News & Updates - 2014

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27 Dec 2014	Vale - ex-LSCK Paul Byden, R62618. It is with sadness we report the passing of Paul Byden on 26 December 2014, aged 68.  The President and committee on behalf of the members extend their sincere condolences to his family. P. BYDEN 26 DEC 2014 A plaque has been placed on the memorial wall in the Chapel page.
20 Dec 2014	Vietnam Veterans Family Study Update The link below is a letter from the Repatriation Commissioner, Major General Mark Kelly AO DSC. This letter provides information on the completion of the Vietnam Veterans Family Study. Included is a Fact Sheet outlining the key findings of the study.  Read the letter & Fact sheet..... NOTE: The study reports can be accessed via www.dva.gov.au/vvfs.
19 Dec 2014	Falls prevention support for the veteran community If you are a Gold or White Card holder you can access aids or appliances to help you maintain independence in your home through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).  Aids or appliances prescribed through the programme can include:  More.....
18 Dec 2014	Laurie Jones has rejoined the assocation.  Welcome back!
16 Dec 2014	Rod 'Dutchy' Weinhofen has rejoined the association.  Welcome back!
15 Dec 2014	HMAS Cerberus Executive Officer Handover The end of the year is a busy time for everyone, but often for Navy families it means a change of posting.  This was the case for HMAS Cerberus Executive Officer, Commander Mike Oborn, and his replacement Commander Melanie Verho.  It is tradition for Navy’s ships and establishments to call a Clear Lower Deck for ship's company to gather and hear of important news and to witness significant occasions.  So the men and women of Cerberus gathered to farewell Commander Oborn and meet his successor.  More.....
11 Dec 2014	Improving Primary Care Mental Health Treatment For Veterans The Abbott Government is strengthening the support available to general practitioners to identify and treat Australia’s veterans with mental health issues with the release today of a new online training program.  More.....
08 Dec 2014	Veterans' Affairs' failures exposed in Australian Public Service Commission Capability Review Australia's military veterans are getting sub-standard health and welfare services by a Veterans' Affairs Department that is financially unsustainable, disjointed and slow.  A Capability Review by the Australian Public Service Commission has found Veterans' Affairs has big problems with its culture, leadership and equipment, affecting the health and welfare of its clients, veterans and their families.  More.....
08 Dec 2014	2014 Christmas Party - Photos from the 2014 children's Christmas party are now on the site in the photo gallery.
06 Dec 2014	New in the Clothing Store - HMAS Tarangau embroidered crests now available for Polo Shirts, Vests, Woolly Pully and Chambray shirts.
05 Dec 2014	Veteran Support Continues Over The Christmas Period With the Christmas and New Year period fast approaching, I would like to share with you the Department of Veterans’ Affairs service arrangements for the Christmas/New Year period. All DVA offices, including all Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) and Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) offices will close at close of business on Wednesday, 24 December 2014 and will reopen on Friday, 2 January 2015. While the offices may be closed, veterans and their families can continue to access many of the key DVA services by:  More.....
05 Dec 2014	Review Confirms Priorities For DVA Today, the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) released its Capability Review report of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).  A Capability Review is a forward-looking, whole-of-agency review that assesses an agency’s ability to meet future objectives and challenges. I welcome the release of this report.  More.....
03 Dec 2014	New in the Clothing Store - Leather Baldrick Have you been looking for a Leather Baldrick to carry your flag or banner?  It comes with a 68 cm leather strap and leather reinforced pouch bottom.  Full details in the Clothing Store.....
03 Dec 2014	New in the Clothing Store - End of an Era Port HMAS Cerberus Cooks & Stewards completed their last watch on 31st October 2014.  This magnificent 37 year old "End of Era Port", bottled for the last watch of Cooks & Steward at HMAS Cerberus.  Full details in the Clothing Store.....
01 Dec 2014	Medical Services Eligibility for medical services at a glance.  Download.....
01 Dec 2014	Christmas 2014 DVA Services - download.....
01 Dec 2014	Welcome News That Government Restores Some ADF Entitlements Removed With Pay Deal The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) thanks the Government for today announcing that it has revoked its previous support for the need to offset the 1.5% per annum pay offer made to ADF members with ‘productivity initiatives’ that removed some leave, food and travel entitlements. These entitlements will now be restored.  More.....
30 Nov 2014	Vale - Life member, ex-PO Richard Vincent Radcliffe MID, 21825. It is with sadness we report the passing of another of our ex-Sydney II life members, Dick Radcliffe, aged 95.  The President and committee on behalf of the members extend their sincere condolences to his wife Annie and their family. R.V. RADCLIFFE 30 NOV 2014 A plaque has been placed on the memorial wall in the Chapel page.
29 Nov 2014	Secretary's November report is now available to download..... (Note: Secretary's reports are also available from the Captain's Sec office)
29 Nov 2014	New Member Ex-CPOMED David Hale, R106027, FESR Vet has rejoined the Association.
28 Nov 2014	Vale - Life member, ex-AB Robert Warr, B2252. It is with sadness we report the passing of one of our ex-Sydney II life members Robert James Warr, aged 94.  The President and committee on behalf of the members extend their sincere condolences to his family. R.J. WARR 25 NOV 2014 A plaque has been placed on the memorial wall in the Chapel page.
28 Nov 2014	Vale - Donald Horne It is with sadness we report the passing of one of our members, Donald Horne, aged 83.  The President and committee on behalf of the members extend their sincere condolences to his family. D.R. HORNE 05 SEP 2014 A plaque has been placed on the memorial wall in the Chapel page.
28 Nov 2014	ADF Assistance Trust If you know someone in the Defence community who is struggling to meet financial commitments as a result of incapacity, death or injury, we may be able to help.  The Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust is a charity helping current and former members of the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as their families following the death or severe injury of their loved one as a result of service with the ADF, particularly in recent conflicts.  More.....
24 Nov 2014	President's November report is now available to  Download..... (Note: Presidents reports are also available from the Captains Cabin in the Wardroom)
19 Nov 2014	A gift for future generations The story of the battle between HMAS Sydney (I) and SMS Emden is one of cunning, strategy, endurance, and honour. But a labour of love was the focus of this year's traditional mess dinner at HMAS Cerberus.  Captain Guy Holthouse, a former Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney (IV) lead the gathering to remember the Battle of Cocos on 9 November 1914 and the significance that the battle played in Australia's naval history.  More.....
14 Nov 2014	Sirius farewells former Navy members In a respectful addition to the recent Albany Convoy Commemorative Event, HMAS Sirius conducted a committal of ashes ceremony while at anchor in Albany on 1 November.  The ceremony involved scattering the ashes of three former Royal Australian Navy personnel, John Donald Bowe, Allen Robert Porter and Kenneth Bertram Wundenberg. Sirius also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the ANZACs by committing a wreath to the sea.  More.....
11 Nov 2014	Statement of Principles concerning CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKAEMIA/SMALL LYMPHOCYTIC LYMPHOMA No. 84 of 2014 for the purposes of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. SOP No.84 of 2014 has replaced SOP No.28 of 2014. They have removed the potable water factor and the exposure to dioxins from the SOP.  Read.....
10 Nov 2014	Further inquiry into Vietnam Campaign Medal The independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will conduct an inquiry into the feasibility of amending the criteria for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester MP, announced today.  More.....
10 Nov 2014	Action between HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden commemorated The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, travelled to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to commemorate the action between HMAS Sydney (I) and the German light cruiser SMS Emden, which occurred on 9 November 1914. Sydney was undertaking escort duties for a convoy of First World War ships that departed Albany, Western Australia, on 1 November 1914, and was called to action when the German ship was discovered by wireless telegraphy operators on the Islands. More.....
10 Nov 2014	Pension / Welfare Support in WA Any ex RAN person in WA who is in need of Pension/Advocacy/Welfare support should contact Jeff Wake, RFD from the Bull Creek Veterans Centre. They have TIP trained volunteers experienced in the VEA, SRCA and MRCA. Contact details are:- Home:  08 9330 3528 Mobile: 0418 850 200 Email:
05 Nov 2014	An Eye-Witness Account of the Sydney / Emden Battle The following eye-witness account of the Sydney / Emden battle by one of their crew, Wireless Telegraphist James Clifford, was provided by his son Julian Clifford.  This account is also in the Australian War Memorial. My dad was James Clifford Nick and known as “Nat”  He joined the Navy at 11.00 am August 8th 1912 and give it a go for 5 years.  If I remember it was eventually extended to 7.  He trained as a wireless telegraphist and picked a strange “spark” at 6.23am and after confirming that he wasn’t hearing things sent off his messenger, Norm Hunter to fetch Captain Glossop.  More.....
03 Nov 2014	DFWA - MONTHLY UPDATE #285 – October 2014 ‘UPDATE’ is an e-letter produced by the Defence Force Welfare Association to inform the Service and ex-Service communities of those current issues that are of most concern to them. Distribution is intended to a wide audience that includes Members of Parliament, media outlets, Senior Public Service Officers, members of DFWA, their families and supporters, and all members of the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations.
03 Nov 2014	Cocos Islands to mark Sydney-Emden battle On 9 November 1914, HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden in a furious and bloody clash in the Cocos Islands earning Australia’s first naval victory. Sydney was undertaking escort duties of the first troop convoy from Australia to the Middle East, which left Albany, Western Australia, on 1 November 1914.  More.....
01 Nov 2014	End of an Era for Cooks and Stewards At around 2030 this evening 31 October 2014 our Cooks and Stewards at Cerberus will turn out the lights of the Main Galley and Wardroom for the last time.  They will leave with their heads held high and we of the old brigade will be comfortable in the knowledge that they have maintained the highest traditions and values of the Navy.  More.....
01 Nov 2014	Another of our SYDNEY 2 kids doing great things Aiden Leheny has been elevated to Venturers and has been awarded the Australian Scout Medallion. His family hope soon to attend the ceremony for the presentation to Aiden of the Scout Medallion. Well done Aiden we are proud of you.
29 Oct 2014	Government Cuts Red Tape Facing Veterans and Their Families The Government is slashing red tape for veterans and their families, making it easier for them to access services from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).  More.....
28 Oct 2014	Important Research Studies Released Three important research studies into the impact on families and veterans of service during the Vietnam War and of peacekeeping duties have been released today.  The Vietnam Veterans Family Study, the Peacekeepers Health Study and the Rwanda Deployment Health Study represent a $12 million investment in better understanding the health and wellbeing of veterans, peacekeepers and their families.  More.....
25 Oct 2014	President's Report Click here for the President's October report.
	Honorary member - Laura Benney Members, Many of you will remember a young girl named Laura Benney, who the Association helped with her project on the Sydney II. Laura's grandfather CPO Tom Carey was one of the 645 lost. Laura's moving poem "Under a Rising Sun" about her great-great grandfather is on our website. Laura has since become an honorary member of the association and is always in attendance at the Shrine on 19th November. The latest news from Laura is that on the 16th October she won the Victorian State Final of 'Legacy Junior Public Speaking'.  Laura now goes on to Townsville to represent Victoria at the National Final on the 10th of November. Congratulations Laura, and our best wishes go with you to the National Final.
	Vietnam Veterans' Day Our President Dr John Carroll was invited to speak at this year's Vietnam Veterans' Day Dawn Service at Boronia RSL. Read his report..... Read his speech.....
	Waller Division 15 January 1966 - 50th Anniversary Reunion Expressions of interest are requested from all members who joined the RAN on 15JAN66 (WALLER Division) for a 50th Anniversary Reunion in January 2016.  Full details on our reunions page.
	Vietnam Campaign Medal View the WIN TV news story.....
	Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnamese Naval Association of Victoria support awarding the RVCM to HMAS Sydney III personnel.  More.....
	Outgoing President's 2014 Report Read.....
	South Vietnam Campaign Medal The following is a transcript of the testimonies of John Carroll and Fred McLeod-Dryden, of the Inquiry into the eligibility for awarding of the South Vietnam Campaign Medal. This Inquiry was held at the Mercure Hotel, Treasury Gardens, Melbourne on Friday 6th September, 2013.  Read.....

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Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions
Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions (GARP) is used to assess the extent of incapacity from war caused or defence caused injury or disease for the purposes of determining the rate of pension.  Download.....

Planning ahead kit
Overview: Planning Ahead is a publication designed to help veterans and their families prepare for bereavement.  There is also a checklist that can be used to record the contact details of important people, businesses and organisations that may need to be notified in case of your death.  Download.....

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Videos of Interest

Vietnam Veterans'
Commemorative Walk
The Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk in High St., Seymour, commemorates the 60,000+ service personnel and the 11 tracker dogs who served during the 14 years of the Vietnam War. The Walk incorporates a meandering red earth path set in native trees and grasses that resemble rubber trees and rice paddies. These two plants being synonymous to Vietnam. Along the length of the Walk are walls with the names of all the Australian personnel who served in Vietnam. Contemplation areas are incorporated into the Walk as a place for people to sit and reflect on the sacrifices of those that went before us serving our country. Click image to view the video.

Music: "I Am Australian" is performed by the Royal Australian Navy band.
 

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.

 

War Service

Check your ship's eligibility for war service.....