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Issue 614 | December 2020
Highgate Highlights
Official Newsletter of Highgate RSL Sub-Branch
ISSN 2206-7345 (print) ISSN 2206-7353 (online)
Our January Speaker
MATT MORAN
Returned & Services League of Australia (WA) Defence West
www.highgate-rsl.org.au Matt is Executive
Director of Defence West,
an Australian Army
From our President Afghanistan Veteran and a
H appy new year and welcome to 2021, during which
we will celebrate our Centenary. Yes, Highgate RSL
Sub-Branch, with its antecedents, turns 100 this year!
Walkley Award winner.
He joined Channel Ten's Perth
newsroom in 2004 and before starting
We have much to be thankful for and like me, I’m sure in television, was a rural reporter with
you do not take your health and situation for granted, as the ABC in Esperance.
we see so much sadness around the nation and around He deployed to Afghanistan as a
the world, especially with regards to the often out-of- public affairs officer in 2009 and East
control pandemic stretching physical and economic Timor in 2007.
resources to the limit in so many places. A Federal political reporter for
Of particular sadness to all at Highgate RSL was to Network Ten 2011-15, he's won
Bill Munro learn of the passing of our outstanding former soldier, WA numerous accolades including a
Governor and Governor-General, Major General the Honourable Philip Walkley Award, the Paul Lyneham
Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, who was a senior Australian Army officer Award and two UN Association of
and Vice-Regal representative. He was 28th Governor of Western Australia Media Awards. Matt was
Australia from 1993 to 2000, and the 24th Governor-General of shortlisted for the 2011 Graham Perkin
Australia, serving from 2003 to 2008. Australian Journalist of the Year Award
Born in Wiluna WA on 12 December 1937, MAJGEN Jeffery was and is a Logie finalist. He was a
educated at Kent Street Senior High School. After graduating from the Walkley Award judge in 2012.
Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1958, he began his extraordinary He left Network Ten in 2015 and
career, serving in junior positions before being posted to Malaya in 1962 joined former Prime Minister Malcolm
for operational service. From 1966 to 1969, he served in Papua New Turnbull’s office as a media adviser.
Guinea, and during this posting, married Marlena Kerr of Sydney, with After the 2016 Federal election, Matt
whom he had three sons and a daughter. Continued page 2 joined the Minister for Defence
Industry’s office as a policy adviser,
promoted to senior adviser in 2017,
Join our next Luncheon on Monday 18 January and worked on Defence’s most
at the Grosvenor Hotel, Hay Street Perth complex and expensive projects.
Our next lunch will be on Monday 18 January at 1200 for 1230 at the Grosvenor Hotel, In August 2018, he was appointed
corner Hay and Hill Streets (opposite Perth Mint). Luncheon is $40 plus $5 if you wish to as a senior adviser to the Minister for
purchase a raffle ticket. It opens at 1100. Defence.
After the 2019 Federal election, Matt
Three ways to book - Choose the best for you
was appointed Executive Director of
1. Via the Highgate RSL website at http://highgate-rsl.org.au Click on Next Luncheon.
Defence West.
Then click on Luncheon Booking or Apology and youʼll be transferred to our
booking sheet page. Electronic funds transfer details are also on the page. Highgate’s Abe Sher now 103!
Or… 2. Go direct to the luncheon booking sheet by pasting this link into your Abe’s grandson, Jeremy writes:
browser: https://forms.gle/8EGY9rh8NuCnSica6 (Note: A new link each month) Born on 09 May 1918, just six months before
Via the electronic booking sheet, you can add guests, food intolerances, purchase the end of World War 1, my Grandfather, Abe
raffle tickets, check friends; and also register a non-attendance apology. If you book Sher, is fine in his 103rd year. He has naturally
your luncheon via our website or direct, you will receive an email a couple of minutes slowed down a little and his hearing is quite
later confirming your booking. poor now. His highlight of course is that he
Or… 3. Via Committee Member: If you do not have internet access, please call Margot sees his great-grandchildren on a weekly basis
Harness on 9349 2847, or any Committee member, and they will help you book in. (COVID-permitting). The eldest ones are now
AND if you want to check who is coming or to confirm your registration is listed, check old enough to speak and interact with him. My
here (read only, with a new link each month): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ grandfather tells me his neighbour in his new
d/1FaWgkoL_rhCEqrv0F3stHolqzdBHBCtnRgdktlxlbWE/edit?usp=sharing aged care home in Sydney is a Russian World
War 2 Veteran, and Grandad reminded me he
Important events | please diarise now was liberated from the Germans by the
° 1100 | Mon 18 Jan | Committee Meeting - Grosvenor Hotel Russians. He then spent 10 days riding on a
° 1200 for 1230 | Mon 18 Jan | Monthly Luncheon - Grosvenor Hotel T-34 tank across the Czech Republic and
eastern Germany so he could be handed back
See page 4 for Wreath-Laying Services at the State War Memorial to the Americans. He has asked me to send his
best wishes to all his friends in Highgate
Last Post | Lest We Forget RSL. He greatly appreciates your thoughts for
We remember with deep sadness and high regard his health and happiness!
Major General The Honourable Philip Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC Read Abe’s extraordinary life story, written by
and convey our sincere condolences and sympathy to his family and friends Margot Harness in 2013, on page 3
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 2
From our President Major General Great military speeches
VALE | MAJGEN Michael Jeffery The Honourable For as long as wars have been
continued from page 1 Philip Michael Jeffery fought, great military leaders have
AC CVO MC been able to use the power of words
This was followed by a tour of duty in tp motivate their troops. Here are
the Vietnam War, during which he MAJGEN Jeffery
excerpts from some of the best
was awarded the Military Cross. was formally
orations given to key audiences
In 1972, he was promoted appointed Governor-
during history’s crucial pivot points:
Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the General by Elizabeth
2nd Battalion of the Pacific Islands II, Queen of Australia, and sworn in GENERAL SIR BERNARD
Regiment from 1974 to 1975. He on 11 August 2003, the first MONTGOMERY speaking to his
assumed command of the Special Australian career soldier to become demoralised troops before defeating
Air Service Regiment in Perth from Governor-General. Rommel’s Afrika Corps, 13 August 1942:
07 January 1976 until 22 October In 2007, while in this position, His “Here we will stand and fight. There
1977, and was then promoted to Excellency was appointed Colonel-in will be no further withdrawal. I have
Colonel as first Director of Army's -Chief of the Royal Australian Army ordered that all plans and
Special Action Forces in 1979. Medical Corps, succeeding the instructions dealing with further
From 1982 to 1983, he headed previous Colonel-in-Chief, Queen withdrawal are to be burned, and at
Australia's national counter-terrorist Elizabeth The Queen Mother. He once. We will stand and fight here. If
coordination authority. was also Chief Scout of Australia. we can’t stay here alive, then let us
In 1985 he was promoted to Major On 23 October 2012, at the stay here dead.”
General and appointed to command National Farmers' Federation GENERAL DOUGLAS
the 1st Division the following year. In Congress in Canberra, Prime Minis- MACARTHUR West Point, 1962:
1990, he became Deputy Chief of ter Julia Gillard appointed MAJGEN “Let civilian voices argue the merits
the General Staff and in 1991, was Jeffery as Australia's first Advocate or demerits of our processes of
appointed Assistant Chief of the for Soil Health, noting that as government: whether our strength is
General Staff for Materiel. Governor-General, he had a passion being sapped by deficit financing,
MAJGEN Jeffery retired from Army for regional development and the indulged in too long, by federal
in 1993 and was appointed to the future of our rural industries. paternalism grown too mighty, grown
ceremonial position of Honorary Eight years later, due to illness, he too rampant, by morals grown too
Colonel of the SAS Regiment. stepped down from this role in June low, by taxes grown too high, by
In November 1993, he was 2020, before passing away on 18 extremists grown too violent. These
appointed Governor of WA and in December, at the age of 83. great national problems are not for
June 1996 made a Companion of Sir, we thank you for your your professional participation or
the Order of Australia (AC). He outstanding service to the nation, military solution. Your guidepost
became a Commander of the Royal and we convey our sadness and stands out like a ten-fold beacon in
Victorian Order (CVO) on 01 April condolences to Marlena, family and the night: Duty, Honour, Country.”
2000. friends.
- Bill Munro PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN
166th Ohio Regiment, August 1864:
“The importance of success in this
Pensions & DVA Report By David MacLean | Pensions & DVA Liaison
contest is not merely for today, but
for all time to come that we should
The end of a year which has offered us This has worked well, but is being slowly perpetuate for our children’s children
much to forget. overtaken by the sheer number of claims this great and free government,
A steady stream of members lodged claims being deemed complex. However, dealing which we have enjoyed all our lives.
throughout the year, some successful, some with routine claims is an entirely different I beg you to remember this, not
very successful, some ongoing. Some, like matter. Most delegates are working from merely for my sake, but for yours.
COVID19, are best forgotten. home. All correspondence contains an office The nation is worth fighting for, to
It is essential for claims to have a clear link contact telephone number - which is secure such an inestimable jewel.”
to service, especially if there has been a unattended. You’re humble advocate’s
considerable time lapse between the claim tinnitus has been replaced by a constant ring
and eligible service. tone. Highgate Members
The Advocacy Training and Development WA Senator Dean Smith has been celebrated their
Program (ATDP) has been a complete ‘no pursuing DVA over delays to claims December birthday
show’ since February. Many volunteers have processing. He is very persistent and will not
undertaken training in WA during 2020, but be fobbed off. Shalom Coleman,
due to the top heavy NSW-centric structure Some levels in DVA have formed (and Peter Heeney,
of ATDP (The gold standard?), no articulated) a view that once the ‘bubble’ of John Fisher,
assessments have taken place in WA in Korean and Vietnam claims subsides, claim Ray Galliott, Greg Lakeman,
Quarters 2, 3 or 4. numbers will lessen and DVA staff numbers Michael Galvin, Barry Cooke,
Dealing with DVA at a local level remains a can be reduced. These worthies have Damien Quirk, Jim Irving,
pleasure. DVA has established a Complex apparently missed the peace-keeping, Michael Harness, Duncan Warren,
Claims Unit which takes on very difficult monitoring, island insurgencies, anti-piracy Richard Albury, Kevin Graham,
claims and attempts to treat them on a operations, Iraq and Afghanistan post-1972, Robin Slater, John Adeney,
priority basis. which have not yet come to their attention. Robert Elliot and William Kynaston
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 3
From page 1 Biodata | ABE SHER| By Margot Harness | From Highgate News March 2013
A be Sher is known to most of us
as a modest, quiet, ex-South
African chap who
At that point, Abe’s captivity
generally wasn’t too bad. But in mid-
1942, word came through ordering
was taken to Rheims (France)
before being flown to the UK in a
Lancaster Bomber. Offered two
served in WW2. all Jewish POWs to another camp, university courses in Scotland, he
But I wonder how which was, said Abe: ‘disconcerting’. accepted both - International
many know he was Despite various rail journeys (once Affairs at St Andrews and
captured at Tobruk in in cattle trucks) and several long Agriculture at Aberdeen.
June 1942 and spent forced marches, the POWs were In the meantime, Abe’s brother,
the rest of the war as fairly well treated by the Italians. In Bennett, detained in different
a prisoner of the hindsight, Abe believes the Italian camps, escaped and was
Italians and Abe Sher – now 103 authorities did what they could to recaptured three times, but
Germans? protect Jewish POWs from Nazis. eventually escaped and lived for
And that pre-war he was a Native However, it wasn’t to last, and Abe months behind the German lines,
Commissioner? And that after WW2, ended up at Camp Tschausch in leading a group of other ex-POW
he became a solicitor, and then, for Bohemia (Czech Republic) as a escapees. For his bravery and
about 18 years in total, a municipal forced labourer at the Reich- ingenuity, he was awarded the
Councillor and Mayor - in which role werke Hermann Goering petro- Military Medal.
he negotiated with the South African chemical works which used brown On his return to South Africa,
government to construct a well-built coal to produce petrol the Germans Abe resumed his civil occupation
nuclear power station in his needed for the Russian front. In the for a while, before marrying,
municipality? heart of a huge industrial region, becoming a solicitor, and then
Abe joined the 2nd Natal Mounted sustained Allied night and day later, being elected as a Councillor
Rifles in April 1940, with several bombing was a regular hazard. near Capetown. He and his wife
postings before appointment to 3rd In about May 1944, working with a eventually decided to migrate to
Field Regiment of Transvaal Horse mostly British gang excavating Australia, and on his departure, a
Artillery in North Africa in 1941. brown coal, he witnessed an written testimony from a senior
Shortly after Rommel’s break- extraordinary, nearby daylight raid colleague stated in part:
through at Bir Hakim and the Allied by about 1,000 US bombers. The 45 Your service to the community
defeat at Fort Acroma, Abe’s troop -minute raid set the whole benzine constitutes an absolute beacon which is
formed part of the composite force to complex so ablaze it would be three characterised by commitment, fairness and
strengthen the perimeter of Tobruk. months before it could resume a gentle touch as only you know how....It
Alas, they were cut off and making fuel. has been a great pleasure for us to know
captured, as was his brother, The risks from ‘friendly bombing’ Abe Sher, the gentleman.
Bennett, who was with the Capetown were ever-present with the camp
Highlanders. Abe was sent to Italy, barracks hit twice, including a
initially near Lucca, but shortly near-miss for Abe.
afterwards as a field labourer in On 08 May 1945, Camp
Susegana in the Italian Alps, where Tschausch was liberated by the
regular Red Cross parcels made life advancing Russian Army and Abe
easier.
Blast from the past | REMEMBERING FRANK TYDEMAN By Geoff Hourn
The tragic event in Beirut on Of interest to Highgate is that one A gold bar was dredged
04 August 2020 appears to be one of our members, Frank Tydeman, from the harbour as recently as
of the greatest accidental port controlled the clean-up and 2011.
explosions in history. restoration of Bombay Harbour. There is much to be found in the
Others of note were in Halifax, Frank William Edward Tydeman Highgate Hall of Honour on our
Nova Scotia in 1917, Bombay (now was born in 1901 and passed away website and it is commended to
Mumbai) in 1944, and Galveston on 8 May 1995. In later life he was you for some interesting history.
Texas, on 14 April 1947. General Manager of the Fremantle
The Bombay explosion occurred Port Authority.
on 14 April 1944 in the Victoria Dock Frank served as a Royal
of Bombay. A freighter carrying a Engineer in the British Army
mixed cargo of cotton bales, gold and was tasked to organise
and 1,400 tons of explosives (mainly 14,000 troops to rebuild
ammunition) caught fire and was Bombay Harbour. Experts at
destroyed in two giant blasts. the time thought it could take
These explosions scattered debris 10 years but Frank succeeded
over several kilometres, sank in rebuilding the harbour in six
surrounding ships and set fire to the months.
area. Between 800 and 1,300 peo- He oversaw the removal of 27
ple were killed, including 71 firemen, sunken ships, many of which
and 80,000 people were made were refloated, to clear the
homeless. clogged harbour.
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 4
Sub Warden Duties | 2020 POC: Geoff Simpson OAM RFD
Wreath-Laying Services | State War Memorial Kings Park Deputy Warden State War Memorial
Sun 14 Feb 1030 for 1100 Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps
105th anniversary of Gallipoli evacuation
while the
game was The Battle of Bardia - 80 years on
in progress. On 03 January, our nation
With commemorated the 80th
hardly a anniversary of the Battle of Bardia in
casualty Libya, the first land battle of the
during the Second World War to be planned
evacuation, and fought predominantly by
the Australians.
ANZACs The efforts of the 6th Australian
left Division in the Battle of Bardia was
Gallipoli, widely praised at the time.
and the Australian soldiers in what was then
ANZAC and known as the 2nd Australian
Imperial Force, launched a two-
O n 20 December, Australia
commemorated 105 years
since the last Australian troops
Suvla areas were left to the Turks.
On the night of 8/9 January 1916,
the French and British evacuated
pronged attack against the Italian
stronghold at Bardia, early in the
evacuated the Gallipoli Cape Helles. morning of 03 January 1941 – one
Peninsula, site of one of the most The Gallipoli campaign was over. being a diversionary assault – with
well-known campaigns of the The campaign involved about British tanks in support.
First World War. 800,000 men on both sides. The No.17 Brigade created a diversion
On 25 April 1915, the ANZACs set heaviest losses were among the in the south, while 16 Brigade
out to seize the ridges running off Turkish forces who suffered more attacked the western side of the
the Sari Bair Range to cut off the than 251,000 casualties, of whom Italian defences, blowing holes
Turks defending the Gallipoli 87,000 died. through wire obstacles and
Peninsula. However, the objectives This was a gruelling campaign breaching the perimeter.
were not taken and the campaign to which ended with both sides Demonstrating resilience and
take Turkey out of the war soon suffering great hardships and stamina, the Australian infantry took
became a stalemate that turned into heavy casualties. the town of Bardia after two days of
an eight-month battle of attrition. We remember the service of all intense fighting, along with about
The campaign, that will forever those who fought in this campaign 40,000 Italian prisoners, weapons,
form a key part of our nation’s and we honour the more than supplies and equipment.
history and identity, ended with the 26,000 Australian casualties. The troops wore their greatcoats
strategic evacuation of troops, the The impact of this campaign was to keep out the intense cold of the
planning for which began from 22 not only felt by those who lost their desert. During the two-day battle,
November 1915. comrades, but also throughout the about 130 Australian soldiers lost
The withdrawal was conducted Australian community, as many their lives and 320 were wounded.
silently through the evenings and family members and friends would After the success at Bardia,
early mornings of the designated never return home. Australian and British units came
days, and troops were moved The Gallipoli campaign will together and during January and
gradually, to avoid arousing the forever remain etched into our February, pushed the Italian army
suspicions of the Turks. The last military history, and the ANZAC back across Libya.
Australian troops were withdrawn in legacy will continue to inspire In April 1941, the 6th Division was
the early hours of 20 December. generations of Australians to come. withdrawn to defend Greece and
During the evacuation, ‘silent For their service and their elements of the 7th and 9th
stunts’ were used to deceive the sacrifice, we again say, Thank you. Divisions took over defensive duties
Turks about in Libya where they would become
the allied involved in the Siege of Tobruk,
troops’ which took place between April and
imminent November 1941 against Italian and
departure. In German forces.
one attempt to Eighty years on from this historic
distract the battle, we remember those who
Turks, a cricket served, and the families who made
game on Shell sacrifices to support them.
Green was Learn more about the Battle of
arranged and Bardia and the important role of all
artillery shells those who served during the
passed Second World War by visiting the
overhead Anzac Portal.
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 5
New Open Arms office in Rockingham
V eterans and their families in
Rockingham will benefit from
the support of a new permanent
Open Arms provides many
important services including
confidential counselling, training
The new office has modern, well
equipped, and easily accessible
facilities, as well as capacity for an
Open Arms – Veterans & Families programs and peer support, increased workforce to assist in
Counselling office at Goddard relationship retreats, group meeting the mental health and
House, 18 Goddard Street, which treatment programs and suicide wellbeing needs of current and
opened in December. prevention courses. former ADF members and their
Open Arms is Australia’s leading Veterans and their families will families.
provider of mental health counselling also benefit from having a team of Open Arms is Australia’s leading
and support services for Australian community and peer workers, a first provider of mental health
Veterans and their families, and for Rockingham, who offer support counselling and support services for
having an office near HMAS Stirling based on their own experiences of Australian Veterans and their
should be of great benefit. military life, transition and mental families, and any Veteran, or
Service in the Australian Defence health recovery. Veteran family member who may be
Force is an overwhelmingly positive The life-saving service will be struggling or in need of additional
experience for most, but the unique available to almost 10,000 current support can call them on
nature of military service can have and former ADF personnel and 1800 011 046.
an impact on the mental health of their families in the area.
our current and former ADF It is a great addition to local
personnel and their families. services, especially with some Open Arms was founded by
Progress has been made in 4,400 ADF members and their Australia’s Vietnam Veterans and
reducing the stigma around seeking families living near Garden Island, is part of their enduring legacy
help, and current ADF members, along with about 4,700 Veterans to ensure all Australian Veterans
Veterans or their families who may and their families also resident in and their families can access
need assistance are encouraged to the region. free mental health support for life
reach out.
Open Arms Group Programs for 2021
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID OPERATION LIFE: ASSIST DOING ANGER DIFFERENTLY
Practical skills to help your family or friend Helps you see, hear and respond to suicide Helps you understand anger and manage
experiencing mental health problems signals, preparing you to work with at-risk it more effectively so it doesn’t negatively
Perth | Wed 3-4 Feb | 0900-1700 people to increase their immediate safety impact on yours or other lives
Rockingham | Wed 23-24 Jun | 0900-1700 and to get more help Perth | Wed 03-04 Mar | 0930-1630
Two Day Workshop Perth | Thu 25-26 Feb | 0900-1700 Two Day Program
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY Two Day Workshop RECOVERY FROM TRAUMA
Strategies and skills to help you reduce Rockingham | Wed 12-13 May | 0900-1700 Helps you understand possible impacts of
anxiety and associated stress Two Day Workshop trauma and gives you strategies and skills to
Floreat | Tue 09 Feb-16 Mar | 1300-1500 STEPPING OUT manage it
Six Week Program For ADF members and their partners Rockingham | Wed 17-18 Mar | 0930-1630
Rockingham | Thu 29-30 Apr | 0930-1630 about to, or who have recently separated Two Day Program
Two Day Program from the military Perth | Tue 04-08 May | 1300-1500
OPERATION LIFE: SAFETALK Rockingham | Wed 17-18 Feb | 0930-1630 Six Week Program
How to become more alert to suicide Two Day Workshop SLEEPING BETTER
prevention and offer help Perth | Tue 29-30 Jun | 0930-1630 Educational and skills-based group program
Perth | Wed 10 Feb | 0900-1230 Two Day Workshop to help you manage disturbed sleep
Half Day Workshop Perth | Wed 24 Mar & 31 Mar | 0930-1230
Regional | Fri 12 Mar 0900-1230 Two Half Day Program
Half Day Workshop MANAGING PAIN
Regional | Fri 16 Apr | 1000-1330 Learn about pain and strategies and skills
Half Day Workshop for effective pain management
Rockingham | Wed 09 Jun | 0900-1230 Perth | Wed 21-22 Apr | 0939-1630
Half Day Workshop Two Day Program
RELAXATION & BEATING THE BLUES
STRESS MANAGEMENT Helps you understand situations and
Practical, every-day skills to de-stress via thinking patterns contributing to depression,
mindfulness techniques and identifies strategies to help manage
Perth | Wed 24 Feb | 0930-1630 symptoms
One Day Program Perth | Tue 25-26 May | 0930-1630
Rockingham | Wed 02 Jun | 0930-1630 Two Day Program
One Day Program
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 6
More useful news from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Better transition outcomes for Veterans
ADF personnel transitioning from automatically registered with DVA overseen the Army workforce
military to civilian life will be better and provided with a Veteran White generation systems, including
supported with $17.7 million Card, providing access to a fully- transitions and employability
provided for the establishment of the funded comprehensive health classifications.The authority will
Joint Transition Authority (JTA) as assessment every year for five work closely with groups, including
announced in the 2020–21 Budget. years, and access to free mental Ex-Service Organisations that
Since 2017, Defence has health care for the rest of their deliver transition support services to
significantly improved transition and lives. The Joint Transition Authority Veterans. This will include input into
now all ADF members with at least will build on these improvements to the review of the transition system.
one day of permanent service can ensure all transition services and The funding provides for the JTA to:
access comprehensive support for support mechanisms are working
° Improve service delivery and
up to 24 months after they leave. together for the benefit of
transition, including connection
Support is based on individual transitioning ADF personnel and
with medical professionals in
needs, and additional support is their families.
civilian life
provided to younger, at-risk It will operate within the
° Enhance programs which can be
members and those transitioning Department of Defence and partner
accessed by individuals when
medically with complex needs. with DVA and the Commonwealth
they need them
The Department of Veterans’ Superannuation Corporation. Over
Affairs also has Veterans Support the coming months, the transition ° Through a whole-of-system
Officers located on more than 55 system will be reviewed to identify approach, deliver a more
Defence bases across Australia, where improvements can be made, connected transition for ADF
offering face-to-face, personalised including opportunities to better members and their families,
advice to support members with their integrate services and share catering to their individual needs
transition to civilian life, including information. ° Identify opportunities, address
assistance in registering with DVA or Brigadier Wade Stothart DSC AM gaps, integrate existing services
advice on available pathways, to CSC is Director General, Joint and influence new ones as they
additional support or help with Transition Authority and leads the are developed
entitlements. Since 2016, ADF consultation process. He has ° Undertake stakeholder
personnel who have joined or significant operational and consultation on the final functions
transitioned from Defence are personnel staff experience, having and design of the JTA.
Minister promises to continue better outcomes for ADF families
Reappointed Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Mr Chester said he was confident and optimistic the
Personnel Darren Chester said on 18 December 2020 reforms made by government over the past five years
that continuing to deliver and promote better outcomes were heading in the right direction and delivering results.
for ADF families remains his primary focus. “I will keep standing up for the interests of our Service
He said he was honoured to remain in the roles he men and women, our Veterans and their families.”
has held since March 2018 and would focus on “Despite travel restrictions imposed by the coronavirus,
changing the public commentary surrounding issues I’ve met with hundreds of Veterans and Defence persons
impacting Defence personnel. this year, and listened to their ideas on additional ways
“We have a world-class Defence Force and a world- the government can support our Veterans and families,
class system to support our Veterans and their families. particularly during the transition phase to civilian life.
“It’s not perfect, and work is being done to improve “We are continuing to work in partnership to transform
both, but if we want to keep attracting a fair share of DVA and focus on the wellbeing of our Veterans and
Australia’s brightest talent to serve in uniform, it’s their families.”
important we stop talking down our military community. “As a nation, we are indebted to the men and women
“Throughout history, more than two million who serve in uniform. Our government is investing
Australians have worn with pride the uniforms of Navy, heavily in equipment, resources and the Defence Estate
Army and Air Force and the overwhelming majority to ensure we have a highly capable Defence Force but it
have served with distinction. They are the first people is the men and women in uniform who make the biggest
our nation turns to for national security, or when a difference.
natural disaster becomes too big for State authorities. “My role as Minister for Defence Personnel is to
“If we keep feeding our military community a media ensure they continue to be well prepared for their task,
diet of hopelessness and helplessness, we can hardly they are respected by our community, and properly
be surprised when they struggle to find a pathway to supported during their military service.
better health and mental wellbeing. “The ADF needs to keep attracting its share of the best
“Throughout the remainder of this term in and brightest young Australians and we will do that by
government, I will be doing everything I can to change looking after our serving men and women throughout
that public commentary and demonstrate the respect their careers, and when they transition to civilian life.”
our government has for ADF personnel, Veterans and
their families.”
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 7
Army reorganises again By Graham McKenzie-Smith in the Official Newsletter of
the Royal Australian Artillery Association of WA,
RAA Historical Society of WA in Dec 20
T he 2020 Defence Strategic
Update and 2020 Force
Structure Plan, released 01 July amphibious/littoral/light combat lower latitude operations and
manoeuvre element with the presumably, the Army Reserve
2020, outlined a new strategy for
existing 5 RAR, 8/12 Regiment 10/27 Battalion and 3 Field
Defence and the capability
RAA, 1 CE Regiment, 1 CS Squadron will find roles within the
investments to deliver it.
Regiment and 1 CSS Battalion, but Brigade.
The Strategic Update set out the
be augmented with a re-raised 4 Both Townsville-based 3 Brigade
challenges in Australia’s strategic
RAR (Amphibious) Pre-Landing and Brisbane-based 7 Brigade will
environment and their implications
Force configuration. retain their current order of battle,
for Defence planning. It provided a
The Army's 10 Force Support but re‐equip with new weapons,
new strategic policy framework to
Battalion will re-equip with new situational awareness and sensor
ensure Australia is able – and is
Littoral Manoeuvre Light vessels to systems as they enter service. No.2
understood as willing – to deploy
replace the in-service LCM8 and RAR (Amphibious) will retain its
military power to shape our
eventually field the Littoral current role as a pre-landing force,
environment, deter actions against
Manoeuvre - Heavy amphibious but may be returned to 3 Brigade
our interests and when required,
platforms which will be for administration purposes.
respond with military force.
concentrated at Larrakeyah WA-based 13 Brigade will be
The Australian Army will undergo a
Barracks in Darwin, with a almost completely transformed with
massive reorganisation in the next
detachment operating from the a single infantry unit (will it be
eight years with additional combat
unit's existing Ross Island Barracks called 11/16/28/44 Battalion?), 13
brigades, a rocket artillery and
in Townsville. Field Squadron which will expand
missile brigade, an existing brigade
Former 1 Brigade units at to have a construction troop, an
refocused to digital warfare and the
Edinburgh Defence Precinct (SA), 7 ISR element (A Squadron, 10 Light
Army Reserve structure completely
RAR(Mech) and 1 Armoured Horse Regiment) equipped with
reconfigured with units equipped
Cavalry Regiment will form the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicles
with next generation weapons and
foundation of a fourth combat - Light and a 155mm artillery
situational awareness capabilities.
brigade designated 9 Brigade, re- battery equipped with M777A2
The new expanded 21st Century
roled as a heavy armoured combat Lightweight Towed Artillery (so 3
Order of Battle is revealed in the
manoeuvre element. Light Battery get their guns back)
Land Operational Concept
and the usual support units. All
Document which outlines Army's
plans for a 2028 Army Objective 21st century Order units will have increased ARA staff.
Other major changes in the
Force.
No.8 Brigade, which currently of Battle revealed in proposed 2028 Army Objective
Force are the complete
controls the Army’s training units, will
be re-roled as 8 (Joint Fires) Brigade
Land Operational reorganisation of the existing
regular 6 Combat Support Brigade
to control the incoming NASAMS 2
Ground Based Air Defence System
Concept Document which will be re-roled as a digital
warfare brigade focused on
entering service next year (Project
Augmenting 7 RAR (Mech) and 1 Information warfare, signals
Land 19 Phase 7B), the Long Range
Armoured Cavalry Regiment at 9 Intelligence, multi-spectrum
Fires Rocket Artillery and Long
Brigade will be 9 Regiment (RAA), Intelligence.
Range Missile capabilities to be
(the former warehouse for the Army An entire regiment of the
acquired under Project Land 8113
Reserve's 81mm mortar-equipped cryptically designated '9358' 6 CS
and the Land Based (Anti Ship/
light batteries) which will become Brigade will see its existing 16 Air
Strike) Missile System to be
regular and re-equip with the next Land Regiment (Ground Based Air
acquired under Project Sea 4100.
generation 155/52L AS9 Self Defence) transfer to the
The three existing Combat
Propelled Howitzer and its redesignated 8 (Joint Fires)
Brigades will expand to four, with
supporting AS10 Armoured Brigade and 20 Surveillance and
major re-roling of entire brigades and
Ammunition Resupply Vehicle and Target Acquisition Regiment will be
the raising of a fifth high-readiness
9 Field Squadron RAE which will be transferred to 16 Aviation Brigade.
Total Work Force (integrated
equipped with the next generation Special Operations Command will
Reserve) combat brigade with
Heavy Armoured Capability group its units in a new
substantial combat power in WA to
Systems (assault support). configuration designated Special
finally redress the ground combat
The current Army Reserve 9 CSS Operations Brigade with the same
imbalance in the western third of the
Battalion logistics unit and 144 structure (minus 2 Squadron
nation.
Signals Squadron will be SASR) with an additional Army
Major changes include splitting the
augmented with significant full time Reserve commando company
Palmerston NT/Edinburgh SA-based
personnel to support 9 Brigade being raised in South East
1 Brigade into two separate brigades
operations. Queensland within 1 Commando
with substantial re-roling of individual
Tasmania-based 12/40 Battalion Regiment structure.
units. Under the proposed 2028
Army Objective Force, 1 Brigade will will be re-roled as a Regional Force
remain in Darwin and re-role as an Surveillance Unit specialising in
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 8
Coffee-Spillers, Eye-Rollers and Warm Fuzzies
COVID19 – they just keep coming EYES FRONT! - From the RSM I asked God for a bike but I know He doesn’t
work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for
Due to COVID19, we are asking rioters to work “I can’t go out because of the forgiveness instead.
from home and destroy their own property virus,” sounds weak, whiney and Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian
Paranoia has reached an absurd level. I boring. Try instead, “I’ve sworn an any more than standing in a garage makes
sneezed in front of my laptop and the anti- oath of solitude until the pestilence you a car
virus started a scan on its own
is purged from the lands”. Spell Czech
2020 was like looking both ways before crossing This sounds more valiant and
the street, and then getting hit by an aircraft (...and why your editer does’nt use it)
heroic; and people might even Eye halve a spelling chequer. It came with my
In other news, the Seven Dwarves have think you are carrying a sword. pea sea.
been advised today they can only meet in It plainly marques four my revue miss steaks
groups of six. One of them isn’t Happy. eye kin knot sea.
Is your computer male or female?
On getting older... Five reasons to believe computers are female Eye strike a key and type a word and weight for
1. No one but their Creator understands it two say
Health advice from a woman aged 105: Weather eye am wrong oar write. It shows me
“For better digestion, I drink beer. For their internal logic.
2. The language they use to communicate strait a weigh.
appetite loss – white wine. Low blood As soon as a mist ache is maid, it nose bee fore
pressure – red wine. High blood pressure – with other computers is incomprehensible to
everyone else. to long
Scotch. And when I have a cold, I drink And eye can put the error rite. Its rarely ever
schnapps.” “When do you drink water?” “I’ve 3. The message Bad command or file name
is about as informative as: If you don’t know wrong.
never been that sick.” Eye have run this poem threw it, eye am shore
why I’m mad at you, then I’m certainly not
“When I’m old, I’m going to leave bottles of going to tell you. your pleased two no.
water and snacks in little bags on the floor all 4. Even your smallest mistakes are stored in Its letter perfect in it’s weigh. My chequer tolled
over the house in case I fall down.” long-term memory for later retrieval. me sew.
Age is merely the number of years the world 5. As soon as you make a commitment to I talked with a homeless man this morning
has been enjoying you. one, you find yourself spending half your and asked him how he ended up this way.
pay on accessories for it. He said, "Up until last week, I still had it all. I
At age 65, my Grandma started walking five
miles a day. She’s 92 now, and we have no Five reasons to believe computers are male had plenty to eat, my clothes were washed
idea where she is. 1. They have a lot of data but are still clueless and pressed, I had a roof over my head, I had
2. They are supposed to help you solve HDTV and Internet, and I went to the gym,
If you haven’t grown up by age 50, you don’t problems but half the time, they are the the pool, and the library. I was working on my
have to. problem. MBA on-line. I had no bills and no debt. I
I remember being able to get up without 3. As soon as you commit to one, you even had full medical benefits coverage.”
making sound effects. Good times. realise that if you waited a little longer, you I felt sorry for him, so I asked, "What
Age gets better with wine. could have obtained a better model. happened? Drugs? Alcohol? Divorce?" Oh
4. In order to get their attention, you have to no, nothing like that," he said. "Because of
Unlike those old people who complain about turn them on. corona virus, I was unexpectedly paroled".
walking five miles to school through a foot of 5. Big power surges knock them out for the
snow or 105 Fahrenheit in the waterbag, I rest of the night. Tools explained
also remember when I had to walk through a WIRE WHEEL Cleans paint off bolts and then
foot of shag carpet to turn the television on If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong throws them somewhere under the
or off and to change channels and volume. War does not determine who is right, only workbench at the speed of light. Also
who is left removes fingerprints and hard-earned
Alternative meanings We never really grow up, we only learn how
Bacteria = back door to cafeteria callouses from fingers in about the time it
to act in public takes you to say, 'AAAHHH!'
Caesarean section = a neighbourhood in Rome I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was
Cat scan = searching for kitty blaming you DROP SAW A portable cutting tool used to
Terminal illness = getting sick at the airport A clear conscience is usually a sign of bad make timber too short.
Labour pain = getting hurt at work memory BELT SANDER An electric sanding tool
Nitrates = rates of pay for working at night Some cause happiness wherever they go, commonly used to convert minor touch-up
When I see lovers’ names carved in a tree, I others whenever they go jobs into major refinishing jobs.
don’t think it’s sweet. I think it’s surprising Money can’t buy happiness but it certainly
HACKSAW One of a family of cutting tools
how many people bring a knife on a date. makes misery a lot easier to live with
built on the Ouija board principle... It
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit
A man said to his wife, “I don't know how you transforms human energy into a crooked,
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad
can be so stupid and so beautiful all at the unpredictable motion, and the more you
The evening news is where they begin with
same time.” The wife responded, “Allow me attempt to influence its course, the more
‘Good evening’ and then proceed to tell you
to explain. God made me beautiful so you dismal your future becomes.
why it isn’t
would be attracted to me; God made me VICE-GRIPS Generally used after pliers to
stupid so I would be attracted to you”. At 12:01 am on 01 January, and completely round off bolt heads. They can
Hospitality is making your guests feel as if for the first time ever, hindsight also be used to transfer intense welding heat
they are at home, particularly when you wish was actually 2020 to the palm of your hand.
they actually were
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 9
Remembrance Day Luncheon
Frasers - Kings Park
Guest speaker: Craig Challen 2020-21 COMMITTEE
Highgate Highlights | December 2020 | Page 10 Thai Cave Rescuer President
Bill Munro | 0411 750 775
bill.munro@highgate-rsl.org.au
Senior Vice President
Deputy Warden State War Memorial
Geoff Simpson
0408 925 432 | 6380 1014
geoff.simpson@highgate-rsl.org.au
Vice President
Editor - Highgate Highlights
Roger Buddrige | 0408 900 126
roger.buddrige@highgate-rsl.org.au
editor@highgate-rsl.org.au
Secretary
Greg Wilson | 0412 095 201
Mail: Box 66 - Duncraig East 6023
greg.wilson@highgate-rsl.org.au
Treasurer
Ray Ward | 0409 426 677
c42ward@bigpond.net.au
Warden & Immediate Past President
Geoff Hourn | 0414 063 707
geoff.hourn@highgate-rsl.org.au
Warden
Steve Chamarette
0490 257 469 | 9242 1865
sunridge@tpg.com.au
Pensions & Veterans Affairs Advocate
David MacLean | 0418 917 982
david.maclean@highgate-rsl.org.au
Membership Officer
Howard Montagu | 0417 956 621
howard.montagu@highgate-rsl.org.au
Hospitals & Welfare Officer
Bruce Taylor | 0408 955 219
bruce.taylor@highgate-rsl.org.au
Honour Avenues Representative
& Poppy Day Organiser
Hon Consul Fay Duda presents David Mike Harness | 0419 091 708
MacLean with a Korean Government michaelharness1@bigpond.com
Service Award on behalf of his Father
Web Manager
Ian Petkoff | 0490 242 676
ian.petkoff@highgate-rsl.org.au
General Committee
John Cleary | 0417 955 864
john.cleary@highgate-rsl.org.au
Margot Harness | 9349 2847
michaelharness1@bigpond.com
Leon Griffiths | 0439 033 399
leon@leongriffiths.com
Allan Downs | 0427 932 166
allan.downs@highgate-rsl.org.au
Greg Smith | 0458 204 538
sm1th.gregory12@gmail.com
Front Desk
Bob Campbell | 9279 3502
Peter Garside | 0413 441 855
artco@artco.net.au
Tune in to The Listening Post every Monday 1800-2000, Perth’s only radio program specially for Defence personnel, past and present,
their families and friends | Capital Radio 101.7 FM, Capital Digital and from anywhere on earth via www.capitalcommunityradio.com
Disclaimer Highgate Highlights source material is edited to remove inappropriate content, and clarify, This newsletter is printed as a
shorten or standardise where needed. Although normal tests for accuracy are undertaken, you should
not rely on any of this material without carrying out your own validity checks. Opinions are not service to the Veterans Community
necessarily those of RSL Highgate Sub-Branch or RSLWA. by Patrick Gorman MP
Newsletter contributions are always welcome. Please send to editor@highgate-rsl.org.au Federal Member for PerthYou can also read
