Inside this Issue:
2. Annual Tribals Lunch
3. Launch of Website
4. ANZAC Day
5. ARUNTA Shield
6. Members’ News
7. Further Events

You will notice the new look at the top of our letterhead. This form was approved at the last meeting of the committee. It gives effect to the earlier decision announced at our Annual Luncheon in April to widen eligibility for membership of the Association to members of the Association to members and former members of the second HMAS ARUNTA. We want to encourage membership of the association. As explained at our luncheon, we have adapted the purpose of the association as follows:
HMAS ARUNTA ASSSOCIATION Dedicated to honouring the memory, spirit and endeavours of all who have served in ARUNTA. We embrace the family not just the individual. If you served in HMAS ARUNTA1942 – 19541998 – present We invite you and your family and friends to join the Association
The photograph of ATUNTA I was taken in October 1944 as she was coming alongside HMAS SHROPSHIRE for receipt of messages. The two ships were part of the USA 7th Fleet sailing from Hollandia in Dutch New Guinea towards the Philippines to support the USA land forces landing at Leyte to fulfil the promise of General Mcarthur to return to the Philippines after that country had been occupied by the Japanese. That landing took place on October 20, 1944.
The photograph of ARUNTA II was taken, we believe in 2008, in the Persian Gulf while she was on duty protecting oil outlets from Iraq. During that term of duty the Commanding Officer was Captain Timothy Brown who the committee met at their meeting on ARUNTA II in November 2008. In the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, Capt Brown received the Commendation for Distinguished Performance of Duties in warlike operations as the Commander of Task Group 633.1 and commanding officer of HMAS ARUNTA during operations Slipper and Catalyst in 2008.

2. Annual Tribals Lunch

This year ARUNTA is hosting the luncheon. With the assistance of John Laughton, the secretary/treasurer of HMAS BATAAN Association and treasurer of the Dandenong RSL, we have arranged for the annual Tribals luncheon to be held at the Dandenong RSL Sub Branch which backs onto Glow Street near its intersection with Stud Road (Melways 90 F7). Enter through Dandenong Plaza Shopping Centre car park from either Walker Street or Foster Street.

The lunch is on Tuesday 11th August at 12.00 noon for 12.30 and the cost is $20.00 per person. The menu is thick beef and vegetable soup, alternating Chinese sliced fillet steak with mushroom sauce and grilled Atlantic salmon, followed by peaches and ice cream with tea or coffee served at the tables.

Two years ago we held the Tribals lunch at Dandenong and it was a great success. The price was very competitive and the meal was outstanding. The extra mile to get there was well worth the effort.
It is important that the three Tribal Associations continue to support each other. The numbers at the lunch last year were very disappointing but we decided to have the lunch again this year and would encourage you to support this function.

Mr Bob Curwen, the former President of HMAS WARRAMUNGA Association, unexpectedly died on 24 April this year after a short illness. Bob was a strong and effective leader of the Warramunga association and the Waverley RSL sub Branch. He was a strong supporter of the three Tribal Associations. He initiated and was the moving force behind the long drawn out battle to convince the Borough of Queenscliffe and the department of sustainability and Environment finally to grant the permits to erect the Cairn which was unveiled and dedicated in November 2007. He was active in a number of other Navy groups and following his lead, the ARUNTA Association is playing a more active part in these groups. He strongly supported the Annual Tribals luncheon. It is appropriate that at the 2009 Tribals luncheon, tribute be paid to Bob Curwen by a large number attending. Please attend.

The cost of the lunch is $20.00 per person. Acceptances are to be made on the form enclosed and forwarded to John Ricardo by Thursday 6th August.

3. Launch of the Website

Since we launched the website at our Reunion Lunch in April we have been updating and hopefully improving the site for the benefit of all. We will continue to update the site with both new and old information as well as photos and reports about both upcoming and completed events.
If you have items/articles which may be of interest for inclusion on the website please let us know and we will put them before the committee for approval to include on the site.
Please take a look and let us know what you think about our website, which can be found at www.arunta-assoc.com

4. ANZAC Day March

Even with a bad weather forecast a good number of veterans of ARUNTA I and ARUNTA II along with a growing number of family and friends of other ARUNTA I veterans turned out for the annual March. A new assembly point was set this year to avoid the new tram stops in Flinders Street. With much confusion and little to no direction, the various naval units managed to get themselves in to order and step off almost exactly on time. As each year arrives the numbers get thinner, the march seems longer but more and more come to support and thank the veterans.

As the band played and the sailors marched to the beat of war time songs, they looked strong and justly proud of their achievements. While some made the journey by car, they were perhaps the smart ones as the rain was looming.

The numbers gathering at the ARUNTA tree were again greater than last year and it is worth mentioning how special it must be for the veterans to have their families there.

Shauna and Russell Phillips had prepared a banquet fit for the admiralty. What must be acknowledged is that this year with parking restrictions it was going to be very difficult /impossible to drive in with the refreshments like previous years. Thanks to Russell and his ingenuity, he was able to use his contacts to obtain a special permit and thus gain access to the ARUNTA tree area.

A special thanks to Shauna and Russell for their efforts, your work is greatly appreciated.

5. ARUNTA II Shield: “Sailor of the Year”

As has been mentioned in previous editions of the Buzz the final steps in establishing this award are being completed. The award will recognise the outstanding sail of the years from ARUNTA II and be decided upon by the Chief Petty Officers.

The recipient will receive a certificate from the Association, a ship’s plaque and have their name inscribed on a perpetual trophy which would be on permanent display on board ship.

6. Members’ News

We regret the passing of Dave Brewer on 4 March 2009 after a long illness.
Dave was in 9 mess in ARUNTA for many years. He and his wife Joyce (Joy) were regular attendants at ARUNTA functions until he became too ill to continue to March.
During 1996, Dave was the Commodore of the Royal Victorian Yacht Club at Williamstown and arranged for the ARUNTA Association to hold a special lunch at the yacht club following the launch of ARUNTA II on 28 June, 1996.

We note the death of Bob Mohr. Bob was a stoker member of the crew of ARUNTA during the war. He lived in Adelaide and was a member of the SA Branch of the Association. He attended the celebrations held in Melbourne to mark the 50th anniversary of the Commissioning of ARUNTA in March 1942. Bob became a judge of the supreme court of South Australia but deserted the Navy and joined the Reserve of the Army.
Eventually he became a Major General as Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Forces. He died earlier this year.

Former President Graham Bell and his wife Beth are in assisted living.

Joan Elkington, the sister of former President, Allan Elkington is now in assisted living at Regis Milpera, Middleborough Road, South Blackburn.

7. Further Events

Annual Tribals Lunch – Dandenong Sub Branch RSL, Tuesday 11 August, 2009.

Navy Week – Events should have commenced on Monday 18 October 2009, but the annual Seafarer’s Service at St Pauls Cathedral was fixed for Sunday 17 October while the Shrine of Remembrance Celebration and Remembrance of the Navy was fixed for the afternoon of Sunday 25 October being the Sunday in Navy Week. Logistical difficulties arise in having the Shrine Service on a separate Sunday from the St Paul’s service. Accordingly the Shrine Service has been cancelled but will be held next year.

Sunday 17 October 2009
Seafarer’s Service, St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne at 10.00am

Sunday 22 November 2009
The Commemorative Ceremony at Ocean View Lookout, Queenscliffe.
Fall in 10.25. Step off 10.45. Service 11.00
Lunch will be provided at the Queenscliffe RSL following the conclusion of the service. To encourage family participation we are attempting to organise a tour of the Fort at Queenscliffe during the afternoon. Details will be given in the next newsletter.

This month starts off with exciting news as we develop and strengthen our ties with the officers and crew of ARUNTA II.

Much has happened since our time on board ship in November 2008 for this year heralds the beginning of a new era for ARUNTA I

Association Name Change

To establish a broader membership so that the Association can continue to flourish and grow in numbers, the committee has considered and agreed to change our association’s name from H.M.A.S. ARUNTA Veterans’ Association Victorian Branch to HMAS ARUNTA Association. This renaming will now make it possible for naval personnel who have served in ARUNTA I and or those currently serving in ARUNTA II as well as families and friends of both ships. The committee considered that in its current form the Association name implies that membership is restricted to only ex veterans and this could have an impact on future membership applications.

ARUNTA Shield

Further to discussions held at the Committee meeting on board ARUNTA II in November 2008, the Committee has decided that in October each year, a sailor serving in ARUNTA II will be presented with “Sailor Of The Year” Award by the Arunta Association. The award will recognize the outstanding sailor serving in ARUNTA II. The recipient will be chosen by the Chief Petty Officers with a casting vote by the Warrant Officer if needed. The sailor will be presented with a Certificate from the Association as well as a cash award. In addition a memorial shield (The Arunta Shield) on which the recipients name will be engraved will be on permanent display within ARUNTA II. This Award is designed to strengthen the link between the Association and ARUNTA as well as commemorating the spirit and endeavours of those who have sailed under the ARUNTA crest.

In addition it is planned that a member of the crew will forward a report from ARUNTA II for publication in each Arunta Buzz. Lieut. David McCue, the then Executive Officer of ARUNTA II has provided an article featuring the exploits and travels of ARUNTA II in 2008. This article is included in this Buzz. It
has been noted from another source that ARUNTA II has presented to the Abu Dhabi Club a shield of the Crest of HMAS ARUNTA which is on display at that Club in Abu Dhabi.

Membership Fees

For some time the Committee have been discussing reviewing the subscription rate for the Association. In light of this review, it has been decided that there will be an increase in subscriptions. From renewal this year ARUNTA 1 veterans and their partners or widows will remain at $5.00 per person. All other members will have their subscriptions increased to $10.00 per person. Please see and complete the enclosed membership renewal form along with the RSVP for the annual ANZAC reunion lunch.

ANZAC Reunion Lunch, Wednesday 22nd April

Anzac Day is fast approaching. All members, partners, family and friends are invited to our Reunion Lunch at East Malvern RSL on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at 12 noon for 12:30 – Lunch commences between 12:30 and 12:45 at the latest. East Malvern RSL is located in Stanley Grose Drive off Malvern & Winton Roads, Melway reference 60A12. The lunch will be held in the Function Room. From the main entrance take the lift or stairs to the first floor and proceed along the outside patio to the door to the Function Room immediately after the Bistro. Those who have mobility problems can access the Function Room via Ellison Street. Those needing help with transport should ring Ellen on 9585 1950 so arrangements can be explored for you to attend the luncheon.
The cost of the luncheon is $25.00 per person. The catering is now being provided by Beth and Jurgen who have been the caterers at Box Hill RSL for many years. The food and service has improved from past years. Drinks can be purchased at bar prices. Self serve tea or coffee is provided but those wanting espresso coffee should order and pay $3.00 per cup.
As usual a raffle will be held. Any donations of prizes will be gratefully accepted and can be brought to the luncheon.
The membership subscription for 2009 is now due. Please complete the attachment and return it together with your payment by Thursday 16th April to enable final numbers for those attending the lunch to be given to the caterers. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.

Anzac Day March 25th April 2009

Those taking part should note our assembly area has been changed from last year. Our Assembly point is numbered 0713 located on the south side of Flinders Street east of Swanston Street alongside Federation Square. You should congregate no later than 8:45am as we move off shortly after 9:00am
Those seeking transport in a vehicle for the march to the shrine and are capable of getting into or out of a vehicle with minimal assistance should notify Ray Martin – Phone 8848 1486 (note change of number
since Ray has moved to Doncaster). The vehicles will be available at the Vehicle Pool area, corner Flinders and Elizabeth Streets before 8:30am.

This year there may be no Navy Officer acting as Marshall. In the absence of a Marshall one of our members will be asked to ensure our members marching under the Arunta Banner conform to the March Protocol. Anzac House has issued the same March Protocol as last year. In substance we have been asked to ensure that:
(a) “Marchers should be neatly and respectfully attired (sporting pullovers, torn or dirty jeans and running shoes are not approved.).

(b) Descendents marching for a deceased family member should be restricted to one member and should march at the rear of the assembled veterans.
(c) A more recent practice of photos of deceased veterans being carried by a relative is not encouraged.”

As usual, refreshments and reminiscences will be held at the Arunta Tree after the march. Committee Member Shauna Phillips – Ph. 9592 5865 – has agreed to act as the co-ordinator for the refreshments. Even if you are unable to march, you and your family and friends, are welcome to join us there.
It is hoped that a delegation from Arunta II will be able to be in Melbourne to march under our banner, and if possible to attend our lunch.

Tribals Luncheon

This year we will be hosting the joint Tribals Lunch at the East Malvern RSL which will be in July and is an important part of the ARUNTA history. The Tribals luncheon carries the tradition of the three ships the Arunta, Warramunga and Bataan. Whilst there is not a ship carrying on the Bataan name, there is for our ship and the Warramunga. Whilst numbers at last year’s luncheon were small we hope that this year, as we are hosting, we can, with a bit of encouraging, get a good number of members to attend. There will be a raffle of a model of a Tribal Class Destroyer held at the luncheon. Further details will be provided in the next BUZZ but it is hoped to be on Wednesday 8th July 2009.

Website

Ellen Shiels has done an enormous amount of work in developing an ARUNTA website. It is hoped that the details of this will be shown in a full colour audio visual display at our luncheon.
The Arunta Association website will have a link to the ARUNTA I website and the association site will provide details of the Association and its Committee and activities to anyone with access to the world wide web. The site will also provide details on how to join, membership application and fees for subscriptions. This link is a real move forward for whilst there is a lot of information about ARUNTA on the internet, this site will make our association known and open up a whole new membership opportunity. A special thanks is noted and passed to Ellen for her ongoing work, and also to Lt. David McCue, former Executive Officer of ARUNTA II, for his support, encouragement and facilitation of this project.

Members News

At this sad time we regret the passing of Ernie Jamieson (Gunga), a veteran of ARUNTA I who passed away on 29th January 2009 in W.A. He filled the role of Uncle to Shauna Phillips.

We also mourn the passing of Margaret Morris, the wife of Jack Morris – a former President of our Association in the 1980’s and a current Committee Member – who passed away suddenly on 20th February 2009. While President, Jack organized the plaque at the Arunta Tree at the Shrine. Since then Jack and Margaret have been the principal providers of the refreshments following the march each Anzac Day. We extend our sympathy and support to Jack and his family at this time.

Beth Bell, the wife of our former President and a current Committee Member, Graham, has suffered a stroke and is in need of nursing home care. At present Graham is staying with his daughter at Seaford.

‘Conquer or Die’
HMAS Arunta Association

Reunion Luncheon
Wednesday 22nd April, 2009

Members Name: ___________________________________

I will be attending Yes / No

I wish to book for _____ persons (including self)
@ $25 per head
Names: _______________________ $25.00

_______________________ $25.00

_______________________ $25.00

_______________________ $25.00
Any special dietary requirements – please quote.

Plus Annual Subscription –
Arunta 1 veterans, partners and widows $5.00 per annum
All others $10.00 per annum
Name: ________________________ $

Name: ________________________ $

Name: ________________________ $

Donation (if desired) $_______

Total _______

RSVP by Friday 16th April 2009, return this form to:
Mr. John Ricardo,
Treasurer, HMAS Arunta Association
45 Bindy Street,
Forest Hill Vic 3131
Payment may also be made via the internet using the following details:
BSB: 033000 Account Number: 360074 Account Name: HMAS Arunta Association Please include in the Reference: Your name
If paying via the internet please email Treasurer@arunta-assoc.com with the details of your payment.

Those needing help with transport please ring Ellen Shiels (9585 1950 or Mobile 0438 071 454) so arrangements can be explored for you to attend the luncheon.