INDEX TO NEWSLETTER
A message from Charlie Bartkus
Dear Members
It has been a while since our last
newsletter (July 2001).
John Elson was the man who got
things going again but he is in hospital in Brisbane, so for the present the task has
fallen to me (CHARLIE BARTKUS).
Firstly Give a thought to John and
wish him well. He is in:
Room 13 Toowong Private Hospital
496 Milton Road TOOWONG
Telephone: (07) 33715899 OR I
believe the phone closest to his room is 38707304.
I have learned so much since I
have taken over as Hon. Secretary.
"IVE LEARNED JUST HOW
LITTLE I KNOW"
"IVE LEARNED THAT THERE
ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KNOW SOMETHING FROM ME"
"IVE LEARNED THAT I
NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMPUTERS, PRINTERS, FANCY TELEPHONE SYSTEMS, INTERNET, E-MAIL, DVA,
VVAA, VVFA, RSL, VVCS, PTSD AND AAADD."
That last one is AGED ACQUIRED
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER. I think Ive got that one.
Perhaps now Im really very smart because now I know how much I dont know
whereas before I had no idea.
Bear with me in the production of
this newsletter. I am new to this and as well as now being so smart I am also pretty much
computer and typing illiterate.
Our Office Volunteer Suzanne
Pearce can both type and compute so perhaps things wont be too bad.
Hon. Secretary
Charlie Bartkus
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CQ
SOCIAL CENTRE AGM HELD 25TH SEPTEMBER 2001. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
By and large the previous
committee stood for office again and were elected. We did say good by to one member Kevin
Pearce.
Kevin had served the previous term
as Junior Vice President, but coming in for meetings all the way from Emerald he
didnt feel he was able to put in a total commitment for another term. Thanks Kevin
for the year you put in and best wishes from the Committee.
NEW COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT Back to Menu
PRESIDENT |
Paul Watkins |
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS |
Neil
Brewer Richard
Odendahl
Charlie Bartkus
Brian Close |
SENIOR
VICE PRESIDENT |
John Elson |
APPOINTED
OFFICERS Back to Menu
At a special meeting of the
Committee held on the 25th September 2001, these appointments were mad. Oops
I(made) made ha ha
HON. SECRETARY |
Charlie Bartkus |
HON. TREASURER |
Richard Odendahl |
PRESIDENTS
REPORT Back to Menu
The last year has, to say the
least, been a very interesting one for the TPDSA CQ Social Centre. There has been,
accusations, disruption, innuendo, false facts, slander, division and suspicion flying
thick and fast almost all year.
But we are still here, the Centre
still exists, is financially viable, the books have been audited and we are looking
forward to a new year of progress and growth.
For those members who didnt
or couldnt make it to the last QGM and AGM let me take a moment to bring you up to
date concerning the Centres situation.
An independent Auditor, Evans and
Hearn has completed an audit of
the Centres books over the two year period to 30th June 2001.
The report was not a glowing
report, it did highlight some procedural and financial management discrepancies.
Irrespective of this let it be
clear that reports from the auditors and the findings of the Management Committee did not
reveal any direct evidence of illegality or financial wrong doing for any individuals
personal gain or profit. Any past or present innuendo or accusations in this regard should
have been and should still be treated with contempt.
Any accounts that were previously
closed have been reopened. Any monies that were returned to DVA or Headquarters are now
back under the control of this centre.
As current President I respect and
congratulate those past office bearers who served this Centre and its members with hard
work, faithfulness and dedication.
During this time of disruption we
have lost some very long standing members. That is, we dont see some WW2 veterans
who used to be regular attenders. Some of these are life members and had given service to
the centre over many years. I believe this is a great shame and our loss. Due to what
happened earlier this year the serving President and Secretary/Treasurer resigned. For the
Centre to lose Kevin Ward and Brian Fisher, men of such experience who served the members
so well for so long is also of great detriment.
I commend and congratulate these
men for their past service to the CQ Centre.
Members are again encouraged to
come along to the Centre and attend meetings. The Management Committee meets at 11:00 am
on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Although only Committee Members vote on
motions all members are very welcome to attend.
One last item I must attend to in
this report is in relation to the Ladies Auxiliary. Over the years it has been the members
of the Ladies Auxiliary who have worked tirelessly in the areas of catering fund raising
and social organisation.
I can not thank them enough for
all that they have done and all that has been achieved over many years. THANK YOU SO VERY
MUCH. YOU ALL DESERVE MEDALS.
Unfortunately the disruption that
happened within the Centre so badly effected our previous ladies that the Auxiliary no
longer functions as it used to. This is again a tremendous loss and of great detriment to
the Centre.
However I am a believer in
RESTORATION and would suggest that anyone who has left, either, TPI member or Auxiliary
member can decide to return and become a part of something bigger and better than before.
The choice is individual.
New members are still coming in
and old members can also come back.
Best wishes and regards to all.
Paul Watkins PRESIDENT
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ITS THAT TIME OF
YEAR AGAIN
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE 31-12-2001.
AMOUNT $25.00
FULL YEAR 2002
This year we have a new system
introduced at state level. Membership cards are to include a PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPH of
the member, however the cards will last for 5 years.
For renewal membership send your
subs of $25.00 together with a passport size photograph and a stamped self
addressed envelope to HON SECRETARY, TPDSA, PO Box 514, ROCKHAMPTON Q 4700. Or call into
156 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton prior to 20th December 2001. (Office will be
closed for holidays from this date).
Although the card will last 5
years, subscriptions will still be due each year. The card will therefore have to returned
each year for stamping and entry of receipt number in order to verify current membership.
NEW MEMBERSHIP
FEES $40.00 |
SUBSCRIPTIONS $25.00 |
JOINING FEE $ 4.00 |
BADGE $11.00 |
IMPORTANT DATES Back to Menu
2ND
TUESDAY EACH MONTH |
11am MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE |
156 BOLSOVER STREET |
|
12:30 PM CHRISTMAS
BREAK UP BBQ |
DICK
& CHRIS ODENDAHLS PLACE "GLENLYON"
HARDING ROAD ALTON
DOWNS |
QUARTERLY GENERAL
MEETING |
9:30am for 10:00am
START |
156 BOLSOVER STREET |
12-02-2002 11am
MANAGEMENT |
COMMITTEE MEETING |
156 BOLSOVER STREET |
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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PETER DAVIES |
ALAN MUNSTER |
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SPECTACLE FRAMES FOR VETERANS
A new range of spectacle
frames for eligible veterans and war widow/ers will be progressively introduced from 1
October 2001. While most models will be available then, some imported models will not be
available 1 November 2001.
Between 1 October 2001 and
31 December 2001, the Department Of VeteransAffairs (DVA) contracted Optical
Dispensers will be able to continue selling their existing stocks of former DVA approved
frames to members of the veteran community. However, from 1 January 2002, the Optical
Dispensers will be required to supply frames only from the new DVA/Defence range to
veterans and war widow/ers.
The Commonwealth Departments
of Veterans Affairs and Defence established this new range of frames through a joint
competitive tendering process during 2001. While DVA and Defence share this joint range of
frames, each department will retain its separate contractual arrangements with
optometrists and optical dispensers.
There are 98 models in the
new Primary range of available frames and three models in the Supplementary range. Primary
range frames will be available at no cost to the veteran.
Supplementary frames will attract
a veteran co-payment of $30.
Some of the features of the
new spectacle range include:-
- Traditional and modern styles
to cater for the diverse needs of the veterans community and eligible Defence personal;
- Spring hinges on most plastic
and metal frames;
- Comfort bridges on some models;
- Wide range of sizes and colours
(including extra small and extra large sizes);
- A large range of plastic and metal
frames for women; and
- Three ultra-lightweight titanium
for men in the Supplementary range.
The Departments
contracted optometrists and dispensers will not be stocking the full range of new frames
in their stores. However, they will be required to stock a minimum of 26 styles of frames
in metropolitan regions of Australia and 20 styles of frames in other regions. In order to
assist veterans in choosing suitable frames, all contracted store will be sent a
DVA/Defence catalogue containing colour images and full details of the complete range of
frames. Colour images of new range will also be available on the Departments
Internet site from 1 October 2001.
The Internet web site is: www.dva.gov.au/health/optical/index.htm.
Before selecting new frames,
veterans and war widow/ers should always ensure that their optical dispenser is a DVA
contracted provider who stocks the required selection of DVA approved frames. This will
ensure their access to a good selection of quality frames.
If a veteran or war widow/er
experiences any difficulties in obtaining one of the new frames, they are encouraged to
contact their local Veterans Affairs Network office for advice.
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GREAT SOUTHERN RAILWAY (GSR) DVA CONCESSIONS
Certain DVA recipients
can receive free rail travel through from Broken Hill, Wolsoley (VIC), Alice Springs and
Kalgoorlie.
From time to time we find
that not all TPIs are aware of important concessions.
To clarify this benefit we
have attached a copy of the current DVA FACT SHEET.
Please note that this
concession is for ALL TPIS and is separate to the Ballot for rail trips to
Perth and Alice Springs that come up once a year through the State Journal.
This is one reason to be a
member of an Association "SO THAT YOU GET THE INFORMATION THAT BENEFITS YOU"
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QUOTATIONS FOR THIS MONTH WOULD BE:
"The willingness
with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall
be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated
and appreciated by their nation."
REMEMBER THE DEAD
FIGHT LIKE HELL FOR THE LIVING
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STATISICS OF TOTALLY & PERMANENTLY INCAPACITATED
SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION
POINTS TO KNOW
AND KEEP IN MIND
- SPECIAL RATE (TPI) PAYMENT IS
SEPARATE TO THE SERVICE PENSION (ALTHOUGH PAID TOGETHER)
- MUCH DEBATE AND DIFFERING OPINIONS
ABOUT AN INCREASE, NO CONCENSUS AMONG ESOs
- HOWEVER WHEN ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED
TPI RATE = 100% MALE AVERAGE TOTAL WEEKLY EARNINGS
- TODAY TPI RATE = 43% MATWE
- DVA MINISTER AND DVA OFFICERS
ACKNOWLEDGE TPI RATE HAS BEEN ERODED AND THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE FIXED
- ESOs ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE EROSION. LACK
OF CONCENSUS HAS BEEN ON HOW TO FIX PROBLEM
- RSL NOW AGREE BASICALLY WITH TPI
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN (SEE ATTACHMENT)
- TPIs NOW NEED TO GET BEHIND ANY
CAMPAIGN THAT WILL HELP SELF, OTHERS AND THOSE TPIs WHO ARE YET TO COME ALONG
100% DISABLED IN THE
SERVICE OF THE NATION AND 43% COMPENSATED BY A "GRATEFUL" GOVERNMENT.
"Lest
We Forget, Our wonderful "DIGGERS" who served our country with so much pride and
may we never forget them either in previous or present wars.
Lest We Forget
Lest We Forget, our
proud soldiers who fought and died to protect our shores and who fought bravely on a
lonely battlefield, fighting side by side with their fellow soldiers, never to see their
sweethearts, family and relatives again.
Lest We Forget
As time marches on more & more
"DIGGERS" disappear in life but not the precious memory we have of them.
It sad to hear more DIGGERS, who
fought in previous and present wars have died to SERVE and PROTECT this country.
MAY THEIR MEMORY LIVE ON AND ON.
Lest We Forget and Lest We Never
Forget Our brave soldiers."
SUZANNE PEARCE
"Arms
alone are not enough to keep
the peace
it must be kept by men"
Late United States of
America PRESIDENT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY
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NEWS FROM
STATE QGM AND AGM HELD 12TH NOVEMBER 2001
NEW COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
CENTRE: GOLD COAST |
MR VAL KLEEM |
|
|
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
CENTRE: HEADQUARTERS |
MR LEN DIXON |
JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT
CENTRE: HEADQUARTERS |
MR HARRY TOOKER |
COMMITTEE MEMBER
CENTRE: HEADQUARTERS |
MR ALBERT MASTERS |
COMMITTEE MEMBER
CENTRE: HEADQUARTERS |
MR OWEN LEGG |
COMMITTEE MEMBER
CENTRE: BEENLEIGH |
MR ALAN HARCOURT |
COMMITTEE MEMBER
CENTRE: CABOOLTURE |
MR PAUL BOYNS |
COMMITTEE MEMBER
CENTRE: CABOOLTURE |
MR PETER KENT |
COMMITTEE MEMBER
CENTRE: CAIRNS |
MR SYD YOUNG |
We congratulate those members duly
elected to office and offer our support during the next year.
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IMPORTANT MOTIONS TO NOTE
- A motion, passed at the State
Conference in September, that the State Conference become a decision making body was
proposed and CARRIED at the QGM 12th November 2001.
- The motion that the Qld State
Branch TPDSA break away from the National Federation was DEFEATED.
- A motion was CARRIED that the
National President TPDSA Mr John (Blue) Ryan be invited to the next QGM of the Qld State
Branch to be held on 11th February 2002.
- A motion, passed at the State
Conference in September 2001, that only two members from each Centre be permitted to vote
at State QGMs was RECINDED, at the QGM 12th November 2001.
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PATRON QLD TPI ASSOCIATION
The Governor of
Qld Major General Peter Arnison AC, has accepted the position of Patron of our association
CENTRES CHRISTMAS PARTY DATES
Beenleigh 2nd Nov
2001 |
Toowoomba 15th
Nov 2001 |
Caboolture 3rd
Dec 2001 |
Rockhampton 11th
Dec 2001 |
Fraser Coast 7th
Nov 2001 |
Townsville 16th
Nov 2001 |
Sunshine Coast 4th
Dec 2001 |
Redcliffe 14th
Dec 2001 |
Cairns 8th
Nov 2001 |
Gladstone 22nd
Nov 2001 |
Gympie 5th
Dec 2001 |
|
State Office 13th
Nov 2001 |
Bundaberg 23rd
Nov 2001 |
Gold Coast 6th
Dec 2001 |
|
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HOLIDAYS, HOLIDAYS, HOLIDAYS
The Centre at 156
Bolsover Street, Rockhampton will be closed from 21st December 2001 to 20th
January 2002 inclusive.
Have a very Merry
Christmas and a wonderfully Happy New Year.
CHRISTMAS BREAK UP Back to Menu
The Christmas break
up this year will be a BBQ following the Management Committee meeting on TUESDAY 11TH
DECEMBER 2001.
The meeting will begin at 11:00am
and the BBQ at 12:30pm.
VENUE: DICK AND CHRIS ODENDAHL "GLENLYON"
Harding Road
ALTON DOWNS
DIRECTIONS:
Head west on Rockhampton
Rigelands Road. At approx 15.5 km from Rockhampton turn left at the Alton Downs Hall into
Nicholsons Road.
Continue to the end of bitumen and
turn right into Harding Road. At approx 4 km the house is on the left on the hill and the
gate is on the left in a cutting.
The Committee encourages all
members to attend but extends a specific invitation to WW2 Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary.
We wish to appreciate and honour you for your service to the Centre.
It is our wish to make specific arrangements to
transport WW2 Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary members to and from the venue. (A Bus will be
arranged).
FOR CATERING PURPOSES AND NUMBER
OF BUS PASSENGERS PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CENTRE 49 214 644 BY 3RD DECEMBER 2001.
COME ALONG LETS
ENJOY LIFE CELEBRATE AND HAVE FUN.
POSITIONS VACANT Back to
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The Management Committee
seeks application or expressions of interest from members in the following positions
within the Centre.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
A training position with a
view to gaining experience in all office functions. Future promotion a possibility.
ASSISTANT TREASURER
(As Above)
WELFARE OFFICER
Specific training can be
made available through DVAs TRAINING AND INFORMATION PROGRAMME. Love of travel,
meeting and caring for people essential.
TICKETS
SELLERS FUNDRAISERS
A love of fundraising would
be beneficial. Training can also be provided.
GENERAL
GOFFER
Anyone who is willing to be
involved in anything should apply.
Come on members, the Centre
needs helpers, THATS YOU. Anyone who might be interested in helping out in anyway
please contact the President Paul Watkins or the Secretary Charlie Bartkus or any
Committee Member. (OFFICE: Phone 49 214 644).
FUND RAISING Back to Menu
Members will note
that the Annual subscriptions have been reduced from previous years, $30 down to $25. Also
no charge has been levied for the newsletter or any mail outs.
Only $10 from each
subscription remains with the local centre. This means only $1000.00 for 100 members each
year.
The TPDSA Central Qld Centre
needs funds in order to exist and keep functioning.
ANY FUNDRAISING IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS WILL BE MOST
WELCOME.
- COULD YOU ORGANISE
SOMETHING?
- CAN YOU DONATE ANY
- CASH OR SALEABLE ITEM.
- ANY JUNK LYING AROUND THAT MIGHT BE
SOMEONE ELSES TREASURE? COULD YOU HAVE A GARAGE SALE AND DONATE PART OR ALL OF THE
PROCEEDS.?
- ARE YOU THE ENTERPENUER WE ARE
LOOKING FOR?
- CONTACT THE SECRETARY OR
PRESIDENT 49 214 644.
EMERGENCY ACCOMODATION Back to
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PASSING THROUGH BRISBANE
AND NEED ACCOMODATION?
- HAVE A DOCTORS OR HOSPITAL
APPOINTMENT AND NEED TO SPEND A NIGHT OR A FEW DAYS IN BRISBANE?
- CANT AFFORD HOTEL OR MOTEL
AND REALLY NEED TO STAY IN BRISBANE.
THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU! ANGUS
HOUSE.
Owned by the RSL and run by VVAA
Angus House, situated at 53-55 Bayliss Street, Toowong (just 2 stations from Roma Street),
provide emergency accommodation for Veterans at just $15 per night.
The Manager is Jim Muir and
can be contacted on phone (07) 38708743 or Fax (07) 32177498.
VISIT BY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS Back
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AN OUTREACH
ENQUIRY OFFICER WILL VISIT
MOURA
ON TUESDAY 11TH
DECEMBER 2001
Between 11:00am and
12:00pm
Appointments for
interview should be made by contacting the RSL
Sub-Branch
MOURA
TELEPHONE: 4997
1640
FUTURE EDITIONS CONTENT Back to
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Members/Ladies
Auxiliary are invited to submit items for future editions of the newsletter.
Suggestions are:- NEWSITEMS,
JOKES, FUNNY STORIES, RECIPES, HELPFUL HINTS, ANYTHING OF INTEREST TO MEMBERS.
(No guarantee can be given,
at this stage, for inclusion of any item. We are all just learning and are all just
volunteers. Time sometimes gets away from us and who knows when the next issue might be).
However lets all work
together on this.
Send items marked for
NEWSLETTER to HON SECRETARY PO BOX 514 ROCKHAMPTON Q 4700
CHEERS TILL
NEXT TIME
HON EDITOR
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