Joondalup City RSL Sub-branch in Ocean Reef, Western Australia, Australia | Community organisation

Joondalup City RSL Sub-branch

Locality: Ocean Reef, Western Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 8 9401 5111

Address: Boat Harbour Quay 6027 Ocean Reef, WA, Australia

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25.01.2022 Remembrance Day 2020 at Central Park in Joondalup RSLWA City of Joondalup

24.01.2022 On 19 August 1966, the surviving soldiers of Delta Company 6RAR, await reinforcements from 5RAR and C Company 6RAR before returning to the battlefield in the Lo...ng Tan rubber plantation to look for their 15 missing mates. Here is some historical footage of that morning. You can see how many Australia weapons; M16's, M60's and some SLR's were unservicable due to the intensity of the battle. 19 August 1966 - timeline 12.50am All chopper evacuations are completed. 02.45am A Fire Mission Battery was called onto an area near the Long Tan plantation, the last 8 rounds are fired. At some point during the night Townsend orders Harry to take D Coy back to Nui Dat first thing in the morning as they have been through so much. Harry has a strong argument with Townsend saying no way, they are his men out there and they must be the ones to go back and find them and see what, if anything, they have done to the enemy. 4.00am Townsend radios 1ATF for the remaining APC’s to bring out 6RAR HQ, C Coy and a section of mortars. He also obtains a US chopper airlift to bring out one company from 5RAR. This left only two rifle companies of around 200 soldiers to defend Nui Dat. 5.15am US Lt General Seaman sends US Major Piper and a group of US Staff Officers to Nui Dat by choppers to ascertain what they could about the battle. They met a very ashen faced and almost speechless Jackson as 1ATF HQ. No one felt that they’d had a major victory, they believed they’d had a major defeat. 6.55am 2 Troop of 1 APC Squadron with the remaining elements of 6RAR onboard, leave Nui Dat and roll east towards Long Tan. At the same time, D Coy 5RAR was lifted by US Army choppers to a landing zone near the D Coy position. 7.30am Townsend gathers the officers and gave his orders for the assault back into the battle area. 15 Australians were still missing and it was not known what the enemy would do or where they were. 7.40am Jackson arrives at this assembly point by chopper just as Townsend is giving his orders. 8.45am The Australian force begins moving back to battlefield with artillery and airstrikes still firing into the plantation. D Coy lead the way on the APC’s, headed towards 11 Platoon’s final position with the other elements sweeping the surrounding features and area. 9.21am D Coy 5RAR reports one VC body sighted. 9.50am D Coy 6RAR reports 12-15 enemy bodies. 10.00am Jackson departs Long Tan battlefield back to Nui Dat. 10.10am Jackson radios a SITREP to HQ AFV (Australian Force Vietnam) in Saigon. 10.20am D Coy 6RAR asks for a bulldozer to bury approximately 100 enemy dead. As the scale of the losses is evidenced by the numbers of bodies and widespread devastation so did the realisation that D Coy had achieved a stunning victory. 10.35am D Coy come across a wounded Barry Meller from 11 Platoon who is waving and leaning against a rubber tree. 10.45am D Coy come across the final 11 Platoon position and discover the remaining 13 missing are all dead still in the firing positions with their fingers still on the triggers of their weapons, facing outwards towards the enemy. The rain has washed them clean and they all still seemed to be alive. This sight had a profound effect on all who witnessed it and many a tear was shed. They also discover a very weak and seriously wounded Jim Richmond lying in the mud and calling out Sgt Buick, Sgt Buick. 11.05am D Coy 6RAR report that they have found the 15 missing Australians. 13 KIA and 2 wounded. By this time, some 113 enemy bodies and 2 enemy wounded had already been discovered. 2.35pm The toll of enemy dead rises to 168. Gen Westmoreland and his staff and a press contingent visit the battlefield arriving by chopper. Nobody believed that a small group of 108 Australians and New Zealanders had fought such a pitched battle against an overwhelmingly larger force and won. Westmoreland and others had to see it first hand in order to believe it. Westmoreland tours the battlefield along with Harry Smith and Geoff Kendall. They come across a group of D Coy diggers digging graves and burying enemy bodies. The General walked up to Australian soldier, Wild Bill Doolan and said, ‘You’ve done a good job fellows but this is the dirty part’. Doolan replied, ‘She’ll be right mate. We can handle it.’ This address to the US General in dry, classic Aussie style created newspaper headlines. 4.15pm The toll of enemy dead has risen to 180 but many drag marks and blood trails were discovered indicating many more dead and wounded had been dragged away from the battlefield. 6.10pm The toll of enemy bodies has risen to 188. Complete timeline of battle - https://battleoflongtan.com/timeline/ More historical videos on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/martinwalshDC

24.01.2022 A visit to the Perth War Cemetery yesterday found everything in perfect order. An emotionally moving place with graves of WW1, WW2 & Vietnam Veterans.

24.01.2022 THE FUZZY WUZZY ANGELS. For those younger readers that might not know the stories of the Heroic Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, the name given by Australian soldiers to Pap...ua New Guinean war carriers, during World War II, They were recruited from rubber plantation labourers and were given the task to bring up, ammunition, food, and other supplies up to the kokodo Track front line. The Fuzzy Wuzzies carried an average load weighing over 40kgs, through heavy conditions and often through heavy combat. These heroes carried seriously wounded and sick soldiers back down the track to Owers’ Corner during the Kokoda Campaign. It is said that no living soldier was ever abandoned by the carriers, not even during heavy combat. Their compassion for the wounded and sick earned them the eternal gratitude of the Australian soldiers. Credit must be given to member of the AIF Captain Bert Kienzle who worked with the Australian 7th Division during the campaign. He was able to communicate and understand the Angels, he built up their trust and reliability. Kienzle had a life time of knowledge about the area where the campaign took place, through his experience with Gold mining and Rubber plantations in the area. In recognition of his immense contributions during the Kokodo Track Campaign, Kienzle was mentioned in dispatches, and awarded the MBE (Military Division). FUZZY WUZZY ANGELS Poem. Many a mother in Australia, When the busy day is done, Sends a prayer to the almighty, For the keeping of her son; Asking that an angel guide him, And bring him safely back, Now we see those prayers are answered on the Owen Stanley Track, For they haven't any halos, Only holes slashed in their ears, And their faces worked in tattoos, With scratch pins in their hair, Bring back our badly wounded, Just as steady as a horse, Using leaves to keep the rain off, And as gentle as a nurse. Slow and steady in bad places, On the awful mountain track, The look upon their faces, Would make you think Christ was black. Not a move to hurt the wounded, As they treat him like a saint; It's a picture worth recording, That an artist's yet to paint. Many a lad will see his mother, And husbands see their wives, Just because the Fuzzy Wuzzies, Carried them to save their lives From Mortar bombs, machine-gun fire, or chance surprise attack, To safety and care of Doctors At the bottom of the track. May the mothers of Australia, When they offer up a prayer, Mention those impromptu angels, With their Fuzzy Wuzzy hair. By Sapper Bert Beros NX6925, 7th Australian Division, Royal Australian Engineers This poem was shared on one of my earlier posts as a comment by Floyd Allen. I thought it to good to remain just a comment. I have turned it into a post for all to read and remember with fondness, our heroic neighbors, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of the Kokodo Track.

24.01.2022 The committee attended lunch at the new ANZAC House today. This was day 5 of business. Service and lunch was delicious. The new Function rooms are very impressive and we are planning on making use of them. We now have a home to be very proud of.

23.01.2022 A very big thank you to Amy Patton and Snr Constable Maw from the Clarkson Police Station for offering the very kind donation of a WW1 Bayonet. We will ensure the item is kept secure and displayed in our room at the new Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club.

23.01.2022 Our first fund-raiser for 2020 was at Bunnings Warehouse Australia Joondalup on Saturday. Thanks to Val and her team of volunteers. We had a very successful day.

23.01.2022 Congratulations to our two new RSLWA Life Members - Daryl Ikin and Doug Rasmussen. Both were presented their awards today during the RSLWA State Congress at the Pan Pacific. #rslwa RSLWA

22.01.2022 https://www.perthnow.com.au//world-war-i-bayonet-found-in-

22.01.2022 Service at the Ocean Reef Memorial on 18 Nov 20 at 0930. All encouraged and welcome to attend. RSLWA City of Joondalup https://www.perthnow.com.au//joondalup-city-rsl-memorial-f

21.01.2022 Big shout out for Bunnings Warehouse Australia Joondalup who raised $92 in support of our Poppy Appeal.

21.01.2022 https://fb.me/e/1JZ4h0Nq8

21.01.2022 This is a well appreciated grant to help the restoration of our memorial.

20.01.2022 Great story on front page of Community News on one of our WW2 Veterans. Thanks to Nev Maw for coordinating. RSLWA

19.01.2022 Australia's 100th Victoria Cross recipient, Cameron Baird VC MG features on a special Victoria Cross story on Coast Australia tomorrow night at 7.30pm on Foxtel...'s History Channel. Corporal Cameron Baird is the fourth and final person to be awarded a Victoria Cross for Australia during Operation Slipper. Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, 7/6/1981-22/6/2013. Thank you for your service. Lest We Forget' #lestweforget #foxtel #historychannel #victoriacross #operationslipper #Afghanistan See more

18.01.2022 The City’s 2020 Remembrance Day Ceremony, hosted in conjunction with Joondalup City RSL Sub-branch, will be held at Central Park, Joondalup on Wednesday 11 Nov...ember. The service commences at 10.45am. Poppies will be available and tea and coffee will be served at the conclusion of proceedings. The City continues to be guided by Department of Health advice in relation to COVID-19. Attendees are urged to practice physical distancing. All welcome. See more

18.01.2022 A soldier with PTSD fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. When a SNCO walked by the Soldier called out for help, but the SNCO yelled back, "Suck it up son, dig... deep and drive on," then threw him a shovel. The Soldier did as he was told and dug that hole deeper. A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier called out for help again. The Officer told him "use the tools your SNCO has given you", then threw him a bucket. The Soldier used the tools and he dug the hole deeper still and filled the bucket. A psychiatrist walked by. The Soldier called, Help! I can’t get out! so the psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, "Take this. It will relieve the pain and you will forget about the hole. The Soldier said "thanks" and followed his advice, but when the pills ran out he was still in the hole. A well-known psychologist rode by and heard the Soldiers cries for help. He stopped and asked, How did you get there? Were you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness. So the Soldier talked with him for an hour, then the psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Soldier thanked him, but he was still in the hole. Another Soldier , just like him, happened to be passing by. The Soldier with PTSD cried out, Hey, help me. I’m stuck in this hole! and right away the other Soldier jumped down in there with him. The Soldier with PTSD started to panic and said, What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck down here! But the other Soldier just smiled and replied, It’s okay, calm down, brother. I’ve been here before..... I know how to get out. No matter what you're going through, you are never alone. But don't be too proud to SHOUT OUT!, 'HELP I'm stuck in this Hole' ... We all get stuck in a hole from time to time but all it takes is to ask your mates for help and we will be there even if we have to jump in that hole with you.

17.01.2022 On this day... in 1942, the last of three hard-fought battles finally stopped the Japanese advance along the Kokoda Trail at Ioribaiwa. The three days of fighti...ng centred on a high feature known as Ioribaiwa Ridge, south of Ofi Creek on the Kokoda Trail, in the Territory of Papua. Although the Japanese were successful in pushing the Australians back in the centre of their defensive position on the trail, heavy fighting on the flanks of the position brought the Japanese attack to a standstill. Following the battle, the Australian commander, Brigadier Kenneth Eather, commanding perceiving that the attack could not be held any further and that Ioribaiwa Ridge was unsuited to launching a counter-attack, withdrew his force back to Imita Ridge. The Japanese, however, had reached the limit of their supply line, and strategic factors and reverses elsewhere forced the Japanese commander, Major General Tomitaro Horii, to pursue a more defensive approach in Papua and New Guinea. As a result, in October the Japanese began to withdraw towards their beachheads at BunaGona, with the Australians in pursuit. During the Battle of Ioribaiwa, 49 Australians were killed and 121 were wounded. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Members of the 2/14th Battalion resting near Ioribaiwa after the battle: AWM

17.01.2022 A special visitor at our memorial this afternoon

17.01.2022 https://fb.me/e/2VOlRRu8c

17.01.2022 Man's best friend does it again.

17.01.2022 Happy birthday to Florence Craig (nee Robe) who turns 100 today. Florence, born in Colac Victoria, joined the Royal Australian Air Force in July 1942 and was an... aircraftwoman. Florence was stationed in Adelaide when the war ended and she said it was ‘the best day you can imagine’. Florence’s advice for younger serving personnel is ‘do what you want to do set a goal and try your best to achieve it’. Florence developed some long-term friendships while serving, in particular with Marg Eck, Nettie Hinstan, and Betty Andrews. After the war, Florence raised her two children with her late husband Lesley, and she also enrolled in a cooking course, although admits she was not a very good chef. She wrote three small books detailing her life as a child. Her father passed away when she was ten and her mother raised Florence and her five siblings on her own. Florence donated all the proceeds from the books to cancer research as Lesley passed away from cancer in 2001. Florence credits her long life to good genes. Her older sister Belle is still alive today, aged 102. Happy birthday Florence and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

16.01.2022 So sad its come to this

15.01.2022 We will have some new Blue Poppies for Remembrance day

14.01.2022 https://www.perthnow.com.au//joondalup-city-rsl-memorial-f

14.01.2022 https://www.perthnow.com.au//wwii-veteran-remembers-succes

14.01.2022 What a fantastic event for the two WW2 Veterans of the Sub-Branch.! Thank you to City of Joondalup for assisting with the memorial service. and to Nev Maw for his speech. Congratulations for Brian O'Shannassay and Vic Sinclair. RSLWA https://www.perthnow.com.au//wwii-veterans-took-centre-sta

12.01.2022 Frederick Tull - WW2 - 16 Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps. My Grandfather was an essential worker and could not serve overseas but wanted to do his part for ...the war effort. They were still proud of our Australia and proud of our men and women who did go to war. His brother was killed in WW1.

11.01.2022 Visit to Perth War Cemetery in Claremont. RSLWA

11.01.2022 Its great to see some of our hard working members out for RUOK day today. Well done

10.01.2022 The annual Sub-Branch Ball was a huge success last night. Thanks to the Army Band Perth for another fantastic performance.

10.01.2022 We finally had a chance to catch and thank three ocean reef youngsters that raised and then donated $50 to us for ANZAC Day this year. Vince and Deb visited Luka, Nikita and Alexa to thank them and presented them with a Joondalup City RSL Hat, water bottle and an Operation SLIPPER coin. #RSLWA

08.01.2022 Due to the inclement weather today our planned Veteran’s health Week Supa Golf event has been postponed until 15 Nov 20. As the day was wet, we still all attended the planned luncheon at Edgecombe Brother’s Winery. All in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal with a few refreshments and fantastic company. Veteran’s Health Week this year is focused on social inclusion. We certainly ticked that box today and will do so again on the 15th. Please let Bruce know if you are keen/available for Supa Golf on 15 Nov 20. Edgecombe Brothers Winery

07.01.2022 It was great to be at the Joondalup RSL volunteers lunch today. Keep up the great work team!

06.01.2022 Morning Tea at Woodvale High School saw Certificates of Commendation presented to Nev Maw and Roger Howell from Ian Goodenough MP. Nev was recognised for his efforts at the VSCJ and Roger for his work as a compensation advocate. Well done and thank you to both gentlemen. Your efforts have a positive influence on the veteran community in the City of Joondalup and WA.

06.01.2022 This is a great story

05.01.2022 Looking forward to enjoying F88 Lager at the ORSSC very soon

05.01.2022 103 years ago this year. Men and animals as one. Their efforts should NEVER be forgotten. What they did and were able to achieve was and is inspirational!

05.01.2022 Our Veteran’s health Week event this year in support of the theme from DVA of ‘Social Inclusion’ was a game of Supa Golf. 28 members and family turned out and enjoyed a nice day out. Results were: 1st Place with 38 strokes Nev Maw 2nd Place with 42 strokes Rob Glencross 3rd Place with 43 strokes was tied Deb Wattie & Bruce McDonald... #VeteransHealthWeek #VHW2020 RSLWA

04.01.2022 The Joondalup City RSL Sub-Branch annual Poppy Appeal will be run this year 07-10 Nov 20. This is a major fundraising event from which the funds will be used to support veteran welfare across the City of Joondalup. We will have Poppies and other memorabilia available for purchase. At this stage Bunnings are not allowing collections or selling of any sort other than the sausage sizzle as part of their COVID19 restrictions; therefore, we will only have stands set-up at: West...field Whitfords City (08-10 Nov 20 only) @WestfieldWhitfordCity - Near the Concierge Desk just in between The Body Shop and Yd stores Currambine Central @currambinecentral near the butcher Lakeside Joondalup @lakesidejoondalup outside Lowes / Momo Hair near K-Mart Please share this far and wide.

03.01.2022 To understand a Military Veteran you must know: We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure. We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.... We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew. We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth. We found new friends and new family. We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed. We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times. We didn’t get enough sleep. We drank too much. We picked up both good and bad habits. We worked hard and played harder. We didn’t earn a great wage. We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events. We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again. We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all. We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others. Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t. Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t. Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare. We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical. We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie. We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all. We have dealt with victory and tragedy. We have celebrated and mourned. We lost a few along the way. When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all. We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures. We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand. We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches. We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat. Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away. It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift. People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service. When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not. So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country. Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times. Share your stories. But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran. I’m a VETERAN! I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN

03.01.2022 So today we held the Sub-Branch annual Christmas lunch at the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club . A two-course traditional fare was enjoyed by the 72 attendees. Thanks to Greedy Gecko for the house pest treatment and all members who donated prizes for our raffle. The best raffle where everybody took home at least one prize!! Thanks to all those who provided a table centre-piece. The best one as voted by the dining room staff was Sophie Saratsis. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. May your 2021 be better than your 2020. RSLWA

02.01.2022 Great analogy . Army navigate using them also. This is pre-GPS days of course. Merry Christmas!!

02.01.2022 Rick and Bruce attended the City of Joondalup Community and Stakeholder Christmas Reception at the Joondalup Resort on Tuesday evening. It was a great networking opportunity with drinks, nibbles and Christmas cheers.

01.01.2022 KINGS PARK WAR MEMORIAL FLAME VANDALISED Last night, Perth’s iconic flame of remembrance that has burned bright for 20 years was extinguished by vandals. They... also set fire to a bin nearby. Luckily, Kings Park and Botanic Garden teams were able to get it back up and running and the flame burns bright again this morning RSLWA CEO John McCourt said he was dismayed and disgusted by the act. "These people not only vandalised a memorial, they vandalised the memory of all those who served and those who died so that we can have a free country," he said. "I don't know what they get out of it. If it's kicks, they're pretty sad puppies." ABC News / Eliza Borello (taken Sunday morning)