Page: 1 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2 Vol. 67, No. 1

RAAF ASSOCIATION VIC DIV, 24 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn 3123 Tel: (03) 9813 4600 Facsimile: (03) 9813 4966 Email: raafavic@raafavic.org.au

A

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

of the

AIR FORCE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE

ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATIONASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION

VICTORIAVICTORIAVICTORIAVICTORIA

ABN 96 091 342 304

The Last Word Gentlemen members will know that our wives usually have the last word, but this is my opportunity. This will be my last contribution to Contact as President of the Division.

By the time that you are reading these words, I will have handed over the reins as President. I was due to serve until the AGM, but a change to the National constitution required that I relinquish the Division Presidency or my position as National Vice President (Governance).

I have held the Presidency for almost eight years, which is longer than I think is desirable, but until now a successor has not been available. Now that has changed and, as there are unfinished challenges in my National Vice Presidential role, it was appropriate that, with the support and approval of the Divisional Board, I pass the position to the President Elect.

When nominations closed on 1 February, the sole nomination for the Presidency was my long-time friend and colleague, John McCrystal. John and I were WOs, together, for five-plus years he was my XO when I was COVICAIRTC and he succeeded me in that role. John has been a long-time member of RAAFA, a keen participant in and contributor to its activities. He will be a worthy President.

My resignation created a casual vacancy, which the Board has filled by appointing SQNLDR Ron Ledingham, a serving RAAF Reserve officer. Ron is, also, a candidate for election at the AGM. Veteran Board Members Rob Pollock and Moyna Sands decided not to re-nominate this year and so comes to an end an era. Rob and Moyna are the last WWII members of the Board. Over the years they have made considerable contributions to the life and happenings of the Division. Their contributions have already been recognised by life membership, the Association’s highest honour, but that did not stop their continued involvement and effort.

Rob was particularly active in promoting the retention of Point Cook and Moyna’s contributions included editing Contact for many years, acting as the Division’s contributor to the National magazine Wings and our representative on DVA’s Story Writing & Art Competition organizing committee. On behalf of their colleagues on the Board and the membership at large, I say “thank you” to each of them for their devotion to the Division and its work on behalf of members.

Membership remains our greatest challenge as the numbers of our WWII veterans decline. Members are needed to ensure that the Association is able to continue to provide support and assistance to the surviving families of deceased members, to former members of the RAAF seeking to prove their entitlement to veterans’ benefits or otherwise in need and to advocate on behalf of Air Force and its personnel and to assist serving members and their families, when Government agencies cannot meet their needs.

I urge you all to encourage those of your acquaintance, who are eligible, to join the Association to enable it to continue to render service to those who have served and those still serving.

I am delighted that in the closing days of my presidency the RAAF Vietnam Veterans’ Association has voted overwhelmingly to migrate its members back into the RAAF Association. We have worked closely with the RAAFVVA for several years and two of their number have served on the Division’s Board in recent years. It is good to see the final healing of the old rift, the origins of which remain in the memories of but a few.

I thank my colleagues on the Board for their efforts and enthusiasm over the eight years of my Presidency and three years as Treasurer. The early years, particularly, were difficult as we grappled with the problem of being asset rich but cash poor. However, with the change of premises came a financial stability unknown for many years. As a result more has been able to be done for and on behalf of members and a new spirit and commitment to do more has developed. It augers well for the Association’s future..

I will continue to serve as Immediate Past President and in any other capacity that I can be of value. I wish my successor, John, and the Association all the very best. I value the friendships I have made through the Association and thank each of those new friends for their support and encouragement during my tenure.

Adieu!

Page: 2 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

RAAF ASSOCIATION VICTORIAN DIVISION PATRON

Wing Commander P. S. Isaacson AM DFC AFC DFM

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT J.F. McCrystal (John): State President

P.W. Colliver( Peter) Immediate Past President/National Vice President G. (Gordon) Caley: Executive Director/State Secretary

N. (Nick) Leray-Meyer AM: Vice-President R. T. (Richard) Orr: State Treasurer

Directors: T. A. (Tony) Pilli; R. E. (Rob) Pollock MID M. J. (Moyna) Sands; A.R. (Alan) White; R.A.K Ledingham (Ron)

P. (Peter) Finkelstein: Honorary Solicitor P. W. (Peter) Colliver; G. (Gordon) Caley: Welfare W. J. (Bill) Belton AM: Chairman RAAFA Foundation

BRANCH SECRETARIES

Catalina Ronald Kirk (98193527); Air Training Corps Hugh Tank (9877 3424); Ballarat Stan White (5339 2003) Bendigo Glenis Gordon (54369293); Fighter Squadrons John Gauntlett (9878 1541); Geelong Jim Heyward (5278 1296)

Gippsland John Power (5174 3231); Melbourne WAAAF Gloria Welch (9727 3651); Motor Transport Margaret Stone (9842 1553); North Metropolitan Elayne Whatman (93021048); RAAF Vietnam & Associated Veterans Rick Holmes (9317 7304;

Sunderland Squadrons Ricky Hattam (5241 3431); Williams Ted Ruddle (97482271)

RAAF VIETNAM AND ASSOCIATED VETERANS

Another busy period for the RAAFVVA. Does it ever stop. RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association in conjunction with the Air Force Association Victoria , prior to our AGM, Mr Bill Belton AM, Chairman of the Air Force Association Foundation and Mr Richard Orr, Treasurer of the Air Force Association presented the Bursaries and an Incentive Award to the following worthy recipients:

Christopher Lynch for his Commerce studies, Jacob Rowe for his Aeronautical Engineering studies and Brenna Davis-Cornelius for her continuing studies. The Incentive Award went to Amy Kerr in recognition of her Electrotechnology studies. All recipients were applauded by Mr Belton in his final words to the assembly. Rick Holmes Secretary RAAFVVA

Richard Orr & Amy Kerr Bill Belton &

Brenna Davis-Cornelius

Left: Bill Belton & Chris Lynch Right: Richard Orr & Jacob R owe

Page: 3 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

BALLARAT BRANCH GEELONG BRANCH

VALE

WAAAF Branch mourns the passing of Marion Veal, January 2012

Ballarat Branch mourns the passing of Mary Campbell member and wife of their Past

President Don Campbell, December 2011 They also mourn Arthur Coates, January 2012

Headquarters Branch mourns the passing of Alvin Farquhar December 2011, George

Inglis, January 2012 and Tom O’Shanughnessy, January 2012

Gippsland Branch mourns the passing of Geoffrey Jenkins, December 2012

Ait Training Corps mourn the passing of Noel Portingale, February 2012

Congratulations to our Immediate Past President and Life Member John Skurrie and Wife Else on Celebrating their 61st Wedding Anniversary on Friday the 10th of February. Here we go another Year has gone by. On the 6th of December we held our Annual Luncheon at White Eagle House, thirty members and friends attended. All present enjoyed their Lunch. Widowed Members were presented with a Christmas Basket. Our Guest Speaker was State Vice President N (Nick) LeRay-Meyer AM who gave a very informative and enjoyable account of his Career in the RAAF and as Director of the Avalon Air Show. We welcomed the Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong Cr John Mitchell who had arrived unexpectedly. He was very impressed with Nick’s presentation in that he asked where we get such good Speakers. Like all Branches the Geelong Branch has an ageing membership with some Members unable to attend Meetings. Hopefully 2012 will see some a change of fortunes for our branch and other Branches of the Division. Best wishes to all RAAFA Members for 2012 Cheers Jim Heyward Secretary

Well not necessarily in order, but the BIG NEWS for 2012 from Ballarat Branch is the

awarding of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) to our Branch President Tom

Roberts. Tom had a very distinguished career as a obstetrician, sportsman, and extensive work

on P.O.W. Memorial, plus writing the book 'Wingless', then he found time to be President

of our Branch for the past six years. Well done Mr President you deserved this award!

Now back to our normal reporting, last December we had our Christmas Breakup, with 70

members and friends present. This year instead of bringing a gift, members had free

admittance, but had to donate $5 to the Charity Fund. This was split between, the Ballarat

Soup Bus, and 3BA'S (local Radio Station) Christmas Appeal. Each group received $170.

"Christmas Charities".

The year 2012 started with our Picnic Luncheon at the Jarvis' home, and despite the hot

weather we all had a wonderful day. Good to start the New Year with your friends.

February was our 67th A.G.M., yes we are a very old Branch, the first one formed out side

of Melbourne. No change to our Executive, we must be all doing a good job, or no one

else wants to have the "worries". Our Guest Speaker was the Editor of the Ballarat Courier,

who has spent all his working life in the Media industry. He explained how the instant

media, I Phones, Mobile Phones, World Wide Web, and Radio were affecting the press.

The 'Courier' was planning changes to its input to please the readers. More local news,

less from the Fairfax Group.

On the 5th February we had the P.O.W. Memorial Service, and also the National Servicemen's

Memorial Services. We attended both, even getting slightly wet at the latter.

The proposal for a RAAFA Memorial Beret was favoured by our members, but unfortunately

no costs were submitted. We suggested a three way split, National, Victorian Division and

Member to cover cost of the beret.

Rev. Bryan Nicholls our Chaplain is resigning, so we are now looking around for

another Chaplain. Our other task is to find a home for the RAAFA Honour Board now that

the R.S.L. is being sold. Any offers? Has the name of each President since 1946 on it!

On the 20th February we are going down to Geelong RAAFA for their Annual General

Meeting, have to keep up with our Provincial Friends!

Happy New Year to all and may it be a Healthy one for us all.

Stan White Secretary Contact Copy closing 2012

Winter Edition

3 May 2012

Spring Edition 7 Sep 2012

Winter Edition

3 Dec 2012

Page: 4 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

ATC BRANCH BENDIGO BRANCH

2012 ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING /STATE CONFERENCE

Members are advised that the 2012 AGM followed by The State Conference will be held on 17 May 2012, at Air Forces’ Centre 24

Camberwell Rd Hawthorn East Vic 3123.

Motions for 2012 AGM and State Conference:

.. All proposed motions must be forwarded by Branch

Secretaries to the State Secretary by 26 April 2012, 21 days prior to Conference.

.. Copies of all motions must be forwarded to all Branch Secretaries to the State Secretary by 3 May 2012,

14 days prior to Conference.

.. Financial Reports must be sent to all members by 26

April 2012, 21 days prior to Conference.

Greetings to one and all for 2012. It seems so long ago that Bendigo celebrated Christmas with a delightful meal and great company. It was do good to have Tom & Penny Roberts from Ballarat with us but unfortunately Jim & Colin from Geelong could not be with us owing to illness. Our AGM was held on 2.2.12 at 1300 hours. Elections were held for all positions except Secretary/Treasurer (Ha Ha). Jack Fay was elected President with Jack Hill as Vice President & Roy Gaffee Junior Vice. Richard Henson will replace Alex Culvenor as delegate who wishes to step down. As I write this report, two of our members with their carers together with another 5 veterans and a nurse are on their way to Darwin for the 70th Anniversary Commemorations. Many thanks must go to Bendigo District RSL who are picking up the tab. We hope the 'boys' have a great time especially those who have not been back and look forward to hearing all about the events. Bendigo are conducting a service to commemorate the bombing of Darwin on 19th February at 0930hours. Congratulations to Beryl & Bruce Vinnicombe who celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 22.2.12 and also to Bill & Roma Harvey who will celebrate their 70th on 29.3.12. I do so hope that you will receive a big medal for all this hard work. Until next time - Glenis Gordon

Best wishes for the New Year to the Board and all Branch members of RAAFA. Being so early in the new year we have not as yet got back into full swing and consequently, our report at this time is a fairly short one. Our monthly luncheons for 2012 started on the 3rd February with a good attendance at our usual Box Hill RSL venue. An event which had been privately in planning for the last couple of years took place on the weekend of the 25th & 26th of February. This was and most likely the last, reunion of former RAAF National Servicemen. The Saturday’s agenda consisted of the assembly and march at the RAAF Base Williams, Laverton followed by social interaction and on the Sunday a short Service was held the RAAF Nashos’ Memorial Plaque at the AFC Memorial at Point Cook prior to the RAAF Museum’s Air Pageant. We are once again looking at the possibility of our Branch visiting the Benalla Air Museum, this time on Tuesday the 24th of April which is the day before Anzac Day. Our Branch AGM will be held on Saturday the 24th of March at Box Hill RSL followed by lunch in the excellent ground floor Bistro area. VALE:- The Executive and members of the Air Training Corps Branch extend their condolences to the family of our late and long time member Noel Portingale who passed away this month (Feb.) in the John H. Kerr Nursing Home in Newport where he had been situated since July 2011. Laurie Bell (President)

Tom Roberts OAM

DELIVERING 10,000 babies during his career, Ballarat obstetrician and community leader Tom Roberts has touched a lot of

hearts.

In recognition of service to the community through medicine and his work as President of the Ballarat branch of the Royal Australian Air Force Association, Mr Roberts today was

awarded the medal of the Order of Australia.

His long list of achievements and involvement spans much of Ballarat’s business, sporting and community life, with service to organisations including Ballarat Health Services, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Harriers Club, the Commemorative Days Committee, Sportsmen’s Association of

Australia and many more.

“I’m honoured to be awarded the medal, and I say sincerely that I never thought I’d get this kind of award,” Mr Roberts said. “I can think of a lot of people who should have been

recognised ahead of me.”

He nominated his work as president of the Royal Australian Air Force Association and long career as an obstetrician and gynaecologist as some of his most significant

achievements.

“There is a great sprit of community service in Ballarat and many of the people I have worked alongside in organisations and various

sub-committees deserve recognition,” he said.

“I have been lucky to know so many

committed people during my life.”

“It’s a great honour, but really the greatest achievement in my life has been marrying my wife and producing our children and grand-

children.”

Extract from Ballarat Courier 26 Jan 2012

An AAFC Banner

Page: 5 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

The Lake Boga Lions Club, who operate the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, have been working extremely hard to get the place in order for the dedication of the Arthur Pearce Walkway and opening on Saturday 21st April, 2012. The Arthur Pearce Walkway was able to be added to the museum only with the financial support of the Catalina Club of Victoria and the Victoria Veterans Council. We also acknowledge the Administrative support of the Air Force Association Victoria who facilitated a $10,000 grant from the Victorian Veterans Council’s Veterans Fund.

As a part of this works program, they have restored Catalina A24 - 30 and moved the Museum into the new hangar. A new sign was erected last week end, depicting the Museum as "The Home of the Catalina". Picture attached. The Lions Club looks forward to a great week end for the opening, with a "Splash In" of sea planes and flying boats arriving for the day. Around twenty aircraft are due to arrive to help us celebrate the event. Further details will be provided later, but it should prove to be a wonderful week end. David Mark President of the Lions Club of Lake Boga

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Mid 2011, Nick LeRay-Meyer our Vice President during a conversation with Mr Brian Davenport, Secretary of the Kyneton Masonic Lodge, was advised that the local Australian Air Force Cadet Squadron (420 Sqn) paraded in the dark. Brian related that the cadets have to drill essentially in the dark during Winter as their "drill square" is an adjacent car park with only one basic street light. The Council couldn’t help them out either though they could arrange to have an additional pole and light fitted at a cost of some thousands! It was considered what action the Association could take to assist 420 Sqn, the first was to approach Air Force to see if they could assist, but due to economic restraints they were not in a position to assist. The Board made an offer to the Sqn to provide a portable generator and suitable lighting so they could parade all year round, this was gladly accepted. On Friday 2 March 2012 our President John McCrystal, Immediate Past President Peter Colliver and Vice President Nick LeRay-Meyer travelled to Kyneton and along with RWor. Bro. Brian Davenport. PJGW Kyneton Masonic Lodge presented a generator and appropriate lighting to the Sqn.

Page: 6 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

More Veterans eligible for Gold Card. Thousands of Australian veterans became eligible for comprehensive free health care following the passage of the Federal Government’s Gold Card legislation back in 2002. From 1 July, 2002, all Australian Defence Force veterans with qualifying service and over the age of 70 will receive the Gold Repatriation Health Card. The Card is available to eligible veterans with qualifying service from conflicts including the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation and the Vietnam War. Veterans of conflicts such as the Gulf War, East Timor and Australia’s current deployment in the coalition against terror, will also be eligible for the Gold Card upon reaching the age of 70. Eligible veterans who receive benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will automatically qualify for the Gold Card and receive a letter advising them of their entitlement. Veterans who have not received the Gold Card and who believe they have qualifying service and who have turned 70 are encouraged to contact DVA on 133 254 to receive an application form. You are eligible if you are one of the following, a:

Veteran receiving a disability pension at 100% or more of the general rate. Intermediate rate pensioner. Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) pensioners. Special Rate pensioner: i.e. TPI and ‘Blinded’ veterans. Veteran receiving a disability pension at or above 50% of the general rate and receiving any amount of service pension. Veteran receiving a disability pension including an additional amount for specific service-related amputations or blindness in one eye. Veteran receiving a service pension and whose income and assets are below certain prescribed limits. World War 2 returned servicewomen of Australia's defence force who have 'qualifying service' as defined under the VEA. War Widow/Widower and eligible dependant/s of a deceased veteran, whose death has been accepted as war caused. All veterans of Australia's defence force, including Australian mariners, who are aged 70 years and over and who have qualifying service as a result of their service during World War 2. As of 1 July 2002, all Australian veterans who are 70 years of age and over and who have qualifying service (from post World War 2 conflicts). Former members of the ADF who are eligible for a Special Rate Disability Pension under the MRCA. Former members of the ADF with an impairment rating of 60 or more impairment points under the MRCA. Former members of the ADF with an impairment rating of 30 or more impairments points under the MRCA and receiving any amount of service pension under the VEA and whose income and assets are below certain prescribed limits. All MRCA members who are 70 years of age (and over) who have rendered warlike service on or after 1 July 2004; and A wholly dependent partner and “Eligible Young Person” (EYP) of a former ADF member who is entitled to compensation for the member’s death under the MRCA. To qualify as an “Eligible Young Person” under the MRCA, the child of the deceased member must be less than 16 years of age or aged between 16 and 25 and undertaking full-time study and not in full-time employment

ANZAC Day Tuesday

25 April 2011

All members are cordially invited to attend the Victorian Air Forces’ Centre, the centre will be open from 11am, for a light lunch and refreshments, cost will be $15.00 per head all inclusive.

The Association has arranged a free bus from the Shrine in previous years but due to the low number of members taking up this opportunity and the cost associated it has been decided to not provide this service once again this year. If members have difficulty attending after the march due to transport difficulties they should contact the office to discuss, other arrangements may be able to be made.

Once again Veterans will have access to free public transport, veterans must be wearing their medals and widows wearing their widows badge to avail yourself of the free public transport. Association membership cards will not be accepted.

It is imperative that you make a booking with the office so we can arrange catering. If you will be bringing a carer this must be advised at time of booking. Contact Gordon or Barbara on 98134600

Page: 7 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

HEALTH SPOT

Do you know of someone who has had a stroke recently or in the past, it may have been someone within your family, relatives, friends, or another vet. Then you might have some idea of the struggle and time required for them in rehabilitation.

There may be a way you can help in the field of research that is looking at ways of improving the understanding how the brain operates, and its activity, especially

related to touch.

The Melbourne Brain Centre at Austin Health, Heidelberg, along with the National Stroke Research Institute, are looking for volunteers to assist in their research that will lead to understanding the networks in the brain that helps us to sense touch. This just one of the aims the centre is considering, and the study is called:– CoNNECT

“Connecting New Networks for Everyday Contact through Touch.”

You will be required to lay in an MRI while a scan is done of your brain, so now you

will get to see if you have more than half a brain and if still is working! And you get a copy of your brain scan to prove you have one!

But you must be free of pace makers and any ‘metals’ in your body, like hip replacements, metal inserts, stents and ‘shrapnel’.

For more information or if you want be become involved contact Leanne Carey,

Principal Investigator on 9035-7088 or email lcarey@unimelb.edu.au or Research Assistant Gemma Lamp 9035-7044 or email glamp@unimelb.edu.au

As more veterans are experiencing strokes as we get older this is one way we can support, if indirectly, our brothers in arms, and their familys.

If you do decide to contact Leanne can you let her know where you found out about

the study (this newsletter). If are unable to assist please pass this information onto others who may be able to help in the study, we don’t know when, or who, might be

next to be afflicted by a stroke.

Live long, live well.

Alan White

Men’s Peer Health Educator

Page: 8 Contact A u t u m n , 2 0 1 2

The Certificate above was presented to the Association by the Royal Australian Air Force Vietnam Veterans Association at their 2012 AGM.

Bill Belton and Richard Orr accepted the certificate on behalf of the Association from State President RAAFVVA Mr Lee Scully and Member Nick LeRay-Meyer