―The

Spirit‖ Duty First

The Newsletter of The Royal Australian Regiment Association Queensland Division, Inc Keeping the Spirit Alive

Issue No: 2, 2011 It is fair to say that every soldier will confront situations that will trigger a reaction, will trigger a moment or time of terror. Such experiences will occur in peace time or while on operational service.

PTSD is an issue that sits high of mind of us all in the Defence Family. It is a very real issue particularly with so many of our men and women serving in difficult and dangerous circumstances both here in Australia and overseas. It is today‘s ―Clear and Present Danger.‖ PTSD is not a new, recently discovered medical or psychological condition. It has echoed across the centuries but by different names and has elicited different responses. If we have learnt anything in recent years the ADF and society have accepted PTSD as a potentially life changing condition BUT PTSD is treatable. PTSD is not a life sentence! . The RAR Association is conscious of what PTSD is and what can be done to assist those who are having difficulty either adjusting to changing circumstances or are reliving the pain and agony of past events.

What can we do? For a start we can make sure that we stay in touch with our mates. Staying in does not mean being in their face but it does mean being a mate, being alert to changes; are they happy, do they always look down, sad; are they hard to get moving, to get interested in what is going on around them. Do they never have a positive word to say about life? Staying in touch can be as simple as having a coffee with mates and shooting the breeze and solving the world‘s problems, going to the football together or the numerous other ways of keeping an eye on your mates. Do it regularly and do not accept, ―I cannot be bothered!‖ My own experience is that a shared coffee, tea, bonox or Milo on a regular basis is a great antidote. It has saved more that one of my friends and if the truth is told by my mates it has brought a renewed focus to my life. No Life Sentance Life after the Army or on return from a deployment sees us all changed and in changing circumstances. We need to adjust to the change and not lose sight of family and life generally. We need to STAY in TOUCH Kel Ryan President RARQ

Publishing Information: We have in preparing this newsletter used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this newsletter is true and accurate, but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements contained in this newsletter.

www.rar.org.au

The Mayonnaise Jar

Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.

When things in your life seem , almost too much to handle, When 24 Hours in a day is not enough, Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. 'Take care of the golf balls first -The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

A professor stood before his philosophy class And had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service provides counselling and group programs to all members of the Australian Defence Family. It is a specialised, free and confidential Australia-wide service. VVCS staff are qualified psychologists or social workers with experience in working with veterans, peacekeepers and their families. They can provide a wide range of treatments and programs for war and servicerelated mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). See: Accessing VVCS services and also Services provided by the VVCS for more information about what services VVCS can provide. Veterans Line can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and counselling. Phone 1800 011 046.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions – Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

Men‘s Health Peer Education (MHPE) aims to raise the veteran community‘s awareness of men‘s health issues by encouraging members of the veteran and exservice community to share the responsibility for managing their own health and wellbeing. What‘s new? Go to the MHPE website to read the March issue of the MHPE magazine. You‘ll also find the new Men‘s Quick Health Check. The checklist will only take a couple of minutes. The checklist will confirm the things you‘re doing well and suggest things you could do to improve your health.

The sand is everything else --The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you. So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. 2

PASSING PARADE Sadly, Another list of warriors, their duty done: DES MEALEY 7 RAR JOHN CHRISTOPHER MCCOLL 1 RAR KEITH O'NEILL CO 8 RAR ADRIAN RYAN 9 RAR WO1 J D MCKAY AKA MACCA 1 RAR BOB FARRAR 9 RAR DAVE SUTTON 9 RAR EDWARD MAXWELL SCHMIDT AKA MAX 2 RAR & AATTV ROBERT ROSBOROUGH AKA FOXY 8 RAR DONALD FREDRICK HEDGES AKA BENSON & HEDGES 1 RAR WILLIAM JOHN COFFMAN 3 RAR

WILLIAM GEORGE HUGES 3 RAR BARRY WILLIAMS 5 RAR C J SHEEKEY AKA JOHN OR SHEEKS 9 RAR DAVID SHARPE 5 RAR KENNETH JAMES KELLY 7 RAR KEN BROWN 1 RAR LES AKA TEX LINDSAY 1 & 8 RAR MALCOLM COLLISON 1 RAR BRAIN DESMOND-GOODWIN 3 RAR DONE DONALD JOSEPH STUBBS 3 RAR DES MEALEY 7 RAR DOUG BURKE 4 RAR ROBERT ERNST DAY AKA DINO 9 RAR

In the last edition of The Spirit we reported the death of John Leonard Watson ex 2 RAR. This was incorrect though sadly it was John‟s wife who had passed away. I regret this error and offer the RAR Association Queensland Branch‟s apologies for any distress caused. Kel Ryan, President. REST IN PEACE WE CAN NEVER FORGET ―So,‖ Ron continued, ―you want to tell me something bad about a member of Dad‘s Army, even though you are not certain it‘s true?‖ The stranger shrugged, a little embarrassed about his circumstance. Ron continued, ―You may still pass though as there is a third test – the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my fellow Dad‘s Army member going to be useful to me?‖ ―Err, No, not really ---.‖ ―Well,‖ concluded Ron ―if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even bloody Useful, why tell me at all?‖ The stranger, defeated and ashamed said no more and wandered away. Ron Woodrow, the proud descendent of Socrates, continued on his travels and headed toward the Contemplation Building where he would yet again cast pearls before the swine after morning tea.

THE TEST OF LIFE – SOCRATES Socrates was an ancient Greek scholar and is credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Among the more notable of his contemporaries and students were Plato, Xenophon and Aristophanes – a most noble band. As you are no doubt aware a direct descendent of Socrates is the Ron Woodrow a stalwart member of Dad‘s Army and a man noted for his wisdom and sage advice which he gives each Monday morning. A man Socrates would have been proud of in more ways than one. One day Ron Woodrow was travelling through the RAR National Memorial Walk deep in thought, when and a complete stranger approached him to seek his counsel and to convey a warning about one of the old warriors toiling away at the Walk. The stranger walked up to Ron and excitedly said: ―Ron, do you know what I just heard about one of Dad‘s Army?‖ ―Wait a moment Sir‖ Ron respectfully replied. ―Before you tell me, I‘d like you to pass a little test; it‘s called the Test of Three.‖ ―Test of Three?‖ said the stranger. ―That is correct Sir, before you talk to me about a member of Dad‘s Army let‘s take a moment to test what you are going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure what you are about to tell me is true?‖ ―No,‖ the fellow replied, ―actually I just heard about it.‖ ―All right,‖ said Ron. ―So you don‘t really know if it‘s true or not. Now let‘s try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about a member of Dad‘s Army something good?‖ ―No, on the contrary ---.‖

Kel Ryan [With thanks and apologies to the SASR RV Journal May 2009]

LIFE There are three things in life that you should never do: 1. 2. 3.

Never wash your tracksuit. Never pay your tailor, and Never go past a toilet without using it. David Niven, The Moon is a Balloon

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Bill will cost $175M over the forward estimates (four years). It also says the ―fiscal cost‖, an accounting device, will be $1.7B and that the total cost is $6B. Finance neglects to give the assumptions it makes to arrive at numbers that only scare and confuse. Instead, let‘s look at facts. The latest (2009-10) DFRDB Annual Report says that total real expenditure on all DFRDB superannuation pensions in FY2009-10 was $1.285B. Meanwhile, the Australian Government Actuary (AGA) tells us to use a CPI ‗per annum‘ rate of 2.5% and a wage growth rate of 4% for military superannuation pension forecasts, meaning that the additional cost of fair indexation if linked directly to wage growth would be 4% minus 2.5%, or 1.5%. This means that the first year maximum additional cost of fair indexation would be $1.285B x 1.5%. That‘s $19.275M. Call it $20M. The second year additional cost of fair indexation is $20M + ($20M x 1.5%). That‘s $20.3M, but let‘s round it way up to $21M. Similarly, the third year is $22M and the fourth year is $23M if the cost is always rounded up. (These simple sums do not account for new beneficiaries entering, who add to the cost, or for current beneficiaries dying, who reduce the cost – nor for twice-yearly indexation rests.) So even if the additional cost of fair indexation is always rounded up, the four year forward estimates cost is around $20M + $21M + $22M + $23M. That‘s only $86M, a gross figure before ―clawback‖ or other offsets. And that‘s for all DFRDB pensioners, not just those aged over 55 years. Other researched four year estimates of the cost of fair indexation range from the Podger Review ($85M in 2008; possibly $95M now), the Coalition ($98M), and Thornton ($112M using his 2% assumption; around $90M using the AGA assumption of 1.5%). $86M may be wrong. But it and all other estimates, except Finance‟s, are similar. And are so distant from Finance‘s $175M that even the most vocal of those opposed to fair indexation must take pause.

In late 2010 the National Presidents of the Defence Force Welfare Association; the Naval Association of Australia; the Royal Australian Regiment Corporation; the Australian Special Air Services Association; and the RAAF Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations. The objective of the Alliance is to provide a stronger voice on issues impacting the conditions and wellbeing of currently serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force. Its major functions are to: improve communication, cooperation and collaboration between member organisations; gain mutual advantage from the differing of expertise of each member organisation; ensure for each issue being pursued, the appropriate organisation is identified as the ―lead organisation‖ for coordination of the actions undertaken by the Alliance; and help spread the workload and ensure the resources of the Alliance members are used to produce the most effective result. The Alliance does not preclude individual organisations pursuing individual matters on their own, especially when their respective Constitutions require them to do so. Rather, the Alliance will present a united voice on those major issues affecting theirs constituents more broadly than individual ESO-specific matters. At a joint meeting in November 2010, the Alliance agreed that issues the Alliance could pursue may include: Indexation Military Superannuation (life tables) Governance of Military Superannuation Schemes Release of Service Records TIP / BEST Funding Unique Nature of Military Service Allowances / Superannuation Home Ownership Scheme Reserve Hours

Is there anything else the Minister for Finance is not disclosing? Finance is demonstrably tardy and economical with the facts. It took six months to answer six simple questions-onnotice asked in the Senate on 16 November 2010. And Finance‘s answers did not advance anyone‘s understanding of the fair indexation issue. Why not? ―Clawback‖ through increased taxation and reduced Age/Service pension payments will lower the net cost of fair indexation significantly. Why does Finance not spell out the whole truth? All DFRDB contributors compulsorily paid 5.5% of their pre-tax pay to consolidated revenue. Where does Finance account for this huge offset over the life of the DFRDB scheme? DFRDB closed to new entrants way back in 1990. But DFRDB‘s remaining 4,246 ADF people still compulsorily contribute $22.3M pa (2009-10). Why does

The initial point of contact for the Alliance is c/- the National Office of the DFWA, email [email protected]

FAIR INDEXATION for DFRB/DFRDB MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONERS CAN YOU TRUST WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SAYS? What will Fair Indexation cost? Finance says that implementing the Fair indexation 4

Finance conceal even this modest offset? DFRDB/MSBS unfunded liabilities will fall significantly when the Government replaces MSBS with a new defined contributions scheme. Where do Finance‘s projections acknowledge this? And even if Finance‘s (or any other) number is correct, the AGA says that unfunded DFRDB/MSBS liabilities as a % of GDP will in 2048 fall to around 75% of the 2008 level even if MSBS is retained. Fair indexation adds infinitesimally to this. Why won‘t Finance say so clearly and unambiguously? What else is Minister holding back from servicemen & women – and from taxpayers and the Parliament? Finance’s figures are untrustworthy. Why would anyone believe them?

senators who publicly supported fair indexation but who then voted along party lines to oppose it. (See the Hansard report at http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/ hanssen.htm) In 1997 the Coalition Government acknowledged that the CPI no longer protected the purchasing power of the Age pension and so it changed the indexation regime to one that was fairer and that kept pace with the increased cost of living. However it kept the CPI formula in place for Military superannuation! This is even though the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) acknowledges that CPI is a measure of inflation only and not of purchasing power. The ALP ‗promised‘ to fix the matter in the lead up to the 2007 Federal election. It has not done so! Despite six previous reports recommending changes to the indexation regime the Labor Government called for another Report. The Matthews Report, which reviewed the pension indexation arrangements for the Australian Government civilian and military superannuation schemes, concluded that CPI was the right indexation measure. The Matthews Report has been universally discredited because of its restricted terms of reference, its selective and contradictory use of financial data, poor methodology and shallow research. Is it an example of the former Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner's admission of his use of the "dark arts" in his 2011 book "Sideshow: dumbing down democracy" which outlines the use of distortions and the selective use of favourable data? In 2009 the Labor Government further adjusted the Age pension by adding a pensioner and beneficiary living cost index (PBLCI), to better reflect purchasing power. However yet again, Military superannuation pensions were forgotten, staying indexed to the inadequate and unfair CPI.

The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO)

ADSO LETTER TO MEDIA DEFENCE RETIREES RIPPED OFF AGAIN The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations [ADSO] ask that you reveal to the nation the long term and on-going plight of Australia's military personnel to obtain fair and just indexation of their military superannuation pensions. ADSO embraces the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA); the Naval Association of Australia (NAA); the Royal Australian Regiment Corporation (RARC); the Australian Special Air Services Association (ASASA); and the RAAF Association (RAAFA). It represents a significant number of members of the Australian Defence Family, including current serving, past serving men and women, their families and defence widows, on national advocacy matters. Simply put we want an indexation regime that protects our pension purchasing power. The present indexation regime for the Age pension does that. Members of the ADF deserve the same indexation regime for their pensions: nothing more, nothing less. In early June 2011 the House of Representatives voted unanimously to support the concept of the unique nature of military service and the Coalition's policy to index military pensions. On 16Th June the Government, the Greens and Senator Xenophon rejected Senator Ronaldson‘s Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate. That Bill would have provided fair indexation to many military retirees. We see the Senate’s vote as an act of betrayal. It displayed a lack of courage on the part of those

In the lead up the 2010 Federal election the Coalition, the Greens and the Independents agreed to change the indexation regime as we proposed and included it in their policy documents. The ALP opposed any change on the basis of cost and fiscal responsibility. A Fair Go for those they send into harm‘s way was not an option! The Government‘s cost analysis has been challenged: see our ―Can You Trust What the Government Says?‖ paper attached. Staff of the Department of Finance & Deregulation as late as Tuesday 28th June failed to produce their full cost assumptions and calculations and, importantly rebut ADSO‘s cost analysis that shows fair indexation is affordable. Following this failure a letter (copy attached) was delivered to Prime Minister Gillard seeking a meeting to discuss the issue. To date no reply has been received. The Defence community has been bayoneted once again! The anger against the Government’s rejection of the Fair indexation Bill can be seen in the articles and comments reported in the Independent Australia: We request your support in reporting to the Australian public this unfair treatment of members of the Defence community 5

As the ADSO spokesman and President of the Defence Force Welfare Association, I am on call to answer your questions and participate in any interview.

the plight of their constituents . In contrast, I continued to meet with veterans who continue to help each other find peace in their troubled lives. So Minister, since you have given up on helping these people, who fought to ensure you an exalted position as a Minister of the Crown, I am giving up on the once great ALP. Countless Millions of taxpayer dollars is pouring out of this country every day to placate countries who have little regard for our way of life, seemingly in a vain effort to win their governments over, at the expense of people like our returned servicemen and women. Please do not reply that financial considerations were at the forefront of your decision given the waste I have outlined It is hoped that a reflection of this matter may prove to have a reversal of your vote and more in keeping with the views of the elected representatives in the other place. If this decision is not reversed I will take every action possible, to generate a vote which may assist in the government's defeat at the next election. The veterans of our society need representatives who appreciate and value their service. Please feel free to forward this email to your colleague Senator Penny Wong respectfully

Colonel David Jamison AM (Retired) ADSO National Spokesman 0416 107 557 [email protected]

FURTHER INFORMATION The Fair Indexation Frequently Asked Questions (attached) will help you understand the matter. Details on the ―Fair Go!‖ Campaign and Indexation can be found at www.dfwa.org.au

FORMER NSW ALP MP IAN MCMANUS LETTER OF SUPPORT

Ian McManus

Presented here is the copy of an email to Senator Kate Lundy from Ian McManus. Ian is a veteran and was an ALP member of the NSW Legislative Assembly from 1987 to 2003. Now retired he is standing behind his fellow veterans and ex & current service personnel.

DFWA SAYS THE SENATE TURNED ITS BACK ON THE NATION’S SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN On 16 June the Parliament revealed its true nature and its attitude towards serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force who it so willingly sends into harm‘s way. The House of Representatives just last week expressed its support for fair treatment for members of military superannuation schemes and today the Senate rejected a Bill which would start the process of removing the discrimination faced by ADF members in their superannuation schemes. It seems we endure a directionless Parliament bereft of vision and unable to cooperate and agree on measures that will benefit our service men and women. For this we can lay the blame squarely at the feet of the Government which is big on spending in many areas but not to meet its obligations to its service men and women. We are very disappointed at the intrusion of party politics into today‘s debate as well as the Government‘s enthusiasm for (in the words of Mr Tanner, the former Minister for Finance) ―the dark art of misusing government spending information using some of the standard tricks employed to maximise political appearances: switching between cash and accrual accounting; using nominal, real or proportion of gross domestic product indicators of spending according to which indicator suited the argument better; classifying yearly spending as capital; making commitments beyond the

Afternoon Senator Lundy, My name is Ian McManus, a retired NSW Labor MP and Vietnam Veteran. It has come to my notice that you may have voted in in the negative recently on a motion, supported by the "peoples" house, against the above bill. If correct, this is a shameful act against veterans of the past, present and future, who have supported and continue to support the wishes if the governments at every turn. We, as veterans are being encouraged to fight your decision for the benefit of our young comrades and I find myself at odds ,with a difficult decision-Do I continue to support the Labor principles instilled in me by my working class family, or do I stand with the veterans I proudly fought alongside and continue to assist where possible, in helping them cope with the traumas, brought about by combat and the failure of the Labor government the recognize them on return to Australia . The decision has, in fact been made for me! In 30 years, as a member of the Labor Party, I continually found greed ,corruption, self-interest, branch stacking and elected representatives who often scoffed at 6

Government should consider its use for indexing Australian Government civilian and military superannuation pensions. Senator even blind and deaf Freddy would know that we have been hearing this sort of comment for far too long now without any action on the part of the Gillard Labor Government to attempt to give us a ‗Fair Go.‘ When does one say enough is enough? Senator Lundy, your contribution to this whole affair is increasingly being brought into question. You are seen as the ‗fall guy‘ for the Government with a safe senate spot, being allowed to develop and maintain a web site to draw out the comments and the concerns of the members of the Defence Family but with no intention of breaking ranks with the party line. I do not expect that you will be able to fool many in the Defence Family next time. You will be aware that there are members of the Labor Caucus who are sympathetic to the need to change the method of indexation for those on DFRDB/DFRB pensions. Despite this you and they are bound to vote with the Labor Caucus on the issue so nothing will change. This indicates a lack of courage. An interesting word ‗courage‘ as it supposes so many qualities in an individual. It is courage that the present Government and previous governments demand of the men and women they send into harm‘s way in so many conflicts across the globe. It is courage that all sides of Parliament laud when a fallen warrior is praised in speech after speech. It is courage that politicians applaud on ANZAC Day and other days on national commemoration. Sadly it was courage that was missing when members of your government and others voted down the Bill. A truly sad day! Senator you have said many times that you will continue to campaign for a fairer system of indexation for those on military superannuation pensions. However what you say and feel personally on the issue will not alter the status quo as you are bound by Caucus decisions. Please advise what the Gillard Labor Government‘s intentions are with regards a Fair Go for those of us on military superannuation pensions?

forward estimate years.‖ Placing politics above the wellbeing of our service personnel is detestable and devalues the work our ADF men and women undertake on behalf of us all. We utterly condemn those who have opposed even this limited measure to provide relief for some of our service and ex-service personnel without providing any suggestion of how to rectify this inequity they acknowledge is real. Where is the leadership and care that we expect from our elected leaders ? Those MPs and Senators who have pressed for fair and equitable treatment for ADF military superannuation members have our appreciation and we will continue to work with them to achieve a positive outcome. Whilst he voted against the Bill today, we will watch closely the progress on the constructive suggestion made by Senator Xenophon for Parliament to identify ―in the next 6 to 12 months‖ savings to pay for fair indexation We call on all MPs and Senators to restore hope for our serving and ex-serving ADF members by looking beyond the ―dark arts of misusing government spending information‖ and take positive measures to remove all discriminatory provisions relating to the ADF superannuation schemes and resolve the funding issue. The Government should also make a commitment to adjusting the Disability Pension by the same percentage the single Age Pension was increased in 2009 over the forward estimate period. The following is a letter President Kel Ryan sent to ACT Senator Kate Lundy who was one of four ALP MP‟s/ Senators who have been working towards getting the government to change its stance on this issue.

A LETTER TO SENATOR KATE LUNDY FROM KEL RYAN Like many in the Defence Family I am deeply disappointed with the failure of the Gillard Labor Government to allow the passage of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 on Thursday 16 June 2011. Many of us listened intently to the pantomime that was the Senate on that day and have read Hansard to confirm that a Bill that was so important to so many was treated with such contempt. The speech, I will not call it a debate, by the Minister for Finance, Senator Wong in particular, was pompous, vitriolic and farcical all at the same time. It was a sad reflection on a Minister of the Crown who has shown herself to be unable to add any substance to this long running issue of real concern to so many members of the Defence Family. However I do commend you for your contribution on the day. In your comments you did say that, “- this bill is not the answer –“ , also acknowledged that “CPI is no longer an accurate measure of the changes of the cost of living” and finally that, “If a robust index which reflects the price inflation experience of superannuants better than the CPI becomes available in the future, the Australian

Yours sincerely, Mr K. D. Ryan 25 June 2011 As the campaign has developed a must see video has been produced by Mrs Leesa Williamson, 6RAR wife, in support of members of the ADF. DO YOU REMEMBER ME? - by a very proud army wife. This is a MUST SEE video produced by Mrs Leesa Williamson Leesa Williamson says that, This is the video I have done up for the The Alliance Of Defence Services Organisation, a voice for our extended Defence family. http://www.youtube.com/user/willolee1?feature=mhee 7

C The use of abusive or denigrating language when choresponding with politicians is unproductive and unprofessional. We will not win our case by the use of such language. I recommend you regularly check DFWA website: www.dfwa.org.au.

A COPY OF AN EMAIL SENT TO SENATOR LUNDY MAKING HER AWARE OF THE LEESA WILLIAMSON’S VIDEO Dear Senator Lundy

Kel Ryan

I wrote to you with passion recently as I feel strongly about the issues affecting all members of the broad Defence Family. The issue of the indexation of military pensions does warrant serious consideration by the Gillard Labor Government. This video has been produced for the Alliance of Defence Services Organisation [ADSO]. The member ESObs are identified by their Service or Corps badges. The video was prepared by Leesa Williamson, the wife of a 6 RAR member and the proud daughter of a Vietnam veteran. Leesa Williamson says that, This is the video I have done up for the The Alliance Of Defence Services Organisation, a voice for our extended Defence family,b http://www.youtube.com/user/willolee1?feature=mhee

NEW ONLINE HEALTH ASSISTANCE WITH THE WELLBEING TOOLBOX The Department of Veteran‘s Affairs has recently launched a new health and wellbeing website - the Wellbeing Toolbox. The Wellbeing Toolbox provides interactive educational material in key areas such as problem solving, building support, helpful thinking, getting active, keeping calm and sleeping better. It has been developed in conjunction with leading experts at the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and can be accessed at www.wellbeingtoolbox.net.au or via www.touchbase.gov.au.

I wish you well as you seek to pursue the indexation issue in the coming weeks.

VIET SHIP BAN TALK IS CALLED SYDNEY—The Australian Council of Trade Unions will call the maritime unions together in Sydney today in an attempt to settle the Boonaroo dispute. The Seamen‘s Union federal executive has refused a government request to provide crews for Australian ships taking supplies to the troops. The Boonaroo is due to leave Sydney for Vietnam on Thursday with tractors, trailers, stores, building materials, barbed wire and sandbags. She is the first Australian National Line ship commissioned to take supplies to Vietnam. Industrial observers said last night the seamen‘s leader and prominent communist Mr E.V. Elliott, appeared to be isolated on the issue. First printed in The Courier-Mail 17/05/1966

Take care, Kel Ryan To her credit Senator Kate Lundy remains involved and apparently committed to seeking a positive outcome on the indexation issue for members and former members of the ADF. She has sent the following email in response to mine above. From: Lundy,Kate Sent: Saturday July 2 2011, 2:23pm To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Do You Support Me?

IMPORTANT DATES AT THE WALK

Thanks Kel.

1. RAR NMW: SUN 17 JUL 9 RAR MEETING & SAUSAGE SIZZLE 1000 may chnage to Sunday 10 Jul MON 18 JUL DAD's ARMY Work Party Wombat TUE 19 JUL 7 BDE WORK EX 1300-1430 WED 20 JUL THE GAP RSL SUB BR MON 25 JUL DAD's ARMY Work Party Wombat WED 27 JUL KOREAN VETS DAY HOSTED BY 2 RARA QLD

I watched the video this morning. I think it is excellent. Moving and effective. I appreciate your email and will keep trying. The Liberal opposition know this too. As ineffective as I am right now, I know my blog has had an impact and helped to lift this issue at a time when it is easier to just ignore the hard stuff. This is not my approach. Regards Kate Lundy

2. RARA QLD: SUN 7 AUG AGM COMD MESS CONF CENTRE 0900 BREW & BEKKIE SUN 28 AUG ARMY BAND BRISBANE LEGACY CONCERT see seperate flyer email WED 31 AUG MALAY & BORNEO VETERANS DAY SERVICE & BBQ RAR NMW

In summary, A The Fair Go/ADSO campaign has achieved some success to date. B To ensure a fair go/fair indexation outcome is achieved, we all must by positive in the way we approach those in the political arena.

3. OTHER: Monthly Luncheons Gaythorne RSL, Moolooba Surf Club & Townsville RSL

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THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION(QUEENSLAND DIVISION) INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2011 Notice is hereby given that all Committee positions will be declared vacant at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association to be held at 0900 hours Sunday 15 AUG 10 at COMD Mess Conf Centre, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Qld, 4051. Members attending are asked to arrive at 0830 hours to enjoy morning tea and check their financial status. Only financial members are permitted to vote or stand for election. If you wish to nominate yourself or another person for a position on the Committee, complete the Nomination Form, & submit your nomination in the prescribed manner. Following the AGM, lunch will be available for a nominal cost.

The agenda for the meeting is as follows: Attendance / Apologies ....................................................................................Secretary Confirmation of Previous Minutes ...................................................................President Business Arising ...............................................................................................President Reports .............................................................................................................President Financial / Auditors Report ..............................................................................Treasurer Appointment of Auditors..................................................................................Treasurer Election of Office Bearers ................................................................................Chairman General Business ..............................................................................................President Next Meeting ....................................................................................................Secretary Note: Any matters for discussion / notice of motion under General Business must be notified to the Secretary in writing no later than ten days (27 July 11 ) before the date of the AGM and the Agenda and Notices of Motion will be notified electrically and posted on the Notice Broad www.rar.org.au by 9 August 11 and confirmed in writing at the meeting. G DECKER Secretary

Methods of Voting The First Past the Post method of voting will be used. This means the nominee with the most number of votes for a position wins. Listed below are the current Executive and Committee positions and incumbents filling the positions. TITLE

INCUMBENT

President

K Ryan

Immediate Past President

E.A. Chitham, MC

Vice President (SQ)

Vacant

Vice President (NQ)

E Cameron

Secretary

G Decker

Treasurer

R Goodall

NMW Curator

Paul Gallagher

NMW CO-ORD

M.R Gibbons

Newsletter Editor

Vacant

Web Master

R.J. Hollingdrake, OAM

Asst Secretary

John Stevens

Printing Co-Ord

David Huntley

Welfare

R. Langford

Committee

D. Duggan D Penmann

Darling Downs

R Boxall

Gold Coast

Vacant

Sunshine Coast

K Lynch

North Queensland

Vacant

Padre

Chaplain G. J. Stone

Auditor

Mr P. Masters ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Please find proxy voting form on page 21

ANZAC DAY 2011 FROM THE 8TH BATTALION, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT DAWN SERVICE AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL WALK There was an excellent roll up to the Royal Australian Regiment (Qld) Dawn Service held at the National Memorial Walk once the traffic congestion was conquered – otherwise you walked. Contributions were made by Ron Goodall, Klaus Scheuerrmann, Paul Gallagher, Ken Falvey, Peter Lauder MC (8RAR Association),Ted Chitham MC OAM, Padre Gary Stone and David Huntley (2RAR Association).

Ron Goodall and a member of the catafalque party inpreparation. Padre Stone in the far distant background.

Peter Lauder MC prior to presenting the Address. Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Associations. The catafalque party was mounted by the 8/9 th Battalion. Our bugler was Major Stuart Jones and the piper was Ian Millard. In total it was a moving experience and our thanks must go to all who played a part in making this commemoration happen.Those in attendance were invited to walk through the trees and experience the emotions of the occasion. Peter Lauder gave the Address, Ron Goodall was the MC and Ted Chitham gave the Closure. Peter‘s address highlighted the role of the Australian Seviceman – The Digger – in many theatres of war and United Nations actions over many decades continuing to this very day. He paid tribute to the privates and the non commissioned officers and as well to the National Servicemen who came under his command as a platoon commander over a period of four and a half years. It was not just a tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the Australian soldier but also a tribute to their actions as human beings. Communities of many countries through the world remember the Australians fondly. 11

The Memorial Stone “Keeping the Spirit Alive”. PRE MARCH GATHERINGS Our Association had the honour of leading the RAR Associations followed by the 9 RAR Association and the 8/9 RAR Association. It was a special march for all infantry as the Colour Parties of The 6th Battalion RAR and The 8th/9th Battalion RAR were proudly exhibited. As usual there were the many greetings and conversations as the Association members and friends waited with military stoicness for the eventual ―form up in sixes on the road, now!‖ Someone must have been an CSM/RSM or at least had pretensions to be one. We might have seen a little more of Tom Perkins and Bruce Neal if they had have been on time. They were late and so had to run to catch up to us punctual, fit blokes. In all their glory we see the following in various stages of their prime!

POST MARCH RELAXATION The advertised post march venue was The Pig N Whistle. We know you enjoyed the day wherever your post march venue was. Of course some like Col Fedricks and the Healys were greedy and tried more than one venue. – Gaythorne even let them in. Peter was developing a taste for the red while the ladies stayed safe with the white. That is why Peter has to walk from Strathpine to Bald Hills occasionally.

Des Evans, Paul Gallagher, Col Fedrick, Ray Smith and Peter Healy.

Peter and Tricia Healy with Peter‟s sister Monica.

Steve Seales, Ray Smith, Geoff Simmonds and Col Fedrick. Good to see Geoff survived the water difficulties of Toowoomba.

Bruce Mison and Eroll Weatheral. Bruce of course had to recount his experiences in overcoming tigers and elephants after successfully raiding Charlie Company ? in the dead of Malayan night and approaching monsoons. Peter Lauder told him he was only exaggerating a little bit. Ready to march. Ken Falvey in the foreground. 12

service at Kenmore was great and large numbers as is usual.

Peter Creedy and Kym McDougall Brian (Dada) Aitkin at Beerwah

Fred Wright and Doc Casey The Shrine at Beerwah Peter Healy‘s sister Monica was also in attendance at the Pig N Whistle. We also believe that Sallyman Don Woodland was in attendance playing with the Salvation Army band. Special welcome and thanks to Jason Kenn who has been responsible for the donation of materials associated with the memorial plaques in the NMW. Those Association members with some distance under their belt included Cactus Jeans (Toogom), Gary Larter (Melbourne) and Geoff Simmonds (Toowoomba). My apologies to any of our members not mentioned. Bruce Mison‘s son John and his partner Jayne McCourt along with friend Tim Everett came to support. Peter Lauder and his wife Jill were accompanied by their youngest son ,Mark. Don Gordon and his wife Lyn were accompanied by their son Drew, Drew‘s wife Jackie and their children Elisif and Finn.

Lynda and Tank Scheuerrmann; Ron and Jean Goodall Allan McNaught attended the service at Mt Ommaney and whilst they did not have a band this year there was a good number of men and a great crowd. Word is that the 13

“Stan the Ram” leads 8/9 during the ANZAC Day Parade, Brisbane 2011.

Carrying the Banner- A bunch of great fellows. You have to watch out for that Jimmy Powell. He doesn‟t stop smiling.

Alf Handley Leading the RAR banner, Brisbane 2011

The 8/9 Battalion Colour Party

Battalion on parade.

Engineers march proudly through Brisbane, Anzac day 2011

14

road, another item of interest is found. Sapper Darren Smith, a 2 CER doggie, his EDD Herbie and Sapper Jacob Moerland also of 2 CER move in to check the item. It is another IED. But this time, it is connected to the enemy by remote control. As the three close in on the IED, the enemy ―hit the switch‖ and fire their device. There is a tremendous explosion. All three soldiers are killed in action. Sapper Darren Smith becomes the first digger, in the history of the Australian Defence Force, to be killed in action while operating an Australian war dog. The pressure on the doggies is intense. They are out front, but they can‘t look for enemy riflemen. They just keep their eyes glued to their dog. They rely totally on their infantry or armoured Corps mates to look after their back. Sounds similar to some veterans? It was exactly like that for the infantry tracker and his dog in Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. The main difference between Vietnam and Afghanistan for a war dog team is the principal vegetation. Vietnam has jungle and rice paddy – Afghanistan has desert and the ―Green Zone‖ - strips of man-encouraged thick vegetation. But the pressure is the same and the huge advantage of having a dog team out there is palpable. The dog teams save numerous lives and protect our vehicles from the ever-present IED. They are out there right now. Sniffing, searching, detecting and protecting our boys in a dangerous place.

THE WAR DOG TEAM LTCOL George Hulse RAE (Retd) Its dawn in Oruzgan Province of Afghanistan. An Australian patrol departs its base and commences to clear a road. It‘s a dusty gravel road, with evidence of the p a s s a g e o f d o n ke y s , motorbikes, trucks, tractors, farm animals and many human beings. There is no proper road drainage, and the bridges and culverts are rudimentary. Buildings and bazaars are approached. The architecture of these has not changed in hundreds of years. And they look that old. Combat engineers move at the point of the patrol so that they can have an undisturbed view of the road, its sides, the mud brick walls and the houses, called kwalas. A part of the combat engineer support includes an explosive detection dog (EDD) team. They are out front. The dog handler nicknamed a ―doggie‖ operates his EDD using hand and arm movements and the dog works off-lead in quick darting movements to cover a large area to the front and flank of the patrol. The dog stops. Its search behaviour now changes significantly. The dog gives the doggie an indication that there is an ―item of interest‖ here. It could be a weapon, a radio, papers, medical stores, a person in hiding, or, as is the most common ―item of interest‖, an improvised explosive device (IED). The dog gives a positive response by sitting facing what it has located. It hardly moves and keeps staring at the hidden object. The doggie and combat engineers move forward and after a short but very careful search uncover a roadside bomb. It is a pressure cooker filled with steel bits and pieces. The IED is neutralized, the dog is rewarded by playing with a tennis ball and the patrol moves on.

Cpl John Cannon and EDD Storm searching caves

PROGRESS ON AUSTRALIAN MEMORIAL IN NEW ZEALAND

CPL Turnbull- Tank, LCPL Sichter- Bolt, SPRs Brown-Bundy, ConlinSolo, Keemink- Aussie,Griggs-Que

But it is 7 June 2010. History is about to made for all the wrong reasons. A short distance further down the 15

The Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the New Zealand Government‘s commitment to establish an Australian Memorial in Wellington, announced today by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Mr Snowdon said the memorial will be part of the New Zealand Memorial Park in Wellington and it will recognise the significant relationship between the two countries. ―Australians and New Zealanders have served alongside each other from South Africa more than a century ago, through Gallipoli, France and Belgium in the First World War, Second World War, Korea, and Vietnam to Afghanistan today.

―The bonds of mateship established in war and on operations in support of the United Nations are today a pillar of one of Australia‘s strongest relationships. However the relationship is not just a military one: the ties of history, people, culture, trade and sport are also deep and lasting. ―This project reciprocates the New Zealand Memorial on Anzac Parade, in Canberra, that was a gift from the Government and people of New Zealand for the Centenary of Federation in 2001,‖ Mr Snowdon said. Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government previously provided $5 million for the construction of the memorial, with design work to begin shortly. ―The memorial will provide a significant focus for commemorations marking the centenary of the First World War in 2015. ―As we approach the centenary of the landings at Gallipoli, the Australian Government will continue to work in partnership with the New Zealand Government to coordinate the delivery of Anzac Day commemorations.‖ In Australia, a new Anzac Centenary Advisory Board is also being established to progress the work initiated by the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary. Veteranweb Network [email protected]

(TI) Allowance and Loss of Earnings (LOE) Allowance paid under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 for a temporary inability to work due to a war or defence caused condition. The Government will no longer proceed with the Veterans' Ambulance Travel Funding arrangements announced in last year‘s 2010-11 Budget. Instead DVA will negotiate individually with each State and Territory. Amendments are to be made to the offsetting provisions in the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986 to avoid double compensation due to eligibility under different schemes for the same incapacity. This means you may not receive compensation twice for the same disability. There has been a reduction in funds of $4 million of The Veterans‘ & Community Grants (V&C) programs over four years. The budget states this reflects the low take -up rate for the grants. The grants have been used in the past for things like bus trips for Legacy widows, wellness and health activities etc. It was stressed in the budget that this is not a cut-back but does reflect current usage. The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program is to be reduced by around $1 million. The Minister has stated he requires better use of funds and better efficiency. Rural and country areas that are not well served by a veteran support centre can expect to be given a higher priority for allocation of funding.

THE 2011/2012 DVA BUDGET The 2011– 2012 Department Of Veterans Affairs budget has now been handed down. DVA inform they will continue to deliver services to the ex-service community by delivering income support, compensation and health services. The key focus in delivering the government‘s programs is to ensure DVA continues to be efficient and responsive to the needs of a changing ex-service community with a focus on aged care, veterans and war widow/ers as well as the continually evolving needs of younger veterans and serving members. Below is a brief summary of the budget relating to the veteran community with the main dot points. Commencing 20th September 2011 a Prisoner of War Recognition Supplement of $500 per fortnight will be introduced for eligible former POWs. This payment will be tax free and exempt from the income test for service pension. Eligible veterans with qualifying service will be reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses relating to pharmaceutical prescriptions. This payment will be tax free and excluded from the income test for service pension and will commence 1st January 2012 - with reimbursement payments being paid early 2013. The Government will provide funding and resources to the Vietnam Veteran‘s Education Center in Washington, DC. DVA is to streamline their assessment processes to make it simpler for clients. DVA is to rationalise the Temporary Incapacity

Australian Army Apprentices Association Announces a Reunion of all Apprentices and Staff in Canberra, 27th to 31st Oct 2011.The title is: Apprentices Together 2011,Full details of this event are at www.austarmyapprentice.org, or call Frank Maloney 0418 728 181, or Frank Poole 0416 193 387 Your Association needs your continuing support

KAPYONG DAY 2011 As the 3rd BN participated in their last Kapyong Parade at Kapyong Lines Holwsworthy Barracks in Sydney, before moving to Townsville; A number of Old & Bold Original members of 3 RAR Korea gathered with other members of the 3 RAR Corporation and RARA QLD and guests for a Kapyong Service at the RAR National Memorial Walk. The group was approx 70 in number and the Catafalque Party provided by 6 RAR, along with the bugler from the Salvation Army. The BBQ was appreciated by those in attendance plus a coldie from the bar. Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees." TWA 2341: "Centre, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"

16

SCAMS

GREECE AND CRETE COMMEMORATIVE MISSION

The Department of Veterans‘ Affairs is aware of scam activity which specifically targets DVA clients. There is now a dedicated page on the DVA website with information on potential scams and measures you can take to avoid being scammed. Another useful government website to monitor is SCAMwatch, this site contains information on how to protect your privacy and regular updates on scam activity.

This year marks the 70th anniversaries of the Battles for Greece and Crete. During the battles, Australians fought alongside New Zealand, Greek and British troops to help defend the country from enemy invasion. A commemorative mission involving six Second World War veterans was undertaken between 15-26 May. The mission party visited significant sites linked to the battles. For more information please visit the DVA Media Centre.

VETERANS’ HEATH WEEK Veterans' Health Week will be held the week of 24 - 30 October 2011 this year. This year‘s theme is building on the strengths of the veteran community – mental wellness. We are working in partnership with ex-service and community groups to develop and fund a program of activities. Like previous years, Veterans' Health Week will encourage the veteran community to consider their health needs and provide suggestions for positive changes to live stronger, healthier and happier lives. For more information on how to get involved visit the DVA website or email [email protected].

FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON REVIEW OF MILITARY COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS REPORT The Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, publicly released the report of the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements on 18 March 2011. Feedback is being sought from the defence and veteran communities on the report with comments due by 30 June 2011. The report made 108 recommendations, including four pairs of two alternative recommendations. The report can be accessed on the DVA website. Feedback can be provided in writing to the Review‘s Secretariat by email at [email protected] or mail to:

THE ASSAM SHOOT 2010 During the early days of the Royal Australian Regiment Associations, it was decided that all State Associations would donate a ―Rose Bowl‖. It was to be presented to the winning team of the ―Falling Plate‖ section of the Assam Competition, which at that time was conducted annually at Greenbank. For several years the competition was conducted in Queensland, and then for some time the Association lost track of the competition. However last year it was found that the activity is now run at Puckapunyal, and has been for several years. The presentation in 2010 was made to 3RAR by Mr Doug Bishop. In 2011 the ―Falling Plate‖ was won by the School of Infantry.

Military Compensation Review Secretariat GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601

VIETNAMESE CROSS GALLANTRY CITATION They have the full size and miniture - cost $12.00 each. To Order: Email Fred Young details of your order: [email protected] Cheque to 8 RAR Assoc or direct deposit to: 8RAR Assoc Bank: NAB BSB: 084 - 283 Account: 045098582

A Message from the RARNMW Curator Paul Gallagher AKA Wombat. “Please don‟t send any more Grease Guns. I have got a shed full of them now and I have no idea what I am going to do with them.” “I am very grateful to the response to my request for a grease gun or two, but please NO MORE!” “Thank You” Wombat Aka Paul Gallagher. 17

A Pan Am 727 flight, waiting for start clearance in Munich, overheard the following: Lufthansa (in German): "Ground, what is our start clearance time?" Ground (in English): "If you want an answer you must speak in English." Lufthansa (in English): "I am a German, flying a German airplane, in Germany. Why must I speak English?" Unknown voice from another plane (in a beautiful British accent): "Because you lost the war!"

smells similar to those experienced in earlier life threatening events, trigger a serotonin release in the brain. The body sub consciously and automatically reacts to these triggers that shut out logical thinking and ready the body for perceived life threatening attack into fight or flight mode. The individual starts re experiencing the fear and the anger associated with earlier events. Education/awareness of this process can assist the individual in taking counter strategies to calm the physiological response, before the symptoms become acute . Persistent (and unchecked) PTS reactions debilitate the body and expose it to the development of the illnesses of anxiety and depression, which have a debilitating life of their own.

COUNTERING DISTRESS , DEVELOPING RESILIENCE , MAINTAINING WELLBEING from the experiences of Chaplain Gary Stone The context of mental health in veterans today Many soldiers and veterans have had years of exposure to accumulation of stress, distress and trauma. The turbulence of soldiering on families often impacts through broken and troubled relationships. This domestic stress adds to operational stress and compounds peoples problems. A growing number of soldiers and veterans have undiagnosed and untreated mental health injury and illnesses , which also present in poor performance and inappropriate actions . Most people with mental health issues will attempt to mask their deeper issues , and even friends will not generally be aware of the ―submerged‖ issues. It is difficult to distinguish between ―malingerers‖ and genuinely ―wounded souls‖ . Some people don‘t trust Government medical systems and will rarely present themselves for treatment . People don‘t know what they don‘t know, and don‘t understand what is going on in them. In this unknowing, they can choose inappropriate responses or miss out on simple therapies that would help them. Stress, and the memories of past trauma, accumulate in our bodies, and like cholesterol in our veins, can build up to chronic levels which can become life threatening . Primary outcomes of distress are anxiety and depression, and self medication with alcohol and drug abuse. Secondary outcomes can be anger, violence , withdrawal, and suicide.

Managing distress and developing resilience, through a “Well being” regime . General principles: Help people understand the threat components and the need to develop counter strategies Minimise negative inputs and exposure to ―distressors‖ . Optimize stress reduction strategies. Maintain a holistic ―Well being‖ regime in daily life. A suggested and proven ―Wellbeing‖ regime involves a range of components : Physical Exercise daily to aid in Serotonin re-uptake Whenever distressed, reduce a runaway heart rate with slow breathing and meditation. Eat regular meals , drink lots of water , minimize alcohol (acts as depressant in large quantities)

Understanding stress, distress and post traumatic stress reactions An understanding of what happens to us can assist in countering distress, developing resilience , maintaining wellbeing. Stress assists in improving performance initially , but sustained or intense stress leads to DISTRESS . The physiological outcomes of stress include adrenalin release, heightened awareness, and increased heart rate as the body prepares for fight and flight . The physiological outcomes of distress, include serotonin depletion, survival responses , mental overload, confused thinking, performance degradation, and physical exhaustion. Experience of a life threatening event and/ or sustained exposure to distress can bring about a permanent automatic trigger-able distress response (eg PTSD/PTSR), Normal bodily functioning is reprogrammed to be on ―alert‖ for further life threatening events indefinitely. The physiological outcomes of post traumatic stress response include hyper vigilance, hyper arousal, and hypersensitivity. Sights, sounds, experiences and

Medical See your doctor when and if you experience anxiety or depressive symptoms. Be open to taking medication – Seretonin uptake tablets – e.g. Zoloft, Prozac. Avoid inappropriate self medication with alcohol or non prescription drugs. Relational Share your experiences with friends and be open to mutual support. Invest significant time in key relationships. Become a better ―lover‖. Engage in team activities – e.g. sporting clubs or interest groups . Mental Be open to learning cognitive behaviour therapy – conduct a mental reality check. Avoid all unnecessary negative inputs in life. Be a ―good finder‖ – name daily all the good things you see in life ( journalling is best) Spiritual Find and embrace a spirituality or ―World view‖ that is 18

life giving. Be open to the advice of wise teachers/ mentors. Be open to trusting in a ―higher power‖ to assist you in life.

serious service offences which, if proven, could result in the imposition of substantial periods of incarceration and the termination of the men‘s careers as professional soldiers. The League understands that as a consequence of the decisions by the Chief Judge Advocate at the pre-trial hearing, the matter has been referred back to the Director of Military Prosecutions who has the following options: Aappeal the decision of the Chief Judge Advocate to the Federal Court; Prefer alternative charges against the two men; or Withdraw the charges altogether and discontinue the court martial proceedings.

Conclusion Stress and distress are normal elements of life, but when experienced in the extreme will have debilitating consequences. To develop resilience for stressful situations, engage in wellbeing practices as a matter of daily living beforehand. Upon experiencing distressing situations, recognize the potential for mental health injury or illness, and initiate wellbeing strategies immediately.

Even accounting for the time taken to investigate the incident by the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service and its referral to the Director of Military Prosecutions, there has been far too much time taken to process and prosecute this case. Added to this is the slowness of the Director of Military Prosecutions‘ response to the Chief Judge Advocate‘s decision of 20 May 2011. The transcript for each day‘s proceedings was available within 24 hours as was the Chief Judge Advocate‘s findings and determination. The proposed course of action should be both known and publicised by now. It is also reasonable to assume that the Director of Military Prosecutions‘ decision about the way ahead could and should have previously been well researched to cover all possibilities arising from the pre-trial hearing. If this is not the case, the League asks why not? If it is the case, we ask why the Director of Military Prosecutions hasn‘t by now made her decision known to the accused soldiers and to the public? Whilst the RSL believes in and supports the process of military justice and respects the independence of the Director of Military Prosecutions, we also insist on our democratic responsibility to raise concerns about what we believe is a denial of justice in this instance. The excessive and unexplained delays in these legal proceedings is deleterious to the morale of the Australian Defence Force, is an affront to all who have previously served the nation and is the antithesis of what members of the League believe should be a robust, fair and efficient system of military justice.

May peace be with you – Your Chaplain, Gary Stone

UNWARRANTED DELAY IN ADF JUSTICE The Returned & Services League of Australia is greatly concerned at the inordinate delay in the legal process surrounding the decision of the Director of Military Prosecutions to prosecute three members of the Australian Defence Force charged with very serious service offences alleged to have been committed during operational service in Afghanistan. The alleged offences occurred during an operation against the Taliban in February 2009 but it was not until 19 months later on 27 September 2010 that the Director of Military Prosecutions announced her decision to charge the three soldiers. The charge sheet against the lieutenant colonel was signed at about the same time in September 2010, but those against the other two members were not signed until 14 January 2011, almost two years after the event. Then it was not until 28 March 2011 that the pre-trial hearing by the Chief Judge Advocate commenced hearing charges against the sergeant and lance corporal - during which the prosecution amended the charge sheet. On 20 May 2011 the Chief Judge Advocate found that no service offences had been committed by the sergeant and lance corporal. The RSL publicly welcomed the decision of the Chief Judge Advocate but expresses its concern about the charges for which there is no precedent. The RSL understands there has never been an occasion where soldiers in combat on a battlefield owe a duty of care to civilians, as alleged by the prosecution. The lieutenant colonel accused still has not had his charges considered by a Judge Advocate or a court martial, and no date has yet been announced for this. Such delays in finalising these important matters is a denial of justice and is unacceptable to the soldiers involved, their families and the defence and veteran communities as a whole. The pre-trial findings of the Chief Judge Advocate on 20 May 2011 are a matter of public record but they indicate significant shortcomings in the prosecution of these

Issued by the Returned and Services League of Australia, 6 June 2011

Two cannibals are eating a clown. Half way through their meal, one turns to the other and asks: “Does this taste funny to you?”

19

BOOK REVIEW

SPEARHEAD ASSAULT By John Geddes Published by Century 2007 ISBN: 8781846052477 http://www.qbd.com.au/product/9781846052477Spearhead_Assault_by_John_Geddes.htm

"Dead Men Risen"....the Welsh Guards and the real story of Britain's war in Afghanistan by Tony Harden

John Geddes was a (Corporal) Patrol Commander in the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (2PARA) during the 1982 Falklands War. His book is a late addition to all those previously written (mostly by arm chair historians or Generals who were not there) as he continued to serve after the war. This book is an honest account of the lead up and battle for Goose Green from someone who was there. It delves into the loss of mates, a Commanding Officers lone assault, a battalion attack bogged down by .50 calibre machine guns and 35mm Anti-Aircraft guns used in the ground role. It is written in soldier speak, so not for a Padre‘s wife ears. It is a frank view of individual bravery (some I know like CPL Tom Harley MM), it questions authority and recommendations and it also has some photo‘s never before published. Overall, it is one of those books you can‘t put down. Col Bishop

You may have seen this book reviewed a couple of weeks ago in the Sun Herald. The story goes that the British Ministry of Defence bought up the whole run and pulped it, because it contained information etc which "the public should not know". They then re -published on condition that ninety words were blacked out. You can purchase copy from "The Book Depository", London, at half the price you will pay locally when it‘s released here 1ST May. They charge nothing for sending it airmail anywhere in the world. It only costs $24.80 all up, for a 640 page, hard-back on high quality paper. Check it out at the their website: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/ book/9781849164214/Dead-Men-Risen Books have been received here within ten days of ordering on the net.No doubt some of the problems faced by the Welsh Guards also face our diggers. Paddy couldn‟t quite remember how to throw a boomerang, but eventually it came back to him. He also wondered why the boomerang seemed to be getting bigger and bigger, then it hit him.

Two antennas met on a roof. They hit it off marvellously, and eventually fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn‟t much, but the reception was excellent.

A VIETNAM WAR RE-INFORCEMENT_--A “REO”. Author: Rick (Barney) Bigwood.

KOKODA: A TRIBUTE IN VERSE Chad Sherrin

Barney was a twenty two year old living on his own in Sydney in 1968. He had just been involved with the end of a relationship and was influenced by the TV coverage of the war in Vietnam. He had missed out on being ―Called Up‖ for National Service, although some of his friends had been. and decided to volunteer for it and submitted the documentation. However with the wheels of government moving slowly he went to the enlistment office and signed up for three years. This tome follows Barney‘s journey as the perpetual ―REO‖ (reinforcement).

The CD features 12 poems, many written by the Diggers themselves, with each accompanied by a short narrative setting it within the context of the fighting along the Trail; the verse and narrative throughout the CD is joined with an emotional piece of music titled „The Eternal Soldier‟. With next year being the 70th anniversary of the fighting along the Kokada Trail, I have produced the CD as a tribute to the Diggers who fought and died along „the Bloody Track‟. 30% of the proceeds of sale of the CD are being donated to Legacy for the ongoing care of the families of our Diggers. The cost of the CD is $18.80 (including postage & handling). If you would like a copy follow this link to my website http://thestoryteller.net.au/?page_id=4 Scroll to the bottom of the page to place your order.

A toothless termite scuttled into a tavern one night and said: “Is the Bar Tender here?” 20

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION (OLD DIVISION) INC PROXY FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2011 To be forwarded to the Secretary Royal Australian Regiment Association (Queensland Division) Inc, Building E71, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera Qld 4051, prior to the commencement of the meeting. I, .................................................. …………….. of

………………

Being a * Annual Member / 3 Year Member / 5 Year Member / Life Member of the above named association and entitled to vote under its rules, hereby appoint * ............................................................ of

or, failing him

* ………………………............. of, ………………………………………, or the * President of the meeting. As my proxy to vote on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Association to be held at 0900 hours Sunday 07 AUG 11 at COMD Mess Conf Centre, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Qld, 4051, and at any resumption after the adjournment there of. Signed this ........................................ Day of

2011

*(Strike out whichever is not required)

Signed this ……………………………Day of ………………………2011 Signature

.............................................

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION (OLD DIVISION) INC NOMINATION FORM To be forwarded to the Secretary The Royal Australian Regiment Association (Queensland Division) Inc, Building E71, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera Qld 4051, no later than 72 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting. I. .. ...... .. .. .. .. ... .. being a financial member of the RAR Association (Queensland Division) Inc, hereby nominate …………………………………………………………………………………….for the position of …………………………………………………………………………………… in the Queensland Division for the year. 2011 Signed ................................................. ..Nominator

Date

Signed ............................................... .. Seconder

Date

I ……………………………………………………………… being a financial member of the RAR Association (Queensland Division) Inc, accept the nomination for the above position. Name of Nominee:…………………………….Signature of Nominee: …………………................... Date……………………..

RAR ASSOCIATION QLD DIV INC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name:…………………………………………….........................

Address: …………………………………………............................................... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Post Code: …………………………….

Renew My Membership for :

Duty First Magazine:

Total

1 Year

$20.00

3 Years

$50.00

1 Year

$15.00

$

Send: Cheque or Money Order to - RAR Assoc Qld Return To: RAR Assoc Qld Div Inc Enoggera Mail Centre Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera Qld 4051

Direct Deposit:

Bank: Commonwealth Branch: Alderley Qld BSB: 064 140 Account: 0090 2725

On the top of your address code is the date to which you are current If you have 2011 you need to renew now.

( 2 x copies )

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION QUEENSLAND DIVISION INC MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Duty First

Office/Shop open Mondays 8 to 11 am (except Public Holidays) Name: Address for Postage:

ITEM 2. RAR Sports Shirt (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) w/pocket

PRICE $45.00 $40. 00

3. RAR Hat Band

$7.00

4. RAR Cap (One size fits all) 6. Infantry Combat Badge – Miniature and/or Normal

$14.50 $20 $8.00

7. RAR Association NMW Plaque

$45.00

8. RAR Association Plaque

$45.00 $5.00 $12.00 $3.00 $2.50 $8.00

1. RAR Rain Jacket (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

5. New Regimental Tie

9. RAR Stubby Holder 10. Regimental Bow Tie 11. RAR Window Sticker # 12. RAR QLD Car Bumper Sticker 13. RAR Lapel Badge Gold or Black and Large or Small

SIZE / S

NUMBER

TOTAL COST

PLUS: P&H for items 1 to 16 is $10.00

Nil P&H if collected from NMW P & H $10.00 (if posted)

$

Total Value of Order

$

PLEASE POST WITH YOUR PAYMENT, TO RAR ASSN QLD DIV, Bldg E71, EMC Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, 4051

My preferred name for the name badge, is (Please PRINT):

________________________________ 6

1

2

3 Hat Band only

10

8

14

11

4

7

5

13

If undelivered, please return to:

PRINT POST

The Royal Australian Regiment Association Queensland Division, INC Building E71, Enoggera Mail Centre Gallipoli Barracks, ENOGGERA QLD 4051

PP 424022/2473

POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

RAR ASSOCIATION (Q) MAJOR COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS CONTACT LIST President

Kel Ryan

(07) 3818 4042 / 0418 759 120 [email protected]

Immediate Past Pres.

E.A. ‗Ted‘ Chitham, MC,OAM

(07) 33532415 [email protected]

Vice President Vice President (NQ) Secretary Treasurer Caretaker (NMW) Welfare Officer Webmaster

Iain Cruickshank Ewan Cameron Greg Decker Ron Goodall M.R. ‗Kiwi‘ Gibbons Ross Langford Rick Hollingdrake, OAM

W (07) 33322792 [email protected] [email protected] O417464251 [email protected] (07) 38813580 / [email protected] (07) 33004885 [email protected] (07) 32617830 [email protected] (07) 32854197 / 0422481392 [email protected]