Click here to download PDF Format to read the newsletter offline (DOWNLOAD)

(Right Click on the download link and select Save Target As for Internet Explorer Users or Save Link As for Firefox Users to download the newsletter)

‘Lest We Forget’

		Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel
President Vice Presidents Secretary Treasurer Editor	James Curtis-Smith Philip Jones Vic Meller Dallas Drake Bob Young Larry Smith	Email address’:	president@rslangelescity.com secretary@rslangelescity.com treasurer@rslangelescity.com editor@rslangelescity.com

NEWSLETTER No 23 * FEBRUARY 2009

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT – 2008

As we move forward into 2009 and I prepare this report on the activities of the Sub Branch for the year 2008 it reminds me of preparing and getting your report card at school.

I am mindful that we are a Sub Branch of the Returned & Services League of Australia that is principally there for the benefit of our members, particularly service members. We are not an international service organization like Rotary or Lions and the like, but we have a philanthropic role and it is proper that we fit in and seek acceptance and approval from the society and community in which we live as group, as well as individually.

In assessing the Sub Branch for 2008 therefore I turn to the “subjects” undertaken for the year.

Activity. Probably the main thing that stands out to me as your President in 2008 is just how busy we have become. Not a week goes by without there being some activity of the RSL, from the weekly Tuesday meetings and social days, the Saturday night chook raffle without chooks at Shano’s, our special remembrance days and joining with our kindred organizations in theirs. ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day stand out as big days for the Sub Branch and were well attended by our members and very many visitors. Visits away to Subic, La Union, FRA at San Antonio were well attended by those members able to attend.

During the year we established our web page on the internet at www.rslangelescity.com. This web page and the links attached in a way make an Annual Report by me on behalf of the members almost superfluous as it is all there. The web page has attracted a large number of hits and is regularly updated. My thanks go to Gerald Slide our Webmaster and Secretary Dallas Drake for the many hours and skill in creating the web page and continual up dates to it.

So for activity, our Sub Branch has to be A+.

Welfare and Pensions. One of the principal objects of the RSL is to provide for the welfare of our members, particularly service members. The need is more particularly there as an ex-Australia Sub Branch, and in the week preceding ANZAC Day 2008, seven of our members attended TIP training over 4 days at our clubrooms at the Ponderosa Hotel under the direction of Reg Tulip of NSW Branch. Our thanks go to the NSW Branch in funding Reg to attend (air fares etc) and this Sub Branch met his local expenses. These specially trained members have been active in assisting individual members with their pension and welfare entitlements.

Our Sub Branch also established a loan Emergency Fund for all members to be borrowed from when a family emergency arises and ready cash is not available. This fund has been applied during the year and is a service to members when that unforeseen emergency arises.

On Welfare and Pensions therefore another A+.

Community involvement. Since the Sub Branch was chartered in 1994, the Sub Branch has been heavily involved in giving support to charities and organizations within the Angeles City community in particular. The Australia Day Fiesta each year has been the major source of funding for our Charity Account and 2008 was no exception. In excess of P400,000 was raised through the Fiesta and has been applied and continues to be applied to our adopted charities which this year included Operation Smiles (hare lip and cleft palate operations for local children), Duyan ni Maria orphanage, and Angeles Community Medical Center under Dr. de Guzman for welfare (medicines, vitamins, food) of extremely underprivileged children and families.

In July, the Sub Branch established its own Children’s Medical Missions within Angeles City. Our object is to visit each barangay within Angeles City (and there are 30 such barangays) and to provide a mission where each child who attends is examined by a doctor who prescribes vitamins, some medicines, antibiotics, worming tablets etc. for the child, and the prescription is then filled by the Sub Branch. So far, two such missions have been held and in excess of 1200 children have benefited. Further missions are planned over 2009 and I anticipate this activity will be an on going activity. My thanks go to the members of the sub committee and all members of the Sub Branch who attend and assist. Special mention should be made of Phillip Terrell, Colin Whelan, Phillip Bewley, Vic Meller and Noel Roach in particular who form the crux of this sub committee.

Each Saturday night in 2008, the Sub Branch held a “chook raffle’ (without chooks) at Shano’s Irish Pub and the proceeds of those raffles raised P335,000.00 through the year for our Charity Account. Col Whelan and Dallas Drake attend every week and organized prizes and we now have so many of our members attending regularly to assist in sales. A big thank you guys for a job well done.

Another A+

General. A good report card and I believe that 2008 was a good year for the Sub Branch. Our membership continued to grow from 201 members at the beginning of the year to 300 at the close of the year.

The good year we have enjoyed would not have been possible without a strong and interested membership and my thanks go in particular to the Executive and Committee and those members co-opted to the Committee through the year. Our secretary Dallas Drake who every day gives so much to the Sub Branch deserves mention. His self motivation and altruism for the betterment of the Sub Branch and its administration has been and continues to be outstanding and inspiring. Bob Young our Treasurer, has again for 2008 (and as he has done for since 2004) administered our finances which is very time consuming and constant in its demands. Thanks Bob. A special thanks also to Harley Milsop, (Chairman) and his Australia Day Committee for 2008 who organized a week of memorable activity and fun. A great fund raiser as well. Col Whelan undertook responsibility for the conduct of regulating our Monster Australia Day raffle and what a great job he did as can be seen from the Treasurers Report.

Space does not enable me to continue naming and thanking more individual members but you know who you are. The Sub Branch now involves so many of our members actively involved and I believe the increased activity of individual members is the top feature of the development of the Sub Branch in 2008.

It would be remiss of me if I did not thank yet again the owners and management of the Ponderosa Hotel who host us and provide our clubroom. To our sponsors, particularly the business investors of Fields Avenue, Perimeter and Friendship, who weekly provide prizes and goods for our weekly Shano’s raffle, ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day, our thanks.

2009 looks like continuing our growth and activity, and with the success again of Australia Day Fiesta just past there are good vibes for the year ahead.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH

President

§ § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § §

To the left is the Victoria Cross (VC) which has been the highest award given to Commonwealth Soldiers since the Crimean War. It was instituted and named after Queen Victoria in 1856 to soldiers displaying extreme courage in battle. It is inscribed FOR VALOUR. It is cast from metal from a captured Crimean field gun. Australia now has it’s own version of the VC, instituted in 1991as its highest award for valour. Recently our first recipient of our VC was awarded in a ceremony in Canberra.

Meet Trooper mark Donaldson VC, (left) the first recipient of Australia’s highest military award for bravery, the Victoria Cross (VC) for his act of bravery in a battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Tpr Donaldson VC, of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) is a veteran of East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the first soldier to be awarded the VC in 40 years after Keith Payne VC won his award in Vietnam as a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. Keith was on hand at the award ceremony in Canberra and congratulated Mark on his award. Mark will enjoy a privilege that no other serving member of the Australian Defence Force will enjoy, being saluted by all ranks from General and equivalent to Private. After addressing the assembled dignitaries, Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston donned his cap, moved in front of Tpr Donaldson VC and took the privilege of being the first officer to salute him.

Also on hand for the award by our Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce, was prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal, Angus Houston, Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, his beaming wife Emma (pictured left), and Keith Payne VC (left below) Congratulating Tpr Donaldson VC was Australia’s last VC recipient, Keith Payne VC, who won his VC for service in Sth Vietnam as a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. Tpt Donaldson VC has now entered a special exclusive ‘club’ of which there are only 10 VC winners remaining alive. In a move apparently typical of Tpr Donaldson VC, four days after being presented with the award, he presented it on loan to the Director of the Australian War Memorial, MAJGEN Steve Gower, for display in the Victoria Cross section of the memorial.

Here is an exerpt of Tpr Donaldson’s Citation

On 02 September 2008, during the conduct of a fighting patrol, Trooper Donaldson was travelling in a combined Afghan, US and Australian vehicle convoy that was engaged by a numerically superior, entrenched and coordinated enemy ambush. The ambush was initiated by a high volume of sustained machine gun fire coupled with the effective use of rocket propelled grenades. Such was the effect of the initiation that the combined patrol suffered numerous casualties, completely lost the initiative and became immediately suppressed. It was over two hours before the convoy was able to establish a clean break and move to an area free of enemy fire.
In the early stages of the ambush, Trooper Donaldson reacted spontaneously to regain the initiative. He moved rapidly between alternate positions of cover engaging the enemy with 66mm and 84mm anti-armour weapons as well as his M4 rifle. During an early stage of the enemy ambush, he deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire in order to draw attention to himself and thus away from the wounded soldiers. This selfless act alone bought enough time for those wounded to be moved to relative safety.
The patrol was forced to conduct numerous vehicle manoeuvres, under the intense enemy fire, over a distance of approximately four kilometres to extract the convoy from the engagement area. Compounding the extraction was the fact that casualties had consumed all available space within the vehicles. Those who had not been wounded, including Trooper Donaldson, were left with no option but to run beside the vehicles throughout.
During the conduct of this vehicle manoeuvre to extract the convoy from the engagement area, a severely wounded coalition force interpreter was inadvertently left behind. Of his own volition and displaying complete disregard for his own safety, Trooper Donaldson moved alone, on foot, across approximately 80 metres of exposed ground to recover the wounded interpreter. His movement, once identified by the enemy, drew intense and accurate machine gun fire from entrenched positions. Upon reaching the wounded coalition force interpreter, Trooper Donaldson picked him up and carried him back to the relative safety of the vehicles then provided immediate first aid before returning to the fight.
On subsequent occasions during the battle, Trooper Donaldson administered medical care to other wounded soldiers, whilst continually engaging the enemy. Trooper Donaldson’s acts of exceptional gallantry in the face of accurate and sustained enemy fire ultimately saved the life of a coalition force interpreter and ensured the safety of the other members of the combined Afghan, US and Australian force. Trooper Donaldson’s actions on this day displayed exceptional courage in circumstances of great peril.

WELL DONE DIGGER. Ed

The Sub branch would like to acknowledge the signing up of the following new members * Gregory Harbutt * Maxwell Harper * Neville Chaney * Brian Panigas * David Jones * Steven Gibson * Dave Birch * (welcome back) Cobb Jobbins * Charles harris * Norman Macon * Paul Geraghty * George Eustace *

Was this bloke a hero??. Four Military Medals

I received this via an email. Look at the MM in the picture. His medals are on display at the Australian War Memorial Canberra.

ERNEST ALBERT COREY: 1892 – 1972. Corey was born in Numeralla, New South Wales. He was educated at Thubergal Lake Public School. When he left school he became a

blacksmith’s striker (?) at Martin’s Smithy in Cooma. In January 1916, Corey marched from Cooma to Goulburn as a member of the “Men from Snowy River” recruiting march, and enlisted on the 13^th of January. Along with the majority of the other members of the march, he was allotted to the 55^th Battalion. Following training at Goulburn, he left for England on HMAT Port Sydney. When he arrived in England he spent 3 months further training. He was posted to 55^th Battalion, Charlie Company, Grenade Section at Mountauban in France. He took part in the capture of Doignies in April

On the 15^th of May, Corey’s Brigade was in action near Queant. Suffering heavy losses, the CO called for volunteers to assist the stretcher bearers. Corey was one of thirty men who volunteered. During the enemy attack on the front line facing Queant. Private Corey, whilst acting as a stretcher bearer, showed great courage and devotion to duty. Although under direct enemy observation, he carried out his duties for 17 hours without a rest, and in a manner worthy of the highest commendation. Although untrained stretcher bearer, he saved by first aid, the lives of serious wounded men. The Commander of the 54^th Battalion wrote an appreciation for the help given and a special mention to the stretcher bearer for his good work. FIRST MILITARY MEDAL.

Following engagements in Bullecourt the 55^th Bn spent 4 months in reserve, before moving to Ypres in Belgium. On the 26^th of September, during the battle of Polygon Wood. Major General J.Talbot Hobbs, CO of 5^th Div, had the following words to say. “This stretcher bearer show great courage, devotion to duty and untiring energy during the attack. The greatest danger did not deter this man from doing his duty when his services were required. He tended the wounded and carried them to place of safety continuously throughout the engagement, often under very heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Throughout the whole operation he set a fine example of bravery and coolness to all ranks. RECOMMEND DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL. AWARDED SECOND MILITARY MEDAL (1^st BAR).

During the winter of 1917-18, the 55^th Bn was posted to Messines. Corey was granted leave to England, where he became sick (who wouldn’t) he spent 90 days in hospital before rejoining his battalion in July.

In August the Allies launched an attack on the Germans along the Somme, where the 55^th Bn became involved in the capture of Peronne in September. It was here that Corey received a Second Bar to his Military Medal. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at Peronne on the 1^st and 2^nd of September. This man dressed and carried wounded of several units, throughout the whole operation. Although the enemy artillery and machine gun fire was exceptionally heavy, this did not deter this man from carrying on. He worked continuously and arduously and was the means of saving lives of many of the wounded. He was unselfish throughout and cheerful at all times. His careful handling of the wounded and knowledge of first aid helped greatly to relieve their sufferings. Throughout the operation he set a fine example of courage, coolness and determination under heavy fire.

RECOMMEND DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL. AWARDED MILITARY MEDAL with 2nd bar.

Promoted to Corporal, he was placed in charge of the Battalions stretcher bearers, whom he led during the battle north of Bullecourt on the 30^th of September. Corey attended to the wounded whilst exposed to fire, and continued to direct other bearer parties throughout the action until he was wounded himself, receiving two wounds to the groin area. It was during this engagement that he received his third bar to the Military Medal. The attack on the Hindenburg line regardless of his personal danger, whilst the enemy were firing on him, he continued to direct bearer parties and care for the wounded, whilst in full view of the enemy, he continued his duties until he was severely wounded. AWARDED MILITARY MEDAL with 3^rd bar.

He was repatriated to Australia in 1919, after many operations in English hospitals. He was medically discharged in June. Corey returned to Cooma and was employed as a ‘Rabbiter’. He married a young lady in 1924, Sarah Jane Fisher. They had one child a daughter, Patricia, and their marriage was dissolved in 1935. (I wonder if the cause was something to do with his wounds.) Between 1927 and 1940 Corey worked as an Office Cleaner.

Corey re-enlisted for service in the 2^nd World War in 1941. He was posted to the 2^nd Garrison Battalion for 2 years until he was discharged a private in 1943 medically unfit.

Over the next number of years he had jobs as a caretaker. By 1951 he was admitted to a nursing home almost crippled with Osteoarthritis. He died in that nursing home in 1972 and buried with full Military Honours in the Woden Cemetery (near Canberra).

His life sounds sad and lonely, how pathetic we treat our heroes. This guy should have had a cosy job for life. The only person in the world to be awarded 4 Military Medals.

Ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ

Here is an English 9 letter word, which when you remove a letter at a time and keep doing that, it is still a word until it has only one letter left.

That word is STARTLING. So let’s remove a letter at a time.

STARTLING remove the L and we are left with

STARTING remove the T and we are left with

STARING remove the A and we are left with

STRING remove the R and we are left with

STING remove the T and we are left with

SING remove the G and we are left with

SIN remove the S and we are left with

IN remove the N and we are left with

I

I BET YOU KNEW THAT FROM THE START. Ed

For our members who are on the internet and have a spare moment or two now and then, why not play a game of CROSSWORDS on line. Go to: www.boatloadpuzzles.com/playcrossword Goes well with a beer or three, but no more, fun is assured and stimulation of the grey matter as well.

	In these times of economic meltdown around the world, cartoons like the few I have brought here are a smile raiser. I might put a couple in each newsletter until I run out of them. ( ∞ : ) Smile

Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð

Maybe Garfield he is chasing him all the way up Fields Ave to ‘Garfield’s Last Stand’ on Perimeter Road

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

OFFICIAL LIST OF WINNERS 2009 MONSTER CHARITY RAFFLE.

1st Prize=Darren Cox c/- DreamLand Ticket 3480 (New Life Plastic Surgery )
2nd =Dr Holms Bar Members c/- Dr Holms Bar Ticket 1336 (Qantas )
3rd =Kevin Colliet (KC) Ticket 0426 (Nose Clip +China Bank  )
4th =Boss Rick c/- Blue Rock Ticket 3311 (Nose Clip )
5th =Chen Chen Calo c/- Ross Bothwell Ticket 3966  (SunDaze )
6th = Eddie Byrd c/- Blue Monkey Ticket 0588 (SEAIR +Nigi Nigi Resort )
7th =Richard Giles c/- Southern Cross Shuttle Ticket 1303 (Campbells RESORT )
8th = Maria Mitchell ,Ticket 0574 (Lewis Grand )
9th = G Stuart c/- Percy Mitchell Ticket 2422 (ABC Hotel )
10th = Jenny Cunanan Ticket 1496 (Wild Orchid Group )
11th = Phil Knight Ticket 1100 (Lewis Grand )
12th =Desiree T.Lagrimas Ticket 0516 (Swagman Narra )
13th = Dr.Diet Rich c/- Hanna Hotel Ticket 1224 (Dream Land Resort )
14th = Lolita C.Aguilar Ticket 2155 (Jobo Custom Cues )
15th = Lindsay Drury Ticket 4337 (WalkAbout Hotel )
16th =Steve Danks Ticket 3367 (Oasis Resort )
17th = Roselyn A.Sioco C/- Phoenix Hotel Ticket 4213 (Clarkton Hotel)
18th = George Watson Ticket 1719 (BaliHai Resort )
19th =Loida Garner c/- Maria Mitchell Ticket 4294 (Blue Nile Resort )

PRIZE WINNERS CONTACT DALLAS DRAKE 09165243084 TO COLLECT VOUCHERS

Æ Æ Æ ÆÆ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ Æ

Other points of interest  • RSL (Australia) • RSL (New Zealand) • Recipes • Products

ANZAC legend evolved essentially as a result of the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign during World War One. While still training in the Egyptian desert late in 1914, the 1st Australian Division and the New Zealand (NZ and A Division) were formed into the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). The ANZACS, together with British formations, landed north of Gaba Tepe (the landing area later known as Anzac Cove) and at Cape Helles on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. The Gallipoli Campaign was a heroic but costly failure. Mothers, wives and sweethearts of soldiers fighting in the Gallipoli Campaign lovingly baked the Soldiers’ Biscuits, which became known as the ANZAC Biscuit. A delicious combination of butter, oats, flour, golden syrup and coconut, their recipe made these biscuits ideal for surviving the long journey from Australia and New Zealand to the battlefields and trenches in Europe. The ANZAC biscuit was a fond reminder of those at home awaiting their safe return. The ANZAC biscuit is symbolic of the marvellous work carried out by the women at home, who tirelessly baked these biscuits for the soldiers overseas; to keep morale high, as well as for sale at home to raise funds for the war effort and the Red Cross. Unibic, in manufacturing these biscuits, continues this fervent tradition in support of war veterans, their families and their local communities. Unibic ANZAC biscuits are now sold in many countries around the world – directing a percentage of total sale proceeds to various war veterans and community support groups. For example, Unibic ANZAC biscuit sales support the Returned Services League (RSL) in Australia, the Royal British Legion in the United Kingdom, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in the United States of America, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) in Canada, and the Royal New Zealand Returned Serviceman’s Association (RNZRSA) in New Zealand. More importantly, the legacy of the ANZAC Spirit is being explained to new generations of the public.  In 2005, Unibic in India launched the ANZAC biscuit pack, where 3% of sales help to provide support to India's war widows, as well as Indian Jawans who are in need of artificial limbs. Anzac biscuits are now an institution - recognised around the world as being as Australian as Vegemite, Passionfruit Pavlova and the great Aussie barbeque. For an overview of our product range, click here. Unibic is proud to support the following organisations

NB. Dallas has written away for a supply of these products, hopefully they will be available by ANZAC Day 2009. Ed

¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥

We are starting up a new segment within our newsletter as a service to our Angeles City based members. It is called “THE BAR FLY” and the name of the barfly will remain hidden. Here is his first issue:

Sorry to see Dave Keegan of Happy Rock not managing to keep his bar running. Now up 4 sale, plus the joint next door. Dave says he will do a good deal for anyone interested to contact him direct. Although is working offshore he is back in town frequently to see his family who still resides here.
Willie Pig's Coffee Shop & Diner has moved to a new location close to Phoenix, next door to a New Bar called Sunshine and by the look of it there will be another two new businesses opening in the same location.
Hey, I like what's going on in Eruption Bar now every evening. Happy hour with Table Top Dancers, lovely, and the best draft beer in town to go along with right music.
Jimbo of Stampede & Cherry's now has both his bars renovated and atmosphere is great. Hear he also has joined the RSL.!! . Must be able to see the writing on the wall as those guys are getting stronger & stronger. Over 40 did a recent bar hop that is part of their regular social activities.
Stubebaker has closed down after a row between the partners and there is some gossip about who has taken over. Let's wait till the doors open again.

Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ Ħ

EDITORIAL Our esteemed Secretary, Dallas Drake would like to thank those members and friends who passed onto him their condolences on the passing of his father on 29^th January 2009. His father passed away peacefully at age 99 years. (that’s not a bad innings Dallas)

Dallas attended the funeral in the best state of Australia, namely TASMANIA (the editor is also Tasmanian, if you haven’t worked it out) and whilst there, ran briefly into member Ken Duncan and visited Devonport, Ulverstone and Burnie RSL’s. He took the opportunity to tell them about our Sub branch and presented them with beer wraps as mementos.

HMAS VOYAGER REMEMBERED 45 YEARS ON

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, asked Australians to take a moment today to acknowledge the 45^th anniversary of our nation’s greatest peacetime military tragedy, the HMAS Voyager disaster.

Mr Griffin said 82 lives were lost when the Voyager and HMAS Melbourne collided off the south-east coast of Australia in 1964.

“On 10 February 1964, Melbourne, an aircraft carrier, and Voyager, a Daring Class Destroyer, took part in training exercises off the coast of Jervis Bay, south east of Sydney,” Mr Griffin said.

“At 8.56 pm, while manoeuvring under minimal operational lighting, the Voyager tragically crossed the bows of the Melbourne, colliding in the darkness. The Voyager was sliced in two by the impact and the bow section sank within minutes.”

Fourteen officers, 67 sailors and one civilian dockyard employee lost their lives. There were 232 survivors.

“I ask that we all remember those Australians who have lost their lives in peacetime activities, humanitarian assistance or training, including the Voyager disaster,” Mr Griffin said.

Last year all but one of the remaining claims arising from the tragedy were resolved by the Rudd Government. Efforts to resolve the single outstanding claim are ongoing.

Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 02 6277 7820 or 0437 863 109

FRA Branch 367 in San Antonio, Zambales, will be hosting FRALICS 2009 on 3 - 5 April. Golf, Horseshoe, 8-Ball, Darts and Volleyball Tournaments will highlight the 3-day event. Our Chili Cook-Off and Miss FRALICS Beauty Contest proved very successful last year, and will again showcase the festivities. For a complete Schedule of Events, please visit our website - www.fra367.org.  Tournament rules and points of contact are listed. Chili Cook-Off Entry Forms are available for printing. You may also register for the Cook-Off via the website. Use the Contact Us link if you have any questions concerning the FRALICS.  Grand Raffle Ticket Books are available throughout the Barrio. P20,000.00 in total prize money will be raffled off at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, 5 Apr. Ticket books are selling for P200.00 per book of 11 tickets.

We are looking forward to seeing you and your family this year at FRALICS 2009!

I remain in Loyalty, Protection and Service,

Dan H. Steakley
President
FRA Branch 367

Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ Ώ

The following media release from the Minister for Veteran’s Affairs clarifies a worry for pensioners doing voluntary work, such as Pensions Officers, and that work affecting their pensions.

Voluntary work and the VEA, SRCA and MRCA

A number of people have expressed concerns about how the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) treats voluntary work with community and welfare organisations under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) and the Military, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

There appears to be a belief that voluntary work is treated differently under SRCA and MRCA than it is under the VEA. Some people are concerned that undertaking voluntary work will trigger a review of incapacity payments. This is not the case.

To clarify the issue and reassure veterans wanting to do voluntary work, the Repatriation Commissioner, Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO (Retd), has written to a number of ex-service organisations and the Training and Information Program Committee Chairs to state:

* DVA is supportive of veterans undertaking voluntary work;

* Voluntary work is treated the same under all three Acts; and

* Undertaking voluntary work will not trigger a review of pension or incapacity payments.

A copy of Brigadier Rolfe's letter and policy statement is attached in the weblinks below.

I would urge any veteran or veterans' representative to refer to this statement should they have any issues with the way such matters are being interpreted.

Alan Griffin

Minister for Veterans' Affairs

www.dva.gov.au/temp/Letter_to_ESOsFeb.pdf

www.dva.gov.au/temp/VW_statement_attached_to_ESO_letter.pdf

£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Finally, here are a few pics taken at the recent Australia Day Fiesta and the Miss Australia Pageant. There are hundreds more pictures at our webpage www.rslangelescity.com just look under IMAGE GALLERY.

Colin & Joy Whelan and Normie manning the RSL merchandise tent, and doing a great job too	The Lipsticks singing and Dance group entertaining the multitude at the Premer Performance on 25 January

Charles of Roy’s Pub presents Miss Australia Day, Felisa Joy Morales with her sash and flowers ably assisted by sisters Anne and Jasmine Curtis (who need no introduction)

Some of the line-up of the contestants in the Miss Australia Day beauty pageant, parading in the swimsuit section of the contest. Note the ever appealing Australian green & gold coloured swimwear worn.

Provisional financial results of the Australia Day Fiesta

(Still being Finalized and subject to Final expenses and Audit.)

Monster Charity Raffle P254,000
Auction at Beauty Pageant P34,000
Bell Ring P53,310.00
Pie Sales P21,500.00
Street Stalls and Curry Receipts P37,000
Beauty Pageant Est P110,000.00
Please note there are expenses yet to be deducted, and the net TOTAL result will be over P400,000.00 Profit.

Beauty Pageant Winner***Felisa Joy Morales (contestant #11 ) Sponsored by Allan Doyle (The Office)
Runner up ***Cathrine Colis (contestant #5 ) Sponsored by Tony Mamac (Barangay Captain)

Curry Cook Off.
Winner: Swagman Resort
Humdinger (hottest): Fiesta Gardens Hotel.
Runners Up: Bali Hai and FRA.

(Sales of Merchandise into General account will exceed P130,000.00)

A most successful event and we look forward to a repeat performance in 2010

Pres Jim presents the RSL International pool competition Perpetual Trophy to Team OZ who won by 12 to 8

Well that is our newsletter for February. There was a lot of information to include and there were some articles I have had to hold-over for future newsletters. We hope you enjoy our efforts to keep our members informed and amused. For those on the internet, please keep looking there for additional information about ‘what’s on’ and peruse our Image Gallery where there are hundreds of interesting pictures. Go to: www.rslangelescity.com

I thank our Webmaster Gerald Slide for keeping the webpage current and offering advice to me about presenting the newsletter.

Of course I could not do anything without input from President Jim and Secretary Dallas. I am just the facilitator to provide ‘page fillers’ to accompany information they provide. Cheers. ED

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”