Vietnam Veterans of Australia Association
Geelong & District Sub-Branch Newsletter
Newsletter
Editor: Michael Byrne
A big thanks and congratulations to all who made our annual Veterans Day celebrations the success it was. Thanks to Sully and Max for organising the dinner. This year we had more people than seats and everyone had a great time.
Of course, the 2RAR reunion boosted numbers. The RSL were also very pleased with the support they received from diggers and their wives over the weekend. The RSL bus load to Melbourne for the Vietnam Veterans Day also had a great time. I would like to think that this is the start of a new era for our group -a group that is committed to helping each other and having a good time doing it.
If you havent tried it yet why not think about the yoga, tennis, badminton, golf and bushwalking that many veterans are taking part in. None of these activities are designed with the super fit in mind but rather as a means of socialising, dusting off a few cobwebs or just getting out and about. Even sitting on the sidelines (keeping score or awarding points for effort is acceptable). The calendar of events in the newsletter has contact numbers so why not give them a call. Well that is the good news but now for some other news.
Unfortunately we have had a change of dates with respect to our membership dues. Subscriptions for 2005 are now due on 31 January 2005 to bring the branches in line with National. I realise some have just paid for 2004 but we are unable to dodge the issue. We have been assured that this is a once-off so I would ask that you try and help us out on this. As capitation fees are paid monthly we do need your help in keeping us in the National bodys good books.
For those of you who are on the emailing list for the minutes you will note that we donated a further $2000 to the Veterans Welfare Centre to assist in keeping that important entity up and running. This report has been a joint effort by Kevin, Ian and Mick. On a personal note, Kevin will be otherwise occupied over the next few months as his lovely lady, Wendy, undergoes a very real battle in combating her illness. From all in the association we wish you the very best Wendy and look forward to seeing you back on deck fit and well in the very near future.
The September meeting of the G&DVVAA meeting held on Monday 13 September at the Geelong RSL featured guest speaker Mr Donald Murphy, a leading Geelong urologist. Dons talk informed the members of medical issues surrounding the prostate gland. Prostrate cancer is one of the most common ailments affecting men over 50 but early recognition of the symptoms, which could lead to this, was essential in ensuring a positive outcome.
Vice President Ian Reither, on behalf of the G&DVVAA, extended thanks to Don for his informative presentation. Don broke up his talk with some historical information about the various Barwon Bridges in Geelong that had come and gone. Ian was quick to link the history of these erections with some of the urological subject matter of Dons presentation.
Thanks Don for both an informative and enjoyable evening.
Mallacoota in March 2005 will be the happening place for vets from all over. Come and join the mob in the caravan and camping park for whatever time you can spare for fishing, boating (if you've got one, bring it!!), walking, beach combing, swimming, surfing, rock climbing, golf, singalongs (if you play an instrument, bring it, even your piano!!), you name it, Coota's got it. Powered sites, campsites are available, all in one huge camp (wives do the piquet). It's the most beautiful place in Victoria, right in the heart of Croajingalong National Park. Start planning now for a great time.
For
further details, contact Bernard Clancy on 5256 2633.
Geoffrey Thomas Dunbar
86 Transport Platoon 1968-69
Victor David Baker
4 Field Regiment 1967-68
LEST WE FORGET
Monday 8th November
Monday 13th December
Meetings are at the Geelong RSL and commence at 7.30pm.
Walk No.1 (25 August) Distillery Creek to Moggs Creek (Aireys Inlet)
Distance 7.5 km. A great first walk with 17 walkers in all. Having assured everyone that it was not too difficult for our first attempt I only got an earbashing from one or two (none of the wives complained). An absolutely beautiful day following a few days of rain with our first break on the shores of the picturesque Painkalac Dam. After that it was uphill for a kilometre or so before a welcome downhill for the last kilometre and a half. A very pleasant picnic lunch was nearly spoiled by Frank insisting he didnt have the keys to the bus. Back on the bus for the home trip Nigel was asleep within seconds.
Walk No.2 (22 September) Sheoak to Upper Kalimna Falls (Lorne)
Distance 8 km. Once again a perfect day for bushwalking. Fifteen walkers this time for a not so hilly walk. Once again the spouses showed they were no slouches with everyone commenting on the fact that while most had lived in Geelong all their lives they were unaware of such great places right on their doorstep. Lots of Manna gums, towering tree ferns and babbling brooks. A rare glimpse of some Australian Minnow (native fish) and even a carnivorous Otway Snail. A pleasant lunch was held at the Sheoak Picnic Area before the scenic trip back along the GOR. As with the first walk the interest was in how long it took Nigel to fall asleep (not very long!!). All in all a satisfactory day in cheerful company.
Walk No. 3 (20 October) Lake Elizabeth Circuit (Forrest)
Distance 4.5 km. You may have seen Lake Elizabeth on Coxys Big Break or The Great Outdoors within recent weeks. A truly beautiful place which is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Come and see it before it becomes too popular and someone starts charging people to visit. A barbecue lunch will be the order of the day with plenty of time spent just soaking in the atmosphere (gum leaves). Yes, we will be walking but not so far this time. There is always room for a few more and if we have more than the bus will hold (18 including the driver) then we can always car pool (passengers help out with some petrol money). Click here to see photos of this walk
Its on the second Wednesday of every month. What is? Tennis at All Saints Tennis Club, Noble Street, Newtown from 1030 to 1300 hrs. The next Tennis Day is Wednesday on October 13. Loan racquets are available. BYO Lunch, tea & coffee provided. Phone Nigel Wilson on 5243 3465.
For an update on Golf events, phone Bernard Clancy on 0408 367 921.
Frank Cunningham recently visted
the Echuca area and took tiime out to renew acquaintances with Fr Tinkler, or
Tink as he is widley known.
Frank (HQ Coy 1ALS 1968-69) first met Tink at Nui Dat where he was a Chaplain (Tink, not Frank). Frank often acted his driver and a strong relationship between the two was forged. The next time Frank and Tink saw each other was at the opening of the Memorial in Canberra in 1992.
Frank and Dorothy, and Ian and Ann Reither, planned a weeks holiday in the Echuca area. Tink is the parish priest at Moama. The photo shows Ian, Fr Tinkler and Frank pictured outside the Moama Bowling Club.
The historians among you will recognise the name Bob Grandin. He was a RAAF helicopter pilot who dropped ammunition to the troops at the height of the Battle at Long Tan. He tells the story of Long Tan from the Commanders perspective but the book also offers a revealing insight into Australian men in the 60's.
His book is the first that has focused on the accounts of the commanders who took part in Australia's most famous Vietnam battle.
"I spoke to each of the commanders and they share their personal experiences," Bob said at the book launch at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on the 38th anniversary of Long Tan.
"Each Commander discusses how Company Commander Harry Smith led Delta Company to become one of the most outstanding fighting units in the Australian forces. Their decisions saw 100 Australian soldiers hold 1500 enemy soldiers at bay."
The ongoing fight for recognition for those involved is also covered in the book along with the struggles Vietnam Veterans have faced since the end of the war. "The book looks at what those seven men have been doing since then," he said.
Bob hasnt exactly been idle since his RAAF days. He has a Doctorate of Education and a background in teaching and now he has returned to study to develop his writing skills and hopes to eventually move into writing for children...
Bob is a creative writing student at the University of the Sunshine Coast. "Writing will hopefully be my third career after the air force and teaching. Study keeps me occupied and disciplined and I enjoy the ideas of the younger students in the classes and I am also able to bring my experience to the group," Bob said.
The Battle of Long Tan as Told By the Commanders, Bob Grandin, Allen & Unwin, $35
The VSASA Veterans Community Hostel in Burpengary is a 26-room complex Located at 27 Buckley Road, Burpengary that provides the veteran with a temporary or permanent home, three good meals a day, in a caring environment with other veterans that have an understanding of the needs of each other. Phone 07 3888 3006 or email ausvets@uasvets.com.au.
Membership Fees of $25 for 2005 are due and payable before 31st January (refer Presidents Report). Making your payment at least a month before this date would be a great help to Treasurer Mick Hoare.
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GEELONG & DISTRICT VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL
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Please send this form, along with your $25.00 annual subscription, to:
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
G & D VVAA
P O BOX 484
GEELONG VIC 3220
Subscriptions may also be paid in person at the Geelong Veterans Welfare Centre, Clancy House, St. John of God Hospital, 80 Myers Street, Geelong, during office hours of 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
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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