NASHONEWS

Feature Stories:

President and Treasurer Reports Pages 1, 2 The Firing Party Pages 4, 5 Wacol AGM 2019 Branch Awards Page 6

Issue No 136 May 2019

NASHONEWS

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUST (QLD) INC.

SERVICEMEN'S

NAVY • ARMY • AIRFORCE

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DirectoryState Management

CommitteePatron:Councillor Angela Owen

President:Alex Garlin 07 3847 9690 0417 621 411Vice-President:Warren Cockburn OAM 07 4162 17 93 0418 192 821

Secretary:Len Matthews 07 3205 8674

Asst Secretary:Ingrid Lundgren 07 3324 1277

Treasurer:Neal Freier 07 3348 2080 0427 000 408

Wacol Advisor:Barry Loose 07 3408 6103

Committee:Mark Cash 07 3332 2250

Administration Manager:Tony Stevenson 07 3397 7512

Welfare Officer:Vacant

Chaplain:Thomas (Tom) Andrews OAM 07 3396 8033 04 0845 7931

Minute Secretary:Gordon Tunstall 0412 886 042

Editor Nasho News:Vince Crowley 07 4779 9460 0428 193 076

Editor Branch NewsJohn Hardy OAM 07 4095 4154 0408 939 910

Membership Officer:Stephen Sheridan 07 3324 1277

State OfficeEric Sivell Park, 171 Boundary Road, Camp Hill, Brisbane 4152Office Hours: 9.00am to 1.00pmMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, FridayPhone (07) 3324 1277Email: officeadmin@nashoqld.org.auMail to: National Servicemen's AssociationP.O. Box 7014 Holland Park East Qld 4121Web: www.nashoqld.org.auNominal Roll/WebmasterAlex Garlin 07 3847 9690 president@nashoqld.org.auNational Website: www.nashoaustralia.org.au

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERThe material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained or implied by this publication, without taking appropriate professional advice which relates specifically to their particular circumstances. The publishers and authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person whether an Association member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or part of the publication. Views expressed in any Editorial may not necessarily be those views held by the Management Committee.

Official NSAA Merchandise

OFFICIAL NSAA MERCHANDISE Beret $32Beret Badge – Pewter $5.50Beret Badge – Silver Six Sided Logo $20Book – 20 Year History of the NSAA 1987 to 2007 $25Caps Embroidered with Nasho Logo $17.50Coffee Cup with Nasho Logo $ 9.00Flag – Association Logo White Full Size (6'x3') $220Flag – Association Logo White small size (hand waver) $12.50Lapel Badge – Association Blue $5.50Lapel Badge – Navy, Army or Air Force $6.50Lapel Badge – Tri-service $6.50Medals Full Size Unmounted Swing CourtADM $18 $22.50 $27.50ANSM $18 $22.50 $27.50Duo ADM+ANSM $36 $45 $55Miniatures Unmounted Swing CourtADM $12 $16.50 $21ANSM $12 $16.50 $21Duo $24 $40 $45Medal Ribbon Bar with ADM+ANSM medal ribbons $15Miniature Metal Ribbon Bar ADM+ANSM $10Necktie with Nasho Logo $33.50Nasho Pocket Patch – Bullion Thread – Red $36Nasho Pocket Patch – Queensland Red Logo $10Nasho Port $13.50Nasho Key Rings Acrylic $4.50Nasho Wattle Key Rings $10Number plate covers ‘I Am a Nasho’ $22Shirts – Chambray short or long sleeves S M L XL XXL (add $3 for XXXL size) $36Shirts – Polo White or Maroon S M L XL XXL (add $3 for XXXL size) $31Stubby Holder with Nasho Logo $5.50Video – 50 year anniversary celebrations $5Video – Last March Out at Wacol $5Wall Plaque – 6 sided Nasho Logo on Timber $42.50Pay by Credit Card – add $1.00Postage not included

Front CoverPhoto: Wreaths laid on Nasho Day at Wacol to commemorate the 22 Nashos who died before completing their obligation. The Plaque was unveiled by His Excellency, The Honorable Paul De Jersey AC QC.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST10th ANIVERSARY OF NATIONAL

MEMORIALA tour to Canberra is being planned for 7th to 10th September 2020 to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the National Memorial. The approx. cost will be $1,600 including air fares. Please advise the State Office if you are interested.

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TREASURER’S REPORT (Neal Freier)We’ve have had our AGM in March. It was well attended at our refurbished Everyman’s Hut at Wacol. My financial report had been audited and I presented it to our members who approved it. On a personal note, I am satisfied with our financial situation, but only because of the success we have had when applying for Grants.On the subject of grants, at that meeting, I again stressed to the delegates and members the importance of our branches applying for grants. As we are all ageing we are finding that we are not physically energetic as in previous years – particularly for fund-raising events. There is a simple answer – Grants! Not only can grants be

applied for from DVA, you can get grants from your Federal – State – and local Council Members. You will find your State Member can supply you with quite a number of organisations/institutions etc who have money available to assist not for profit organisations such as the Nashos.It is pleasing to note that some of our branches have been successful in applying for grants for such things as memorials, bus trips, and equipment. I encourage every branch to do the same. I again thank the treasurers of all our branches for their co-operation in getting their annual financial reports in to our office on time. There is only a short time before an application can be made to the Anzac Day Committee Trust for another grant. So now the many hours of consolidating your financial reports begins.In my previous reports I have urged all our branches to support their members in matters regarding welfare. My Bayside Branch along with a number of other branches have a welfare system in place whereby if a full member is hospitalised, we financially assist his wife/partner to be able to attend the hospital with taxis – parking etc. Maybe the lawn needs to be mown. These branches have a system in place that when a full member dies, there is an instant payment of cash to the widow to assist in immediate costs. Members can be assisted in obtaining wheel-chairs and many other items that are needed by the elderly. If a member is financially embarrassed and unable to pay his membership fees, then it should be paid by his branchIn all cases decisions are made at the discretion of the committee. Welfare payments are made with discretion and not normally made public. This is to avoid any embarrassment to the recipient.I again stress this doesn’t mean a member is “entitled” to any particular handout. Each branch should exercise discretion on the merits of each case, along with the financial position of that branch and the member involvedWell that’s it from me for this edition. I hope you all keep well, and you be kind to each other!Neal Freier

HAVE YOU COMPLETED A FUNERAL PLANNING REQUEST?This is not the greatest topic to have on Page 1 of the NEWS, but it is something that every one of us or our family will have to consider. It is surprising how many times, when asked by the Funeral Director if the deceased served in Defence Force, the family do not know, particularly in relation to first round Nashos,.To assist families, the Association has a Funeral Request Form on which a member can indicate their preferences. This form is available on line from the Nasho Website nashoqld.org.au and go to Application Forms or obtain a copy from your Branch Welfare Officer.The Branch Welfare Officer will, in discussion with your family, attempt to have your requests complied with. There will be no charge for providing flags, accoutrements, music, Poppy Service or Guard of Honour.It is important that you discuss the detail contained in the form with your family. All information is private and confidential to the Branch Welfare Officer and Branch Chaplain

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Alex Garlin) As one year closes another year opens. We go into 2019 full speed ahead with the Captain on the bridge we are hoping for a full year of achievements. As your President, I attend many meetings i.e. ANZAC Day Trust, RSL Meetings, Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary (QACCAC), and many other Branch meetings that are held in and around Brisbane. I am honoured to represent your Association including leading the NSAA contingent in the Brisbane ANZAC Day march. I will now outline some significant events and achievements for the last 12 months.National Service Day 2019 - The highlight for the last 12 months was National Service Day on 14 February 2019 with the opening of the memorial at Wacol for all Nashos who died whilst training in the 1951 to 1959 scheme at Wacol or were completing their further period of obligation. The Governor of Queensland His Excellency the Honourable Paul De Jersey AC QC unveiled this memorial to honour 22 of our Brothers, with many politicians and dignitaries attending the ceremony. Another highlight was also probably the largest turnout of 25 Presidents and members of the various branches as well as relatives of the deceased Nashos. This was a momentous day for all who attended. The laying of the wreath at our memorial was a very moving experience, one I will cherish for the rest of my life. We catered a hot lunch for 215 Nashos and their wives plus guests in the Everyman’s Hut. We would like to thank all the branches that we contacted over the past few months that supplied us with names and service numbers of the deceased. Thanks to Colin and Joyce Waite, John Hardy, Steve Milne and Kyle McLeod (Townsville) who finalised the project.Beaudesert State Conference - I would like to thank all the Nashos who turned up for the Beaudesert conference which ran from 11 to 14 October 2018 and all the local people for their support. It took 15 months of planning to come to this and the planning committee did a lot of work, especially Brian Buckby and his wife Robyn. The whole committee is to be congratulated for their efforts. Despite the rainy weather, the conference was one of the best that I have attended. From the “Meet and Greet” at the RSL club, bus tours, meetings, a gala dinner and the unveiling of a new memorial with support from the Jimboomba Cadets, it was all quite memorable.DVA Welfare Cards - The last 6 months has been the most informative period of my Presidency in as much as assisting members to obtain their entitlements to white and gold cards through DVA. Three of my navy mates are now in possession of gold cards.• White Card – “One day in the Queens Uniform” means you are classified as a veteran, not a Returned Veteran,

and you can make a claim to DVA for service related conditions. These can be claimed after seeing an advocate and filling out the required documentation. He will submit these to DVA and if they go through successfully, you could receive a white card for that complaint. If you have problems with an RSL Advocate report the matter immediately to me.

• Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant – This was announced by the government on 27 October 2018. The Covenant encourages Australia to recognise and acknowledge the unique nature of military service, and support veterans and their families. The Covenant includes:

o The new Veteran Card o An oath which the Australian people will be encouraged to take at community commemorative events, such as Remembrance Day and o An Australian Veteran Lapel Pin and a Reservist Lapel Pin underpin the Covenant. The new-look card will be issued automatically over coming months, along with a Veteran Lapel Pin and Oath as part of a phased roll-out. Gold White Orange

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Association Strategic Plan – This was required to be put in place by BCC who in turn provided a $4,000 grant for it to be professionally collated. It forms the framework through which the stated goals and objectives of NSAA Qld can be realised over the next five years. The 2018/2019 Operational Plan details the specific initiatives to be implemented this year. With the overarching Strategic Plan and the yearly specific Operational Plans in place the organisation is now well placed to facilitate further development and growth of veteran’s support. Administration of NSAA Qld and prioritising the functions and activities within the organisation is a major focal point. We have in place robust policies and procedures but these policies and procedures need to be continually updated and enhanced. Funding, grant registers and maintenance of financial policies and procedures forms an integral part of the organisation’s accountability process.

IT Issues - The Qld website has now been modernised and updated to bring it into the 21st Century. Branch Secretaries will now be able to download any of the administration pages from this Site. However, problems have been encountered with a change of webhosts and merging of the sites resulted in that we could not open or change anything on the sites. When that was resolved we were able to change things on the website and the Nominal roll. To view the nominal roll, try this link: nashonomroll.org. Unfortunately, in a recent storm at the Camp Hill Bunker, a lightning strike resulted in damage to a couple of computers and loss of data.Nasho Touring Club (NTC) - The dreaded curse of ageing has claimed another victim with the Nasho Touring Club (NTC) ceasing to operate on the 30th November 2018 after18 years of fun, friendship and frivolity. The concept of the Club was conceived at a gathering of caravaners at Southport for the 2001 50th Anniversary on the Gold Coast. These members had previously met at the Monto 1998 Reunion.SMC Thanks - no voting for new members to the committee is required for this year. However, I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the following:• State Secretary and Vice President – Len and Warren, you have been restricted in carrying out your duties

because of your respective medical conditions but our members join with me in wishing you a speedy recovery.

• Camp Hill Bunker - Our office is maintained by Tony Stevenson and his ever willing staff including Len Ramsay and Ingrid Lungren. It is run like a good Swiss watch. I would also like to thank Stephen Sheridan for his work compiling the membership cards and lists to all branches. Farewell Stephen and enjoy your new lifestyle in Sydney.

Wacol Heritage Precinct - The work at Wacol has gone ahead in leaps and bounds, thanks to Col and Joyce Waite, Steven and Robyn Milner and Barry Loose for their unwavering support for the work they undertook to clean out the Lecture Hut and turn it into a mini museum with photos and memorabilia, uniforms on mannequins. Colin has come up with great ideas to enhance the property for the benefit of our members to look into our past.Nasho News - I wish to extend my compliments and thanks to Vince Crowley for his untiring work as Newsletter Editor and ensuring that Constitutional requirements are sound. Also John Hardy for his work in preparing the Branch News and Tony’s team of volunteers that come in each quarter to prepare the 2,850 copies for despatch by Australia Post.• Minute Secretary – Gordon Tunstall has done a sterling job with the recording and production of our

Association minutes since taking over from Vince Crowley.• State Chaplain – Thanks Tom (Andrews OAM) for your input to conducting the various services at Wacol

including the blessing the new deceased Nashos memorial.• Welfare Officer – there is an urgent need for a State Welfare Officer I would like to remind my brothers

that anyone may nominate themselves today. In the meantime, if you are in Hospital or sent to a Brisbane Hospital for treatment from the country, my friend Tony Stevenson and I will make every effort to visit and see you and try to cheer you up, as this is what we can do.

• State Treasurer - Last but not least my sincere thanks to our ever vigilant Treasurer Neal Freier and his untiring efforts in keeping our association in a healthy and financial condition.

To all National Servicemen who have supported our committee through the year, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your untiring efforts. If I have over looked anyone, my sincere apologies.

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THE FIRING PARTYEdited from a copy of a letter provided by Dennis Gillbard, Toowoomba

Private Doug Corkill died in Greenslopes Hospital on 6th March 1954 from petrol burns received on 4th March at Waco during his National Service training. On the sixtieth anniversary of his death, I went to the Military Section of the Lutwyche Cemetery Plot: ANZ - 8 - 10 – 32 to visit on that day.

Pte. Doug Corkill, whom I never met, touches me even today because he was just a couple of months older than me. I think of all the great life experiences that have come my way since 1954 and I think what he missed. I also still grieve for his family.

I have never spoken of the incident to Bill Murray because just being on the firing party was not the best of experiences for a teenager. I could not imagine how he felt and never went where it could stir Bill’s emotions.

From the time of Pte. Doug Corkill’s death to his funeral, the Firing Party was given extra parade ground training, particularly in the slow march, which I feel was limited to one hundred yards. We were directed to have our uniforms, webbing and leather in first class condition. The Firing Party was from Fourteen Platoon consisting of twelve national servicemen and Corporal Brown, a regular.

Pte. Corkill was given full Military honours, as is proper. His funeral service was held in a small funeral parlour which used to be next door to the Valley Baths. We were brought by bus from Wacol to the parlour in good time. I recall that we stood up all the way into the city to keep the creases in our summer uniform trousers sharp.

Corporal Brown had us formed up at easy when he noticed that the traffic in Wickham Street had diminished to a trickle and then ceased altogether. When some police motorcycle outriders came into view, he deduced that the Royal Progress of Queen and Prince Phillip was underway.

There was nobody else around for miles. Everybody was up in town for a look. He quickly formed up at the side of the road and gave the order to fix bayonets. We waited for a short time for the Royal party toss came into view. As the Queen’s Humber drew close Brown gave the order, “Royal Salute, Present Arms”. Our little unrehearsed side show drew an animated response from Phillip and an interesting look from the Queen. I have often wondered what they thought. Twelve troops and an NCO at the side of the road, near a swimming pool, with nobody else around, giving a salute?

When the traffic restarted the gun tractor and gun carriage and a complement of Military Police, on motorcycles, to act as escort, arrived. After the service and the coffin was being placed on the catafalque and gun carriage, the Firing Party provided appropriate honours and respect to our comrade. The Military Police gave the procession a roiling road closure by the direct route, Wickham Street, Brunswick Street and Lutwyche Road. They made good time.

The Firing Party was charged with providing an escort at Lutwyche from the Cemetery gates to the graveside and was obliged to be in place to receive the funeral procession when it arrived. The Firing Party was the last to leave the Valley and took the back streets at high speeds, with everybody on board, except the driver, standing up. It was a hair raising and, in retrospect, a dangerous way to travel. But we beat the procession giving us sufficient time to form up with the Pipers from the Regular Army to receive them.

There is a restriction on the distance that men can be asked to slow march. I am sure that rule was not observed that day because the grave site is a long way from the main gate and we slow marched the whole way. Marching behind pipers playing laments and supported by muffled drums is an experience that lives with me still. I do not know the name of the lament, but when I hear it, I am always moved. At the grave there was all the brass watching, including the notorious, Colonel O’Hare

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During the part of the service where we had to fire a volley of three shots over the grave, there was a slight mishap. The blank rounds for the .303, as you will remember, could easily jam while loading. In other circumstances, this is quickly cleared, but in firing a volley in salute, the rifle is to remain on the shoulder, pointing at forty, five degrees. One unfortunate member had the round jam on the first volley and the blank stuck in such a position that he could not move the bolt. He continued and mimed the action of reloading and fire but could not discharge his rifle. At the end of proceedings, O’Hare charged him, alleging that he did not want to get his rifle dirty. When faced with the evidence, O’Hare had to drop the charges and compliment him on his initiative.

On the completion of the service, we formed up behind the Pipers and with unmuffled drums quick marched from the cemetery — a much better experience than going in.

The hard part was that the Edinburgh Castle Hotel was across the road and we were not allowed to drink.

AUSTRALIAN CITATION AWARDED TO KIWI GUUNERS

For the first time, the Australian government is offering a citation to the veterans of a Kiwi artillery unit for their actions in the Vietnam War.

Last year, the Australian government awarded the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry for “extraordinary gallantry” to the Australian units who fought to keep the North Vietnamese forces out of Saigon in a three-month series of battles in 1968.

Now, the Australians are extending the same honour to the men of the 161 Battery of the Royal New Zealand who fought alongside them. The surviving members and the families of the fallen members of the Kiwi unit will be presented with the award at a parade held at Linton Military Camp, near Palmerston North, on Friday.

The 161 Battery deployed to Vietnam in July 1965, before linking up with the newly formed 1st Australian Task Force a year later and fighting alongside them until Australia and New Zealand pulled out in 1971. The Kiwi unit’s first big operation with the task force was to set up and defend two fire support bases, named Coral and Balmoral, in the Area of Operation Surfers – a piece of land critical to the advance of the North Vietnamese Army.

They were in for a three-month-long series of some of the largest and most protracted battles of the task force’s war as the North Vietnamese pushed for Saigon in 1968. The gunners of the 161 Battery received high praise for the accuracy and volume of barrages they laid down in support of the Australian battalions’ positions at critical stages of the defence.

Although a New Zealand unit has never before received a citation from the Australian government, three New Zealand veterans have previously shared such an honour. They were attached to D Company of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment during the battle of Long Tan in 1966. The Kiwi soldiers were given special approval in 2010 to accept and wear the citation for gallantry D Company earned in that battle.

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WACOL AGM 2019 – BRANCH AWARDS

Bribie Island President, Roy Nicholas accepting Dennis Connor Award for the largest membership % increase

Gordon Tunstall, Liaison Officer, accepting the John Seymour Memorial Award for best membership retention on behalf of Gympie Branch

Townsville was presented with the Barry Vicary Award for the largest increase in Membership and President Vince is holding Life Membership awarded to Secretary Kyle MacLeod

Brian Buckby,Beaudesert Branch accepting the Peter Ryan Trophy for the oustanding work by a Branch

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MOREE REUNION 2019A great time at the National Serviceman’s Reunion in Moree N.S.W. Photo L to R. Vincent Koch, Carmel Tunstall and Gordon Tunstall representing the Caboolture and District Branch.

This is the third year Moree has hosted the annual ADF and National Service Reunion, formerly the Allied Forces and Nashos Reunion from Friday, March 8 to Monday, March 11. Friday evening was the Registration

of participants and a Meet and Greet time. Saturday morning a grand procession of Nashos from the east coast of Australia paraded through the main thoroughfare of Moree Town to the Moree Cenotaph where a Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony took place.

Saturday evening was a Gala Reunion Dinner partaking of a delicious meal. Complementing the evening were entertainers the Serendipity Singers while many raffles were held. Guest speakers were a 17-year veteran Major Andrew Cullen (Retd) and wife Zoe. Andrew, a returned Veteran from Afghanistan with two tours of active duty, served as a bomb disposal technician. He was on the frontline of the war as part of the ordnance disposal (EOD) team which was responsible for disarming improvised explosive devices (IED’s), recovering bodies and cleaning up after bombs exploded. Andrew who retired in 2012 and Zoe published a book in 2016 titled Resurrected.

A Sunday visit to view the operation of a Pecan Nut farm on the outskirts of Moree while on the Monday an enlightening trip to Lightning Ridge, the Opal City.

Attendance was down somewhat due to the aging of the Nashos and the terrible drought the West is experiencing at this time. Thankfully the reunion is gaining momentum with a sea of new faces attending.

Overall, the comradery experience is as cordially throughout the Nasho Community no matter which State one belongs. It is an experience that should be on every Nasho’s “Bucket List”.

Thanks, Caboolture & District d for an enjoyable experience and we were proud to have represented the Branch.Contributed by Gordon Tunstall, Caboolture

REMEMBER THE REMEMBER INSTALLATION

Ron Ward helped Minister Kate Jones at The Gap Shopping Centre to show the members of the public how to fold the red-numbered cardboard into poppies. These poppies were part of the 62 000 that were be placed on the wall in ANZAC Square, Brisbane City for Remembrance Day 2018. The people making the poppies were told if they wanted to they could write the name of anyone who was in the war on the back of the poppy.

Unfortunately the work in ANZAC Square was about six months behind and the poppies made were put into a large ‘REMEMBER’ sign that was displayed on the cover of our NASHO News recently.

The photo taken on the day shows the making of the poppies with the help of members of the public, Minister Kate Jones and NASHO foreman, Ron Ward. Ron said he thinks that he is doing more in his NASHO uniform than when he was young and in the National Service!

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A110065 ARMATI, Phillip (Peter) Vincent Garbutt, 2/1952 Townsville1/7 BIRCH, Ivan George Wacol, 3/1956 Townsville1/726822 BOSCA, Douglas Peter Wacol, 1/1958 Townsville3787465 BOYD, Ian Reginald Puckapunyal, 3/1965 Townsville134263 BURKHARDT, Gordon Alexander Alt Service 1966 Rockhampton1/719793 BURROWS, Noel Francis Wacol, 1/1956 Bayside 1734553 CLEAR, Terrence Michael (Mick) Singleton, 2/1968 Stanthorpe 1/730491 COFFISON, Noel James Wacol, 3/1959 Burdekin1/721945 COMERFORD, Thomas (Tom) William Wacol, 2/1956 Townsville3787465 COWEN, Douglas George Puckapunyal, ./1965 TownsvilleA18136 DiBELLA, Samuel (Sam) Townsville, /1952 Redlands1/706201 DRAHEIM, Ernest (Ernie) Allen Wacol, 2/1952 Stanthorpe 1/711511 FAZEL, Neville Francis Wacol, 2/1954 Townsville1/702597 FRANETTOVICH, Neville Herbert Henry Wacol, 1/1952 Mackay1/702962 FRASER, Peter Wacol, 2/1952 Brisbane North1/706865 GILMOUR, Alan Charles Wacol, 3/1952 Stanthorpe 1/724443 GOLIGHTLY, Malcolm Roy Wacol, 2/1957 Rockhampton1/714863 HALL, Clive Joseph Wacol, 1/1955 Gladstone1/706546 HARMSWORTH, William John Wacol, 1/1953 Rockhampton1/709393 HERBERT, William Edward (Ted) Wacol, 3/1953 Innisfail1/711603 HUNTER, Noel Garnett Wacol, 2/1954 Gayndah1/714072 MELVIN, Leslie Orme Wacol, 3/1954 Townsville1/718358 MITCHELL, Kenneth Charles Wacol, 2/1955 Townsville2/732730 MOIR, John Leslie Ingleburn, 2/1954 Gold Coast South129792 O’SULLIVAN, Richard Patrick Alt Service TownsvilleA114610 QUINN, Edward (Ned) Joseph Amberley, 1/1952 Ipswich1/716394 RICHARDS, Ernest Brian (Brian) Wacol 2/1955 Townsville1/709846 ROXBURGH, John Raymond (Ray) Wacol, 1/1954 MackayA39535 SERRURIER, Michael (Mick) John Amberley, 1/1952 TownsvilleA115491 SMITH, Brian Herbert Amberley, 2/1954 Rockhampton1/708832 THOMPDON, Ross Gordon Wacol, 3/1953 Sunshine Coast2/711995 TICKLE, Lance Harold Singleton, 1/1952 Brisbane North2/768195 TOWERS, Ivan Leslie3 Holsworthy, 3/1957 Brisbane South2/771725 WALL, Ivan Noel Holsworthy, 1/1958 Caboolture1731375 WALKER, Kevin George Kapooka, 3/1965 Caboolture1/705704 WASLEY, Robert (Bob) Edward Wacol, 1/1953 Townsville1/700338 WHEELER, Malcolm Edward Wacol, 1/1951 Townsville1/718721 WHITING, Ronald Alfred Wacol, 3/1955 Townsville1/703678 WRIGHT, Ian Barrington (Barry) Wacol, 2/1952 Stanthorpe

LEST WE FORGET – THEY SERVED AUSTRALIATownsville may appear to be an unhealthy place to live judging by the numbers above.

However, the names listed as Townsville includes Members of the Branch, Non-members who have received a Poppy Service and non-members whose names

have been dedicated on the Memorial Wall

LAST POSTThis LAST Post includes Nashos who are not members of the Association. No Branch isshown beside these Nashos

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BEAUDESERT: (Meetings 1st Monday of even months 1030hrs. Venue: Beaudesert RSL Function Room)As with other branches, age is taking its toll on our membership with many unable to participate in our branches activities. Our AGM held on 4th February was well attended and a full committee elected for 2019. About 60 members and guests enjoyed lunch following the meeting. Many of our members have a morning tea in the park with our committee after our committee meetings; these are great social occasions. We try to have guest speakers at our general meetings and most of us have lunch together following the meetings. Our branch won the Peter Ryan Award for branch performance in 2018. The award was accepted by Brian Buckby at the March Wacol AGM. At our April meeting the photo shows Ian McDougall being presented with a plaque by Graeme Bird, recognising Ian’s service to the branch since its formation in 2003. Our numbers in the Anzac Day Parades are falling, Vice President Phil Johns placed a wreath at the service. Our next outing is on 19th May for a combined branch BBQ at member Errol Steinhardt’s property “Widgee”. Branch Contact: Ph: 07 3200 5586 Mobile 0413 897 608. BEENLEIGH-LOGAN: (Meeting: 4th Monday each month 1000 hrs. Venue: Beenleigh RSL)

This year, the branch has had one general meeting followed by the AGM with Stuart being elected as our new President; a warm welcome. I believe our events co-ordinator has been busy organising some beaut outings in this next quarter, I shall be looking forward to writing reports in the next issue. Our Vice President Forbes has celebrated his 80th birthday in February this year. Forbes! We said “Eighty, not Eighteen”. This he celebrated in a park, near his home with friends, relatives and a few Nasho’s. The photo shows Forbes getting a big kiss from his great wife Carrol, the branches Events Co-ordinator. We had a new location to run this year for ANZAC badge selling, a new shopping centre at Pimpama, developed and owned by an ex Nasho from the Wacol era. Best wishes go out to a recent past president, Colin Waite and wife Joyce. Colin has succumbed to a medical condition which has put him out of action for a while.

Branch Contact: Secretary. Ph: 07 3200 3517. BRIBIE ISLAND: (Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 1130 hours. Venue: 25 Boronia Drive, Bellara).At the Bribie Island Branch A.G.M. the following office-bearers were elected – President- Roy Nicholas, Vice-President – Elizabeth Schilling, Treasurer – Peter Doolan, Secretary – Noel Stewart and Publicity Officer – John Price. President, Roy Nicolas and Treasurer, Peter Doolan represented the Bribie Island Branch at the National Servicemen’s Association Remembrance Day Ceremony and laid a wreath. We were saddened by the death of one of our members, Harry Tonkin and our President Roy proposed a toast to his memory at our April meeting. Rest in Peace Harry. Mr. Ed Wright from the Bribie Island RSL Sub-Branch was our guest speaker at our March meeting and has offered information of support and facilities available at the R.S.L. Many of our Branch members belong to the RSL Sub Branch and attend the regular monthly Meet and Greet functions. The Committee, Members and Supporters have been busy planning the social outings for the remainder of the year, commencing with attending the Caboolture Branch BBQ on 7th May at Wamuran. The Bribie Island Branch has a train trip planned for June and some members will join with the other Branches at the Caloundra RSL for Christmas in July. Planning is well under way for other events. Our Easter meeting and luncheon was well attended with many dressing for the occasion; Easter bonnets and bunny ears were in plentiful supply. Our Vice-President had dressed all the tables with appropriate Easter items including lots of Easter Eggs.

BRANCH NEWSEdited by John Hardy (john.hardy51@bigpond com)Under the Privacy Act, details about the person including

Birthdays, illness and hospitalization cannot be included to Branch News without the person’s consent.

Closing Date Wednesday 2nd August Folding Date Friday 23rd August

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At the Queensland National Servicemen’s Association A.G.M. our President was presented with the Dennis Connor Award for the Branch achieving the largest percentage membership increase for 2019. This Award was proudly shown to all Members and Supporters at our April meeting/luncheon. Branch Contact: President Roy Nicholas – 07 34086654 and Publicity Officer John Price – 0439 287 747. BRISBANE NORTH: (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Kedron Wavell Services Club).Fifteen members attended the Wacol Heritage centre for the unveiling of the Deceased Nashos Memorial on 14 February being National Service Day. The Governor officiated and everyone enjoyed lunch that followed in the

Everyman’s hut. Plans are well underway for a trip to Maryborough early May. Two nights in Maryborough will allow the group to visit the latest WWI memorials, plus the Memorial Walk in the park and the RSL Memorial in the city. No doubt there will be some time to explore the City Centre .An afternoon tour of Hervey Bay and a visit to the RSL Memorial before returning home via the coastal route to showcase the Tin Can Bay Training area and Camp Kerr. A very rewarding few days. Our AGM voted the same members back in their previous roles which shows that the branch is in good hands. Col Garson resigned from his role as Merchandise officer due to ill health, and Rod Sellin stepped in. Many thanks to Col for his long time role in this position. We wish all those members that have had a brief spell in hospital and hope they will all be back on deck quickly. We had excellent support at the Presidents luncheon in February where we made presentations to our sponsors and RSL staff. The photo shows Tony and Pam Burke with John Bryson

talking with some of our younger generation at our Stafford Central outlet. Parents’ permission was gained to take the children’s photo. our, many thanks to our regular workers who run our 4 Anzac Day outlets every year, rain, hail or shine. We are continually impressed with the generosity of the public, and it was great to see our regular clientele and the many interesting discussions. Branch Contact: Secretary Trevor Koks 3261 2688. Further info Brian Nichols 0419717354. BRISBANE NORTH WEST: (Meeting: 3rd Sunday each month (other than December) 1015 hours. Venue: Gaythorne RSL and a number remain for lunch at the bistro bar). The 2019/20 management committee is Dave Livett, President; Dick Chapman, VP; Errol Maloney’ Secretary; Rod Adamson, Treasurer; John Coote, Welfare Officer; Dave Livett, Press Officer. Coles at Everton Park was unavailable this time round and probably for time to come as a venue for pre Anzac Day selling so we set up outside Anaconda, as well as Woolworths. Thanks to all members who got involved and to the two retailers for allowing us to set up outside their premises. In centuries past it used to be that gentlemen and ladies set off on a grand tour of Europe; or soldiers went to the rescue of weaker European states from the clutches of stronger aggressors. These days it is ex-servicemen and women touring the former battlefields of Europe. We wish our treasurer, Rod Adamson well as he sets out on a month long odyssey taking in Gallipoli, Villers-Bretonneux and the Normandy beaches. The newly chosen president, Dave Livett has a fight on his hands as he prepares to take on a serious medical condition. Branch Contact: President Dave Livett. Ph 07 3366 3191.BRISBANE SOUTH: (Meeting: Last Sunday each month 0930 hours. Venue: Runcorn Tavern).HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brisbane South Branch. We turned 20 on the 19th April 2019. From a small group of good friends at that first meeting to a strong group of 158 great friends twenty years later. Those friends have been enjoying the association with our new meeting venue. We’ve now had a couple of functions and monthly meetings and everyone is very happy with our new “home”, the Runcorn Tavern. Last year’s Branch committee members were returned again this year at the AGM. Thank you to each committee member for your hard work, it’s appreciated by all members and supporters. Our planned bus trip to Stradbroke Island in May is fully booked and has a small waiting list. The four selling outlets for ANZAC Day were well supported by volunteers and we were very happy with the success of each venue. Some of our members marched with the National Servicemen’s group in the Brisbane parade. Always a great experience. Branch contact: Len Ramsay, Branch Secretary, 07-32095541.BUNDABERG: (Meeting: 2nd Saturday of the month 1330 hrs. Venue: Bundaberg RSL Board Room)Bundaberg Branch started the year with another subsidised luncheon. All members and partners look forward to these events. In February, the President attended the Nasho Day Dedication at the Wacol Precinct and laid a wreath. The only Coach trip we have undertaken thus far in 2019 was a trip to Caloundra to visit the Caloundra RSL and a visit to their Museum. The photo shows Roy Hardwick (left) and Brian Trost (right) standing in front of a mannequin of a whaler horse used by the Light Horsemen during WW1. Some members of the Branch attended the Bundaberg East State School to participate in the school’s Anzac Day ceremony.

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Our Branch has provided a Bursary to the School and a book is presented to a student in the essay writing competition. Once again age has wearied our members and the contingent who participated in the Anzac Day march this year is smaller than in previous years. Another subsidised luncheon for members and partners is being planned for the month of May and I also understand perhaps the next coach trip will visit the Hervey Bay Historical Museum possibly in June. A long range Coach tour in the planning is a trip to visit the Noosa wetlands later in the year. The date will be advised in the near future so that you can have many months of forward planning so that medical appointments can be arranged

accordingly. Childers’s correspondent Phil Pearce (former NSAA Innisfail President) reported on the Annual NSAA Trophy played for at the Isis Golf Club. This trophy was started last year with a plaque purchased by Phil to be played for each year on Nasho Day 14th February or near as possible to that date The Shield was won last year by Peter Steel who defended it this year but was beaten by Chris Martin (photo). The Men’s division was also won by Chris with a wonderful 44 stableford points and the rundown was enjoyed by six other players. A good turn up with 46 players and a well enjoyed sausage sizzle after the game. Everyone agreed that it would be well worth returning again next year. The person in the photo is Chris Martin and he won the trophy from Peter Steel who was the winner of the first competition in 2018. Branch Contact: Secretary Brian Trost 07 4151 3485.

CABOOLTURE and DISTRICT: (Meeting 2nd. Monday each month 1000 hrs for 1030 hrs start. Venue Caboolture R.S.L. Club, Beerburrum Road.)It’s been a fairly busy start to the year for the branch. Our workaholic Vice-President, Gordon Tunstall, in his SMC Regional Liaison Officer role, has been keen to reinvigorate social interaction so as to foster closer ties between neighbouring district branches. District Presidents have met for discussions, and branch Meet and Greets arranged. Our President, Colin Rohlf, has announced that Caboolture will host one of these socials in early May at our Memorial Park in Wamuran. In all, five branches will be represented. On the eve of National Service Day, a 4-man working party travelled to Wacol to assist with preparations for the memorial unveiling ceremony next day. Thankfully, the hot and sultry conditions prevailing that day had moderated when 13 branch members and ladies arrived by mini-bus next day for the pomp and circumstance ceremonials. It was a grand show, with the State Governor and many civic and ADF dignitaries in attendance. Shame on the media for declining to cover the occasion despite the best efforts to invite them! Luncheon with a vast array of delicious foods served on “Grazing Tables” was served in a packed Everyman’s Hut. Everyone enjoyed the day, as the accompanying photograph show. Our AGM in March saw the return of the Executive unopposed. Several members were unable to attend as they were returning home that day from the reunion of ex-service personnel in Moree, N.S.W. On a sad note, we recently lost another two members, Ivan Wall and Kevin Walker, both of whom had been in ill health for some time. The former was the branch’s “Poet laureate” who, every year, penned poems for our Memorial Services at Wamuran. The offer of a Guard of Honour was made to, and accepted by, both families for the graveside and (upcoming) memorial services. Our Anzac Day selling campaign is now completed and the Order-of-Service brochure for the Wamuran service has been prepared by Wamuran State School staff. This year, in a departure from tradition, the Anzac Day address – with “The Aftermath of War” as the underlying theme - was delivered by two senior girls from Grace Lutheran College. On the eve of Anzac Day, branch executives attended services at Wamuran and Strathpine State Schools. Sets of the Great War 1914-1918 Diary Collection were presented to both schools. Branch Contact: Secretary Graeme Marlow (07) 5498 8037.

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CAIRNS and DISTRICT: (Meetings 2nd Thursday each month at 1030hrs Venue: Upstairs at the Cairns RSL boardroom.)The Branch held its AGM on 14 March at the Cairns RSL. SMC Liaison Officer John Hardy conducted the election of office bearers but there were few changes to the previous year’s committee and some positions were not filled. Members participated in various community events including ANZAC Day. The photo (Cairns Post Brendan Radke) shows our members L to R President Fred Cave, Vice President Pat Galwey, Phillip Murphy, Stan Carswell MBE and John Wallwork marching along the Cairns Esplanade in the 2019 Anzac Day parade. Members shared a bus with the RAAF Association to travel to Cardwell for the 77th Anniversary Coral Sea Battle Commemoration held on Sunday 5 May. Here we met up with fellow members and supporters from the Tableland, Innisfail, Ingham and Townsville Branches. The Branch will send representatives to the Nasho Inter-Branch Rifle Shot at Ravenshoe, this being hosted by the Tableland Branch on 11 May. Branch Contact: President Fred Cave Ph 0408 173 112. DECEPTION BAY, PENINSULA and DISTRICTS: (Meeting: 1st Thursday, Bi Monthly even months. Venue: Starting from February, please contact the Secretary Heather Donoghue on ph 0415 194 776 for the venue and time for that month.)

Greetings all Nasho’s and Supporters, I trust you all had a Happy Easter and a day of reflection on Anzac Day. It’s hard to believe that a quarter of the year is almost gone. I’m very happy to announce that our Executive Committee has been reinstated for the next year with the addition to our President’s daughter Selina Brutton coming onboard officially as Branch executive. Selina has been a blessing to the Branch since Denly became President 3 years ago, Welcome Selina. Deception Bay, Peninsula and Districts Nasho next meeting will be on the Thursday the 6th June at The Burpengary Tavern at 11.30 please contact the Secretary Heather Donoghue on 0415194776 for details and numbers before the 23rd May. As you would notice the Branch no

longer is meeting in the John Naumann Hall at Deception Bay, the Executive Committee, agreed we would take a less formal way of running the Branch as health issues of some of the Executives aren’t getting any better. This and the Branch members wanted more of a social environment, we only have a brief meeting and then catch up with each other. I would like to take a moment to thank our SMC representative Gordon Tunstall, and the effort he is putting into his position. The Branch Executive and members are looking forward to getting to know the members from the other Branches that Gordon is responsible for as an SMC Liaison Officer. The first of which is the BBQ at Wamuran, followed by a trip to Caloundra RSL on the 30th of July. On Anzac Day 2019, as photographed, President Denly Shiner and our Vice President Henry Crew laid a wreath at the Redcliffe mid-morning service; many thanks to these two Nasho’s who have done this duty for the past 3 years. Branch Contact: Secretary: Heather Donoghue Ph 0415 194 776. GLADSTONE: (Meeting; 3rd Wednesday of month at 1300hrs: Venue: Rocky Glen Hotel)National Service day was observed on February 14th with a service held at the War Memorial plaque at St. Saviours’ Anglican Church. Following the service, members and supporters adjourned to the Reef Hotel for lunch. Our AGM held on February, 20th resulted in all positions filled, with Graham Fenton, President, Greg Hill, Secretary/Welfare officer, Brian Western Vice President and Keith Leach, Treasurer. Outgoing President Noel Bowley was thanked for his work and commitment over the previous years as President.

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A full programme of events for the year has been mapped out by the new executive, with members and supporters’ assisting with a sausage sizzle at Bunning’s, run in conjunction with Sunshine Rotary. In March, we were all saddened by the death of Clive Hall who was an inaugural member. He participated in, and gave willingly of his time in all aspects of branch business and our many social activities, always supported by his wife Leah. Members were honoured to participate in the service to farewell Clive, and also by forming a guard of honour (in uniform) for all members of the congregation as the conclusion of the service. Badge selling, in the weeks prior to ANZAC day proved very successful, thanks once again to all who volunteered their time. ANZAC day 2019 in Gladstone has proved the ANZAC spirit is alive and well with the attendance at the Dawn and mid-morning service seemingly increasing year by year. Members marched at both services in Gladstone before travelling by bus to the small village of Marmor, as we have done for several years now, to join with Rockhampton Nashos’ and the local community in their very meaningful tribute to ANZAC day. School captains from Bajool and Marmor reading the address, and music supplied by Capricorn Silver band, all added to the service in this small community. A very busy day concluded with a BBQ and country music at the local hotel. Branch Contact: Val Buchanan 0409766141 GOLD COAST NORTH: (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each even numbered month 0930 hours. Venue: Mudgeeraba Light Horse and National Servicemen’s Precinct, Mudgeeraba Showground.)Our AGM was held in February with the re-election of the past year’s committee members with Brian Handke again as Branch President and Barrie Smith as Branch Vice-President. To all the committee members goes a big thank you for their dedication in time and effort to make this Branch benefiting its members. To get our social agenda off to a start, some 37 members and friends gathered at the Jetty Cafe at the Gold Coast Spit getting stuck into the cafe’s famed crab sandwiches. Illness and other commitments meant a lesser roll-up at the picnic at the GC Botanical Gardens in March but those that attended had a good time. Anzac Day badge selling was undertaken but from our member tally of 147, the response was somewhat disappointing for volunteers to staff our sales booths. Good on you, guys and gals that again made the effort. Our branch members also volunteer their time and efforts to providing the Gold Coast Lighthorse Education Museum program and though thwarted by long bouts of rain these early months are all-fired keen to welcome some 800 excited school-children this year plus various senior bus groups. To all the NSAA branches looking for a social outing, come and see live horse events with tent-pegging and sabre-rattling etc. If interested, please give Brian (Bertie) Bertwhistle AM a call on 0418157230 for details. To all our NSAA mates, good cheer and health to all. Branch Contact: Jeff Wootten Ph. 0755466888. HERVEY BAY: (Meeting: 4th Wednesday of the month 1000hrs. Venue: Hervey Bay RSL).In January we had our Annual General Meeting and all Committee members were returned unopposed. We continued with our Sausage Sizzle at the end of January and started the New Year with a good start. The President and his partner represented our Branch at WACOL on NASHO DAY, at the same time, we were also celebrating NASHO Day in Hervey Bay. First with a Flag and Wreath laying ceremony at our monument at Freedom Park, and then at a BBQ on the foreshore for all members and their partners, cost was to bring themselves. We had over 12 at the Flag/Wreath laying and 28 at the BBQ. We also had more selling of raffles and money raising projects in February. By all reports from the President Ian, the ceremony in Wacol went well. In March the President and his partner (a supporter) and our Secretary and his partner (also a supporter) attended the State Conference, also continuing their duties to the Branch. The orders for merchandise and clothing had to be put in for ANZAC DAY as we also had new members join. We also presented one of our supporters with the NASHO’s Widow Medallion, we have another two yet to be presented. Everything was geared towards this years’ ANZAC DAY in the organising of selling pins and badges, thanks to Jacqui and the social committee for overseeing that everything ran smoothly. ANZAC DAY was a success, the Branch paid all the supporters meals; that was supplied by the RSL Sub -branch for members only, so they could spend the day with their partners. Thanks to all who turned up. We have five minutes break then we are back looking at visitors arriving for Whale season. Time for more selling. Branch Contacts: President Ian Debert 0429 803 562, Secretary Brian Barker 0467 642 730. INGHAM: (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 1900 hrs. Venue: Ingham R.S.L)The Branch will hold the 18th Annual Remembrance Day and Dedication of Plaques Day, honouring those Nashos who have passed on during the past year. The Service will commence at 10.30 am on Saturday 29th June at the New Ingham Cemetery. Following the Service, all are invited back to the Ingham R S L, Hawkins Street at 12.00 noon for drinks and fellowship. Lunch will commence at 1.00 pm. We have organised a high ranking, retired Army Officer as our Key Note speaker who will address us on a subject with a Military flavour. Cost per head will be $30.00. Please RSVP by Monday 23rd June. Contact by e-mail, PO Box 326 Ingham 4850. Should you wish to pay by Direct Debit the Account Number is Ingham Branch of National Servicemen’s Association, 064810 1011 9128. Branch Contact: Secretary Maurie Filei Phone 07 4776 1752.

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INNISFAIL BABINDA TULLY: (Meeting: 4th Tuesday each month 1800hrs. Venue Innisfail RSL).This year’s National Service Day (photo) was held indoors at the Innisfail RSL because of a heatwave. It proved very successful especially as Ted Herbert was able to attend. He died little over a week later on 23 February 2019

Ted was affectionately known throughout North Queensland as Timber Ted because of his work in the timber industry. Seven members attended the Tableland Branch Nasho Day held in the Rocky Creek entertainment igloo rather than the usual park because of bad weather. Refurbishment of the memorial wall is progressing well. Members put in many volunteer hours to demolish old concrete in atrocious conditions. The new wall should be reopened in early July. Our State President Alex Garlin has agreed to officiate at this as part of his Northern Branches tour. Eleven members/supporters attended the quarterly tri-branch meeting at the Mountain View Hotel, Little Mulgrave. John Hardy gave a comprehensive

report on both the March annual and delegates meetings at Wacol. Patron Ron Trackson and wife Veronica were able to overnight there in their caravan on their way home from Canberra. A large contingent attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast and March through Innisfail. Quite a few members then went to Babinda’s street march and service to swell their numbers. Branch contact: Secretary, Margaret Saunders 0428 612 770. MACKAY and DISTRICT: (Meeting 4th Tuesday of the month 1000hrs. Venue – North Mackay Bowls Club)(Editor Comment: In the Army, I was taught an acronym that I will never forget – the 7P’s – Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Pretty Poor Performance; the following information from George Newton certainly reflects this). For those members that may be a little confused, the Christmas Luncheon/Dinner been locked in for the Wednesday 11th December 2019 at North Mackay Bowls Club. Meet and Greet 11.30am for a 12noon sit down meal (menu will be decided later date) if you have any dietary requirement please advise Doug Dennis your trusted Treasurer or myself. The cost of Lunch will be advised closer to the day, with payment a week before the Function. Remember you are never too old to Rock and Roll, you can do anything in wheelchairs, walking frames and electric scooters. Branch Contact: Secretary, John Priest, phone 0438 519 964.REDLANDS: (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 0945 for 1000 hours start. Venue: Gallipoli Room, Redlands RSL.)Our branch enjoyed a very satisfactory April meeting which provided members with the opportunity to discuss matters that affect them as well as receiving valuable information. An interesting speaker, Paul Oates, provided details and photographs of the German occupation of the Channel Islands. This was our last meeting before ANZAC Day and some time was devoted to planning and the dissemination of details. Unfortunately the number of our members marching decreases each year as age and illness takes a toll. However, the enthusiasm of members and also the public seem to remain as high as ever and even increase. We always have some people who just turn up and march with the branch. I was informed one family is marching for a relative who served in Vietnam; others are something of a mystery but could have the same aim. The branch has an extremely busy schedule of events over the next few months. Lunches and dinners provide the opportunity to enjoy pleasant company as does a bus trip and theatre nights. Our visit to the show “Seniors Moments” might be appropriate. The branch, of course, subsidises member’s costs to encourage attendance. A pleasing number of members have expressed satisfaction with what they receive from the branch and at our last meeting members were briefed on BMC plans to facilitate continued operations into the future. We hope to be able to continue for some time, much as we are, in the face of new problems including the obvious one of an ageing membership. An unfortunate number of members have reported sick, including our long time Welfare Officer, Bruce Reedman. Thankfully all seem to be recovering well. Eric Shaw, President. Branch Contact: Les Warner, Membership / Development Officer, 07 3821 2894 Mobile 0450 577 186. SUNSHINE COAST: (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of the odd month at 1000 hrs. Venue: Maroochydore RSL) On the Sunshine Coast we have been very busy since the February edition of Nasho’s News. We held a meeting on the 26th February with the Brisbane Northern Region Branches to arrange various events for the next 12 to 24 months. This meeting was chaired by Gordon Tunstall from Caboolture and hosted by Sunshine Coast Branch. Also in attendance was Alex Garlin our State President and a number of members from various branches. We held our AGM on the 12th March and the committee was re-elected unopposed.

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This was followed by our 20th Anniversary luncheon and a good time was had by all. The photo shows President Ted Weidner and foundation members Steve Carmody and Norm Spencer cutting the Branch 20th Anniversary cake. Badge selling was undertaken by a band of volunteers, For Anzac Day members laid wreaths at different locations from Beerwah to Noosa. Jock Graham (Vice President) has put together a comprehensive history of our Branch’s 2nd Ten Years, following on from the 1st Ten Years by Bill Kirby. Jock has put a tremendous amount of time and effort formulating this report and I urge everyone to obtain a copy. Thank you Jock for a job well done. An outing was held at the Majestic Theatre in Pomona on Monday 8th April. We watched a Silent Movie dating back to the 1920’s and I can honestly say I cannot recall laughing so much. It was an unbelievable event and we should put this on as an annual event. On the 1st May, Jock Graham conducted a Poppy Ceremony on behalf of Townsville Branch. Jock, Gloria, Norm, Elaine and Joan represented our Branch in farewelling Walter Gordon Callaghan. May he rest in peace. Thank you to those who attended and shows the great respect we all have for our fellow Nasho’s no matter where they reside. We have been invited by Caboolture Branch to a combined get together on Wednesday 8th May at Wamuran Park. Should be a very enjoyable day and I know our Branch is looking forward to it. Branch Contact: President Ted Weidner phone 07 5443 5915.TABLELAND: (Meeting: 2nd Sunday of each month at 1000 hours. Venue: Nasho’s shelter at the Rocky Creek War Memorial Park).National Service Day 2019 was held on Sunday 10 February at the WWII Entertainment Igloo at Rocky Creek near Tolga. John Hardy acted as emcee and introduced eight families to speak about their loved one and place a poppy on

the family plaque. Patron Ray Byrnes constructed the temporary wall and Branch padre Mick Grant dedicated the plaques The Tablelands Regional Council provided a Community Grant of $1,000.00 to cover some costs for the event. The Entertainment Igloo proved to be a good venue despite the hot weather. The Social Committee consisting of Bill and Kay McDonald and Ted Rolley have organised an interesting lot of tours for the year and applied for a DVA grant to cover the cost of the transport. The first outing was to the Kairi Hotel on Wednesday 27th February where twenty nine people attended for lunch. Both food and venue proved to be suitable. Ray Byrnes, Bill Mc Donald and John Hardy each provided an overview of the Danbulla and Kairi areas from a historical perspective including WWII. ANZAC selling of merchandise and associated raffle resulted in good support from the community. Organised by supporter Terry Edmondson, she sourced some very good prizes including a signed Cowboys shirt. ANZAC

Day Commemorative Services were well attended with John Hardy laying wreaths at both the Afghanistan Avenue of Honour dawn service and the Yungaburra town parade. The Darryl Day photo shows Branch Vice President, Ted Rolley leading the parade in a WWII Jeep and Boyd McQueen acted as emcee for this service. John Hardy provided the Commemorative Address at Yungaburra. Representatives attended the Battle of the Coral Sea commemorations at Cardwell on 5 May. Wreaths were laid by five NQ Nasho Branch presidents. Branch Contact: Secretary Terry Edmondson ph. 07 4095 4154 / 0409 924 711. TOOWOOMBA (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 1900hrs; (odd months); 2nd Sunday at 1300pm (even months). Venue: Irish Club Hotel (Meals available before meetings). The first major activities for 2019 were the annual Nasho Day Ceremonies. We took 11 members and wives to the Wacol precinct by bus for the dedication of the memorial for Nashos who died during their compulsory training. The Governor was present for the occasion and addressed the gathering. The ceremony was compered by Darren Curtis from Channel 9 News. Our own ceremony was held two days later, at the State Memorial in East Creek Park. State president Alex Garlin attended the service, and all present were impressed by the address given by our new padre David Snape.

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Toowoomba’s AGM returned all office bearers to their positions, which augurs well for the coming year. There have been good attendances at all our functions and we have had sufficient workers for our stalls even though Easter and school holidays made it more difficult this time. We hope to have a good year in 2019. Branch Contact: Secretary Ph. 07 4633 2564. TOWNSVILLE: (Meeting: 2nd Wednesday each month 1930 hours. Venue: Holy Spirit Church Hall until restoration of Townsville RSL.) Secretary Kyle MacLeod of the Townsville Branch retired as Secretary at our AGM on 13th March, 2019, due to a number of health issues. Kyle has been our Secretary for 18 years and Committee member for 22 years. Kyle was elated when he heard that at the State AGM at Wacol, he was awarded an Association “Life Membership”. Our Branch also won the Barry Vicary Award for the largest increase in Membership for 2018. Kyle is also Membership

Officer. National Service Day was commemorated on 14th February at our Memorial at Rowes Bay commencing at 10:00 am. Before the service commenced our President read out the names of the 22 deceased Nashos who died whilst doing their National Service Training at Wacol between 1951 and 1959 and some whilst completing their National Service Obligation. This occurred in conjunction with the unveiling of a Memorial Plaque at Wacol in their memory. Some 200 people attended the service, including family members of those deceased so many yeas ago. The service was conducted by our New Branch Chaplain the Rev Andrew Millsom who blessed the 17 new plaques. 1 RAR Band, commanded by Musical Director Major Chillmaid provided music for the hymns. The Welcome Address was given by SQNLDR Duncan Flemington whilst readings were read by VP Neville Hines and

Chaplain FLTLT Joe Ward from the RAAF and Prayers of Reflection by LCOMD David Walker RAN. The Ode of Remembrance was recited by our Welfare Officer Leon Jeffery. The NSAA and other ESO and members of the public paid their respects by laying of wreaths, books and flowers. Lunch followed at Brothers Leagues Club. Our next outing is our 70/80 Birthday Party at Brothers Leagues Club On Wednesday, 14th May, 2019. Two nominations for the Bursary this year was received.- First Prize Goergia Astbury, Granddaughter of John and Lyn Robins, Second Prize Regan O’Sullivan, Grandson of Maurie and Thelma Degiovanni. They are shown in the photo with Branch President Vince Crowley. Meritorious Awards were presented to John Evans, Gordon Robertson, Arthur Rains and Kevin O’Sullivan. Branch contact Membership Officer Kyle MacLeod 07 4779 3929. NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S RSL SUB BRANCH (INC.): (Meeting: 2nd Sunday each month at 0900 hours. Venue: Norman Park Sports and Community Club, Norman Avenue, Norman Park). 2019 started off with a real rush. After our first meeting we held a Meet and Greet where we had invited a member from DVA to come and discuss just what Nashos were entitled to receive in the way of help with their health. I am pleased to tell you one of our members now has received his White Card, so that is a real success story in its own right. Not too sure there will be too many more. We made our Annual Visit to the Wacol Heritage Precinct in March and again this was a success with all there enjoying the visit and the hospitality. Special thanks to Col and Joyce Waite for their welcome it is a pleasure to see them each year. Best of Luck with your Health Col. I would like to personally thank Alex Garlin, Vince Crowley and John Hardy for their help with the Nasho News as I have stepped down as Sub Branch Secretary, I would like to introduce our new incoming Secretary Rory Cain who will be in charge in the future. The photo is our members and wives, partners and friends standing on the Wacol Chapel stairs. Branch Contact: Secretary Margaret Besgrove on 07 3349 2468.

NASHO NOTICEBOARDGot a reunion planned? Looking for an old Nasho mate?

Want to get information on anything? This is your page . . .

2019 STATE CONFERENCE - WACOL - OCTOBER 19TH TO 22ND Thursday 19th: Registration and Meet and Greet Wacol Precinct 4pm to 8pm

Friday 20th: Coach Trip Wacol to Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island at 8.30am

Saturday 21st: Delegates and General Meetings Wacol 8.30 am for 9.00 - Lunch Provided

Ladies / Non Delegate Tour to Harbour Town, Charis Seafood and Feed Pelicans

Conference Dinner - Wacol 7pm to 10pm

Sunday 22nd: Wacol Church Service 10.30am

Registration Forms are available from Branch Secretaries and are to returned byFriday 6th September

THE PADRE'S CORNER.G'DAY EVERYONE. Greetings to you all. May I start by hoping everyone of you are doing okay as the year of 2019 marches on so quickly. Someone sent me the following article below and it gave me a good laugh so I decided to pass it onto some of my fellow Nashos who could be "Retarded Grandparents" too. This article was actually reported by a teacher.

After Christmas a teacher asker her young pupils to write how they spent their holidays away from school. One child wrote the following: We always used to spend our holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Bateman's Bay where everyone lives in nice little houses, so they don't have to mow the grass anymore. They ride around on bicycles and scooters and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore. They go to a building called a wrecked centre, but they must have got it fixed up because it is all okay now. They do exercises there, but they don't do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they just jump up and down with hats on. At the gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day, so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising on their golf carts. Nobody cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing, every night -- early birds. Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked centre for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I can let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.

Also feel free to make contact with me at anytime. Phone: 0408 457 931 or Email tomhelen61@yahoo.com I am only an old Nasho from Wacol's First Intake, 1956 who wants to serve you, wherever and whenever I'm needed, if possible. I thank those who have made contact over the past year and I hope that things are okay. God bless you all for now and the days that lie ahead.Thomas S. Andrews, OAM. (State Padre).

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Colin Waite, (Beenleigh / Logan Branch) our former Wacol Supervisor was awarded the Rowland Williams Award comprising the trophy that remains in the Bunker, a plaque and a Certificate. The Rowland Williams Award is awarded

to a member for outstanding achievement and dedication to the Association. Joyce Waite received the Meritorious Service Award. Both worked untiring at Wacol and the presentation of Wacol is a testimony of their dedication.