Dear Members,
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.
