President’s Report 2005
Hearty greetings to all members and supporters in this 65th year since the formation of our Regiment.
At the 2004 Reunion, numbers were down again – to 40. We were very pleased to have as guests Bob Westwood, a member of the Werribee Racing Club Committee, and Graeme Heddle, both of whom had contributed so much to our day at the Werribee Races in September 2003, when the memorial to our Regiment was unveiled. Other Werribee friends Geoffrey Smith and Rick Wolany had also been invited but regretted that they both had prior engagements.
At the 2004 Anzac Day March, we were fortunate that the rain held off for the March. It was disappointing that only 12 members of our Association paraded. We were reinforced by a couple of friends from other units and about 15 descendants of our men. I am sure that we can do better than 12 members marching. If not we have to do some ‘soul searching’ in the future’.
Suggestions have been made that we merge with another Regiment’s Association for both the Reunion and the Anzac March. Our Committee has considered this before. Although there may be sound reasons for merging we prefer to remain independent and under our own Banner for as long as possible; but we need the support of members to carry on.
We were disappointed recently to learn that Air Force House is no longer available for Reunions. It has been a first-class venue for us for 18 years. The management and staff have given us the utmost consideration over this period. We record our appreciation for the privileges extended to us.
For our 2005 Reunion on 24th April, your Committee has booked an attractive room at the Victoria Hotel. 215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. This venue is convenient, being just east from Swanston Street, with access by train or tram. It has become necessary to increase the cost to members from $25 to $30, which will cover a “sit-down” hot meal, drinks and your usual membership subscription.
Our Association will substantially subsidize the actual cost. As the location is so convenient with public transport, most of us will not need a car to attend. As the numbers attending will influence future plans, I urge you to join your old mates for a happy day at the “Vic”.
Further details for the Re-union are on the enclosed booking slip. As catering costs are now more critical, please note that with the new arrangements, booking your seat and pre-payment are essential!
Referring to the 2005 Anzac March, the leaders of our Regiment are selected by our Committee from those who have contributed time and energy to our Association, and who in fact can march. This year, Dave Thomson and Ron Bryant have been invited to lead us.
Again our thanks go to Max and Linda Parsons who have set up “Take Post” for 14 years; to Ron Berry who updates our computer records of members and to John Campbell, Secretary; John Hepworth, Treasurer, and to Committee members for keeping the show on the road.
John Campbell has not been well, so he is on ‘light duties’ at present. Cec Rae has been Acting Secretary in John’s absence. Cec is no stranger to the job as he was Secretary for many years.
On behalf of our Association, I record our best wishes to the men and women of the services who have been so ably representing Australia in conflicts, peace-keeping and policing abroad, especially to those who have been involved with the disastrous tsunami in Asia and India.
I look forward to seeing as many as possible at the Reunion and the March. Time is flying and we’re all in the front line now. Its important to get together to recall those remarkable days which we shared during World War II. We’re not ready to fizzle out now – let’s go a bit longer in strength until we say: