Vietnam Veterans of Australia Association

Geelong & District Sub-Branch Newsletter

 

Newsletter Editor: Michael Byrne

President’s Report

 

The next few months are promising to be very busy ones for your Association, and will give all members and potential members an opportunity to become involved socially, and ceremonially.

Socially, we have many activities planned, (check the calendar in this newsletter).  These are not only designed as outings or activities but are planned to offer support and mate-ship for like-minded veterans, their families and friends - make sure you take advantage of these opportunities.

Ceremonially,  we have Veterans’ Day fast approaching (check the programme) when we pay homage to our fallen, in particular the men of D Company 6 RAR, when 39 years ago, in a rain sodden rubber  plantation they faced overwhelming odds resulting in the loss of  18 brave young Australians.  In total we lost 511 Servicemen and 1 Servicewoman in the Vietnam conflict.  During the following years we have also lost many fine people as a result of their involvement in South Vietnam.

Although we have an active membership of 150, and 250 on our register, this represents only about one third of veterans living in our district.  Many of the remaining two thirds are in need of our help, both through pensions, and as mates - mates that understand, mates that do not question or condemn.  If you are aware of any Veteran that you think may need our support, please make us aware.

This year we celebrate 30 years since the formation of the GVA (Geelong Vietnam Association).  This group later joined forces with the VVAA to form the G&DVVAA.  The work of the founding members, and those who succeeded them in the years that followed, have made an invaluable contribution to the well being of Vietnam veterans and their families in this region.  Join in these celebrations and become part of our vibrant veteran community.

As President I have a very supportive and competent executive and can rely on them whenever needed.  We have been active on the welfare front recently and have been able to support a number of veterans experiencing difficulty with both health and financial problems.

I recently attended State Council in Shepparton, and the Dedication of a 6.7” Gun Rotunda in the Memorial Park at Waurn Ponds (cnr Cochranes Road and Princes Hwy.).  We have also assisted the new National Museum at San Remo with two of our members, Frank Cunningham and Ian Reither giving two days of their time (at short notice) to finish getting it ready for its final painting.

I encourage you all to get involved in what is becoming a very active and exciting Veterans’ Group.

 

Kevin Bate, President, G&DVVAA.

 

 

Vietnam Veterans Day

 

30th Anniversary Dinner

 

Date: Saturday, 13 August 2005

Time: 1830 hrs for 1900 hrs

Medals: Miniatures to be worn

 

Guest Speaker

Maureen Spicer

Maureen served with the Civilian Medical Surgical Team in Vietnam

 

 

Geelong RSL Sub - Branch

50 Barwon Heads Rd

Belmont

Melways Map 451 Ref K10

 

Cost: $30 per head (includes 3 course meal)

Drinks at bar prices

Tables of 8

 

Tickets available at the

Vietnam Veterans Office,

Clancy House

80 Myer St Geelong.

Ph No 5222 6003

 

or

 

Send a cheque or money order marked Dinner to

G&DVVAA,

PO Box 484

Geelong 3220

 

 

                                                  

 

 

 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY CURCH SERVICE

                                    

St Mary's Basilica

Yarra Street,

Geelong

Sunday, 14 August 2005  -  0930 hrs

 

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

 

MARCH & REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

 

Sunday, 14 August 2005

 

Assemble at Osborne House

1215 hrs

March to Vietnam Veterans Memorial

1245 hrs

Remembrance Service

1300 hrs

 

 

Osborne House is located in Swinburne Street, North Geelong. Melways Map 442 Ref A8.  Fellowship and refreshment will follow the Remembrance Service at the Geelong RSL, 50 Barwon Heads Road, Belmont.

 

 

Civic Reception

The Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, Cr Shane Dowling, will host a civic reception in recognition of the close working relationship between the G&DVVAA and the City of Greater Geelong, and in celebration of 30 years of service to the Vietnam veteran community.

Invitations to attend the reception have been sent to past executive members, life members and current committee members of the G&DVVAA as the numbers were limited to 80 by COGG. 

The reception will be held on Thursday August 11 at the Town Hall.

 

 

Geelong Legacy Needs More Legatees. 

Carl Schoemaker recently gave a presentation at the G&DVVA Monthly Meeting asking for local Vietnam Veterans to fill the ranks as Geelong Legatees. 

The wives of Vietnam Veterans and Defence Peace Keepers will be the long-term beneficiaries of Geelong Legacy.  Vietnam Veterans are the most suitable persons to continue The Charter of Legacy.

If you can help, phone Geelong Legacy on 5229 5702.

Turn to Page 10 for more information on Legacy.

Social Club Calendar

Wendy Bate, Social Club Convener, reports:

 

Trivia Night

Saturday 27th August - 7.00pm

RSL, Belmont

A Trivia night will be held at the RSL, Belmont on Saturday 27th August 2005 at 7.00 pm.  I have been informed from various sources that these evenings are great fun which is something we can all do with.

Tables of six are the most successful, so get your friends together and make up as many tables as you can.

There will be a charge of $10 per head and nibbles will be supplied.  Drinks are at bar prices.

 

Weekend at Lakes Entrance

Friday 30th September - Sunday 2nd October inclusive

I have booked a weekend away for Friday 1st September to Sunday 2nd October.  We will be leaving the Geelong Busport at 9.00am and picking up at Corio Village 9.15 am (at the bus stop on Bacchus Marsh Road) and Lara Apco Service Station at 9.30am.  

We need to keep strictly to these times as on the way we are visiting the Powerhouse Museum and one of the Open Cut Mines.  Lunch will be at the Powerhouse Museum.

Please Note: Fully enclosed shoes are required for the tour.

We will arrive in Lakes Entrance late afternoon, staying at the Glenara Motel for two nights.  On the Saturday morning we are booked for a 3-hour Gippsland Lakes Cruise which leaves Lakes Entrance at 11.00am and takes us to the Metung Hotel for a two course lunch, then back to Lakes Entrance.

Departure time will be on Sunday at 9.00am and we will be visiting the Grand Ridge Brewery for tastings, we will also possibly have lunch there.  From here we continue to Leongatha where we leave the bus and take a 65-minute train trip through the Strzelecki Ranges.  We will then rejoin the coach for our journey home, arriving approximately 5.00pm.

The cost of the weekend will be $200 per person. This includes the coach trip, accommodation, dinners (3 course meal) and fully cooked breakfasts for two days, boat cruise, a two course lunch and the train trip.  The only extra will be lunch on Sunday and spending money.  We have managed to get discounts on our bookings so we could keep the cost as low as possible.  This weekend will also be suitable for any members, wives and friends who are teachers as it is during the school holidays.  

A firm commitment and non refundable deposit of $50 must be given by 1st September.  Lay By payments are available for anyone who would like to pay by installments.

 

Christmas Break Up Dinner

Savvas Restaurant

Saturday 26th November

This will be a three course meal at $22 per head and the menu includes plenty of choices.  We will be meeting in the downstairs restaurant at 6.30pm for 7.00pm.

Final numbers must be in by 16th November.

 

Bookings are necessary as soon as possible for the Trivia Night and Lakes Entrance trip.

Contact Wendy Bate on 5282 2723 or Mobile 0439 001 388

 

 

VVAA Merchandise

VVAA Lapel Badge

$8.00

Miniature VVAA Lapel Badge

$8.00

Stubby Holders

$5.00

Key Rings – Various

$7.00

VVAA Cloth Badge

$8.00

Vietnam Service Ribbon ( Metal )

$7.00

Tie Pin x 3 - Vietnam, VVAA, RAN Destroyer 

$7.00

Caps, Black, Blue  Fawn Blue VVAA

$12.00

Caps, Black, Blue  Fawn Blue, VVAA Logo 

$12.00

Polo Shirt, various colours, VVAA Geelong Logo

$ 25.00

Windcheaters, crew/V neck, various colours with VVAA Geelong Logo

$ 30.00

Windcheater with VVAA Geelong Logo, collar with zip*

$34.00

Tie Navy Blue with Vietnamese Dragon Logo

$ 22.00

VVAA Car Badge

$ 25.00

Medal Holders Plastic, for your coat pocket 

$ 8.00

Number Plate surrounds - Set of 2

$12.00

 

* If you want your unit underneath the VVAA Logo (e.g. 1 RAR, 3 Cav etc, we can do that also).

To order merchandise - contact the Vietnam Vets Office Mon to Fri 9.30 am 4 pm on Ph No 52226003 or call Sully on 0438 553 925.

 

Men Remember Anniversaries too!!!!

A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband is not in their bed.

She puts on her robe and goes downstairs to look for him. She finds him sitting at the dining room table with a cup of coffee in front of him.  

He appears deep in thought, just staring at the wall. She watches as he wipes a tear from his eye and takes a sip of coffee.

"What's the matter, dear?" she whispers as she steps into the room, "Why are you down here at this time of night?"

The husband looks up, "Do you remember 20 years ago when we were  dating, and you were only 18?" he asks solemnly.

The wife is touched to tears thinking that her husband is so caring and sensitive. "Yes, I do" she replies.

The husband pauses. The words are not coming easily.   "Do you remember when your mother caught us behind the couch making love?"

"Yes, I remember." says the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him.  The husband continues..."Do you remember when she shoved a shotgun in my face and said, "Either you marry my daughter, or I will send you to jail for 20 years?"

"I remember that too." she replies softly.

He wipes another tear from his cheek and says..."I would have gotten out today."

 

Tennis Report:

Text Box: With the weather having been very kind to us, the numbers attending the tennis days in May and June have been very good, with an all time record of 13 people attending in May and 8 people coming along in June. The social side has also continued to be excellent. However, things do sometimes get a little interesting when you play against Frank Cunningham.

We are still getting people coming along who haven’t played for a considerable time, but they are really enjoying the exercise. Among these are Mary Butler (who hadn’t played for 40 years) and Jim Ellis (who has recently retired from work). So please don’t be shy, if you have been hesitating about coming along up until now, we would love to have you join us on the court.  

The mornings are arranged to cater for those of all standards and even those who are regular players don’t always star. For example, it was noted at the June outing that Aivar Mikelson served three double faults in one game. As you can see, the main aim is to be out in the fresh air enjoying ourselves.

With the exception of August, when yours truly will be away, the group will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of the month at All Saints’ Tennis Club, Noble Street, Newtown at 10.30am; so if there are other Vets and partners out there who would like to have a social hit on a regular basis, do please come along. BYO drinks, tea and coffee available, racquets for loan are also available

Dates for the next three tennis days are 13th July, 14th September and 12th October. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Nigel Wilson

Legacy

Legacy is an independent, voluntary organisation dedicated to the welfare of the widows and children of veterans of war and peacekeeping operations, and of members of the Australian Defence Force who lose their lives on hazardous service or in training for war.

Legacy was founded in 1923 by a small group of World War I veterans who believed they had to accept a legacy of responsibility for the welfare of the wives and children of their comrades who were killed in the war or died subsequently.

Legacy draws its strength from the tradition of voluntary service, caring and comradeship, which has now been established for 82 years.

This commitment is a continuing one.

The Spirit of Legacy is Service, which is made available to some 132,000 widows and children and adults with disabilities throughout Australia.  Legacy aims to build and maintain the morale and independence of those individuals and families.

Service ranges from advice and counseling to grants, loans and other practical assistance to those in need. Legacy assists with applications for War Widows Pensions and also provides accommodation, education, legal and general welfare advice and assistance.

The key element of Legacy's service is the personal contact by individual volunteer members (Legatees) who are each designated to care for a number of widows and children.

Across Australia today there are some 6,500 Legatees providing direct personal support to Legacy families.  This personal attention makes Legacy care so special, and gives the work of Legacy its unique status.

Geelong Legacy was established in 1925 and is the second oldest Legacy Club in Australia.  It operates from Murray House at 182 Ryrie Street, Geelong, just to the west of the Village Cinema.

Geelong Legacy currently has around 80 active Legatees to care for 2,200 Widows and Children in the Geelong Region.  This area extends from Aireys Inlet to Portarlington, from Winchelsea across to Inverleigh and extending to Little River 

In 2004 Geelong Legacy’s Welfare Committee approved 40 financial grants, 6 loans, distributed 80 Christmas Hampers and approved 217 Heating Allowances.

In Dollar terms that equated to $23,000 in Grants, $7,000 in Loans, $21,700 for Heating Allowances, $1,600 for Christmas Hampers and $8,000 of Education Assistance for Children, making a total of $61,300 of Welfare assistance to Widows and Children in the Geelong Region in 2004.

Legacy also owns and maintains 14 single person accommodation units at Norlane known as Legacy Court, which are occupied by Legacy Widows at low rentals.

Geelong Legacy sponsors Widows Groups, known as Laurel Clubs, meeting for activities in Geelong, Norlane, Ocean Grove, Torquay, Anglesea, Point Lonsdale and Drysdale.

Legacy also provides assistance in completion of pension applications to either DVA or Social Security for the widow as well as personal counselling and the assistance in the education and guidance of children.

Geelong Legacy has 80 Active Legatees to care for 2,200 widows.  But we use the term “ACTIVE” very loosely.  Of those 80 Legatees, 36 are under 75 years of age and only 17 Legatees at Geelong Legacy are under 60 years of age.

Geelong Legacy needs more Legatees. 

If you can help, phone Geelong Legacy on 5229 5702 for more information.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                               

   

Disclaimer the material contained in this newsletter is in the nature of general comment only and neither purports nor is intended to be advice on any particular matter. No person should act on the basis of any matter contained in this newsletter without considering and, if necessary, taking appropriate professional advice upon his or her own particular circumstances. The V.V.A.A. the authors and the editor expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or part, of the contents of this newsletter.

 

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