Track TRACK Track March 013d.pdf · Finlayson family . for the very generous provision of the. Arch Finlayson Memorial Scholarship. As reported in December Track, the fledgling RAAC

March 2013

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TRACK

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Track March 2013

Patron: Brigadier Michael H. Annett, CSC President: Daryl Pinner, OAM (H) (03) 9359 4520 Vice President: Stuart McDiarmid (H) (03) 9016 9188 Vice President: Rod Westgarth (H) (03) 9438 6168 Secretary: John Paterson (H) (03) 9465 1418 Treasurer: Godfrey Camenzuli (H) (03) 9354 9251 Editor: Peter Branagan, OAM (H) (03) 5793 8171

GATHERED AT THE SHRINE 10 FEBRUARY 13

(David Finlayson)

Guest Speaker RAAC Historian Major John Baines, RFD laid the wreath at the RAACA

Memorial Plaque and Tree at the Shrine on Sunday, 10 February 2013.

Continued page two…………………

Track March 2013

Patron: Brigadier Michael H. Annett, CSC President: Daryl Pinner, OAM (H) (03) 9359 4520 Vice President: Stuart McDiarmid (H) (03) 9016 9188 Vice President: Rod Westgarth (H) (03) 9438 6168 Secretary: John Paterson (H) (03) 9465 1418 Treasurer: Godfrey Camenzuli (H) (03) 9354 9251 Editor: Peter Branagan, OAM (H) (03) 5793 8171

GATHERED AT THE SHRINE 10 FEBRUARY 13

(David Finlayson)

Guest Speaker RAAC Historian Major John Baines, RFD laid the wreath at the RAACA

Memorial Plaque and Tree at the Shrine on Sunday, 10 February 2013.

Continued page two…………………

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A slightly windy but sunny day greeted a few dedicated members and families gathered at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on 10 February to celebrate the 67th birthday of the Victorian Branch. Our guest of honour this year was Major John Baines, RFD. The Ode to the Fallen and the Lord’s Prayer were recited and a wreath was laid by Major Baines. Unfortunately due to the unavoidable absence of one of Melbourne’s finest buglers – Mr John Mansfield; a recording of the The Last Post and Rouse was provided by the Shrine and overseen by member David Bucknell. Following a short commemorative service, the group moved into the annex where a sumptuous afternoon tea and the presentation by Major Baines were enjoyed. Major Baines spoke passionately on the pressing need to preserve and record the links with our World War II armoured soldiers. Despite the lack of support from the membership, it is our intention to continue to celebrate the formation of the Victorian Branch on the Sunday nearest the 7th February at our own commemorative tree and plaque on the western side of the Shrine.

(David Finlayson)

A large part of the small crowd in attendance

The usual suspects included – Daryl & Frances Pinner, Peter & Robyn Branagan, John & Diane Baines, Vin & Dot Brennan with grandsons Sean, Max & Leon Pudebat, Godfrey Camenzuli & Kerri Marshall, John Paterson, David & Joan Finlayson, Fred Coucher, Jim & Gloria De Francesco, John & Sue Hopkins, Graham Wright, Dr. David Holloway, David Bucknell, Tom James, Robert Toy, Tom Murphy, Rod Westgarth, Mark, Annemarie, Carl & Lola Refardt and John & Ros Snelling, The Shrine was represented by Lt Col David Ford, CVO, AM, GM (Retd). Apologies were received from Brigadier Michael Annett, John Mansfield and Basil Tiligadis.

Stop Press: The news has just been received of the passing of a RAAC iconic figure at 97 years and six months – Captain Joffre James Gilchrist (Retd). Gillie as he was widely known amongst our veteran community died in the early hours of Tuesday, 19 February at Bairnsdale, Victoria. Full Vale will be published in September Track newsletter. A memorial service was conducted in Bairnsdale on 21 February.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2013

The AGM was conducted at our current home – the Preston/Darebin RSL on Monday 18 February 2013. The status quo was again achieved with the incumbent executive Daryl Pinner, John Paterson and Godfrey Camenzuli duly re-elected for another term. The Vice Presidents are Stuart McDiarmid and Rod Westgarth with Tom Murphy returning to the committee benches this year. Roy Arnott is happily continuing his role as Honorary Auditor. Soldiering on are Trevor Watts, Graeme Perkins, Basil Tiligadis, John Snelling, web master David White and Track Editor Peter Branagan. President Daryl Pinner delivered a comprehensive report including the following points: Congratulations to Australia Day Honours recipient – Major General Michael Krause, AM who was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Deputy Chief of Staff-Plans, HQ International Joint Command, ISAF Afghanistan. The 67th birthday celebration of the formation of the Victorian Branch at the Shrine on Sunday 10th February was moderately successful. Major John Baines, RAAC Historian was this year’s guest speaker. Cambrai Dinner saw 73 members and guests sit down with Guest of Honour Major Darren Rosemond, OC B Squadron 3/4 Cavalry Regiment, who delivered a most forthright and entertaining address. Over $600:00 was raised on the night by the raffle that pays for our troop parcels to deployed RAAC troops. A well deserved Honorary Life Membership was bestowed on Rod Westgarth. The Kid’s Christmas Party at Lower Eltham Park goes from strength to strength, Rod, Sharon and Lauren Westgarth continue to oversee an outstanding activity. Tom Murphy conducted a very successful raffle on the day with proceeds contributing to the troop parcels fund. Thanks to Godfrey Camenzuli and Roy Arnott, the State Branch coffers are in good shape and we will continue to pass back to the membership the benefits of good financial management. The production of a once- off all purpose membership card and the reduction of ‘Track’ issues from four to three per year was successful.

Thanks also to the Finlayson family for the very generous provision of the Arch Finlayson Memorial Scholarship. As reported in December Track, the fledgling RAAC Corporation was launched at Federal Congress with all state based branches electing to join. The former RAACA Federal Executive was wound up.

The following members registered their attendance at the AGM: Daryl Pinner, Godfrey Camenzuli, John Paterson, Jim DeFrancesco, Roy Arnott, Graeme Perkins, Vin Brennan, Peter Branagan, Ian Murphy, Stuart McDiarmid, David Finlayson, Tom James, Ron Hogan, Bob Dacey, Robert Dacey jnr, Basil Tiligadis, John Snelling, Lindsay Burke, David White, Rod Westgarth, Andy Zsolt and I.C. Smith. The following apologies were received: Paddy Devine, Tom Murphy, Trevor Watts and Craig Burn.

ANZAC Day

Some changes this year, form up in Flinders St East, adjacent to Federation Square at 1100 hrs. After the march meet at the Cricket Club Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. Don’t forget your Black Hat.

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SECRETARY’S REPORT 2012

Members, It is with pleasure that I report to you on the Victorian Branch operations during 2012. Membership has remained relatively stable over the past 12 months and the committee is continually monitoring the unfinancial member situation. Following the members overwhelming positive response, the Victorian Branch opted to join the new RAAC Corporation at the Federal Congress in October. The Victorian Branch has been responsible for the sending of troop parcels overseas and Rod Westgarth has to be congratulated on his efforts to make this happen. The sausage sizzle held at Diamond Creek Mitre 10 store on 28 October was very successful in raising $416:00 towards the deployed troop parcels. I would like to thank all the members who spared their time and efforts to work on the Committee during 2012 including the President Daryl Pinner for his efforts in keeping the Victorian Branch on track, also Daryl and Peter Branagan for their efforts in the organization of the Cambrai Dinner. Without Godfrey Camenzuli looking after the finances of the Association, I doubt if the finances would be in the position they are today. Rod & Sharon Westgarth organized our annual Christmas picnic and BBQ which was again a huge success and they are to be congratulated. Tom Murphy again circulated “Track” and has continued the good work as in the past. The production of “Track” rested again on the shoulders of Peter Branagan and “Diesel” Perkins. David White has the task of keeping our web site updated, and has done a fantastic job. Also, I think you will agree that without these people and the others on the committee, the Victorian Branch would not be as successful as it is. As always the Darebin RSL has made us most welcome at their club and we thank them for their support. Stuart McDiarmid is still negotiating with them regarding the display of our association honour board. Also thanks to Mrs Joan Finlayson for her most generous donation in order to create the “Arch Finlayson Memorial Scholarship Fund” which is designed to assist with trade apprentice students and is now available. In November the third scholarship was awarded to Robert Dacey Jnr. Finally, I would like to pass our appreciation to our Patron, Mick Annett and trust that the role of Patron is an enjoyable one and to congratulate him on his promotion to Brigadier. Also our appreciation goes to the CO/CI and RSM of School of Armour for their support throughout the year and trust that this may continue in the future. Thank you, John Paterson

The Victorian Branch Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Donors

Garry Spencer AM, Lou Walker OAM, Brian Cook, the late Alan Hambridge, Peter Gilson, John Snelling, Niel

Russell, Ted Acutt, John Bauerle JP, Stephen Foster, Ron Hogan, Pat O’Hanlon, Ron Gillis, Dennis Fechner, Stan Andrew, Alan Spenceley, Terry Cuthbert, Steve Bird, Joe McGarry, Tim Costa, Andrew Clark, Stuart McDiarmid, Peter Jarratt, B.A. Bourke, Dr. Bryce Phillips, Peter Thomas, Richard James, Ray Babarikas

and Rodney Jones.

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TREASURER’S REPORT 2012

Members, it is with great pleasure I table my report for the year ending 31 December 2012. We enjoyed a successful year with a profit of $6371:47. Donations for the year were down on previous years; the economical initiatives instituted in recent times have now started to have an effect. The 2012 Cambrai Dinner made a modest profit of $143:00, the raffle conducted on the night raised $600:00 providing valuable funds for the troop parcels. I wish to acknowledge the PMC’s of the Officers and Sergeants Mess’ at the School of Armour for their support and co-operation in helping to keep our expenditure down. The great results achieved in recent years were assisted by amortising the Paid Life Member subscriptions; that situation is now complete and could affect future profit/loss figures. More and more members are using the direct debit facilities and I keep encouraging members who have internet access to use this service whenever possible. On closing, I thank the committee for their efforts during the year. And last but not least, Roy Arnott for again auditing the branches finances. Thank you Godfrey Camenzuli

Membership Report 2012 The numbers are slightly down on 2011. The membership at the end of December 2012 stood at 229, broken down as follows: Financial 147 Unfinancial 2 Hon Life Members 11 Paid Life Members 69

Welcome to the Crew William Anthony Mazzei

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2012 KID’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

A perfect summer’s day greeted 105 members, friends and families at the 2012 Christmas Party on Sunday, 16 December, celebrated at the newly renovated Meadmore Junction in the centre of the extensive Diamond Valley Miniature Railway layout. Santa arrived on time in his own special and the two half hour sessions with our own dedicated train were fully booked out. Many thanks to Rod and Sharon Westgarth, their time and dedication ensure that this event is a winner. The now well established sausage sizzle was well patronised. A special mention to Santa’s long serving/suffering helper Lauren Westgarth. A booking has already been made for Sunday 22nd December 2013, so get it into your diary now.

(Bev Powell)

Young Ethan Branagan wasn’t impressed with Santa, if only he knew! Apologies to all those who attended, but Santa has misplaced the attendance sheet!

(Bev Powell)

John Snelling, Fiona Glen and Ethan Branagan certainly enjoyed one of our Xmas Special trains.

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CAMBRAI DAY COMMEMORATION DINNER

Saturday 23 November 2013

1900 for 1930 hrs

Hopkins Barracks Officers/Sergeants Mess Puckapunyal

Guest of Honour

To Be Advised

Cost: $50:00 per head for members $60:00 per head for non members/guests

This function is our premier event for the year and as usual we are providing a quality guest speaker for your enjoyment

All enquiries to: Daryl Pinner (H) 9359 4520

Peter Branagan (H) 5793 8171

On Sunday morning enjoy a sumptuous cooked breakfast in the Officers Mess outdoor pergola area

Dress: Lounge Suit or Reefer Jacket Miniatures

Tickets posted out early September

RSVP by Friday 08 November 2013

Accommodation is limited

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Around the Corps/Association……

Head of Corps Structure 2013 The 2013 manning of the RAAC Head of Corps (HOC) is detailed below:

Representative Honorary Colonel: Major General Roger Powell, AM (Retd)

Head of Corps: Brigadier John Mackenzie Deputy Head of Corps: Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Cree (CO/CI School of Armour)

Staff Officer Grade Two Head of Corps (GRes): Major Peter Branagan, OAM Staff Officer Grade Two Head of Corps (Projects): Major John Baines, RFD

Regimental Sergeant Major RAAC: Warrant Officer Class One P.J. McNeill (Corps RSM) The third award of an Arch Finlayson Memorial Scholarship was made November last to Robert Dacey Jnr. Unfortunately young Robert was unable to be present at the Cambrai Dinner where it was intended to be presented, so the cheque for $500:00 was sent out by mail. As a result of Major John Baines’ efforts to have our World War II armoured units and soldiers traditions and service perpetuated; a historic activity took place in Asquith, Sydney on Saturday 16 February 2013. Surviving executive members of the former 2/6th Armoured Regiment Association, Kevin Austin, Doug Spinney, and Alan Barnham entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the 1st Armoured Regiment represented by their CO Lt Col Scott Winter and RSM WO1 Brian Heenan, to informally entrust the custodianship of its battle honours to the current unit. The 1st Armoured Regiment has undertaken to keep their outstanding history alive and to utilise the example set by the men and tanks of the 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment in continuing to maintain Australia’s tank capability.

The complete list of Theatre and Battle Honours awarded to 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment is as follows:

Southwest Pacific 1942 – 45

Buna – Gona Cape Endaiadere

Simemi Creek

Rear Row: Maj John Baines, WO1 Brian Heenan, Lt Col Scott Winter, Maj Peter Branagan Front Row Seated: Kevin ‘Bunny ‘ Austin and Doug Spinney

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Show Off Your Association Items for sale Postage

R.A.A.C.A Tie ...................................................... $32.00 $3.00 R.A.A.C.A Pocket Badge..................................... $15.00 $1.00 R.A.A.C.A Plaque (Victorian Branch)............... $45.00 $5.00 R.A.A.C.A Decal .................................................. $ 1.50 $1.00 R.A.A.C.A Lapel Badge ...................................... $11.00 $1.00 R.A.A.C.A Cap ..................................................... $10.00 $5.00 R.A.A.C.A Stubby Holder .................................. $ 6.50 $3.00 R.A.A.C.A Polo Shirt Size S, M, L, XL, XXL .... $25.00 $5.00 Colour Black, Green, Burgundy

R.A.A.C.A Black Beret ....................................... $15.00 $5.00 (Please include Beret size)

R.A.A.C.A Rugby Tops ....................................... $30.00 $5.00 Navy blue with white collar and Association Logo

R.A.A.C.A Rugby Tops ....................................... $35.00 $5.00 Navy blue with denim collar and Association Logo

R.A.A.C.A Chambray Shirts .............................. $29.00 $5.00 Long sleeves, light blue with Association Logo

R.A.A.C.A Brew Mug ......................................... $10.00 Pickup

with Association Logo only

Eldridge Book (Special) ................. $30.00 Postage paid Please note: 1. Prices are subject to change when current stock runs sold. 2. All items are inclusive of GST and subject to a charge for packing and postage. 3. Please include Cost of Postage.

P.O. Box 547 Coburg Vic 3058 Email: [email protected]

RAACA SCHOLARSHIPSOne of the benefits your association provides are the scholarships available to eligible children commencing or completing their secondary education.

The Victorian Branch Scholarship is currently $150:00 per year for the first two years of secondary school. Applications should be forwarded to the Secretary with proof of attendance by 28 February in the first year of qualification. You must have been a financial member of the RAACA for a minimum five years to apply.The Brigadier F. B. Hinton, MC Scholarship is administered by the Federal Executive and currently provides $250:00 for each of the final two years of secondary education. Application including proof of intention to complete years 11 and 12 to our Secretary by 30 September in the applicant's year 10.There are no scholastic results required, however proof of attendance must be provided on the relevant school's letterhead paper. Applicants must be financial members.