the blue beret

REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157

[email protected] PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 7174 www.adgblueberet.org

NATIONAL PRESIDENT ..……………….…….………………....….. MERV REID

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT………………….…..….………….…. HENRY CICHOWSKI

NATIONAL SECRETARY/TREASURER …….….…............…....... JIM GABLE

EXECUTIVE ADVISOR …..………………….………….……......….. GLEN HOMBSCH

ASSISTANT SECRETARY ………………………………….…………. SPIKE DAINER

COMMITTEE MEMBERS .………………………………….……...…. BOB HOLT

MICK SHEEAN

Vic smith

BLUE BERET EDITOR .…………….……………….……….......…. JIM GABLE

ASSOCIATION wEBMASTER ……………………………..…………. TONY PAHL oam

NEwSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ………………..….……….... [email protected]

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This work is copyright and is published solely for the information of members of the Airfield Defence

Association Australia Inc. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be

reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the express permission of

the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc, 5 Jeffrey Street Capalaba 4157 Queensland Australia, 4157.

DISCLAIMER

Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc

takes no responsibility for any errors omissions or inaccuracies contained in this journal.

does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information

contained in this journal.

Does not warrant that articles or opinions published in this journal are necessarily the opinions held by the

Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc.

APRIL/MAY 2015: ISSUE 60

THE BLUE BERET OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE

AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.

PATRON: AIR MARSHAL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET’D

REGISTERED OFFICE: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QUEENSLAND 4157 AUSTRALIA

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.adgblueberet.org/


FROM THE PRESIDENT

For the last hundred years, for the wars fought, for those of us who were lost, we remember.

In the Great War, over 300,000 young Australians, 75,000 of them Queenslanders, answered

the call without hesitation and travelled to lands far away to fight, to defend the right of all of

us to enjoy freedom and our way of life as a birthright.

One hundred years later on this ANZAC Day just passed, we of the Airfield Defence Family

marched in cities and towns all over Australia and again in those lands far away with added

pride. Those who could not or would not march will have paused to reflect and remember. Lest

we forget.

In Brisbane, we marched for the first time with

our banner proudly displaying our own Air

Force Ground Combat Badge (AFGCB).

Thanks to Mick Sheean and his brother Terry

who volunteered his expertise, labour and costs

to print and mount the badge for us. The banner

actually travelled to Sydney and back for the

work and we thank you both for your efforts.

This ANZAC Day Ken Carswell laid a wreath

on our behalf at Hellfire Pass. Barry

Williamson, who won a place in the ballot for ANZAC Day, also laid a wreath at Gallipoli in

the name of the Association. Thanks so much to both of you, it’s nice to know that our name

is appearing in faraway places.

Due to operational commitments, the Squadron was only able to provide us with a limited

number of serving members for the Brisbane march, however they made a decision that they

would march as part of the Association and also provided men to carry and escort our banner.

Some eighty Squadron members have just returned home from overseas deployment and our

thoughts were with you on the day.

A great crowd of former and serving joined us at the Boundary after the march. Thanks to

Adam Hill and his staff for looking after us so well and it was great to see many old friends

who hadn’t been around for a while, as well as a large number of blue uniforms.

Also good to see Kerrie Loseby, wife of the late Bruce Loseby, who travelled from Sydney to

join us in the march and afterwards. Thanks Kerrie.

Our display at the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre is coming along well, thanks to the

efforts of ‘Smokey’ Dawson and Vic Smith, who are doing all the hands-on work. We are

planning a group visit to the centre, followed by a family barbecue some tine in mid-August –

more to follow. Also, we must thank Spike Dainer for his Admin role.

June 21st will see our 2015 Annual General Meeting at Greenslopes. This will be an election

year and Jim will send out the notification packages to everyone in due course. Remember, you

can only vote on agenda items if you are financial.

Blue Beret Issue 60 April/May 2015 Page 2

Please notify a committee member if you are aware of any serviceman, not necessarily a

member of the Association, who is in need of Welfare support. We can only help if we know

if someone is sick or needs help. Our blog, Facebook page, email and this newsletter are all

part of the information network for our family and often something as simple as a phone call

can help.

From a membership point of view, we always welcome applications for Associate membership,

if they meet our criteria and we will continue to encourage serving members to become

involved. Our rapport with them is excellent.

Jim and I went to the Gold Coast for the funeral of Darrel Wilson, a long term member and

staunch supporter of the Association for a great many years. Darrel was taken much too soon

and our sympathy goes out to Faye and her large extended family.

If you are on the sick list, I hope your recovery is swift

In closing, thank you to all who made the effort to be involved on the Centenary of ANZAC.

Lest we forget.

Yours Proudly

Merv Reid

National President.

PROPOSED ASSOCIATION VISIT TO THE AMBERLEY AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE

After a few false starts, we are in the process of booking a group visit to the Aviation Heritage

Centre at Amberley, followed by a family barbecue using the on-base facilities.

As most members will know, our own Historical Collection was re-located to the Heritage

Centre last year after a period when it became difficult to access at the Squadron.

The collection has now been integrated into the over-all display at the Aviation Heritage

Centre, thanks to the hard work of people like Smokey Dawson, Vic Smith and Spike Dainer.

The Ground Defence section includes a former 9 Squadron UH-1 helicopter and a large number

of static displays, which thanks to the guys, is growing every day. IN addition, there is a huge

area of memorabilia, restored aircraft and other Air Force related items which should be of

interest to many.

At this stage, we expect the visit will take place on Sunday 16th August, however this is yet to

be confirmed.

We would like to see a real family gathering on the day, entry is free but as always there will

be some security issues which we will all need to observe.

Everyone over the age of 16 who joins us on the day will need some form of photo ID. A Base

Access Pass, Passport or current Driver’s Licence will probably be OK but we’re also waiting

on confirmation of that.

As we get closer to the actual date, we’ll be asking for names and numbers – hopefully it will

be another Adgie success.


ARE YOU COMING TO THE 2016 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION?

THIS DOES NOT COMMIT YOU – WE JUST NEED AN IDEA OF WHO IS

INTERESTED IN COMING, BECAUSE IT HELPS US WITH AN ESTIMATE OF

NUMBERS AND COSTS

Please fill in all the blanks, tick all the boxes and return this completed form to:

The Assistant National Secretary

Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc

52 Willowbank Drive

WILLOWBANK QLD 4306

I/We* are interested in going to the Association’s 50th Anniversary Reunion at

Ipswich/Amberley from 21st to 26th April 2016 Inclusive. I/We* understand that the program

has not yet been finalised and that this form does not commit me/us to attend.

IF I/We* decide to make a firm booking:

HOW MANY?

there would be ……people in the group. ( ….. Adults: ….. Male, ….. Female),

(……Children: ….. Male, ….. Female).

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

I/We* would probably travel to and from Ipswich by

Train Bus

Car Air

Other

ACCOMMODATION

I/We would prefer

To stay with the group [ ]

To make my own arrangements [ ]

ACTIVITIES

I/We* will PROBABLY / PROBABLY NOT* take part in any of the planned activities.

I/We*acknowledge that there will be costs, which I/We* will need to pay in advance.

YOUR DETAILS

Your name: ……………………………………………………………………………………

Contact Telephone: Daytime: ( ) …………………… Evenings: ( ) ………………....

Email: …………………………………………..

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER TO JOIN US

*Please delete whichever does NOT apply, otherwise we won’t know what you want to do.


THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK


HAVING A GOOD YEAR

I want to thank each one of you for your educational e-mails and phone calls:

I can no longer open a toilet door without using a paper towel, nor let the waitress put lemon

slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.

I can't sit down on a hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it

since it was last washed.

I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one

pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.

I can't touch any woman's handbag for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public toilet.

I must send my special thanks for the advice about rat poo in the glue on envelopes because

I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

I can't have a drink in a bar in case I wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.

I can't eat KFC because their chickens are actually mutant freaks without eyes, feet or

feathers.

I can't use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

Thanks to you I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven

of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

Because of your concern, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer buy fuel without taking someone along to watch the car, so a serial killer doesn't

crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.

And thanks for letting me know I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because

it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.

I no longer go to the cinema because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS

when I sit down.

I no longer go to shopping centers because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and

rob me..

And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which

I will get a huge phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan ..

And thanks to your great advice I can't ever pick up a coin dropped in the car park because

it was probably placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.

I can't do gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by a spider and my hand will fall off.

If you don't send this as an e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large

dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon I know this

will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor’s ex mother-

in-law's second husband's cousin's best friend's beautician!


9 SQUADRON 2015 REUNION MAY 15 -17 AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND.

Planning is underway with the prime meeting place being the Mercure Hotel in Auckland. This

will be the place for our registration and Friday night meet and greet as well as the pickup location

for transport to the other events.

Room costs for the Mercure are around $120.00 per night if you get in early!

EVENTS:

Friday night: Registration/ Meet and greet at the Mercure. Floor level to be advised!

Saturday Afternoon: Commemorative Service at the War Memorial Museum (Time to be

advised!) This event should not be missed for we are hopeful of providing a most moving and

wonderful surprise during the course of the service. This is still in the planning/ negotiation

stage!

Saturday Evening: Formal dinner at the War Memorial Museum. An absolutely wonderful

location with views over Auckland and the bay.

This venue has been provided free of charge by the Museum in recognition of the auspicious

occasion of the celebration of cooperation and unity of the Australian and New Zealand Armed

forces’ not only in Vietnam but all theatres of war. This venue has the not insignificant fee of

around $15,000 for venue hire. We are not able to thank the board members enough for their

most significant support and donation to this event. It is most humbling!

Sunday morning:

The proposed event for Sunday morning is a service/ commemoration with the NZ SAS at a

place to be determined and afterwards morning tea.

This service would require additional funding primarily to cover the cost of the bus. I am

guessing at present but believe that about $30 pp will cover the cost of the bus and refreshments

afterwards. If you believe that you would like to attend please drop me a line.

More details will be published once numbers, location and timing is known.

Buses will be available to take members from there to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for

the afternoon service and again in the evening to transport members to and from the museum

where the sit down dinner will be provided. Please note that while we will provide sufficient

buses to transport our members and guests there will only be one trip each way. We will not be

providing a shuttle service. If you miss the bus you will need to take a taxi. It is not too far!

The locale of Auckland is a wonderful place to start your tour of NZ. Do not miss however the

great food spots along the old wharf area or trips on the ferries. Both the train station and the

ferry service are within a couple of hundred metres from the hotel.

Your might also put some time aside for MOTAM. A museum of Transport and Technology

that does hold some wonderful aircraft like a Lancaster and Sunderland. We may try to organise

a tour. This will take nearly three hours from the hotel.

Transport from the airport!

This can be a curly one and one you will need to think about in advance. There is no rail link to

the city!

You can take a bus that from the airport that pulls up behind the Mercure Hotel at the train

station. It costs around $20NZ and leaves every 20 minutes. The bus leaves from the main Taxi


area but you will have to cross past the Taxi’s to the next road to get them. Ask someone to direct

you if unsure!

You can organise a shuttle pick up for around $50 pp. This can be done from Australia online!

BUT if you are thinking of the Taxi service be warned. This will cost you around $100 give or

take and has cost some travellers in the past around $200 because of the ride they were taken

on. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW IN ADVANCE WHAT THEY WILL CHARGE! Do not blindly

get into a taxi and pay later! When I visited a few months ago the papers were full of reports of

travellers that had been ripped off!

There is also a discount taxi service that is sometimes available and the cost at the time of writ ing

was between $40 and $50. FIND OUT FIRST!

General Food costs.

All hotels can be quite expensive for food but within easy walking distance of around 100 metres

you can pick up a full breakfast for $15. There is a food court in the Westfield Downtown

shopping centre beside the hotel (the top end of this centre has a café with excellent tucker at a

great price and is open early), more food courts in Albert Street about 300 metres walk from the

hotel. These are Asian and of good quality and ample servings! A food serving will cost you

around $10.

As I have mentioned there is a large array of food providers along the old wharf area. The area

provides a wonderful dining experience.

Food costs for the hotel are not included in our fees other than as announced. There will be some

finger food Friday night, (main meal Friday night for you to organise as well as Saturday

breakfast and lunch) and if we can arrange it at a reasonable cost a recovery breakfast at the

hotel. This is still being negotiated!

General:

Should you have further questions regarding Auckland please drop me a line!

Weather!

Bring something warm and perhaps weather proof! If you cannot bring your umbrella then they

can be purchased in the nearby shopping mall in the discount store up the escalator! (50 metres

away)

Medals:

Please bring and wear them for the commemoration ceremony on Saturday morning and again

for Sunday morning. (refer above.)

Caps/ hats. 9 Sqn caps are available for sale before you travel if you wish. Drop me a line!

TELSTRA FREE NUMBER FOR ALL AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIBERS.

For anyone contemplating using the Sensis directory service number, 1234, you should

know that Sensis is a subsidiary of Telstra.

Calls to 1234 are charged a fee of $1.99. Standard mobile rates also apply. A connection fee of

$1.29 applies to successful and attempted connection to the number requested. Standard rates

apply to the connected call. Or you can have most information sent to your mobile phone by

SMS text at no extra charge.

However, by law, Telstra must provide a FREE directory assistance number.

The free number is 1223


MINISTER OPENS PENRITH’S COMMEMORATIVE POPPY PARK

Penrith’s Judges Park has been transformed by 102,804 commemorative poppies, arranged in

the formation of a single large poppy, to honour every single Australian soldier who has given

their life for our country.

The Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary

of ANZAC Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson joined the Federal Member for Lindsay, Fiona

Scott MP, in Penrith on 21st March to pay tribute at the commemorative field of poppies.

“This excellent local initiative demonstrates how communities can creatively and thoughtfully

acknowledge those Australian men and women who have died in the service of our nation,”

Senator Ronaldson said.

“This is a powerful representation of the loss incurred during war and conflict. Seeing more

than 102,000 poppies laid over two thousand square metres, gives you some perspective of the

sheer enormity of the sacrifice our servicemen and servicewomen have made for our nation.

“During the Centenary of Anzac, we mark a hundred years of service and sacrifice,

encompassing all wars, conflicts and peace operations in which Australia has been involved.

The Centenary will be the most significant period of commemoration in our nation’s history.

“I would like to congratulate all of those involved for encapsulating this spirit of

commemoration for all Australian service in such an unique and moving way,” Senator

Ronaldson said.

Fiona Scott added, “I can't speak highly enough of Owen and Martin Rogers' - the fantastic and

inspirational brothers behind this most honourable event whereby our community will

remember every single one of the 102,804 brave men and women who made the ultimate

sacrifice in the service of our country and the pursuit of our freedom."

“This event has been a huge community effort from the team at Thorndale, who have made the

poppies, as well as St Dominic's College student Connor Jurkovic who designed the “Poppy

Park” and the hundreds of residents, families of service personnel and school children who

have donated their time to planting the poppies in Poppy Park," Fiona Scott MP said.

Attached to each poppy in Poppy Park is a card bearing the name of a fallen soldier. At the

conclusion of the commemorative event, the poppies will be collected, packed and posted to

people who have purchased them as mementos.

All funds raised from the sale of the poppies will be donated to the City of Penrith RSL sub-

Branch and Nepean Legacy.


AUSTRALIANS UNITE TO COMMEMORATE ANZAC DAY

Across the country and around the world, thousands paused on the 25th of April to honour the

Australians and New Zealanders who first landed on the shores of Gallipoli 100 years ago, and

to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who served in all wars, conflicts and

peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary

of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, was one of 10,282 people who paid his

respects to the ANZACS at the dawn service in Gallipoli, Turkey.

Reflecting upon the significance of the centenary, Senator Ronaldson said the attendance of

vast numbers of Australians at services around the world demonstrated the ongoing relevance

of Anzac commemorations to current generations of Australians.

“Public interest in this year’s commemorations highlights the enduring respect and gratitude

our community feels for the sacrifices made by more than 50,000 Australians who served in

the Gallipoli campaign and more than 323,000 who served in the First World War,” Senator

Ronaldson said.

“It is extremely pleasing to see the high turnout at Dawn Services in Australia and overseas as

Australians from all walks of life come together to honour and remember the original Anzacs

and the brave men and women who have continued their legacy of service over the last 100

years.

“We owe all of these fine men and women a great debt of gratitude, particularly the 102,000

who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Senator Ronaldson said.

Senator Ronaldson said that during the Anzac Centenary, it was important to observe traditions

like the Anzac Day dawn service and other commemorative activities and to teach our children

and the broader Australian community about the meaning of ANZAC.

“In this way, the spirit of ANZAC will live on and continue to remind us of the service and

sacrifices that were made by our fellow Australians to ensure our future.”

In Villers-Bretonneux, France, 6,100 people paid tribute to the more than 295,000 Australian

service personnel who served on the Western Front in France and Belgium, and the 46,000 who

made the ultimate sacrifice. In Australia, dawn service attendance numbers are estimated to

have reached between 350,000 and 380,000 in capital cities alone.

The Anzac Centenary commemorates the First World War (2014–2018). Since the first convoy

of servicemen left the shores of Albany in 1914, almost two million men and women have worn

with pride the uniforms of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian

Air Force. On Anzac Day, we remember them.

Australians are invited to join share how they mark Anzac Day on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/AnzacCentenary, or on twitter.com/DVAAUS with #anzac100 or

http://www.facebook.com/AnzacCentenary


#anzaccentenary. Education resources and media background materials are available at

www.dva.gov.au/mediacentre.

Estimated attendance at Anzac Day commemorative dawn services in Australia Adelaide – 20,000

Brisbane – 20,000–30,000

Canberra – 120,000

Darwin – 10,000

Hobart – 5,000

Melbourne – 85,000

Perth – 60,000–80,000

Sydney – 30,000

Estimated attendance at Anzac Day commemorative dawn services overseas Gallipoli, Turkey – 10,282

Hellfire Pass, Thailand – 3,000–3,200

Isurava Memorial, Papua New Guinea – more than 800 (includes trekkers and porters)

Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea – 5,200

Sandakan, Malaysia – 600-630

Villers-Bretonneux, France – 6,100

OPERATION SLIPPER WELCOME HOME PARADE

The end of 2014 marked the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s military

contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan, and

the International Coalition against Terrorism (ICAT) mission across Afghanistan and the

Middle East which commenced in October 2001

Since Australia commenced deployments to Afghanistan, over 33,000 Australian Defence

Force personnel, Australian Public Service employees and Australian Federal Police have

deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations as part of the operation.

A nation-wide commemoration activity marking the end of Operation SLIPPER was held on

Saturday 21 March in each State and Territory capital city and in Townsville.

Although this operation is now finished, a large number of ADGs and GRDEFOs are still

deployed in both Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Australian training mission. Several of

them are “embedded” with US Security Forces in various bases throughout the two countries.

Welcome home the members of 2SECFOR who have recently returned and are now enjoying

a well-earned rest.

http://www.dva.gov.au/mediacentre


INCOMING

Hi guys,

Can you please distribute this to all your contacts and ask them to spread the word even further.

2015 marks the launch of the first ever War Veteran’s film festival. It is an Australian

development and is open to worldwide involvement. As an actor/film maker and War veteran,

I am the volunteer advisor to the film festival organization board. This film festival is designed

to bring a much greater awareness, understanding of and respect for Australia’s and the world’s

war veterans.

The DVA is fully aware of and supportive of this endeavour as are those RSLs that are currently

aware of this new undertaking. Please Google ‘screen my shorts’ and click on ‘Veterans film

festival’ to read more and watch short films about Australian veterans including my own short

film ‘The Guardian of John Street Square’ in which I play dual roles as a film producer and his

identical twin brother a Vietnam war vet.

This project offers anyone an opportunity to submit a short film that is essentially about a War

veteran. If any of you who read this would like to tell their story in film then please let me

know at my email address [email protected] and I will do my best to turn your story

into a film script and then let’s see if we can get it produced. There are many who are willing

to assist.

The website is well established because of other festivals but the Veteran section is new and

will develop further with time .www.screenmyshorts.com

Thank you

Francis J Edwards

QUICK MEMBER SURVEY

A while back, we used to publish the minutes of our Committee meetings in the Blue Beret, to

keep members informed of what we were doing on your behalf.

We received a few negative comments from readers who complained that they didn’t want to

be bothered with that sort of thing because it was boring, so we made a decision to stop

publishing those minutes.

What we would like to know now is whether or not the majority of our readers would like us

to once again include the Committee and AGM minutes in future issues of the Blue Beret.

A simple “Yes” or “No” answer is all we need, so if you would like to take part in the survey,

just email or phone your answer to the Association using the contact details on the front cover.

Let’s see what happens.


http://www.screenmyshorts.com/


THE FUNNY PAGES

His wife left a note for him to prepare

dinner that evening:

“Shepherd’s Pie needs to be taken out of

the fridge and placed in the oven at 140

degrees.”


should we have some of these made?

ON THE BACK OF A WINE TRUCK:

IN CASE OF ACCIDENT

Bring Cheese and Crackers. T Lots and Lots of Cheese and Crackers.


NEW LOOK VETERANS’ AFFAIRS WEBSITE LAUNCHED

Improving access to information in an easy to navigate format has guided the re-development

and improvement of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) website which was launched

on 18th December 2014 by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Michael Ronaldson.

Through a single online entry point, DVA clients of all ages can access all the information they

need about compensation, health care and financial support in just a few simple

clicks. Information about commemoration, educational resources, grants and other services is

also available online.

As the importance of communicating through online channels continues to grow, DVA has

developed a website that improves the way veterans and their families can access the

information, support and services they need.

The website re-development follows consultation with veterans, current serving Australian

Defence Force (ADF) members and the ex-service community.

The website is a valuable means of communication, with over one million page views per

month. It is a valuable way for veterans and the general public to find information and is for

many veterans their first contact with DVA. The new-look website will improve access to

information.

The redeveloped website continues the Department’s mission of being responsive to the needs

of veterans and their families.

You can visit the new-look website at www.dva.gov.au

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the

effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognised, diagnosed, and

then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNISING A STROKE

remember the 3 steps, STR. Read and learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness

spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to

recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. “Chicken Soup”)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

Stick out Your Tongue!

Another 'sign' of a stroke is to ask the person to 'stick' out his or her tongue. If the tongue is

'crooked', ie if it goes to one side or the other, it is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 000 immediately and describe the

symptoms to the dispatcher.

http://www.dva.gov.au/


EASIER ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR VETERANS

The Commonwealth Government has made it easier for veterans to access mental health

support under new arrangements announced on 29th January.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson said tackling the mental

health challenges for veterans and their families was a key priority in the Government’s plan

for improving services for Australia’s service men and women. “Currently, veterans and

eligible current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are able to access

treatment for psychiatrically-diagnosed PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders, whatever the

cause. Under these arrangements, known as non-liability health care, there does not have to be

any link between the mental health condition and military service for the individual to access

these services.”

“I am pleased to announce that under the new arrangements, veterans and eligible current and

former members of the ADF who are diagnosed with these conditions by vocationally

registered general practitioners and clinical psychologists will also be able to access these non-

liability health care arrangements. By extending non-liability health care access to those who

are diagnosed by a GP or psychologist we can make sure people are given access to these

services as quickly as possible. Early treatment is vitally important in addressing conditions

such as these,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“The Government also previously expanded these services to include treatment for alcohol use

disorder and substance use disorder and made changes to allow a greater number of people

with peacetime service to be eligible for these treatments. The key to good mental health is to

take action early and I encourage all veterans and veterans’ representatives to familiarise

themselves with the revised arrangements and when required, to seek help that is available.”

A psychiatrist's diagnosis is still required for compensation claims relating to mental-health

conditions. For any further information on mental health support for veterans and their families,

contact DVA or visit the At Ease website at http://at-ease.dva.gov.au

PLANNING AHEAD

Some of us are getting up there a bit when it comes to the time we’ve spent on the planet.

Others are still young enough to think that they’re fireproof, just like our older members did.

Whichever group you fit into, there is probably a large number who haven’t yet considered the

impact on loved ones if you die without leaving them with a list of things which most of us

take for granted, such as Superannuation and Insurance Policy details, web and banking

passwords, where you keep your credit cards and their pin numbers, where you’ve put your

Will or Enduring Power of Attorney (Do you have one? Is it Up to Date?), funeral preferences

or funds and a host of other small but easily forgotten items.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has produced an excellent booklet called “Planning

Ahead”, which makes it very easy for you to take care of all those things and more and gives

you and your loved ones peace of mind in the event of your passing.

Copies can be obtained from your local DVA Office and the Association also has a very small

number available on request.

http://at-ease.dva.gov.au/


NEW PENSION RATES

These rates are updated on 20 March and 20 September each year and include the Clean

Energy Supplement.

Old rate (fortnightly - effective 20 September

2014)

New rate (fortnightly - effective 20 March

2015)

Increase (fortnightly)

Service pension

Single person $854.30 $860.20 $5.90

Couples (each) $644.00 $648.40 $4.40

Single person - transitional $720.90 $725.80 $4.90

Couples (each) - transitional $581.40 $585.40 $4.00

Couples (each) $644.00 $648.40 $4.40

War widows

War widow(er)'s pension $868.00 $874.10 $6.10

Income support supplement $256.00 $257.80 $1.80

Disability pension

TPI (Special Rate) $1311.30 $1320.50 $9.20

Intermediate rate $890.10 $896.40 $6.30

EDA $724.20 $729.30 $5.10

100 per cent $466.10 $469.40 $3.30

10 per cent $53.54 $53.87 $0.33

MRCA

Wholly dependent partner payment

$868.00 $874.10 $6.10

Special rate disability pension (SRDP)

$1311.30 $1320.50 $9.20

VETERAN HEALTH AND WELLBEING PROJECTS GET FUNDING BOOST

Forty projects that benefit the veteran and defence communities have received a funding boost

under the Australian Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program.

The grants, worth $681,368, are supporting organisations across the country to continue to

conduct a range of activities, programs and services that enrich the quality of life of our

veterans and their families.

These activities, programs and services will enrich the lives of Australian veterans, war

widows, widowers and their families.


A new bus to help transport veterans to commemorative events and social functions, upgrades

to RSL facilities and the establishment of a drop-in centre are just some of the projects to

receive funding. These grants will make a real difference in helping our veterans, particularly

the elderly, remain independent, healthy and active.

Other grants will help ex-service organisations to upgrade their office equipment and to

conduct necessary renovations and improve their facilities.

“The ongoing commitment of the men and women behind these organisations is invaluable and

they are to be commended for their efforts. The day-to-day support they provide to our veteran

and defence communities is immeasurable and should never be underestimated,” Minister for

Veterans’ Affairs Senator Ronaldson said.

I encourage any eligible groups to consider how a grant could help deliver care and support to

their local veteran and defence communities and apply for the next funding round.

For further information on how to apply visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or contact your nearest

DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.

VIETNAM VETERANS’ CHILDREN RECEIVE EDUCATION FUNDING

Fifty-six students from across Australia have been selected to receive funding under the Long

Tan Bursary scheme to help meet the cost of their tertiary education.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of

Anzac, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, congratulated recipients. “I am honoured to

award these young men and women, the sons and daughters of our Vietnam veterans, a Long

Tan Bursary,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“The sacrifices their parents made during the Vietnam War should never be forgotten or

underestimated. Supporting the children of our Vietnam veterans to gain a tertiary education is

just one of the ways the Australian Government can continue to honour their service.”

Each student will receive financial assistance worth up to $9,000 over three years. The

breakdown of 2015 bursaries in each state and territory is as follows:

New South Wales – 16

Victoria – 11

Queensland – 20

Western Australia – 5

South Australia – 3

Australian Capital Territory – 1

Applications for each academic year open on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August, and close on

31 October. The Long Tan Bursary scheme is administered by the Australian Veterans'

Children Assistance Trust on behalf of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. For more

information, visit www.dva.gov.au.

Editor’s note: Students will be presented with bursaries at state presentations in the coming

months.

http://www.dva.gov.au/grants

http://www.dva.gov.au/


POEM DEDICATED TO GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS

The computer swallowed Grandma,

Yes, honestly it’s true!

She pressed 'control and 'enter'

And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely

The thought just makes me squirm.

She must have caught a virus

Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin

And files of every kind;

I've even used the Internet,

But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Mr. Google

My searches to refine.

The reply from him was negative,

Not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'Inbox,'

My Grandma you should see,

Please 'Copy, Scan' and 'Paste' her,

And send her back to me.

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas & Grandpas, Nannas & Pops, who have been fearless and

learned to use the Computer

We do not stop playing because we grow old;

We grow old because we stop playing


COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Welcome to our newest members Bill Purdie, Avraham Mizrahi (Assoc.), Darren

Lacey and Brian King (Hon). . New members are always welcome and we

encourage existing members to talk to your mates about membership. Welcome

everyone.

Sick Parade: Ron Sloper still remains on the very sick list. We had a chat with

June recently and unfortunately nothing much has changed. Ron, you are always

in our thoughts. Aletta Seibel has reported in with a serious illness and Phil

Armstrong’s been in hospital so many times recently we think they’re rebuilding

him a bit at a time. Our best wishes to you all and hope your recovery is swift.

Late breaking news is that Bob Kinnane is in the Mater Hospital in Townsville after

a scare. Carmel says he’s doing well and will keep us updated. Get well soon Bob.

Where the Heck is…? We still haven’t heard about current addresses for Brian Taylor in WA, John

Healey in Sydney, Mick Welch and Craig Montgomery. If you can shed

some light on their disappearance please let us know.

R.I.P.: It is with much sadness that we report the passing of Jeff Lovell,

former Ground Defence Officer who died on December 31st December 2014,

Grant Burfield, husband of Mary (formerly Nibbs) on 5th March 2015 and

Darrel Wilson, who passed away suddenly on 8th April 2015. To all their

families and friends, our deepest condolences.

Lest we forget.

ADVANCE NOTICE – 2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Association will take place in the office of the RSL-

SED Advocacy Centre at Greenslopes Private Hospital on Sunday 21st June commencing at

10.00 a.m.

Formal notices will be sent to all members approximately four weeks before the date of the

meeting.

ADVANCE NOTICE – VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

The Committee has agreed to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day, August 18th\ 2015, at

Hervey Bay, following an invitation from the Hervey Bay RSL. An open Committee meeting

will also take place the following day and all members in the area are encouraged to attend.

Further details will be made available on the Association’s Facebook page and our web site

blog closer to the day, or you can contact us by phone if necessary.


ADG MEMORIAL: NAMES NEEDED

Once again, this is a call to all our members, both serving and retired, to help us complete the

Ground Defence Monument at Amberley, which has been stalled for some time while we

search for the names of those who died while serving in Australia (not on overseas service), so

that they can be added to the “Died Whilst Serving” memorial plaque.

The names we have identified to date are (not in the order of passing):

Tony Nibbs

Russell (Hiss) Peasley

John (The Head) Ranzic

Matthew Martin

Adam Dunning

Aaron Smith

Ralphy Engler

Richard Long

Terrence Toole

Peter Vidler

Cliff Evans

Ian Reinke

Ray Starkie?

We believe that there are more whose names are not listed above and if you, or someone you

know, can help us to identify them and possibly give us a bit more detail, such as where, when

etc it would be a huge help to us. Naturally we would seek the permission of any next-of-kin

before adding their names to the plaque.

In addition to the names we’ve listed, Sean Carwardine has done some amazing research into

RAAF Airfield Defence from the Second World War to the present and has kindly provided us

with the names of several RAAF Guards who died on duty during the war years. Those names

will also be added to the memorial plaque.

Any help you can offer so that we can finally complete the memorial would be very welcome.


APPLICATION AND OTHER MEMBERSHIP FORMS CAN NOW BE FOUND ON THE ASSOCIATION WEB

SITE

www.adgblueberet.org

IF YOU DON’T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AND YOU NEED A PAPER

COPY, PLEASE CONTACT US.


TH E L AST W ORD

Thanks for your patience.

I started out to get this to everyone before ANZAC Day but things got in the way

and it’s a bit later than normal.

I was going to apologise for the delay in getting it out but a while back a good friend got up

me and said “don’t you dare apologise for something beyond your control!” He said a lot of

other nice things as well but I’m not going to repeat them. The bottom line: sometimes things

go wrong and we can’t do much about it, so that’s the way it is. Maybe we can do better next

time.

ANZAC Day in Brisbane was another great success and some of the guys in other states have

promised to send me some pictures and articles so that we can get a balanced idea of what

happened where.

Ken Carswell and Barry Williamson did the Association proud at Hellfire Pass and Gallipoli

by laying wreaths on our behalf. Thanks for the thought, both of you – it won’t be forgotten.

Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find an Expression of Interest form for the 2016 reunion. This is

a big one and marks fifty years since the first post-war Basic ADG course graduated at

Amberley. This reunion will be a tribute to those guys who were the first of many and generally

had no idea what they were getting into, so we’re hoping for a huge turn-out.

Spike Dainer and his sub-committee are working hard to lock in the details and we’ll have a

better idea of what, where, when and how in the next month or two, so please be patient.

A big thank you to all those who have paid this year’s membership fees so quickly. With costs

going up all the time, it’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet, so knowing that there’s

money in the bank to pay the bills is a big help.

Some reminders: AGM at Greenslopes on 21st June, papers will be sent out about a month

before the date and all the Association’s books are now at the auditors for our annual check-

up. This is an election year and we’ll be looking for nominations, not only for the committee

but also for Life Membership and Membership for Life. If you’re not sure of the difference,

feel free to give me a call.

Some other activities we have planned for this year are a family visit to the Aviation Heritage

Centre at Amberley and an open committee meeting at Hervey Bay RSL jointly with Vietnam

Veterans’ Day. We’re also looking at holding similar meetings in regional areas like the Gold

Coast and Toowoomba, so if you’d like us to come and visit you, let me know.

You’ll also find a snap survey somewhere in here about publishing the minutes of committee

meetings and AGMs in future issues of the Blue Beret. Sometimes we forget that we haven’t

kept everyone fully informed and this might be a good way to keep you all up to date. Let me

know what you think. It’s not all boring.

In the meantime, thanks for reading. Stay well and happy!

Bye for now

Jim Gable

National Secretary/Treasurer

the blue beret

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