Greetings once again
fellow shipmates.
Firstly, a belated
New Years greeting to one and all. I trust that you and your
families are enjoying good health and are not suffering too badly
in this economic climate.
As you are aware,
this past year has been an eventful one for our Association with
the major event being the location of the final resting places of
the Sydney II and the Kormoran. There were Memorial Services held
around Australia to commemorate the loss of this great ship and
its entire crew, with our Association organizing two of these
services at HMAS Cerberus and the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.
My thanks and appreciation is extended to our committee and
members who devoted their time to make these services possible,
along with the serving members of HMAS Cerberus and the Sea Cadets
of TS Tingira. A tremendous amount of planning and liaison work
went into these events – well done to all concerned.
As you can imagine,
a lot of interest was generated throughout the Sydney II family
and many of them have made it known to us how much they valued the
services and the opportunity to remember their loved ones.
Unfortunately I was
unable to attend either of these services due to commitments in
Qld. at the time, but I did manage to attend the Sydney II
Memorial Service on the Gold Coast organized by the Gold Coast
Naval Foundation. This was a very well run service with over 300
people in attendance.
The new Prime
Ministers Advisory Council is now up and running and has had its
first meeting. We will now hold a watching brief to measure its
effect on the veteran community.
Just prior to
Christmas we once again participated in our annual presentations
for Recruit School Instructor of the Year at Cerberus and our
awards to the TS Tingira cadets. Both worthwhile projects.
Our Patron, Cdre.
Jim Dickson, has not been in the best of health over the past few
months, but is now on the road to recovery. We all hope to see him
leading the push on Anzac day this year.
On the subject of
Anzac day, don’t forget the Anzac service on Sun. 19th April at
the Chelsea RSL and the new assembly point for our troops on the
25th in the city.
Finally, a reminder
that elections for your committee will be held at the AGM on Tues
29th July. All positions will be declared vacant, so here is your
opportunity to put your hand up and do your bit for your mates. I
will be standing down as President this year, due to uncertain
health issues, but have enjoyed the benefit of seeing the
membership grow under a very willing committee. Thanks guys.
Yours Aye,
John Atkins
President.
