Graham Docksey, OAM, OAM Mil. JP.

PRESIDENTS CORNER – WINTER 2025

Welcome to the winter edition of the sub-Branch Newsletter. Thank you, Jan, for your work with producing
the newsletter over the past years in keeping our members informed with regards to the sub-Branch. I now
warmly welcome Doug Hunter as the new Editor of the newsletter. Please feel free to share this information
with other veterans or their families. In fear of repeating myself, a gentle reminder to all members about the
establishment of two Volunteer Compensation Advocates working at ANZAC House by appointment on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Advocates will be available for pensions advice/applications,
pension and other reviews and information for veterans on medals. Please spread the word about this
important and vital service.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR FLU INJECTION.

The transition from summer to winter has been very pleasant this time around with some very beautiful days
and mild nights. This has been a very busy start to the year with Easter, school holidays and the ANZAC
Commemorations all coming on top of each other this year. Fund raising this year saw Army taking a lead
over two weeks and volunteers backing up to assist. Again, Jan was superb with her organisation and spent
many hours pulling it all together and ably supported by Noel. Thank you, Jan.
Another reminder about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The schedule of items, the
guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au. (RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at
the schedule and then discuss this with your GP or Health professional. Your continued health is important
to not only you but to your family. If you are needing assistance around the house like cleaning, washing
windows, cleaning gutters etc speak with your GP and Occupational Therapist for advice.
This is your sub-Branch, so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the reception desk or
assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days. If you are interested, please talk to the Secretary Mark.
ANZAC Day saw two new Australian Prisoners of War plaques unveiled at the Albury War Memorial. The
War Memorial turned 100 on ANZAC Day with a story included in this newsletter. The refurbishment
project of the World Two Memorial Bowl got the approval of Albury Council in February, and the work has
already started. A visit to the bowl will see a flurry of activity underway already for an end of year
completion. At this time, we are considering how we go about the opening. Any suggestions welcome.
The Vietnam Veterans Day service will again be held at ANZAC House on Monday the 18 th of August.
Look out for further details. The 2025 Remembrance Day Service will again held in St Matthew’s Church
Albury on Tuesday the 11 th of November. Monthly meetings continue to be very well attended and most
productive with many members remaining for the luncheon afterwards and a friendly chat. So come along
you are most welcome. Often, we have a guest speaker on a subject of interest to our members.
We continue to support DVA sponsored activities such as Veterans Health Week so watch for further
details. A Wellbeing Support Officers course was conducted at ANZAC House on Tuesday the 11 th of
March and a Safe Talk course on Monday the 10 th .
We are continuing along the path of incorporation with only a couple of hurdles still to complete the
process. Your sub-Branch is in a sound financial position, and I continue to remain grateful for the support
of my committee and our members.

Kind regards to you all.

Graham

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Presidents report to the March 2025 AGM

It is with much pleasure that I provide the President’s report for the year past. Another busy year that has seen the sub-Branch continue to grow and to support our members when several other sub-Branches have been forced to become chapters of larger sub-Branches due to reduced membership numbers. Some simply because they have not been prepared to accept affiliates as members. Wagga Wagga now has five sub-branches to manage. Together we are strong. Affiliate’s play an important role within the sub-Branch. We would not continue to function as a strong sub-Branch in supporting the wider veteran community and our members without the support of affiliates. I thank all of the affiliates that are members of this sub-branch.

The make-up of the committee since the last AGM has been vital to the continued successful operation of your sub-Branch. Your committee has carried out their duties with distinction, professionalism and with pride across all areas of the operation of the sub-Branch, with several challengers being overcome during this time. This has included the maintenance of the building, the lawns and gardens, the kitchen and support for ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day. I remain most grateful for their support. I ask members to not leave it to others to lead the sub-Branch into the future, if you are interested in a position please speak to the Secretary after the meeting and ask how you can assist.

Another major step forward in supporting our veterans has been the establishment of two volunteer compensation advocates here in ANZAC House. The advocates are Wayne Taylor and Wayne McMillan. Both are ex-servicemen and already have a good workload of over 100 clients. This service has seen veterans coming from across the border, down from Wagga and calls from Melbourne, Sydney and South Australia. This is a free service to veterans. Whether you served full time for 24 hours or 24 years you are a veteran, and each will have perhaps a different entitlement. Make an appointment, it costs nothing to ask. If you have a family member or a friend that could qualify, ask.

ANZAC Day 2024 was very well attended as we were totally free from the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The Dawn Service and the 10am Commemorative Services saw very large crowds attending. The 9am street march also saw very large numbers turn out to cheer-on the veterans, first responders and the school children.

In August on Vietnam Veterans Day, we held a service in our memorial garden.

The State Congress was held last year in Newcastle in November which I represented the sub-Branch and voted according to your wishes. I attended the Wagga Wagga RSL for the Far South Western District Council meetings last year.

The sub-Branch is always represented, and a report is submitted for each meeting unlike several other sub-Branches. Being involved is the name of the game. At state Congress I moved the motion in relation to National Membership which after debate the motion was passed with an 81% majority and is now being processed by state Headquarters.

The Remembrance Day service was held in St Matthews Church on the 11^th of November saw a large attendance. We have now been conducting this service for 12 years in the church away from the problems of previously holding the service in QE2 Square.

Fund raising last year was very successful given the support that we received from Australian Defence Force Members from the Albury Wodonga Military Area.

Recently we have hosted a two-day mental health first aid course with some 20 attending. Last week we hosted a safe talk training course on the Monday and on Tuesday a wellbeing support officers course attended by 24 members.

As you are aware, I had been working closely with Albury City for four years on a major refurbishment program of the World War Two Memorial Bowl. The project is being jointly funded by Albury City and the NSW Government. The contract approval was presented to Albury City Council Meeting on Monday the 24^th of February as was endorsed by all councillors. I was accompanied by Beth and Nigel in the chamber to listen to the debate. The project will take about 10 months after contracts are signed.

As an important part of the operation of the sub-Branch, we as a team have conducted several RSL Tributes at funerals when requested to do so by families. This has often included attending funerals of non-sub-Branch members. Occasionally a family may for whatever reason not wish an RSL Tribute and that is their choice. I thank Harry for his support in sharing with me the conduct of these funerals.

If you would like to assist both Harry and me with this service ask, as it is an honour to see a veteran farewelled appropriately.

I continue to ask the membership for your assistance with a number of projects across the operation of the Sub-Branch. We need support from members that are retired or working part-time to assist with the front desk. Without your support we cannot continue to function. This is only for 4 hours.

This year I would like to see more members get involved with the Bowls Great for Brains activity held on Thursdays at the Commercial Club.

This is at no cost with bowls being provided, just bring flat soled shoes, a hat and water. At present Harry and Gary are attending along with other veterans and first responders.

Veterans’ Health Week was held in September and was a great morning of bowls, a chat about healthy eating and lunch and was well attended. We will support Veterans Health Week again this year, so listen out for details and participate. This year it could be croquet.

At the 10am commemorative service on ANZAC Day the two new POW plaques will be unveiled.

I remain most grateful for the support freely provided by the committee across many areas of the operation of the sub-Branch, and also the ladies that readily assist in the kitchen. Today, Jenny and Pauline are busy with the luncheon, thank you ladies.

I congratulate you all for your attendance at our monthly meetings as it is reassuring.

This all goes well for the sub-Branch as members and guests are mixing and socialising.

In summary, a very busy year, but a very fruitful year for the sub-Branch.

The Secretary will inform you about our increase in membership.

Throughout the year I have attended many functions representing the sub-Branch and have been invited to attend many others.

Being your President is a privilege; however, we must have a succession plan. I will be stepping down at the AGM next year after 12 years as President.

I submit my report for your kind consideration.

Graham

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PRESIDENTS CORNER – SPRING 2024

Welcome to the Spring edition of the sub-Branch Newsletter for 2024. Thank you, Jan, for your work in pulling together another newsletter that keeps our members informed on the happenings in their sub-Branch and across the veterans network. Please feel free to share this information with other veterans or their families. In fear of repeating myself, a gentle reminder to all members about the establishment of two Volunteer Compensation Advocates working at ANZAC House by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Advocates will be available for pensions advice/applications, pension and other reviews and information for veterans on medals. Please spread the word about this important service.
Another reminder about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The schedule of items, the guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au. (RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at the schedule and then discuss this with your GP or Health professional. Your continued health is important to not only you but to your family. If you are needing assistance around the house like cleaning, washing windows, cleaning gutters etc speak with your GP and Occupational Therapist for advice.
This is your sub-Branch, so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the reception desk or assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days. If you are interested, please talk to the Secretary.
ANZAC Day was an outstanding success with very large crowds attending the Dawn Service and the March. The 10am Commemorative service was also well attended. I hear that the crowd watching the March was one of the largest recorded. All goes well with keeping the ANZAC Spirit alive, thank you.
The sub-Branch is active in conjunction with AlburyCity with planning now becoming a reality at the World War Two Memorial Bowl with $740k being recently provided by the NSW Government towards the project. The remaining funding will come through AlburyCity. The project will see a covered children’s play station, a covered exercise station, a water station and much needed landscaping and will be wheelchair friendly. A new interpretive panel will tell the story of what happened in Albury during World War Two. A presentation by AlburyCity staff on the upgrade was conducted at the AGM on the 17th of March. We look forward to the project completion in early 2025.
The 2024 Remembrance Day Service will again be held in St Matthew’s Church Albury on Monday the 11th of November. Monthly meetings continue to be very well attended and most productive with many members remaining for the luncheon afterwards and a friendly chat. So come along you are most welcome. Often, we have a guest speaker on a subject of interest to our members.
We continue to support DVA sponsored activities such as Veterans Health Week with further details in the newsletter. Come along for a fun morning with prizes to be won.

We are continuing along the path of incorporation with only a couple of hurdles to complete the process.
Your sub-Branch is in a sound financial position, and I continue to remain grateful for the support of my committee and our members. Kind regards to you all.
Graham

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PRESIDENTS CORNER – FEBRUARY 2024

Welcome to the first edition of the sub-Branch Newsletter for 2024. Thank you, Jan, for your work in pulling together the newsletter that keeps our members informed on the happenings in their sub-Branch and across the veterans network. Please feel free to share this information with other veterans or their families. This year will see further services offered to our members, the first being the establishment of two Compensation Advocates working in ANZAC House by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Also, a representative of RSL NSW Life Care will be available by appointment at ANZAC House. The Advocates will be available for pensions advice/applications, pension and other reviews and information for veterans on medals. A reminder to start considering your Flu injection, top up your COVID injections and consider the Shingles jab. Enough needling from me on the matter. Another reminder about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The schedule of items, the guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au. (RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at the schedule and then discuss this with your GP or Health professional. Your continued health is important to not only you but to your family. If you are needing assistance around the house like cleaning, washing windows, cleaning gutters etc speak with your GP and Occupational Therapist for advice. This is your sub-Branch, so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the reception desk or assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days. If you are interested, please talk to the Secretary. As I now plan for ANZAC Day this year, I am looking for volunteers to assist with marshalling of the marching groups and the school groups. Schools are again welcome along with community groups and First Responders. I consider this to be our major and highly visible community activity which is what we do for the Albury community along with Remembrance Day and assisting veterans in need. Please step-up to help.

Graham

President’s Report for the October 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to the spring edition of the sub-Branch Newsletter with the crisp air still greeting our mornings. Thank you, Jan, for your work in producing another newsletter to keep our members informed on the happenings in their sub-Branch. The sub-Branch is here to support the members and to that end from October we will have two Advocates working out of the ANZAC House two days a week to handle claims, compensation matters and very important reviews. This service is well worth inquiring about as the rules and entitlements keep changing so stay up to date. Shortly we will also have a member from the Wagga Wagga office of RSL Life Care present in ANZAC House one day a week. Further information on these two services will be available shortly. Your attendance at meetings and other activities is vital to support the continued operation of ANZAC House, get onboard and stay up to date with regards to DVA, veterans’ health matters and other related issues. Stay for lunch after the meeting for a chat with other members. I know that I have mentioned many times about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The schedule of items, the guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au. (RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at the schedule and then discuss this with your GP or health professional. Your continued health is important to not only yourself but to your family. Also talk to your GP about Home Assistance with domestic cleaning, window cleaning and lawn mowing. Ceiling fans can also be covered under this program. Another reminder that the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card is still available to eligible members with a value of $250. Top up your fuel tank or grab a taxi. Check the details on the Service NSW website. This is your sub-Branch, so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the reception desk or assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days. If you are interested, please talk to Secretary Mark. A very well attended Vietnam Veterans Day Service (18 Aug) was held with some 80 attending. We have now started locking in details for the Remembrance Day service to be held in St Matthews Church on Saturday the 11th of November commencing at 10.30am. Your sub-Branch is in as strong and well managed position. PENSION AND WELFARE HELP??? Don’t forget that if you require a pension or welfare assistance, please phone ANZAC House (Albury) 02 6021 1241 for an appointment. If you would like a home visit, please leave your details at ANZAC House 527 Wilson Street Albury NSW 2640. We continue to support DVA sponsored activities such as Veterans Health Week. A fun, bare foot bowls morning will be held on the new greens at the Commercial Club with a luncheon to be held afterwards at ANZAC House. Come along with prizes to be won on the day. Time 9.30am on Thursday the 12th of October 2023. Lunch to commence at 12.30pm. Two free yoga sessions will be held as follows: Monday the 9th of October from 1.30pm to 3pm and again on Friday the 13th from 1.30pm to 3pm. The address is Orana, 153 Melbourne Road Wodonga. Own towel, pillow slip and water required Contact ANZAC House for details and attendance as positions are limited to 20. Veterans Health Check. DVA funds Veterans Health Checks for all former serving Australian Defence Force Members. Check with your General Practitioner. I continue to remain grateful for the support of my committee and members.

Regards to you all,

Graham.

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City of Albury RSL Sub-Branch President’s Annual Report

For the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday the 19th of March 2023.

It is with much pleasure that I provide the President’s report for the year past. Another year that has seen the sub-Branch continue to support our members when several other sub-Branches have been forced to become chapters of larger sub-Branches due to reduced numbers. Some simply because they have not been prepared to accept affiliates as members. Together we are strong. Affiliate’s play an important role within the sub-Branch. As an example, in this sub-Branch, our Secretary Mark, our Assistant Secretary Pauline, and our present Treasurer Jan are all affiliates. We would not continue to function as a strong sub-Branch to support the wider veteran community and our members without the support of affiliates.

Last year was a real challenge to each and every one of us, whether in the home, at work or here at the sub-Branch as we battled with restrictions and our own health.

But here we are, and I warmly welcome you all.

The make-up of the committee since the last AGM has been vital to the continued successful operation of your sub-Branch. Your committee has carried out their duties with distinction, professionalism and with pride across all areas of the operation of the sub-Branch, with many challengers being overcome during this time. This has included the maintenance of the building and the lawns and gardens, the kitchen and support for ANZAC and Remembrance Days. I remain most grateful for their support. I ask members to not leave it to others to lead the sub-Branch, if you are interested in a support position speak to the Secretary about how you can assist.

The year has seen a continuation of improvements to ANZAC House.

March saw the opening of the Tom and Pat Fryer room which was converted from what was simply part of a storage shed, to a space where veterans can relax, have a quite chat or perhaps learn some computer skills. Funding for the room came from a donation from Pat and also from DVA and the Commercial Club to fit it out with a TV, computers, a printer, furniture and carpet.

ANZAC Day 2022 was very well attended as we were totally free from the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The Dawn Service and the 10am Commemorative Services saw large crowds attending. The 9am street march also saw large numbers turn out to cheer-on the veterans, first responders and the school children.

During the 10am Commemorative Service two new plaques honouring Afghanistan Veterans were unveiled at the Albury War Memorial. This being one of the first War Memorials to honour the Afghanistan Veterans.

In August on Vietnam Veterans Day during our service here in our memorial garden a new plaque honouring the 14 Albury and wider district Vietnam Veterans that died in Vietnam was unveiled.

The State Congress was held last year in Newcastle in November which I represented the sub-Branch and voted according to your wishes. I attended the Wagga Wagga RSL for the District Council meetings last year. The sub-Branch is always represented, and a report submitted. Being involved is the name of the game. It is our league.

Fund raising last year was very successful given the support that we received from the Australian Defence Force Members from the Albury Wodonga Military Area.

The sub-Branch has been very successful with its grants application program in recent years, and we continue to look for opportunities to improve ANZAC House and the facilities for the direct benefit of our members.

I draw your attention to the new cover on the western side of the building which is nearing completion.

As you are aware, I had been working closely with AlburyCity for a couple of years on a major refurbishment of the World War Two Memorial Bowl. The project was jointly funded to the tune of one point two million dollars by AlburyCity and the NSW Government. A presentation was made to the February Monthly meeting by staff from AlburyCity. An outstanding design which is now going out to tender.

Throughout the year I have attended many functions representing the sub-Branch and have been invited to attend many others. Being your President is a privilege.

As an important part of the operation of the sub-Branch, we as a team have conducted many RSL Tributes at funerals when requested to do so by families. This has often included attending funerals of non-sub-Branch members. Occasionally a family may for whatever reason not wish an RSL Tribute and that is their choice. I thank Harry Hacking for his total support in the conduct of these funerals.

If you would like to assist both Harry and me with this service ask, as it is an honour to see a veteran farewelled appropriately.

On this point last year, we were made aware that two World War Two veterans were lying in unmarked graves with no families able to be contacted. We requested Commonwealth War Graves Office to look into this situation. The result was that both graves received a total overhaul and are now ready for us to conduct a simple service at both to acknowledge their service. Another simple service that we do for our veterans.

In 2013 we conducted our first Remembrance Day Service in St Matthew’s Church due to the wet weather. This proved to be a most fitting venue and was overwhelmingly applauded by those attending. Not one complaint was heard or received. The Remembrance Day Services are now very well attended.

I continue to ask the membership for your assistance with a number of projects across the operation of the Sub-Branch. We need support from members that are retired or working part-time to assist with the front desk. Without your support we cannot continue to function.

This year I would like to see more members get involved with the Bowls Great for Brains activity held on Thursdays at the Commercial Club. This is at no cost with bowls being provided, just bring flat soled shoes, a hat and water. At present Harry, Gary and I are attending along with other veterans and first responders.

This year we will look at holding a movie morning once a month with a cuppa and chat before, and popcorn during the movie. Talk to Gary Treeve as he will head this up.

Veterans Health Week was held in September and was a great day of bowls, a chat about healthy eating and lunch and was well attended. We will support Veterans Health Week again this year, so listen out for details and participate.

Last year we were given funding from the Commercial Club to refurbish all the banners and flags that we use on ANZAC Day. The project was long overdue as several banners had a start date but no end date for example, Afghanistan and Iraq. Some banners did not include all the medals that were available to those that served, be they military or civilian. The project saw the old wooden poles replaced with extendable light weight aluminium poles which are now easier for school children to carry.

I will be asking for a volunteer to fill the position of Assistant Treasurer so time to think please.

I remain most grateful for the support freely provided by the committee across many areas of the operation of the sub-Branch, and also the ladies that readily assist in the kitchen. Today, Jenny, Pauline and Lyn are busy with the luncheon, thank you ladies.

I congratulate you all for your attendance at our monthly meetings as it is reassuring.

This all goes well for the sub-Branch as members and guests are mixing and socialising.

In summary, a very busy year, but a very fruitful year for the sub-Branch.

I will re-nominate as your President for another term to keep the forces of evil from our doors.

I submit my report for your kind consideration and am happy to take any questions.

PRESIDENTS REPORT – FEBRUARY 2023

Welcome to the mid-summer edition of the sub-Branch Newsletter with the sound of lawn mowers, birds singing and neighbour’s out gardening still with us during the hot weather. Thank you, Jan, for your work in producing your last newsletter to keep our members informed on the happenings in their sub-Branch. Several other sub-Branches have recently closed their doors and others are considering becoming chapters of others, but we continue to serve our members, making welfare phone calls, visits and helping when requested by members and non-members.

Another reminder about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The schedule of items, the guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au. (RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at the schedule and then discuss this with your GP or Health professional. Your continued health is important to not only yourself but to your family.

The NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card is again being made available to eligible members with a value of $250. Check the details on the Service NSW website.

This is your sub-Branch, so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the reception desk or assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days. If you are interested, please talk to Secretary Mark.

As I now plan for ANZAC Day this year, I am looking for volunteers to assist with marshalling of the marching groups. School children are again welcome along with community groups and First Responders. I consider this to be our community responsibility which is what we do for the community along with Remembrance Day and assisting veterans in need.

The sub-Branch is active in conjunction with council with planning now becoming a reality at the World War Two Memorial Bowl with $740k being recently provided by the NSW Government towards the project. The remaining funding will come through Albury City. The project will see a covered children’s play station, a covered exercise station and much needed landscaping and will be wheelchair friendly. A new interpretive panel will tell the story of what happened in Albury during World War Two. A presentation by Albury City staff on the upgrade will happen at the monthly meeting on the 19th of February.

The 2022 Remembrance Day Service was held in St Matthew’s Church Albury and was very well attended. Monthly meetings continue to be very well attended and most productive with many members remaining for the luncheon afterwards and a friendly chat. So come along you are most welcome. Often, we have a guest speaker on a subject of interest to our members. If you wish to assist with the lunch, please put your hand up.

On Saturday the 11th of February the sub-Branch hosted the 50th Anniversary of the Withdrawal of the Australian Combat Force from Vietnam. The format of the day was a Freedom of Entry of Albury by Vietnam Veterans from many parts of NSW and Victoria. The Army Band Kapooka, The Australian Federation Guard, Navy, Army, and Air Force Cadets were also present along with many other veterans.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday the 19th of March and the State President, Ray James will be attending to present several certificates of appreciation to members of the sub-Branch.

We continue to support DVA sponsored activities such as Veterans Health Week with further details to be provided by DVA for the 2023 activities.

Do not forget about the NSW Government Seniors Travel Card for 2023.

I continue to remain grateful for the support of my committee and members.

Regards to you all.

Graham

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October 2022 Report

Great to feel the warmer weather again touching our skin and reaching across the gardens
with the birds chirping Just a gentle reminder about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program
(RAP). The schedule of items, the guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au.
(RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at the schedule and then discuss this with
your GP or health professional. You could also consider the Household Help Services: like
domestic cleaning, lawn mowing and window and gutter cleaning. If your fans are too high
to safely clean you can have this sorted for you if you have an entitlement. Your continued
health is important to us and not only you but your family.

This is your sub-Branch so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the
reception desk or assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days sales of badges or poppies.
If you are interested, please talk to the Secretary. I have now sorted Remembrance Day so
please attend if you can. Look for further information in this newsletter. Thanks Jan.

I continue to look over my shoulder for a younger veteran to step-up and take my place as
President, do you know anyone looking for the position which comes with training. The
position comes with no pay, no superannuation or annual leave entitlements but the great
satisfaction of serving the veteran community.

Our interest now continues on the refurbishment of the nearly 70-year-old World War Two
Bowl. Plans have been completed and the plans had been out for community consultation
and were warmly welcomed. The funding has been approved in the upcoming Albury City
budgets. We look forward to this plan being implemented over the next couple years. Stay
tuned for further updates from council.

Recently, I was made aware of two unmarked graves of veterans. I put a case to the Office
of War Graves, and I am pleased to report that the first grave has been refurbished and the
second is under way. After both are completed, I will arranged for suitable media, and we
will conduct a simple service at both graves to acknowledge their service. We are most
grateful for the support of DVA and the office of War Graves.

Monthly meetings continue to be very well attended and most productive with many
members remaining for the luncheon afterwards and a friendly chat. So come along you
are most welcome. Often, we have a guest speaker on a subject of interest to our members.
The Sub-Branch continues to support DVA sponsored activities such as Veterans Health
Week. See details elsewhere in this newsletter for the October 20 activity.

Do not forget about the NSW Government Seniors Travel Card.

Your sub-Branch is in a sound financial position and is being well managed. I continue to
remain grateful for the support and loyalty of my committee. Best wishes to you all and
stay safe.

Graham

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Winter 2022 Report

Welcome to the Winter edition of the sub-Branch Newsletter to the sound of rain falling, chilly winds and short days and long nights.

Thank you, Jan, for your work in pulling together another newsletter to keep our members informed on the happenings in their sub-Branch.

Have you found a volunteer to take over the newsletter yet? Answer : (NO)

Just a reminder that at a monthly meeting last year we had a guest speaker talking about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The schedule of items, the guidelines and forms are available on www.dva.gov.au. (RAP program). I strongly encourage you to look at the schedule and then discuss this with your GP or Health professional.

You could also consider House Help Services like domestic cleaning, lawn mowing and window and gutter cleaning. If your fans are too high to safely clean you can have this sorted for you if you have an entitlement. Your continued health is important to us and not only you but your family.

This is your sub-Branch so please get involved whether it be doing a few hours on the reception desk or assisting on Remembrance or ANZAC Days. If you are interested, please talk to the Secretary.

ANZAC Day this year was an outstanding success with both services and the march very well attended. As I now start planning for Remembrance Day this year, I can safely say that there will be no restrictions as in the past two years so please make every effort to attend the service commencing at 10.30am on Friday the 11th of November in St Matthews Church. I consider this to be a community activity which is what we do for the community along with ANZAC Day and assisting veteran’s in need.

The sub-Branch is active with continued improvements to the Albury War Memorial and is working closely with the Albury City Council to ensure that Albury has the finest War Memorial in regional Australia if not Australia. If you get an opportunity to drive up there to have a look you will be very impressed at the outstanding result.

The two new plaques for the Afghanistan War were formally unveiled on ANZAC Day in conjunction with the 10am Commemorative Service.

Our interest is now on a refurbishment of the nearly 70-year-old World War Two Bowl. Plans have been completed and the plans had been out for community consultation and were warmly welcomed by the community. The funding has been approved in the upcoming Albury City budgets. We look forward to this plan being implemented over the next couple of years.

At the June meeting David Armstrong from Albury City provided a presentation on the final design work.

Monthly meetings continue to be very well attended and most productive with many members remaining for the luncheon afterwards and a friendly chat. So come along you are most welcome. Often, we have a guest speaker on a subject of interest to our members.

The Sub-Branch continues to support DVA sponsored activities such as Veterans Health Week with further details to be provided by DVA.

Do not forget about the NSW Government Seniors Travel Card for 2022.

Presently we are working with DVA in relation to the funding for two unmarked war graves.

I continue to remain grateful for the support of my committee and the membership.

Best wishes to you all and stay safe.

Graham

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