks at your own cost.
Payment details: Defence Bank (the old Defcredit)
Account name: S.M. Faragher and R.Como
BSB No: 803-205 Account No: 20335052
* Please it’s very important to annotate your name when making payment.
Please share this Invitation with all former servicemen/women and civilian colleagues and ask them to join us.
Alternative contact can be made by email to: [email protected] or call 0423585051
Samantha Faragher
Tactical Fighter Project Management Unit Hornet Upgrade Integrated Logistic Support Hangar 59 Telephone: 02 40346810 Fax; 02 40346701 Email: [email protected]
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HEALTH and WELFARE
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EPSG - ESSENDON PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
All Prostate Cancer sufferers, survivors, carers, family and friends are invited to attend meetings held at the Keilor East RSL on the second Tuesday night, each month at 7pm.
Convenor: Robert Peters Mobile: 0419 506 926
HAVE YOU HAD YOUR HEALTH CHECK THIS
YEAR?
If it’s on you to do list, start by completing the Men’s Quick Health Check. The Health Check will highlight the health areas that need your attention. You can complete the Health Check and take a copy with you to the doctor.
Go to: www.dva.gov.au/mphe.htm
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SECRETARY'S SNIPPETS Hi all,
ANZAC Day was pretty miserable weatherwise but a good roll up in numbers. Compliments to all who braved the wet weather. Lunch wasn’t too bad either.
DVA have issued a warning as to potential scams regarding the introduction of the Carbon Tax on July 1st this year. Some low-lifes are purporting to be from DVA requesting information from veterans in regards to the Government’s Housing Assistance Package. Do not under any circumstances give any personal information, such as banking details, over the phone in order to receive your Assistance Package from the government. If you receive a phone call or letter asking for personal information, do not answer straight away. Contact your nearest DVA office on 133254 or 1800 555 254 to confirm the source is legitimate. Vietnam Veterans day on the 18th of August 2012. Maybe it is time for some of you non-marchers to join us and catch up with old faces. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Australian
involvement in the Vietnam War. Come and join us on the day, enjoy lunch at Citro. We will have a short wreath laying ceremony at our Plaque near the Shrine of Remembrance somewhere between 10.30-1100 hours depending on the official timing of the main service. It’s a good time to catch up. If you are a little apprehensive give me a call.
Monthly lunch for June, (hope we get this out in time) is set for Tuesday the 19th. It will allow some of our members who are unavailable on Wednesday to attend the Mail Exchange Hotel, cnr Bourke and Spencer Streets, commencing at 1200 hours.
Finally, as I say every edition, if you change your email/contact details, please let me know.
Regards to you all.
Rick Holmes Secretary
BADGE WEEK
Yes, it is that time again! Three selling points will be active during the week prior to Vietnam Veterans Day:
Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Thursday 09th and Friday 10th August (Evans St Entrance) Bunnings, Maribyrnong Store Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August (Cnr White & Rosamond Rds) Bunnings, Mentone Store Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August (3 Nepean Hwy, Mentone)
Again, we are seeking volunteers to assist with badge selling at the above RAAFVVA stalls. It would be greatly appreciated if you are able to offer just a small amount of time on any of those days. It does not have to be long – any amount of time would be helpful. Please contact Rick Holmes on 9317 7304
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THE PADRE’S PAGE
“A PRESENT DAY MIRACLE”
I have just finished reading a book, “Miracle in the
Mine” by Jose Henriquez. It is all about the great mine
tragedy in 2010 in Chile, when 33 miners were trapped
2,300 feet underground. On October 13th
, 2010 millions
of television viewers on five continents literally stopped
everything to watch the amazing rescue of 33 men
trapped underground in the mine at San Jose de
Copiapo, in northern Chile.
Jose writes, “We might not have had the decor or the
musical instruments that one normally sees in a Church,
but before we knew it, the refuge had become a Church.
Having found ourselves 2,300 feet underground, we
were present, seeking God with sincere hearts, united in
one accord in our praise to him. And each day we were
trapped inside the mine we experienced the presence of
“Miner Thirty-Four”, as we called him.
Each day God filled us with strength and joy. Imagine
that! We prayed and sang praises to God while we were
facing death, and I believe that God was pleased with us
because of it. Daily we observed extraordinary things.
For example, one of the men was feeling very ill, and his
body was becoming very weak. So we annointed him
in the name of the Lord, and the following day he was
feeling well and ready to resume his duties.
We also pleaded with God continually to take away our
hunger, to multiply our food, and to add more nutrition
to it. God answered by satisfying our hunger. This
alone was an amazing miracle because we had so little.
The food we had would only have lasted about three or
four days if we had consumed normal meal portions, and
we lived on in it for seventeen days.”
After his rescue Jose was invited by the leaders of countries all around the world to tell of the
Miracles of the Mine. It is all about the God whom we serve. This God who loves each one of us.
He is there to bless all who call upon him.
With regards, and my prayers for God’s blessings on you your loved ones.
As ever,
George G.
(Rev) George G Ashworth, OAM
24 Domain Road
JAN JUC Vic 3229
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RAAFA/RAAFVVA Christmas Care Packages Arrived in the MEAO The letter below was dated 9th Feb, 2012 (a little late for Christmas) but at least we know our packages arrived safely, and were appreciated. (Apparently, Care Packages are placed rather low on the priority list and are transported on a space available basis only.)
VALE
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
RAAF Vietnam Veteran
William (Bill) Ernest BARNES
35 Sqn – Nov 68 to Nov 69
15th
March 2012
LEST WE FORGET
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ON THE LIGHTER SiDE
A little known fact....
The first testicular guard
was used in cricket in 1874.
The first helmet was used in
1974.
Conclusion: It took 100 years for men to realise that their brains could also be important!!
One for the Golfers....
(Now, that sounds a bit serious!)
Pearls of Wisdom from the Dalai Lama – and - Someone Else!
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No One Believes Seniors.......Everyone Thinks They’re Senile!
An elderly couple was celebrating their sixtieth wedding anniversary. Married as
childhood sweethearts, they had just moved back to their old neighbourhood for
retirement.
Holding hands, they walked back to their old school. It was not locked, so they
entered, and found the old desk they’d shared, where Andy had carved “I love you,
Sally.”
On their way back home, a bag of money fell out of an armoured car, practically
landing at their feet. Sally quickly picked it up, and not sure what to do, carried it
home.
There, she counted the money - fifty thousand dollars!
Andy said, “We’ve got to give it back.”
Sally said, “No way – Finders keepers!”
She put the money back in the bag and hid it in their attic.
The next day, two police officers were canvassing the neighbourhood looking for the
money, and knocked on their door.
“Pardon me Madam, Sir, did either of you find a bag that fell out of an armoured car
yesterday?”
Sally said, “No”.
Andy said, “She’s lying. She hid it up in
the attic."
Sally said, “Don’t believe him, he’s getting
senile”
The policemen turned to Andy and began
to question him. One said: “Tell us the
story from the beginning.”
Andy said, “Well, when Sally and I were
walking home from school yesterday .....”
The first police officer turned to his partner and said, “Ok Mick, we’re outta here!”
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THE VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION VICTORIAN BRANCH (Incorporated)
IS A REGISTERED CHARITY. DONATIONS
The VVAA Victorian Branch is a registered charity which means that all of the 30 sub-branches can
raise funds from public donations and provide Tax deductable receipts for all donations over $2,
providing the funds are used for welfare. Some VVAA members have already adopted our Association as their family charity. All that is
needed is to make out a cheque payable to the Sub-branch Welfare Fund and forward it to the
Treasurer who will provide the Tax deductable receipt by return mail. Even the smallest donation is
very much appreciated.
BEQUESTS AND LEGACIES
Making a Will is good planning. It provides you and those for whom you care with peace of mind,
ensures the security of you family, and enables bequests to be made to those charities that represent
your ongoing interests and concerns. Bequests and Legacies are gifts of specifically identified possessions or specified sums of money
gifted to a person, a group of people or an organization. If the VVAA is your charity then the
correct title of the charity is Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch
Welfare Patriotic Fund Please consider our Association as a charity. Remember, one day the person in need of assistance
may be you or a member of your family. VVCS - VETERANS and VETERANS FAMILIES COUNSELLING SERVICE
(A Service Founded by the Vietnam Veterans) Normal Hours: 86408700
Crisis Line (after hours) 1800 011 046
DVA VICTORIA
Normal Hours: 9284 6000
Country/Regional: 1800 555 254
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In Hospital or Convalescing at Home? Like us to know about it and/or have someone to visit to assist or just chat? Name:…………………………………………………………………………………..….......... Address:……………………………………………………………………………………........ Preferred Contact details:……..…………………………………………………………..........
Post or Email your request to the Secretary or give him a call on 9317 7304 and we will try
and arrange a visit on your behalf.
