THE 2013 SEAFARERS COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE - IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to a number of reasons it has been decided to combine this year’s
Annual Seafarers Church Service [St Paul’s Cathedral] and Navy Wreath
Laying Service [Shrine of Remembrance] into one Seafarers Commemorative
Service. This significant service will be conducted at the Cenotaph,
Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. This combined service will take place
on:
SUNDAY 20th OCTOBER 2013 and will commence at 1030.
More.....
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Mailout to recipients of a “ceased effects” determination under
the
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
The reason for this letter is to provide you with important
information concerning clients who had “ceased effects” decisions issued
under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) before
May 2004. The Department is currently sending letters to these clients
to advise that they may make a new claim for compensation in relation to
the condition for which the “ceased effects” decision was issued, if
they experience any further effects from the condition.
More.....
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VALE ex-WOMED Peter Mathews
It is with much regret that we have to advise you that one of our
members, Peter Mathews, passed away
on 7th June 2013. On behalf of the committee and members we extend our
sincere condolences to his family. A plaque has been placed on the
memorial wall in the Chapel on our website.
The funeral service will be held 1200, Friday 14
June 2013, at Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston - Dandenong Rd, very
close to the East Link, Thompson Road off Ramp. Medals to be worn.
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Click here for your Secretary's May 2013 Report
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Update on 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' Book Sales
John Carroll received a Royalty Statement from the publisher
which states that as of 30 April 2013 they had sold almost half of the
1580 books from the first printing. They had 762 still in stock as of 30
April. Remember, also the book was only released on April 01. Total
royalties paid to the E J Whitten foundation from the sale of the book
via Rosenberg Publishing thus far, $1255-94c
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VALE ex-LTO Garry Pyke
It is with much regret that we have to advise you that one of our
members, Garry Pyke, R94102, passed away
on 15/5/13. On behalf of the committee and members we extend
our sincere condolences to his family. A plaque has been placed on the
memorial wall in the Chapel on our website. Garry wrote a beautiful poem
'The Long Wait' which he dedicated to his wife Lea. Many members will
associate with his words.
Please read.....
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VALE Senior RAN Chaplain John Connelly
It is with much regret that we have to advise you that one of our
members, John (Jippers) Connelly, Senior RAN Chaplain (ex-CPOMUSN), R62181, passed away
on 05/5/13. On behalf of the committee and members we extend
our sincere condolences to his family. A plaque has been placed on the
memorial wall in the Chapel on our website.
J.F. CONNELLY
05 MAY 2013 |
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Commemorative Plaque for Ronald MacDonald 1918 – 1942
(Article is translated from German)

The German Naval Association and the Embassy of the Commonwealth of
Australia were invited on Friday, April 19, 2013, for the commemoration
of the plaque of Ronald Allan Heffernan MacDonald, representative of the
members of the Australian Navy, in the historic Hall of the Marine
Memorial in Laboe in the county Schleswig-Holstein.
Full story.....
Photos.....
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Under A Rising Sun

A poem, Under A Rising Sun, written by one of our members,
Laura Benney, aged 13, was read by me at the Anzac Day service at the
Seaford RSL in 2013. Laura's great great grandfather, paid the ultimate
sacrifice when he was killed on the Western Front in 1916. It is in
tribute to him that she penned these words.
Click here or the image to view the
video.
Click
here to read the poem.....
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VALE NS1 Francis J Simmonds
It is with much regret that we have to advise you that one of our
members, Frank Simmonds NS1 R42289, HMAS SYDNEY 1967-1969, passed away
last Sunday 14/4/13. On behalf of the committee and members we extend
our sincere condolences to his family. A plaque has been placed on the
memorial wall in the Chapel on our website.
F.J. SIMMONDS
14 APR 2013 |
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VALE LCDR Ernest (Jess) James
It is with much regret that we have to advise you that Lieutenant
Commander Ernest (Jess) JAMES RAN Ret’d passed away on 30 March 2013
LCDR James was a past President of the NSW branches HMAS Sydney(VLSV)
Association and the amalgamated HMAS SYDNEY Association (Inc) as well as
being an Honorary Life Member of both Associations.
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Sons of ANZAC’s Vietnam Memorial Tour
In 2015 it will be the centennial of the landing at Anzac Cove and
coincidentally a significant anniversary for Vietnam Veterans, being 50
years since the deployment of our first battle group. That deployment
went on to last 10 years.
More.....
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Inquiry into eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today
announced the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal
will inquire into eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was instituted by the
former Government of the Republic of Vietnam for service during the
Vietnam War. The award was offered to a range of countries that assisted
that Government during the Vietnam War, including Australia, New Zealand
and the United States.
More.....
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New App Helps Veteran Community Think Before They Drink
A new smart phone app helping current and former serving members of the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) track their drinking habits was launched
today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon. Mr Snowdon
said the app ON TRACK with The Right Mix uses mobile technology to
encourage users to think about impact of drinking on their lifestyle and
physical health by tracking consumption against the impact on their
budget, wellbeing and fitness.
More.....
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Donation Request
The Federation of Naval Ships Association are seeking donations for the
upgrading of the Bradleys Head at a cost of $2.8M.
More.....
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"Out of Sight, Out of Mind"
Dr. John Carroll, Life Member and former Secretary of our
Association has after 5 long years of writing "OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND"
announced the book will be ready for publication some time in April
2013. The Book will retail for $30.00 plus postage. John has arranged a
bulk purchase deal for this Association through the publisher. We will
sell the book autographed by John, for $20.00 per copy plus postage of
$13.00. This special price is available to all of the greater Naval
Family, descendants and friends of the Navy. To order your copy please
email or write to the Secretary for details.
Click to view book cover
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY.
email:
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UPDATE ON THE ANZAC CENTENARY GALLIPOLI COMMEMORATIONS
In an update on the Centenary of Anzac program, Minister Assisting the
Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon, said the three
Governments had carefully considered a detailed report on the safe
carrying capacity of the Anzac Commemorative Site, and agree to the
findings that the attendance should be 10,500.
More.....
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Indonesion Confrontation - Registration of Interest
50th Anniversary Embarkation Commemoration
HMAS Sydney R17/A214 - HMAS Parramatta FO5 - HMAS Yarra FO7
111 LAA Bty RAA, 7 Field Sqn RAE, 42 TPT PL (AMP) RAASC
5 Sqn RAAF - 32 Small Ship Sqn RAE
To be conducted in Garden Island, Sydney on 24 May 2014.....
click here for details and Registration.....
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2013 International Fleet Review
The Federation of Naval Ships Assns. has negotiated with the
Australian Cruise Group for various cruise categories, coffee, lunch &
dinner to give you the greatest coverage of events during the
International Fleet Review at very affordable prices. IMPORTANT - When
booking, ensure you include your Association after your surname i.e. A
Moffatt/RANCBA. This will identify your Association and ensure you are
on the CORRECT VESSEL. For further information go to their
website.....
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Presentation to Upwey-Belgrave RSL
On
the 10th November 2012,
the HMAS Sydney & VLSVA formally presented to the Upwey-Belgrave RSL Running Rabbits Military
Museum and the Sub-branch four VERY significant items from their
collection as detailed below. The ceremony was opened by David Eaton,
President of the Sub-branch, and a Vietnam Veteran.
More.....
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Click here for your Vice President's
special December
Report....
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VVCS - CONFIDENTIALITY OF VVCS COUNSELLING RECORDS
It is understood that there was information on the confidentiality of
VVCS psych records was on Facebook (have not seen it personally) however
received the attached document titled VVCS Confidentiality Psych Records
– Initial Correspondence via the e-mail system.
The matter was brought to the attention of VVCS by VVAA Vic (and a
number of other concerned ESO’s and individuals) with a response
received today – see attached document titled VVCS – Confidentiality of
VVCS Records – Response from DVA.
Peter Bright
Secretary
Victorian State Branch (VVAA)
VVCS Confidential Psych Records - Initial Correspondence
VVCS - Confidentiality of VVCS Records - Response from DVA
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HMAS Sydney & VLSVA Christmas Party 2013
On Sunday the 2nd of December the Association held the Annual
Children`s Party & BBQ. The cool weather in the morning, cleared to a
fine warm day. We had 30 Children and 35 Adults attend.
More.....
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Click here to view the 2013 International Fleet Review schedule
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BRINGING AWARENESS TO INVISIBLE WOUNDS
A new series of online videos aims to bring more awareness of the mental
health issues faced by some of our current and ex-serving members of the
Defence Force, following active service. The Minister for Veterans’
Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the videos offer an insight into the
experiences of veterans and current sailors, soldiers, airmen and women,
and their families post deployment.
More.....
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Click here for the Melbourne Cup Day report.
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Click here for your Vice President's September/October
Report....
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2013 International Fleet Review Cruise
For anyone interested in going to the IFR, and would like a
good view, Captain Cook cruises have particularly cruises you can book.
Go to
this link to view full details. Our Association is not recommending
these cruises, we are just informing you of their availability.
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Statement of Principles concerning MYELOMA No. 69 of
2012 for the purposes of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 and
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
More.....
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You and Your Prostate
has been produced by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
to assist members of the veteran community to gain a better
understanding of the complex issues and management options relating to
prostate disease.
View Booklet
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Click here to view President's September report.
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Click here to view Vice President's August/September
Report.
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AWARD DAY AT THE SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE SEPT 8TH 2012 FROM THE
VIETNAMESE VETERANS ASSOCIATION.
This special day was organized by the Victorian Chapter of the
Vietnamese Veterans Association of Victoria. It was to celebrate 50
years since Australia’s first involvement in the Republic of Vietnam.
More.....
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Military Superannuation Pensions
SPEECH
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
BY AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE
Read.....
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LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR MATES CAN SAVE A LIFE...
Read.....
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NOTIFICATION
Completion of Review into the
Statements of Principles Nos. 28 and 29 of 2005
In Respect of Malignant Neoplasm of the Prostate.
Read......
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From one of our Oldest & Boldest
Tom’s story. An Autobiography by Thomas Fisher.
Tom Fisher was born in country Western Australia in 1921 and
grew up in Perth during the Depression . He joined the Royal Australian
Navy when he was 18 and served in HMAS Sydney, Hobart, Stuart and
Quiberon. Demobilised in 1946 he struggled in his early civilian life
until his marriage and religion saved him. For many years he worked for
the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) while he, and his wfe Shirley, raised a
family of five children. This is his story.
Click here for details on how to obtain the book.
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Message from CN Australia
RAN INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW OCT 2013
More.....
Schedule.....
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Ships Eligibility for War Service
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