8TH INTAKE NOTICES

If you are in receipt of a DFRB/DFRDB pension this is important reading.  If you then wish to take the matter further, or sign the petition, appropriate links are provided for you to do so.

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Type 12 Association

This new association is now up and running at  www.type12ships.asn.au

We need your support, your photos and your help in spreading the word about this new association.

If you know of any ex matelots, who served on Stuart, Parramatta, Derwent, Yarra, Swan and Torrens, give them a yell and let them know that they will be most welcome to join their own association.

Let's see some of those old photos, send us your early subs and let's get this association up and running.

I'll take this opportunity to wish you and you're families all the best for the Festive Season and the New Year.

Mike (Sludge) Gillen R64560

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BATTLE OF THE FORCES. for Veteran’s & Partners.

CLAY TARGET SHOOT & BARRA FISHING TOURNAMENT.

8th – 11th March 2007

LAKE AWOONGA
BENARABY - QLD.

Restricted to former members of the armed forces.

Accommodation enquiries to Lake Awoonga Caravan Park:  Ph (07) 49750155

Tournament enquiries to Tom Wallace 0412.739.441 or  Merv Hinneberg (07)49750155 or Neil Beasley 0414.755.269

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Trafalgar Day - Box Hill RSL

Follow this link for an invite to Box Hill RSL for the Trafalgar Day Luncheon on 22 October 2006.  This posting has been made at the request of Pete Brimacombe.  A good chance to catch up with old friends or to make new ones.

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Philip & Christine Manktelow Visit Bob, Bill & Buzz

Philip reports:

On our honeymoon in Tasmania recently we had lunch in St. Helen's with Bob and Buzz Storey, and Bill Eckhardt. It was great to catch up and chat about the old times we shared. Attached are two photos you might like to put on the Leeuwin website, just so that people can see that I meant it when I proposed to Christine at the reunion in Canberra in 2004! PS If you want to mention www.lukebenson.com for people to see the wedding pictures, that's fine with us.

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Government Changes to Superannuation - 1 July 2007

For those receiving DFRDB pensions who would like to know more about the proposed changes to superannuation taxation announced in the 2006 budget, follow this link to read a well written summary from Rodney Nott, President of the VLSVA (QLD).

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Philip & Christine Manktelow's Wedding

Pete Brimacombe sent the following photograph from Philip & Christine Manktelow's wedding on 27 May 2006.  Congratulations to the bride and groom.  Pete & Jill are pictured with Christine & Philip, Pete's mother Yvette and his sister Joan are the others shown.

The full photo collection is at:  www.lukebenson.com

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Updated Web Site - HMAS SYDNEY & VLSVA

Another of the Mighty 8th has showcased his talents.  Laurie Pegler recently took over as Web Manager for the HMAS SYDNEY & VLSVA web site at http://www.hmassydney.com and has worked hard over the past couple of months to improve the site.

Lozza has done a magnificent job with his revamp and update of the site.  Please check out his good work by following the link above.  Well done Lozza.

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VIETNAM CANCERS LINKED TO WATER
(The Australian newspaper - WED 22 MAR 2006)

By: Simon Kearney

Sailors who served on naval ships during the Vietnam War have been told their ships' drinking water, which was contaminated with Agent Orange, could be causing their cancers.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating a link between the number of cancers among sailors and the desalinated water on board some ships which contained dioxins from the deadly defoliant.

The alarm relates to ships that took on water in Vung Tau harbour in Vietnam between 1965 and 1972, specifically HMAS Sydney, which made 23 trips to Vietnam during the war, and her escort ships.

Between 1980 and 1994 as many as 170 navy personnel died from cancers potentially related to the water on the ships, according to the Mortality of Vietnam Veterans cohort study.

An updated mortality study on Vietnam veterans is due to be released later this year.

The problem was identified nearly three years ago when the National Research Centre for Toxicology found that desalinated drinking water taken from the estuary was contaminated with Agent Orange, which was sprayed widely across the country during the war.

``We are investigating what the issues associated with water and water taken from Vietnamese waters are, and the RMA (Repatriation Medical Authority) have made some progress in that in terms of providing some linkages,'' Department of Veterans Affairs secretary Mark Sullivan said in a Senate budget estimates hearing last month.

He said drinking the water was linked to prostate cancer, bone marrow cancer and two cancers of the lymphatic system, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

``It (RMA) is still considering the medical and scientific evidence for the inclusion of a potable water factor in the investigations for malignant neoplasm of the lung (lung cancer), soft tissue sarcoma, malignant neoplasm of the larynx (throat cancer) and acute myeloid leukemia,'' Mr Sullivan said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is urging former navy personnel who have these conditions and served on ships that anchored in Vung Tau harbour to submit or resubmit claims.

``What we encourage all veterans to do, if they are unwell or have a condition or disease and they have any suspicion that that condition is related to their service, is to put in a claim. We will investigate it,'' Mr Sullivan said.

But Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia president Ron Coxon said the Government had not gone far enough because veterans had to prove they spent a total of 30 days drinking the water.

``They talk about 30 cumulative days but we don't know how much of the dioxin actually settled in the tank because they never cleaned them,'' he said.

The initial toxicology report found that distilling seawater concentrated the dioxins in the water navy personnel were drinking and washing in to above safe levels. The report was an attempt to explain why more navy personnel were dying after the war than other veterans.

Of the 55,000 Australians who served in Vietnam, 12,376 were in the navy.

Opposition veterans affairs spokesman Allan Griffin said the Department of Veterans Affairs was not being active enough about warning veterans who might be at risk.

Simon Kearney
The Australian newspaper
email: kearneys@theaustralian.com.au
Ph. (02) 9288 3000
Fax. (02) 9288 3077
Mobile. (0408) 562 639

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SALUTING THEIR SERVICE WITH THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL - APRIL 2006

Australia will recognise the service of more than one million current and former Defence Force personnel with the Australian Defence Medal (ADM), Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson, announced today.

“Her Majesty the Queen has approved the official regulations and design for the award that aims to recognise current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regular and Reserve personnel, and volunteer and National Servicemen, who have served since the end of World War II,” Mr Billson said.

“The Australian Government is committed to recognising the outstanding contribution to our proud military history made by Australian men and women in uniform.'

“After extensive consultation with veterans’ organisations and the wider community, the government has decided to broaden the eligibility criteria to include former ADF members who completed their initial enlistment period, or four years service, whichever is the lesser,” Mr Billson said.

“The criteria also recognises National Servicemen and those who could not serve the four-year qualifying period because of the ADF’s workplace and enlistment policies of the time.'

“The expanded criteria also includes those who die in service or are medically discharged due to permanent injury and unable to reach four years or complete their initial period of enlistment,” Mr Billson said.

“Although creating any new medal is an extensive process which includes consultation, design and testing, Royal approval and manufacturing, the medal is an important tribute to those who have given so much for our country.'

“Presentation ceremonies by senior military officers and Federal parliamentarians are expected to commence in mid-2006 as the medals become available. I encourage all those eligible to submit applications and supporting evidence as soon as possible to receive the recognition they deserve,” Mr Billson said.

For further information, a special application form for the ADM is available from the Defence website at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/honours_awards/ and from RSLs and other ex-service organisations or by calling 1800 111 321.

   

Australian Defence Medal
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Fm Morris McGiffen 23 March 2006:

Hi John,
Just looked at the website... first time in about a year.... looks great.
 
I am going AWOL... had enough of work and all the crap that goes with it.  So I leave next Friday and am going around the world ... should take me about a year.  I recently sold my house in Carindale, Brisbane and bought a small Villa at Cleveland which is Bayside here... closer to the water.  Anyway.. keep doing what you are doing... enjoy your trip and I will write again when I get back on Australian soil.  Oh, if you are talking to Bob Storey... say hello for me.  Cheers Morris.

P.S. Pic from two weeks ago, I have taken up flying... well, for the past few years anyway.

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From Rick Powell - 9 March 2006

HI ALL. JUST TO LET ANYONE KNOW THAT I'M STILL KICKING BUT FINDING IT HARD IN THIS BUSINESS I'M IN (Y'D THINK I'D GET OUT OF IT WOULDNT YA). ANYWAY JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT PANDANUS PARK ON CAPE YORK IS NOW A DEDICATED VETERANS RETREAT. (ONLY TOOK 7 YEARS OF RED TAPE). IT IS A RETREAT FOR ALL VETERANS OF ALL CONFLICTS AND ATTRACTS BETWEEN 300 TO 400 PEOPLE EVERY YEAR.

LES HIDDENS (BUSH TUCKERMAN) STARTED IT OFF AND IT WAS SCREENED ON AUSTRALIAN STORY A FEW YEARS BACK.
I HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTING THE LAST 4 YEARS EVENTS ON DVD AND THIS YEAR 18TH AUGUST IS THE 40TH REUNION OF LONG TAN SO BECAUSE MOST VETS THAT GO ARE EX ARMY ITS GOING TO BE A BIG EVENT.THE CEROMONY IS HELD AT 7.30 ON THE 18TH AND BREAKY AFTER THAT AND ETC ETC . WE GET ABOUT 10 EX NAVY BLOKES THERE SO IT WOULD BE GOOD IF MORE NAVY BLOKES CAME UP.

THE WEB SITE IS http://veteransanctuary.tripod.com/contact.htm

ANYWAY I HPOE YOU CAN PASS THIS ON OR LIST IT ON THE SITE AND ALSO A CURRENT PHOTO OF MYSELF .
BEST REGARDS TO ALL THE MIGHTY 8TH.

PS CAN I PURCHASE ONE OF THOSE CAPS AND A POLO SHIRT THE BOYS HAD ON AT THE LAST REUNION?
REGARDS RICK POWELL (Sorry Rick, no caps or shirts left).

 

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Jacko's Journeys

The past six months have gone so quick, I have been to Yass twice in that time and experienced the hospitality of Lance Foxon and his wife Delles. The first trip was for the TAS branch senior sailors annual get together, the Fox took the opportunity to gather as many of the '67 Yarra trip seaman as he could. It was a great time and I rekindled some old friendships with Tony Ey and Geo. Nehuis. Wal was there and left his esky at the Fox's place. We finished off the contents last week end (thanks Wal).

The Fox threw a big party in his woolshed to celebrate the year 2005, eveyone got into the spirit of the evening and wore the appropriate cowboy rig. The four handsome gunslingers are Jacko, the Fox, Mick Ey (Cisco) and the dapper Tony Ey. Tony and Mick took out the 1st and 2nd prize for their costumes. The Fox is still seething because he failed to gain a mention. It was a great night, hope the site enjoys the photographs of both events. JD I will be looking you up come January old son. I will be in touch. Jacko.

    

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Naval Officers and Navy Chiefs

Ron Dean and Pete Brimacombe both sent the following PowerPoint display on the difference between Naval Officers and Navy Chiefs.    Apologies to any of our intake that reached commissioned rank status. 

Please follow this link to the PPS display.

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AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL

Advice from Government (to date October 2005) is that:

The Government is still considering the eligibility criteria and regulations for the ADM. There has been wide consultation with the Service Chiefs, and the ex-Service community, to ensure that all the issues and ideas raised have been carefully considered. However, there are some outstanding complexities to be worked through before all the eligibility criteria and associated regulations are finalised.

Eligibility for the ADM will be extended to ex-Servicemen and women who:

· have honourably served but, due to the Defence Force service and enlistment policies of the time, were unable to serve the required six years; or

· have been severely disabled or have died in the course of duty, thus rendering them unable to serve the required six years.

The six year eligibility criterion was specifically chosen to recognise Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who had served for a period that demonstrates a real commitment and contribution to the ADF over and above the three or four year enlistment period applicable to the majority of current ADF members. This service can include periods of service, which in aggregate totals to six years.

The full details will be widely publicised in the media after the final regulations and determinations required to establish the ADM have been approved.

(Many thanks to Pete Brimacombe who forwarded the above advice from RSL National Headquarters).

Follow this link to view a facsimile of the ADM.

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Trafalgar Day Luncheon

Pete Brimacombe is again busy organising the Trafalgar Day lunch on Sunday 23rd October 2005 at Box Hill RSL.  This year is the 200th Anniversary of Trafalgar Day, you would be made most welcome at Box Hill RSL on the day.  Please follow this link to Pete's Trafalgar Day notice and booking slip.

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Jacko has been on the road again, he has passed on the following:

I have just arrived back from Tamworth on the way I caught up with John Dunthorne who was heading out to the UK the next day so it was a great effort from him to meet me and show me around his "workplace" and have a couple of beers with all those millions of little things you need to think of before such a journey. I was relieved to be released. I had a good time at the festival and although I had a tent and a camp site China Thomas lent me his "spare house" for the week. Yes he owns two houses side by side one of which is utilised by his partner Barb who runs a small exclusive body soul and mind repair centre. She had gone on a holiday and China with her knowledge kindly offered me and a friend shelter. I don't think Barb has worked her magic on China because his body soul and mind are still in need of major repair (just joking) . China has done some outstanding work in the area for ex service personnel in the pensions department. I know he will be embarrassed by this but I admire him greatly for easing the burden on some of the blokes he introduced me to. We drank some beer and told a lot of lies. Not only does he have two houses but he has two cars an FJ and HR Holden both in mint condition. Hope you enjoy the photos, I had to hand over the camera to some innocent bystanders to get the shots so they are not of the highest standard. Both John and China are doing ok and looking well.
Jacko.

 

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Missing the Navy?

Bill Harrison has forward the above document "Missing the Navy" (follow the link).  It might get a few laughs and bring back some (happy?) memories for members of the Intake.

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Re my guestbook entry about the trip Sarah and I did on the Spirit of Tasmania III from Sydney to Devonport.  The below is a photograph I took of the damage done to the Deck 5 loading door during our 'rough seas' passage.

Cheers
John Curbishley

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Pete Brimacombe was successful in tracking down Ken Woods.  Here is Ken's reply:

What a special moment it was last night and thanks for taking time out to track me down. What with work & family I just haven't maintained contact with any of the '64 boys. I caught up with Lance a few years back when we both worked for Wang (I think). The phone call made the memories just flood back - names I vividly recalled but couldn't attach the mental images. The website photos filled in the blanks - instant recognition. As I said last night, I'm otherwise occupied on the Re-Union W/E, but I'll now extract the digit and see about the Box Hill RSL. Thanks again, your contact was really appreciated and fills the "What happened after . . ." chapter.

Cheers
Ken Woods

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Curbs, not many more sleeps now. I had the fortune for the last 2 weeks (1/3/04 - 11/3/04), to stay at Leeuwin Barracks whilst doing some Reserve time (working at Stirling). They only thing that is the same is the Drill hall and the Parade ground. For those who have not visited the place for some time, it is nothing like when we were there. All the donga's have gone, and been replaced by either 2 or 3 storey brick buildings, either side of the hill that (used) to go up to the laundry. There is enough of them to accommodate about 500 people. Other than being an admin centre for the Army in WA, I don't exactly know what they do there. The Sgt's mess has been closed down. They now are victualled in the Wardroom. Within the next few weeks, the JS cafe will be closing as well. They will all eat in the Wardroom. It was great to stand in the middle of the Parade ground and not get yelled at by Corkhill or "Buck" Rogers. I remember the days when I (and others) had to do "chooks" there by doubling around with the old .303 over your head. They talk about 'bastardisation' in the ADF, even though I was on the receiving end of only minor stuff, I don't think it did me any harm. Others have the right to disagree. See you all soon.

Regards,

Denis "Mulvi"
R94265
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Hi John,

Thank you very much for the information relating to the upcoming 40th reunion. Whilst I would have enjoyed the opportunity to get together again, I must ask you to pass on my apologies to the rest of the 8th intake JRs as I will be in Europe at the time of the event.

Please wish everyone a great weekend and perhaps I can get there, God willing for the 50th reunion, wherever that may be.

Best regards

Richard D.J. Allen R94157
Phone: 61 02 43886002; Fax: 61 02 43893099
Mobile 0415 500188

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Hi John,

Unfortunately due to health and financial restraints I will be unable to attend our 40th reunion.
Please pass on my best wishes to all the boys of 64, I hope I can get to the 45th reunion.

Cheers From
Alan (Stroppy) Snow R94321

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John,
You can take me off the "Lost Souls" list. I am alive and well and living in Perth. I was browsing the Gunplot website looking for a FAA reunion which I heard was either last year or this year sometime, when I happened across your site.  It was a nostalgic trip, especially the photographs, of which I lost my copy many years ago. I think the site is a great way to either keep in touch with or at least find out about buddies who we have lost contact with over the years. I am not sure if I can make this particular reunion due to the time constraints but will give it my best shot. You are quite welcome to publish my e-mail address for anyone who would like to say howdy.
Keep up the good work.

Adrian [Danny] Daniels
R94189

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From Jim Hill R94227:

If anyone is passing HMAS ALBATROSS on 25th January 2004, the following may be of interest:

"Something that may interest you Denis Mulvihill and myself run the ground control (aircraft marshalling) at Albatross when there is an Air Day on (Rocky time) the next one being 25th Jan If you know of any one coming over or interested I can be found in the "FOLLOW ME" truck with Denis close by on the day.

Regards
Jim Hill

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