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Breaking News,
Updates & Reminders
(updated: 18-Jun-2013)
Not all are listed below,
so always check out the
 What's New page
 

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.

P. MATHEWS
07 JUN 2013

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.....

G. PYKE
15 MAY 2013

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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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OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND THE BOOK: by Dr. John Carroll.
Due to the enormous demand for the book,
we completely sold out of the
first 300 copies, within a month..

Demand for the book continues and as of the 29th of May, another
200 x copies are available for sale at a reduced price.

Please Note: The new price:
Total cost delivered to anywhere in Australia is $33.50.
Up to 3 x copies can be delivered in the one satchel
and 4 - 6 copies delivered together for $16.50.
The book normally will cost you $30.00 on line Plus Post.
Orders will be posted to you within 24 hours
and payment can be made via EFT, CHQ or M/O.

All Royalties go to the Teddy Whitten Foundation, for Prostate Cancer.

All orders to:

Assistance Required
Now that the Naval Association have completed the Pension office at the Frankston Naval Memorial Club in Langwarrin South, we need volunteers to undergo TIP training to become Pensions officers to assist our fellow service and ex-service people to put together claims for any service related disabilities.

If you are interested please contact David Lowe on 5996 3745 and he can give you the details as to what is required or e-mail

It is a good opportunity to give something back to the service community.



Visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial Wall

 

This site has been developed to provide a place for all those who served onboard all HMAS Sydney's, her destroyer escorts and Jeparit and Boonaroo during the Vietnam conflict, FESR personnel and for all those who have an interest in that particular era of Australia's history. The purpose of this website is also to provide a way for those who have lost contact with old friends to re-establish contact via our web Message Board and for distant members to remain up-to-date with our activities.

 We hope that you enjoy your visit to our Association's web site and come back often.

 

A Brief History of the
HMAS Sydney & VLSVA

The concept of forming such an Association arose out of discussions between the 'founding father' Fred McLeod-Dryden and John Carroll in September 1982. (Read 'Mufti' article dated September 5, 1985)

The Association as such was formed in early 1984. The founding members consisted of Fred McLeod-Dryden, Brian McGurgan, Colin Mackenzie, and John Carroll. Membership has flourished ever since, with the current mailing list reflecting nearly 500 members within Victoria and 'outstations' within Australia, and overseas. With the exception of South Australia and Tasmania, each State has its own active branch or is represented by the HMAS SYDNEY & VLSVA, which is now recognized and registered in the Department of Veterans' Affairs Directory of ex-Service Associations.

Affiliations

The Association also has a 'loose-alliance' with other HMAS Sydney & VLSV Associations in other states and territories which sees us now as a recognized National Organization, acknowledged by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). This recognition was long overdue.

Membership

Our Membership is on a tri-service basis for those with active service, and has been like this from very early days. We represent RAAF Loadmaster personnel from 36 squadron, the CMF Observer group and the Army small ships, all with the same fervour and consideration we give to former members of the RAN. In addition, we include Associate Membership for all ex-service personnel and civilians who wish to take an active interest in the operations and activities of our Association.

Other Involvements

This Association has an ongoing liaison with the Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, and we sponsor a prize for the 'Instructor of the Year' which is adjudged by internal peer assessment.

This Association has also contributed financially to the Shrine Restoration and the HMAS Cerberus Museum. We are actively involved with the Emden Association in Germany and have kept in touch with them for some considerable time. As a tangible reflection of this liaison this Association has a feature wall in the Sydney-Emden room of the Warrant Officers and Senior Sailors Mess at HMAS Cerberus which depicts the Sydney - Emden action of the 09th of November 1914.

Amalgamation of the HMAS Sydney II Association with this Association was inevitable, if only to assure the ongoing viability of our unique heritage. This painless transition has resulted in a useful partnership with men that can be best described as 'living history'. We can truthfully lay claim to be actively representing sailors who have served in all of the four ships to bear the name Sydney. 'Thorough and Ready' - Aye.

Ongoing Commitments

As yet, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Quickmatch have not received any form of recognition for their trip up the Long Tau Shipping Channel to the port of Saigon in January 1962. This anomaly has been a long-standing one and will require a concerted effort to see recognition finally afforded to those that participated in this deployment.
This ongoing commitment has finally been resolved with a letter from the Manager of the Nominal Rolls Section of DVA stating that those who served on these ships at the time stated will be placed on the Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans. It is anticipated that the names will be placed on the web site by August 2007. Click here for a copy of the letter.

Obtaining the full text of Mr. Justice Rapke's report into service conditions, especially those which he experienced when 'serving' aboard HMAS Sydney during his stay aboard this vessel in the late 1960's and again in the early 1970's. So far, the various departments with Navy Office have managed to elude this Association's efforts in this matter. However, we continue to try.
2007 Update: Rapke Report: AKA as the Rapke Inquiry is available on the National Archives of Australia Website. There are in excess of 60 files of which the June-August file(s) are the most relevant and are titled 'HMAS Sydney Segment'. These files are heavily censored (expunged). They may be accessed using the reference number A12433 where indicated, and for convenience they are all digitised so they may be downloaded straight from the National Archives site. They are of limited research value.

In August 2001 the Department of Veterans' Affairs held a meeting in NSW with representatives of the NSW branch of this Association. This was to report on the findings of a Mortality Study carried out by the Department in 1997, relating to toxins and herbicides. Needless to say, the initial data supplied by the DVA may be seen as having serious consequences for all former members of the RAN who served with the RAN Diving Team, HMAS Sydney and her escorts, the so-called 'Gun-line' ships, and 'Helo-flight' Vietnam. This information will be updated from time-to-time, as further reliable and verifiable material becomes available.
2007 Update: The Water contamination issue forms part of the 2005 study into Mortality and Cancer Incidence of Australian Vietnam Veterans. There are three volumes of which the one on 'Cancer Incidence' and the one titled 'The Third Australian Vietnam Veterans Mortality Study' are the most relevant. These may be downloaded from the Department of Veterans' Affairs website, or request copies from either local Federal Members or the DVA. These 3 volumes were only released in January 2007.

The HMAS Sydney & VLSV Association (VIC) has achieved much for its members. However, we need your ongoing support to be able to continue to serve you and yours.

Our History is now in the Australian War Memorial.
The History of the HMAS Sydney & VLSVA and their fight for recognition of war service has been accepted into the AWM's Private Records Collection. The material will be made available to researchers who request to view it in their supervised Reading Room. Accession number is PRO4996.

            email updates
 Members of the HMAS SYDNEY & VLSVA (VIC INC) are requested to check their email address against their name in the membership list and, if necessary, update their email address with the . Many emails are being rejected because the addresses are incorrect.

Interested in Maritime Art?
Originals and Prints.
Visit ex-LSRP Randall Wilson's
website http://navart.com.au
Randall's work is also on display
at the Museum of Cerberus.

NEW

 

Sunhat with toggle chin strap
 Full details in the  Clothing Store

NEW

 

Brand Navy Cap
 Full details in the  Clothing Store

14 December 2012
Due to an unprecedented demand for the RAN 100 YEAR  ANNIVERSARY(90mm) sew/iron on patches, we have ordered another 100. Click here for details



Gimbal Compass
Order in the Clothing Store


Rockers Runner Patch
Order in Clothing Store


Fire Fighter Patch
email the Marketing Manager
for a quote
Order in Clothing Store


Ships Crest Lapel Pins
Brass, 30mm Circumference, 10mm clutch pin, epoxy finish.
Order in Clothing Store


ROCKERS RUNNER, iron/sew on embroidered PATCHES (90mm) and matching car stickers.

Stickers now available.
Check out the Patches section of the Clothing Store

NEW




HMAS Sydney II and
LCH profile badges.
Full details in the Jewellery section of the Clothing store


Ship's Plaques
Full details in the Ship's Plaques section of the Clothing Store

NEW

All 'O' Submarine Crests Available
 Full details in the Shirts and Tops section of the Clothing Store

Medals & Memories

Original & Replica Medal Mounting
Ships Crest Button Badges
Memorabilia Framing

Contact: 
(Member RSL-VLSVA-FESR-NAA)
03-5983 5726

Victoria Cross Project
 Vern has undertaken a major project to honour those very brave men.... more........

For Sale
SR-900 Bell & Howell Micro Fiche Reader, in excellent working condition (new lamp fitted). Excess Association office equipment. Price $45.00. You pick up.
Contact  for further details.
 
 

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This page updated: 18-Jun-2013

Please direct all enquiries regarding this website to the
HMAS SYDNEY& VLSVA (Vic)

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