SAA QLD INC. Newsletter
Volume 1 - Issue 1
31st March 2024
Volume 1 - Issue 1
31st March 2024
Dear Members and Friends,
The Submarine Association Australia Queensland Branch Inc. is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Australian submariners while fostering camaraderie among past and present members. Through regular meetings, memorial services, community engagement, and fundraising efforts, they ensure that the stories of Australian submariners are remembered, and their contributions recognised. Looking to the future, the association remains committed to its mission, ensuring that the legacy of courage and sacrifice lives on for generations to come.
President’s report - March 2024
I am pleased to present this, the President’s Report of the Association for the Period up to 15 March 2024. Since our last meeting on 2 December, there has been much activity for the Association – much of it associated with SUBCON 2024. We held a very enjoyable Christmas function which was hosted at the home of former secretary Kristy Miles. That was a great opportunity to catch up with one another. The SUBCON organising committee has been in full swing and I would like to express my sincere thanks to those who have volunteered to help out. Organising an event such as this takes a lot of time and effort and without volunteers, the event simply would not happen.
Financials
Terry has continued his stewardship of the Association’s financials and, as per the resolution of the AGM in September, an auditor was appointed and the accounts for the 22/23 FY were successfully audited. The cost of that exercise was $550. The Association has commenced making deposits for the various SUBCON functions, however this money will be recouped once we start to take deposits and payments for the various events. The Victorian branch of the SAA kindly forwarded us $3000 toward the cost of hosting SUBCON.
Ceremonial
As reported in December, a very successful Remembrance Day service was held at Submariner’s Walk and Heritage Trail. Planning is underway for the ANZAC day dawn service at the same venue (commencing 0530). As is the case in prior years, the SAA-QLD have been invited to lay a wreath at Newstead House to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea in May. As I can’t make it, a volunteer is sought to attend and lay a wreath.
SUBCON 2024
Planning is well underway and hopefully, you have all been seeing the various newsletters and e-mails. We have had a great response to the survey with over 100 responses and around 150 people indicating their intention to attend the Friday and Saturday night function. Thanks to Bruce Dunster for the tremendous work he has done in running with the auction and raffle as well as preparing the Otama gauges as a special auction/raffle
Administrative
Sadly, as you would be aware, Kristy tendered her resignation as secretary in Mid February due to medical reasons. I would like to personally thank Kristy for her dedication in the short time she was able to perform the role of secretary. Until the next AGM, I have now taken on that role. Alex Seizovic has kindly offered to help out with newsletters and coordinating some social functions as his travel schedule permits. Much work has gone into updating our various legal requirements including the Qld Office of Fair Trading as well as the Australian Business Register and ASIC. This will now bring our office bearers and address details up to date. We have also resolved our PLI insurance with the Naval Association.
Planning is well underway and hopefully, you have all been seeing the various newsletters and e-mails. We have had a great response to the survey with over 100 responses and around 150 people indicating their intention to attend the Friday and Saturday night function. Thanks to Bruce Dunster for the tremendous work he has done in running with the auction and raffle as well as preparing the Otama gauges as a special auction/raffle
Administrative
Sadly, as you would be aware, Kristy tendered her resignation as secretary in Mid February due to medical reasons. I would like to personally thank Kristy for her dedication in the short time she was able to perform the role of secretary. Until the next AGM, I have now taken on that role. Alex Seizovic has kindly offered to help out with newsletters and coordinating some social functions as his travel schedule permits. Much work has gone into updating our various legal requirements including the Qld Office of Fair Trading as well as the Australian Business Register and ASIC. This will now bring our office bearers and address details up to date. We have also resolved our PLI insurance with the Naval Association.
Camp Coot-tha Infographic Update.
This has been an ongoing challenge. Whilst the Brisbane City Council have been very helpful, the process is a little slow and multiple Navy absences for me have made planning difficult. We are now close to getting a large rock located to the vicinity of the Hoop Pine picnic area and once in place, Queensland Heritage Masonry will prepare the rock for the installation of the signage. A draft of the infographic has been prepared, however, work is continuing on finalising this aspect.
Update on Coorparoo RSL
I’ve had no further formal update on the Coorparoo RSL, but I am reliably advised that the relocation to the former Greenslopes Bowls club is likely to happen by year’s end. We will need to do some planning around relocating the Submarine Room memorabilia.
Andy Clowes
President
Submarines Association Australia (Queensland) Inc.
Message from Vice-President
Far North Queensland continues to grapple with the challenges presented in having members far flung around the region, however it’s been pleasing to see the commitment from a few in getting together. Particularly pleasing was the turnout for Remembrance Day in Cardwell. The Cardwell RSL are very generous hosts and if members are travelling through there I highly commend them to you. I’m pleased to also note that there has been an uptake in FNQ members attending ANZAC Day in Cooktown.
I’m sure 2024 will present some unique issues and if you find yourselves in any difficulties then please do not hesitate to reach out, if needed. We are only as strong as our membership.
Warm regards,
Des
Vice President
Submarines Association Australia (Queensland) Inc.
This has been an ongoing challenge. Whilst the Brisbane City Council have been very helpful, the process is a little slow and multiple Navy absences for me have made planning difficult. We are now close to getting a large rock located to the vicinity of the Hoop Pine picnic area and once in place, Queensland Heritage Masonry will prepare the rock for the installation of the signage. A draft of the infographic has been prepared, however, work is continuing on finalising this aspect.
Update on Coorparoo RSL
I’ve had no further formal update on the Coorparoo RSL, but I am reliably advised that the relocation to the former Greenslopes Bowls club is likely to happen by year’s end. We will need to do some planning around relocating the Submarine Room memorabilia.
Andy Clowes
President
Submarines Association Australia (Queensland) Inc.
Message from Vice-President
Far North Queensland continues to grapple with the challenges presented in having members far flung around the region, however it’s been pleasing to see the commitment from a few in getting together. Particularly pleasing was the turnout for Remembrance Day in Cardwell. The Cardwell RSL are very generous hosts and if members are travelling through there I highly commend them to you. I’m pleased to also note that there has been an uptake in FNQ members attending ANZAC Day in Cooktown.
I’m sure 2024 will present some unique issues and if you find yourselves in any difficulties then please do not hesitate to reach out, if needed. We are only as strong as our membership.
Warm regards,
Des
Vice President
Submarines Association Australia (Queensland) Inc.
To specify some achievements that the Submarine Association Australia Queensland Branch Inc. have accomplished in 2023.
Preservation of Heritage:
Camaraderie and Support:
Education and Outreach: Nil
Memorialization and Commemoration:
Fundraising and Support Programs:
These specific achievements illustrate how the Submarine Association Australia Queensland Branch Inc. advanced its mission and objectives in 2023, benefiting both its members and the broader community.
Preservation of Heritage:
- Collaborated with Holbrook Museums to establish a dedicated submarine history exhibit.
- Acquired a collection of submarine artifacts.
Camaraderie and Support:
- Organised gatherings for members, including social events, and group outings.
Education and Outreach: Nil
Memorialization and Commemoration:
- Held a special memorial service commemorating the anniversary of a significant submarine mission or loss.
- Installed a new memorial plaque or monument dedicated to submariners in a prominent public location.
- Participated in national Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour all servicemen and women, with a focus on submariners.
Fundraising and Support Programs:
- Organised a successful event to raise funds for association activities and support programs.
These specific achievements illustrate how the Submarine Association Australia Queensland Branch Inc. advanced its mission and objectives in 2023, benefiting both its members and the broader community.
WE WANT YOU
Join the Submarine Association Australia
Join the Submarine Association Australia
Upcoming Events
SUBCON 2024 – Queensland.
Stay Connected:
For the latest updates, events, and news, be sure to follow us on social media and visit our website regularly. Your engagement and support are invaluable as we work together to honour the legacy of Australian submariners.
Contact Us:
For inquiries, suggestions, or to get involved, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at https://saaqld.weebly.com/
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
Sincerely,
Andy Clowes
President, Submarine Association Australia Queensland Branch Inc.
- Gold Coast social lunch. Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at Iron & Resin Cafe, Stewart Rd,Currumbin Waters @1200
- Gold Coast social lunch. Wednesday, 17 July 2024 at Currumbin RSL @1200
- Brisbane TBA
- Ipswich TBA
SUBCON 2024 – Queensland.
- Friday 11 Oct 1300-1600 Registration and Check in (veteran’s hub)
- Friday 11 Oct 1730-2000 Meet and Greet – “Altitude 9”
- Saturday 12 Oct 1830-2200 Formal Dinner – Mooloolaba Surf Club
- Sunday 13 Oct 1000-1200 SAA National AGM – Maroochy RSL
- Sunday 13 Oct 1300-1600 River Cruise
Stay Connected:
For the latest updates, events, and news, be sure to follow us on social media and visit our website regularly. Your engagement and support are invaluable as we work together to honour the legacy of Australian submariners.
Contact Us:
For inquiries, suggestions, or to get involved, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at https://saaqld.weebly.com/
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
Sincerely,
Andy Clowes
President, Submarine Association Australia Queensland Branch Inc.
Welfare
Health & Welfare When making a claim for certain conditions like Lumbar Spondylosis for the non-qualifying service SOP there are drop dead dates after which you will have trouble with a claim being accepted as service caused.
For Lumbar Spondylosis the clinical onset has to happen within 25 years of your service. The norm is 25 years with some being 15 or even 5 or 10. Clinical onset is the key, if you have a diagnosis that it occurred 10 years ago and you have been out for 30 years you would still fit the SOP. When claiming your advocate needs to also take into account the type of pre and post-service work, especially if you were a labourer. Smoking and Passive smoking can’t be claimed as being service-caused if you joined after 1994 or thereabout.
This does not apply under the SRCA.
For immediate help in a crisis, please contact one of the following services:
Health & Welfare When making a claim for certain conditions like Lumbar Spondylosis for the non-qualifying service SOP there are drop dead dates after which you will have trouble with a claim being accepted as service caused.
For Lumbar Spondylosis the clinical onset has to happen within 25 years of your service. The norm is 25 years with some being 15 or even 5 or 10. Clinical onset is the key, if you have a diagnosis that it occurred 10 years ago and you have been out for 30 years you would still fit the SOP. When claiming your advocate needs to also take into account the type of pre and post-service work, especially if you were a labourer. Smoking and Passive smoking can’t be claimed as being service-caused if you joined after 1994 or thereabout.
This does not apply under the SRCA.
For immediate help in a crisis, please contact one of the following services:
- Triple Zero (000) - Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue - Contact Emergency Services on Triple Zero (000) in life threatening or emergency situations.
- Contact your nearest Emergency Department - If you need medical assistance or urgent support.
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 - 24 hour counselling service for suicide prevention & mental health available via telephone, online or by video chat.
- Open Arms 1800 011 04 - 24 hr mental health support for Navy, Army & Air Force Personnel, Veterans and their Families. Free and confidential national counselling service for Australian Veterans and their families provided through the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
- Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 - 24 hr service providing a range of practical and emotional support programs for families facing emergency or crisis.
- Defence All-hours Support Line 1800 628 036 - 24 hr service for ADF members and their families with help to access ASF or civilian mental health issues.
Items of Interest
Follow the links:
https://www.currumbinrsl.com.au/youngveteransupportservices/
Follow the links:
- SUBCON 2024 – 11 to14 October 2024 Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- RSL Qld News - Don Currell OAM, featured in Issue 1, 2024 on page 72. (50 years in the Navy)
- RSL Currumbin Veteran Support Centre & Young Veteran Support Services
https://www.currumbinrsl.com.au/youngveteransupportservices/
SAA QLD Inc General Meeting March 2024 (Picture below)