A Remembrance Day Ceremony was held at the Veterans Support Group Nerang premises at 11am on November 11 2024.
The ceremony adhered to the accepted protocols, beginning with the lowering the Australian flag to half-mast at 10.40am. Veterans Support Group personnel from both the Qld. Branch and the Men’s Shed gathered around the flag pole, and Padre Gary Stone began proceedings with prayer. This was followed by the reading of an appropriate poem of battles past, and then The Ode was spoken.
The Last Post was then played, followed by one minutes silence at 11am. Then, as Rouse was played, the flag was raised back to peak height, timed to coincide with the ending of Rouse. That concluded the ceremony.
Veterans Support Group personnel gathered for the Remembrance Ceremony 11/11/2024.Reading of an appropriate poem from battles past.Australian National Flag at half-mast.
NEW, Traditional timber clinker Dinghy 7′ x 4’6″ Professionally built to fundraise for returned War Veterans & their Families. The Buyer is not only getting a beautifully hand crafted Boat Tender, but assisting in this very worthwhile cause. As an additional bonus…we will include a Yamaha 5hp O/B motor, (just serviced ) approx 20 total run hours.( value $900)
$3,850.00
SPONSORSHIP/SUPPORTER DONATION BANKING DETAILS:-
A/C NAME:- VIETNAM VETERANS FEDERATION, BRISBANE/GOLD COAST REGIONA SUB BRANCH Inc.
Monday the 7th October 2024 saw Steve and Wendy Clare take final delivery of their newly purchased 4.3 metre boat and outboard at the sale price of $12,000.00.
L to R: Noah(Don Lees), Steve and Wendy Clare.Wendy flying the flag.
Noah (Don Lees) spent the last two weeks adding flotation foam in order to meet the latest regulations, and also adding the final paint touches as needed. For Noah and his team it was the culmination of some 18 months of long hours and hard work, ending in the craftsman built clinker boat. The funds from the sale will go towards helping our veterans and members.
Boat, trailer and Bimini Top.
The transfer papers for both the trailer and boat registrations were completed, with the much appreciated assistance of Wendy Clare, and with several commemorative photos, we wished Steve and Wendy many happy hours of boating enjoyment.
Noah checking all was secured for the journey.
Boat front showing folded Bimini Top, oars and fuel tank.Noah checking the rear of the boat and photographing the identification plate.
Approximately 12 months ago, the sub branch committee tabled a motion, which was carried, to have a retaining wall constructed on the northern boundary of our premises. Quotes for such a large wall were In the vicinity of $10,500.00, so a grant was applied for to cover the cost, and was subsequently approved.
Original bank and pipework preparation – photos above and belowThe excavator in action – photos above and below.
Many hours of preparation work were spent installing large drainage pipes at the base of the proposed wall. A contractor, Mick Seery, was appointed, and construction began in early September. With the aid and supervision of shed members, Mick used his excavators to prepare and build the wall, and the final touches of turf were laid on September 24. A long and complicated job well done, and a vast improvement to the premises.
The most significant day of the year for our organization was celebrated on August 18, a Sunday this year, that being Long Tan Day (Vietnam Veterans Day). The service went very smoothly, with attendance by all levels of government and the LWC Canungra. Angie Bell MP laid a wreath, and at the end of the service also presented veteran John Crane with the Republic of Vietnam medal, in a very touching scene.
Simone Corboy laid a wreath on behalf of Meaghan Scanlon MP, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works. Cr. Bob LaCastra laid a wreath on behalf of Division 8, City of Gold Coast. Lt. Col. John Leathley, commanding officer of Kokoda Barracks, together with his two children, Hannah and Jack, laid a wreath on behalf of the LWC Canungra and gave an address on the Battle of Long Tan. This was followed by all other wreath laying.
Peter Handy, QLD. Branch President, opened proceedings with a speech, and then Padre Gary Stone gave appropriate blessings and prayers. After the wreath laying, Last post, one minute’s silence, the Ode and Rouse were played followed by both the New Zealand and Australian anthems. Padre Stone closed the service with prayer. A light luncheon of mixed sandwiches was then served and general discussion among the attendees followed.
All flags flying.
Wreath tableSub Branch President Andy Bryson MC.Lt Col. John Leathley, CO of Kokoda Barracks, Canungra giving his address.Sub Branch Secretary/Treasurer Peter Cameron holding wreath for Diedre Bakewell representing War Widows.Angie Bell MP, presenting John Crane with his Republic of Vietnam medal,
