“RED RAT” NEWSLETTER MARCH 2012

HQ1ATF: 2012 Reunion: Merimbula 8/12 November 2012
Merimbula Beach Holiday Park (MBHP), 2 Short Point Road, Merimbula, NSW 2548

(P): 02 6499 8999 (F): 02 6495 3381

Hello all.

Only 9 MONTHS until many of us see each other once again. Merimbula, here we come. We have 36 Veterans and partners registered at this stage and many of the attendees have booked to go whale-watching (we have 100 places for this optional tour). I do suggest you start thinking seriously about registration so you get on the Saturday whale watching excursion and actually see some whales!Simply complete the form, add your cheque toHQ1ATF ASSOCIATION or EFT: BSB: 082697 HQ1ATF Association Account: 188667746 Please reference your name.

All Veterans who book and pay for the November reunion prior to 30 June 2012 (including those who have already booked and paid) will have their names entered into a draw for a prize of three people enjoying a scenic flight over Merimbula (with Air Sapphire: valued at $225. If you bring and pay for your partner, you have two chances to win this fabulous prize. We will announce the winner(s) by mid July so you can plan your flight whilst you are in Merimbula. Should you wish to buy a flight and indicate you are part of the Reunion, you will receive a 10 per cent discount.

Our Webmaster, John Eller, reminds all of you to access our Association website ( as there is some interesting news about both medical vaccinations for Gold Card holders and also the Veteran Community carbon price rebates. Also agood way to keep in touch with other members is via our Guest Page:

At the end of this newsletter is the program and registration form for your completion and return to me. We are hoping for some 150 veterans and at least 80 partners– so let’s see how we go. Take a look at the inclusions for your reunion costs and you will agree that it is worth every cent:four dinners, two lunches, one breakfast, touring, coach transfers in town, etc.

We are being subsidised by some companies and these details are found on our website /home page. The Merimbula RSL,the Merimbula RSL Sub-Branch and the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce are welcoming andare beingquite generous to our Association and this is also reflected in the reunioncosting. At the 2012 reunion, our Treasurer will give us all a complete financial breakdown (however Helen does keep the committee updated each two months. If any Veteran has contacts with any companyjust let me know as I am happy to write a sponsorship request letter to them.

Regards, John Verhelst,

(President, Reunion Committee 2012)

Merimbula Beach Holiday Park

VALE

Another of our mates is no longer with us (please note this is not a complete list, only those that I have been advised of)

Gary Franklin (Mudgeeraba, QLD)

Died in a motor cycle accident 17 February 2012

Confirmed Merimbula Reunion attendees as at 16 February 2012-02-19

Sebastian and Nina Azzopardi / Sydney and Maggie Sinclair
Richard and Sue Barron / Warren and Isabel (Knight) Handley
John and Denise Bushell / Alan and Del Flick
Colin and Diane Chilton / Gregory and Mary (Macsmith)Ruming
Ned and Helena Dixon / David and Kathy Simpson
Robert and Sheryl Ellis / Greg Morgan
Ron and Elaine Miffling / Rod and Sue Barrett
Anthony and Jean Mitchell / Stephen Mahoney
Steve and Natalie Sheaves / John and Helen (Lange) Verhelst
Michael and Anne Shields

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REUNION - MERIMBULA: 8-12 NOVEMBER 2012.

The bi-annual reunion will take place at the Merimbula Beach Holiday Park from Thursday 8th November until Monday 12th November 2012.

Merimbula is located on the south coast of NSW, about 6 hours drive from Melbourne and from Sydney, and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly in from Melbourne and Sydney, each city having two flights per day, with the local airport right in town. You can hire a car at the airport but best pre-book if you decide on this option.

Weather for November 2012 is sunshine each day with a maximum of some 26C, and a little cooler at night (

The Merimbula RSL will be the venue for several events as well as the start point for the Remembrance Day March to the local Cenotaph (on Sunday 11 November 2012). The Merimbula RSL Sub-Branch will look after the March logistics as well as road closures, etc.

On the registration form I have requested you show your interest in bringing along some of your Memorabilia (dusty pieces and photos). Let us know so that we can get the MBHP to set up an area.

If you are not staying at the Merimbula Beach Holiday Park (MBHP), you will find a list at the end of thereunion program of alternate accommodation. Our prices at MBHP represent 10 % off the prevailing tariff and they range from $28 per night for a powered site, to $135+ for a cliff-top ocean bungalow: accommodation in bungalows sleep 4 to 6 people. In all cases wherever you do stay, please book direct.

Transport has been arranged (and the cost is included) from MBHP for any functions held at the Merimbula RSL and the Commemorative Dinner. However, for the fitter amongst you, it is an easy walk of one kilometreto the Merimbula RSL

Reunion Contact details: HQ1ATF Association, (John Verhelst):

Email:

Phone: 0437 212121

PO Box 325GladesvilleNSW 1675.

OTHER NEWS.

  • Gold Card Holders – DVA circular.

“Earlier this year after submissions had been made to me at an AVADSC meeting in Brisbane I approached the Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Consultative Forum regarding Gold Card holders being required to pay for Medical Vaccinations prior to overseas travel, I have now received a positive outcome.

Prior to 1st Aug 2010 DVA has not provided coverage for medical vaccinations for DVA clients travelling overseas, the approach was that these were privately incurred expenses. DVA has now released a new Business Line where it now states that as from the 1st August 2010 all GOLD CARD holders are eligible for all required vaccinations to be covered under the Gold Card arrangements. Any Gold Card holders that may have incurred charges from 1st August 2010 are able to seek reimbursement via DVA. I would expect a fact sheet covering this to be issued shortly. I ask that you make this information widely available to your friends and association membership, I will send you a copy of the DVA Fact Sheet once it becomes available. If you or anyone else has any questions ask them to contact their nearest DVA VAN office”.

  • Carbon Price; Veteran Community – DVA Circular.

Around 350,000 in the veteran communitywill benefit from a package of additional payments that will assist with the cost of living impact of a price on carbon. A nine month up-front advance lump sum will be paid in June 2012 called the Clean Energy Advance.

In March 2013, ongoing supplement will be paid, with a choice of either fortnightly or quarterly payment called the Clean Energy Supplement. All service pensioners (full and part), disability pensioners and war widow(er)s will receive both the Clean Energy Advance and the Clean Energy Supplement.

Assistance for service pensioners and war widow(er)s will be calculated on 1.7% of the maximum rate of service pension or widow(er)’s pension. Assistance for General Rate disability pensioners, including those receiving less than 100% of the General Rate, will be calculated on 1.7% of the General Rate of disability pension under the VEA.

Assistance for beneficiaries receiving an Above General Rate of disability pension (Special Rate, Intermediate Rate or Extreme Disablement Adjustment) will be calculated on the basis of 1.7% of the payment being received. Veterans on a disability pension and service pension receive both payments.

  • Our HQ1ATF Shop.

We have a supply of Association Ties, Hats and Lapel Badges (and five Satchels from the 2010 reunion) for sale. See the table below for a description and price of each. They can be ordered by sending a cheque or money order to myself made payable to HQ1ATF Association or Bank directly into the Association’s account BSB: 082697 HQ1ATF Association Account: 188667746

Item / Description / Price / Postage
Tie
/ Very smart black with three thin red green and yellow stripes with the Red Kangaroo in the corner. / $20 / $6
Lapel Badge
/ Feature the Kangaroo on a yellow shield with HQ1ATF Association in raised silver around the edge / $10 / $1
Peak Cap
/ Feature the same info as the Badge and have a dark tan peak with dark green top / $15 / $6
Satchel
/ Collectors Item – black with Red Rat on the front / $20 / $6
Tie, Lapel Badge and Peak Cap / $40 / $6

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2012 REUNION PROGRAM / MERIMBULA.

Thursday 8 November 2012.

1600 Hours onwards. Arrival at Merimbula Beach Holiday Park(MBHP) for welcome and registration (and a drink or two). Evening BBQ at MBHP. BYO drinks.

Friday 9 November 2012

Breakfast – own arrangements.

0930 Hours. HQ1ATF Assembly / meeting at MBHP

  • 1100 Hours - Tour to Tathra and Bermagui, with lunch at Mimosa Wines (drinks at own cost). Return to Merimbula about 1600 Hours.

1830 Hours. Dinner at the Merimbula RSL Club. Drinks at own cost.

Saturday 10 November 2012

Breakfast – own arrangements

Optional Tours.

  • 0830 Hours: Tour to Eden, visiting the Killer Whale Museum and Marine Discovery Centre. A boat tour out of Merimbula with, hopefully, sightings of some whales. Lunch is included. Cost: $121 per person (note: this tour is limited to 100 people). Return to Merimbula about 1600 Hours.
  • A game of golf at the stunning 18 hole Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club ( / Phone 02 6495 6154. Cost: $40 per person for 18 holes and $15 per person for golf clubs and “push” buggy.Arrange your game of golf directly with the golf club please.

1830 Hours. BBQ dinner at the MerimbulaBeachHolidayPark. BYO drinks

Sunday 11 November 2012

Breakfast – own arrangements

1015 Hours. Depart from MBHP and assemble (1030 Hours) at the front of the Merimbula RSL.

1045 Hours. March off through the main street of Merimbula to the local Cenotaph (400 metres), with appropriate accompaniments!! (Our own, Rod Barrett has volunteered to be the RSM for our March).

1100 Hours. Remembrance Day ceremony with local RSL Sub Branch Members and members of the public.

1130 Hours. Adjourn to the Merimbula RSL for a light lunch (drinks at own cost) and relaxation. There will be two shuttle buses back to MBHP: 1330 Hours and 1500 Hours.

Remainder of day at leisure.

1800 Hours. Depart by coach (pick up at MBHP and RSL) for the Nui Dat Commemorative dinner at Oakland’s Event Centre at Pambula (just down the road). Inclusive of dinner and drinks.

2130 Hours onwards. Coach transfer to your Merimbula accommodation.

Monday 12 November 2012

0830 Hours. Farewell BBQ breakfast.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: for MBHP, quote: HQ1ATF Reunion.

In addition to our reunion headquarters (Merimbula Beach Holiday Park / Ph: 02 6499 8999 email: ) there are a multitude of accommodation options in Merimbula including several other Caravan Parks,self contained apartments and motels. Our suggestions below are all within 300 metres of the RSL and Merimbula town centre

Motels.

  • Summer Hill Motor Inn: 24 Merimbula Drive. Phone 1800 024 946
  • Pelican Motor Inn: 18 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1933
  • South Seas Motel and Holiday Apartments: 12 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1911
  • Town Centre Motor Inn: 8 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1163

Apartments.

  • Albratross: 35 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1314
  • Crown Apartments: 23 Beach Street. Phone 02 6495 2400
  • Beach Street Apartments: 1 Beach Street, Phone 02 6495 2205
  • Penguin Mews: 27 Beach Street, Phone 02 6495 1660
  • MerimbulaBeach Cabins: 47 Short Point Road. Phone 02 6495 1216 (over the road from our MBHP).

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REGISTRATION FORM.

HQ1ATF 2012 REUNION: 8/12 November 2012

MerimbulaBeachHoliday Park, Merimbula, NSW

Surname:
First Name:
Address (please include Postcode):
Preferred name on badge:
Partner’s Name if attending
Phone: / Mobile
Email:
Reunion Cost Members / $120 per member / $120
Reunion Cost Partner / $120 per partner if attending
Membership Fee: October 2012 to Sept 2014 / $40 per member / $ 40
Donation (optional)
Whale Watching Tour (see details below) / @$121 per person
TOTAL
PAYMENT DETAILS:Cheque/Money Order, made payable to:- HQ1ATF ASSOCIATION
Or EFT: BSB: 082697 HQ1ATF Association Account: 188667746 Please reference your name
It would help if all money be paid no later than 15th AUGUST 2012
What do I get for my money?Welcome BBQ and a second BBQ, Commemorative Nui Dat dinner with drinks, Tour to Mimosa Winery, including lunch, lunch & dinner at RSL Club, Farewell breakfast, Polo sweat shirt and a Rat Bag full of goodies for you and your partner ………………………..and a bloody good time!.

Please see over ...... there is more......

I will be bringing some Memorabilia from my days“in Country”. / Yes No / Please circle which is appropriate
Polo sweat shirts are available to members and partners (at no additional charge) for those who are attending the reunion. Please note that it may not be possible to change shirts if you order the wrong size(s). / Member Size:
S SM M L
XL XXL XXXL
Partner Size:
S SM M L
XL XXL XXXL / Please circle which is appropriate

To allow some time in planning activities at Merimbula, please indicate by ticking the following boxes if you wish to partake in any of the following on Saturday 10 November 2012. Note that the Whale watching tour must be pre-paid to ensure your place.

Time / Event / Member Attending / Partner Attending
0830 Hours / Tour to Eden, visiting the Killer Whale Museum and Marine Discovery Centre. A boat tour out of Merimbula with, hopefully, sightings of some whales. Lunch is included. Cost: $121 per person (note: this tour is limited to 100 people). Return to Merimbula Beach Holiday Park about 1600 Hours.
OR
PLEASE BOOK DIRECT WITH THE GOLF CLUB. Golf at the 18 hole Pambula Merimbula Golf Club ( / Phone 02 6495 6154. Cost: $40 per person for 18 holes and $15 per person for golf clubs and “push” buggy.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO:

HQ 1 ATF ASSOC,

PO Box 325, Gladesville NSW 1675

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