INDEX TO NEWSLETTER

.From Charlie Bartkus New Committee APPOINTED OFFICERS PRESIDENT’S REPORT Social Centre AGM
FUTURE EDITIONS ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Important Dates New Members SPECTACLE FRAMES
SOUTHERN RAILWAY QUOTATIONS FOR THIS MONTH TPI Statistics New State Committee Important Motion to Note
Qld Patron CHRISTMAS PARTIES Rocky Office Closed Rocky Cristmas Breakup  POSITIONS VACANT
FUND RAISING EMERGENCY ACCOMODATION DVA Visits Moura

MERRY CHRISTMAS

THE HON SECRETARY RECEPTION  (07) 49 214 644  PO BOX 514 FACSIMILE: (07) 49 211 066   ROCKHAMPTON Q 4700 Phone (07) 49 214 644 Fax (07) 49211 066
E mail: tpdsacq@rocknet.net.au  Web: http://rockytpi.tripod.com  

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.

"I’VE LEARNED JUST HOW LITTLE I KNOW"

"I’VE LEARNED THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KNOW SOMETHING FROM ME"

"I’VE 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 I’ve got that one.  Perhaps now I’m really very smart because now I know how much I don’t 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 won’t be too bad.

Hon. Secretary

Charlie Bartkus                 Back to Menu

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 didn’t 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

PRESIDENT’S 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 didn’t or couldn’t 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 don’t 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

 

Back to Menu

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  Back to Menu

PETER DAVIES ALAN MUNSTER

 

Back to Menu

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 Veterans’Affairs (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 Department’s 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 Department’s 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.

Back to Menu

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 TPI’s 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 TPI’S 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"

Back to Menu

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."

  • GEORGE WASHINGTON

 REMEMBER THE DEAD – FIGHT LIKE HELL FOR THE LIVING

Back to Menu

STATISICS OF TOTALLY & PERMANENTLY INCAPACITATED SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION

POINTS TO KNOW AND KEEP IN MIND

  1. SPECIAL RATE (TPI) PAYMENT IS SEPARATE TO THE SERVICE PENSION (ALTHOUGH PAID TOGETHER)
  2. MUCH DEBATE AND DIFFERING OPINIONS ABOUT AN INCREASE, NO CONCENSUS AMONG ESOs
  3. HOWEVER WHEN ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED TPI RATE = 100% MALE AVERAGE TOTAL WEEKLY EARNINGS
  4. TODAY TPI RATE = 43% MATWE
  5. DVA MINISTER AND DVA OFFICERS ACKNOWLEDGE TPI RATE HAS BEEN ERODED AND THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE FIXED
  6. ESOs ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE EROSION. LACK OF CONCENSUS HAS BEEN ON HOW TO FIX PROBLEM
  7. RSL NOW AGREE BASICALLY WITH TPI NATIONAL CAMPAIGN (SEE ATTACHMENT)
  8. 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

Back to Menu

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.

Back to Menu

IMPORTANT MOTIONS TO NOTE

  1. 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.
  2. The motion that the Qld State Branch TPDSA break away from the National Federation was DEFEATED.
  3. 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.
  4. A motion, passed at the State Conference in September 2001, that only two members from each Centre be permitted to vote at State QGM’s was RECINDED, at the QGM 12th November 2001.

Back to Menu

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  

Back to Menu

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 Menu

 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, THAT’S 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.

  1. COULD YOU ORGANISE SOMETHING?
  2. CAN YOU DONATE ANY
  3. CASH OR SALEABLE ITEM.
  4. ANY JUNK LYING AROUND THAT MIGHT BE SOMEONE ELSES TREASURE? COULD YOU HAVE A GARAGE SALE AND DONATE PART OR ALL OF THE PROCEEDS.?
  5. ARE YOU THE ENTERPENUER WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
  6.  CONTACT THE SECRETARY OR PRESIDENT 49 214 644.

 EMERGENCY ACCOMODATION Back to Menu

 PASSING THROUGH BRISBANE AND NEED ACCOMODATION?

  1. HAVE A DOCTORS OR HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT AND NEED TO SPEND A NIGHT OR A FEW DAYS IN BRISBANE?
  2. CAN’T 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 to Menu

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 Menu

 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

This newsletter has been reproduced in Html format and reformatted to suit the internet

Back to Menu