Wedderburn/Korong Vale RSL in Wedderburn, Victoria | Community organisation

Wedderburn/Korong Vale RSL

Locality: Wedderburn, Victoria

Address: 112 High Street 3518 Wedderburn, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.facebook.com/wedderburnrsl

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25.01.2022 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: There is apparently some speculation around town that the RSL is opening tonight, Friday 27th November. Whilst the RSL is keen to open, our Covid Safe Officer has advised we are not yet in a postion to do so. Consequently, the RSL is still closed. We will advise members and guests as soon as we are able to re-open safely.

24.01.2022 Ethel Lane was one of the many war nurses stationed in the Pacific who cared for former prisoners of war once the war had ended. It was pretty distressing - t...hey were so thin, but they were so grateful. She remembers their physical state and their reactions when they finally heard from home after three years. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

24.01.2022 Faces of WWII: In this, the 75th year since the War ended, John Hook feels reflective. Looking back at all the experiences I’ve had and the fact that it was su...ch a brutal, pointless war. I think that’s the main thing about it because most soldiers really think war is just a terrible thing. John was born in 1925 in the United Kingdom and came to Australia with his parents a year later. A strong sense of duty to his country led him to enlist with the Army in January 1944. That’s really what it was, I think we all had that feeling and wanted to do the right thing. He completed his Infantry Training at Cowra in New South Wales and was eventually deployed to Lae, Papua New Guinea, and then to the War Crimes Commission in Rabaul, New Britain, where he worked as an interpreter as part of the Allied Translator and Interpreter Service, having learnt Japanese. Whilst the then teenager was lucky his service did not put him on the front line, it proved to be horrific, nonetheless. Shortly after the end of WW2, I was at Rabaul, capital of New Britain, attached to the War Crimes Commission operating there. It was his job to act as an interpreter for the trials of Japanese soldiers accused of war crimes. Many of them were eventually executed for their crimes. The very first time it was pretty traumatic. They’re fellow human beings and although guilty of some horrific war crimes, you still telling someone they’re going to be executed tomorrow. One of the major trials he was involved in included the officers responsible for the deaths of Australian Prisoners of War during the well-known Sandakan death marches in Borneo. In the course of John’s interpreting duties on Rabaul, he encountered Lieutenant Hideo Katayama from the Imperial Japanese Navy. Lieutenant Katayama surrendered himself to Allied authorities in February 1946, after discovering that he was wanted for questioning, accused of killing a Royal Australian Airforce pilot. Apparently feeling sorry for Lieutenant Katayama, John gave him 3 cigarettes. When our paths next met shortly afterwards, he gave me 3 Japanese bank notes, with the comment that ‘a man about to die has no need of money.’ John discharged from the Army in 1947 and returned to Melbourne, where he unexpectedly but gratefully undertook a Commerce Degree at Melbourne University under the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Training Scheme. He was married to Mary for 62 years. They had 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. #VPDay75

23.01.2022 The 75th anniversary of the end of WWII will be extra special for WWII veteran Jean Smith, who will mark her 100th Birthday on August 15. The former Australian ...Women's Army Service (AWAS) member will celebrate this special milestone on the same day that many Australians hold close to their hearts. Jean, who's first husband passed in combat in Libya in 1941, joined the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) during WWII. Jean also worked within the Chemical Warfare Unit based in Innisfail, far North QLD, including three trials on Brook Island, where the unit did specialist chemical research under a code of secrecy until 1970. After the War she married Bert Smith who was initially in the Army 2/22nd Battalion which served in Rabaul and New Briton, New Guinea, then in the RAAF as an Intelligence Officer with No 77 Squadron. Jean is a very proud veteran and long-standing member of the RSL community. We thank Jean for her service to our country and wish her a very special 100th birthday! Bless you Jean. #VPDay75

22.01.2022 Today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Each year on the 18th of August also known as Vietnam Veterans Day, we honour and commemorate all those w...ho served in Vietnam, including the 521 Australians who died and more than 3,000 people who were wounded, injured or became ill as a result of the conflict. The Battle of Long Tan, on 18 August 1966, was one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War, involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR. A total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds. 53 years on we still remember these brave men and women who fought our freedom and will never forget the sacrifices they made to protect our beautiful country. Please keep these brave individuals in your thoughts today. #lestweforget Images Courtesy: The Australian War Memorial

21.01.2022 RSL Victoria proudly supports the Australian War Memorial and their coverage of the daily The Last Post Ceremony. The Last Post Ceremony streams live from the M...emorial in Canberra at 4.55 pm every day, where it gives us a chance to pay our respects to those who have served our country. To tune in live daily, please visit the official Australian War Memorial Facebook page. #lestweforget

20.01.2022 Pretty strong rumour going around that Howard and Margaret Matthews celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 31 December. All the very best to both of you from the Wedderburn/Korong Vale RSL members.

19.01.2022 After spending three and a half years as a prisoner of war, Australian Army’s Paul Gemmell remembers his first few days of freedom including the one sound tha...t brought him and his fellow soldiers to tears. There were blokes in tears all around me and I was myself to hear this wonderful sound of life that we hadn’t heard for years and years. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

19.01.2022 Wedderburn Hotel CHANGE TO OPERATING HOURS - unfortunately, due to the downturn in travelers to the region. The Wedderburn Hotel will now be closed Tuesday & Th...ursday's Bar opening times - 5pm except Sunday 4pm Bistro opening times - 6pm to 7.30 weekdays Friday & Saturday - 6pm to 8pm Pizzas only on Sunday Pizza & Pasta only on Monday Full menu on other days Thank you everyone and please stay safe in these unusual times. - See more

18.01.2022 Great news! Smiley is coming to visit us tomorrow night for a short time. Because of this we will be opening early at Smiley's request at 5pm. Come along to the last Friday night this year for a Xmas drink and say G'day to Smiley. The Xmas Hamper will be drawn tomorrow night. Tickets are still on sale and any donations to the raffle are still welcome.

18.01.2022 In the lead-up to the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we hear from Australian Army’s Clarrie Wilson, a prisoner of war. He recalls the day the war ended & how he & his fellow prisoners felt. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

16.01.2022 "The biggest thing was coming back with mental health issues. It's one thing that scarred me for life. Professionals have told me I'll never be the same again, ...but I can improve and come up with coping mechanisms. Know your trigger points, live a healthy lifestyle and just find ways to make the best of what you've got." From paratrooper to paramedic Adam Kouzounian's, Life in Mildura, northwest Victoria, is a world away from the six life-changing months he spent deployed in East Timor as a Private with the Australian Army. It's something that he will never forget for the rest of his life and an experience that he is still coming to terms with. Learn more about Adam's experience in East Timor during INTERFET: http://interfet.rslvic.com.au/

15.01.2022 Jack Stevens was serving with the ‘Mice of Moresby’, Australian Army, when the war ended. He and his fellow soldiers were prepared for the war to last at least another 12 months, so when the end of the war was announced, they couldn’t believe it. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

14.01.2022 The RSL will be open tomorrow night from the new time of 1730hrs. Stand to will be at 1830 as usual. Look forward to seeing everyone and catching up for an ale or two. Covid safe practices and social distancing will apply. Sign the book outside the door before entering. See you there!

12.01.2022 In last night's Federal Budget there were a number of initiatives to support veterans, including more than $100M in funding for mental health services for veter...ans and their families. RSL National President Greg Mellick has welcomed the budget announcements stating "This is urgently needed and the RSL is actively involved in the Open Arms program which will receive priority funding, as well as veterans' employment initiatives." See the full media release from RSL Australia at this link: https://bit.ly/36S17vZ

11.01.2022 On Long Tan Day, 18th August, our President, Roger Paterson, took the time to go down to the RSL and raise the flag in memory, not only of Long Tan, but of all who served in Vietnam. The 18th August is also Vietnam Veterans Day. President Roger has done some research on the Battle of Long Tan which he presents here. (Photo by Susie Lockhart) "Originally Long Tan Day, it was changed to Vietnam Veterans Day in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Bob Hawke and since then has commem...orated all Australians who served in Vietnam. The battle of Long Tan was fought in a rubber plantation on the 18th of August 1966 by D company 6 RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) not far from the recently established Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat. Led by their Officer Commanding, Captain Harry Smith, D Coy patrolled east from their base in response to an enemy mortar and rocket attack the day before. Little did they know what would confront them, intelligence indicated the possibility of several platoon strength VC units, instead it was later estimated that a combined force of VC reinforced with North Vietnam regulars in total approximately 2,500 was in their path. In gathering darkness and torrential rain the 108 men (105 D Coy, 3 man Artillery Observer Group, Royal New Zealand Artillery) were fighting with bravery, tenacity and sacrifice. Artillery fire from Task Force base (161 Battery RNZA, 101, 103, 105 Field Batteries RAA and 2/35th US Army Artillery Regiment) was crucial in keeping the enemy at bay and not overrun the Australian positions. The situation was becoming desperate, fighting against overwhelming odds and ammunition running low the Australian forward positions were in grave danger of being surrounded. A resupply drop in terrible flying weather by RAAF helicopters helped stabilise the position and allowed regrouping and further treatment of casualties some of whom were lifted out by helicopter. By this time armoured support in the form of 3 Troop 1 APC Squadron carrying reinforcements arrived, with their fire and manpower the enemy were forced to withdraw. During the night all known casualties were lifted out and defensive positions consolidated. The following morning further reinforcements arrived and led by D Coy they cautiously patrolled out to search the battlefield for missing Australian soldiers and collect arms and equipment left behind by the enemy. This task took two days to complete, so finally the remaining exhausted men of D Coy returned to Nui Dat. The Battle of Long Tan cost the lives of 18 Australian soldiers, 24 were wounded." THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD, AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD. AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

10.01.2022 The Australian Hellenic Memorial commemorates those Australians who served and died during the 1940-41 Greece and Crete campaigns at sea, on land and in the ai...r. The Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation was formed in 1996, for the purpose honouring of those who served in the Australian and Hellenic Forces, men and women, who fought and died in the Greek Campaign, World War II. The Memorial was launched in 2001, after nearly five years of construction, and is situated in Burwood Avenue Domain Gardens Melbourne, next to the iconic Shrine of Remembrance. A dedicated group from the Melbourne Greek Community, and Australian Veteran Associations, especially from the 39s Association, contributed for the Memorial to be build. In the Second World War, 17,000 Australians served in the Greek Campaign from 1940, til end of May 1941. Amongst the many casualties, 841 Australians lost their lives on the Greek soil. The Memorial also acknowledges the New Zealanders that was part as the ANZACs in the Greek Campaign. Over 7,000 NZ Servicemen served in Greece with 1,041 died in Action. In the middle of the Memorial, were the Crypt is situated, the names of the Australians killed (841) and the names of the New Zealanders (1,041) are written on a scroll and placed in the crypt as well the names of the 148 Australians buried on the island of Lemnos from WWI. The Australian Hellenic Memorial Melbourne, throughout the year, commemorates many Australian and Greek events, to honour all those that gave their lives defending our freedom. Amongst the 17,000 Australians that served in the Greek Campaign, there were 7 Greek Australians in the Australian Forces, with Gunner James Zampelis (VX 989) losing his life in Crete 24th May 1941. James born in St Kilda (Greek Parents) Victoria, enlisted in 1939 and was serving with the 2/2nd Field Regiment, when he was killed with five others south of Hania. All research provided by Steve Kyritsis OAM, President of the Australian Hellenic Memorial, Melbourne. #whereirememmber

09.01.2022 Females to the front For the first time in 12 years, an all-female crew from #AusAirForce's No. 36 Squadron has taken to the skies in a C-17A Globemaster III ...from RAAF Base Amberley. The mission was captained by Flight Lieutenant Caitlin Rytenskild and supported by co-pilot Flying Officer Gemma Dorn, and loadmaster Corporal Charlotte Roe. Flight Lieutenant Rytenskild said the image of the inaugural 2008 all-female mission was her inspiration growing up. Throughout high school I was interested in aviation and started flying lessons with a friend, Flight Lieutenant Rytenskild said. As it was such a male-dominated industry at the time, my mum was on the lookout for news that included a female pilot. She came across an article about RAAF women who flew the C-17A and cut it out of the paper to give to me." Over the years at No. 36 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Rytenskild received support from her supervisors and colleagues which inspired the voyage. Read the story: https://bit.ly/FemaleCrew Royal Australian Air Force #YourADF

08.01.2022 It was a ripper concert and I will certainly be downloading.

08.01.2022 October is Mental Health Month. There are a considerable number of events being held online over the month that may be of interest. Go to the link below for more details and registration. They all appear to be free and request a donation. The link will take you to a clickable calendar that lists all the events. https://www.mhfa.org.au//Clickable%20NMHM%20Calendar%20202

06.01.2022 The Seeds Of Friendship sculpture was unveiled in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Designed by artist Matthew Harding, the s...culpture incorporates two hand-carved granite seed cones, a pine from Turkey and a casuarina from Australia. A filigreed stainless steel wreath is located behind the seed cones to hold poppies. Set in the leafy gardens of the Domain, near Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, the sculpture is in an ideal location to visit. The sculpture features inscriptions expressing Australian and Turkish recollections from the Gallipoli campaign. Prominently engraved around the edge are words from official Australian war correspondent with the AIF troops Charles Bean and Turkey’s first president Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. For me, the most poignant engraving was How much of love and light and joy is buried with our darling boy which was taken from the epitaph of 22 year old Horsham butcher Robert Edward McIntyre who was killed in action at Lone Pine on the 7 August 1915. #whereiremember

06.01.2022 Your donation to the 2020 Poppy Appeal Australia allows for veterans in need to be supported through a number of wellbeing programs and activities. The RSL Acti...ve program provides veterans and their families across Victoria with a positive pathway, focussing on their health and wellbeing. RSL Active also acts as a support system, enabling veterans to connect with other veterans and their families, through participation in health and wellbeing activities. By purchasing a poppy or donating to the Poppy Appeal this November your support ensures programs like RSL Active can continue to change veterans lives. #remembertoremember See more

05.01.2022 Have you said your Happy New Years yet? We've had a few MIAs since our re-opening. Hope to see everyone back at the rooms on Friday night at 1730hrs.

04.01.2022 The Loddon Healthy Minds Network is running a Suicide Prevention Forum online this year. This event was an initiative by the LHMN 2 years ago to be held biannually. Obviously it's not possible this year due to Covid so it will be ONLINE and FREE!!. Find out more by watching the Youtube video and then registering for the event. https://youtu.be/C5g2sejc-QA

04.01.2022 G'day to members, supporters and friends of your local RSL. A bit of an update on what's been happening. We are still unable to open the rooms, but there has been much work going on in the background. The floor has been repaired in the corner near the fireplace which has involved replacing several of the joists and boards. At the same time Laurie Witham from Swipe Pest Control came and sprayed under the floor. Trees have been lopped next door for safety reasons and also... will stop spouts being blocked and provide sunlight for solar when we are able to do that project. The large peppercorn has been removed as it was causing a few problems with its roots and debris in the spouts as well. We are also refurbishing the front doors at present. Fortunately, the mouldings seem to be in good nick once sanded back. We hope we will be open before Christmas and enjoy our RSL club once more.

03.01.2022 Don McInnes remembers coming home when the Second World War ended & the reception he and other prisoners of war received. Don was one of the many prisoners of war who worked on the infamous Hellfire Pass section of the Burma-Thailand railroad. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

03.01.2022 Today we commemorate Victory in the Pacific and the end of the Second World War! Victory in the Pacific Day, or VP Day, commemorates the end of the Second Worl...d War on August 14, 1945, when Japan accepted the terms of the unconditional surrender set by the Allied Nations. Also known as VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, it is commemorated on August 15, the day that Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced the end of the war in a radio broadcast, before the signing of the official surrender took place on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan, on September 2, 1945. VP Day meant an end to Australia’s war against Japan in the Pacific; a war that had begun half a world away in Europe that was brought close to home after Japan’s unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941, We remember the sacrifices and service of our Diggers who fought for our freedom in the Pacific. #wewillrememberthem. Image Courtesy: Australian War Memorial

02.01.2022 WEDDERBURN-KORONG VALE RSL SUB BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETING This Monday 4th January at 6.30 pm. Agenda items include: Purchasing Policy, Opening time, Membership, Efpos terminal. Please advise your attendance or otherwise. Roger Paterson

02.01.2022 On this day in 2008, the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan took place. A combined Australian, American, and Afghan patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters near the villag...e of Ana Kalay, Khaz Oruzgan, Afghanistan. The battle was one of the most intense for Australian forces since the Vietnam war at the time. Outnumbered and surrounded the battle would last over nine hours before the patrol managed to break out from the ambush and return to FOB Anaconda, having expended nearly all ammunition. During this contact, Corporal Mark Donaldson would perform acts of exceptional gallantry in the face of accurate and sustained enemy fire that ultimately saved the life of a coalition force interpreter and ensured the safety of the other members of the combined Afghan, US and Australian force and for this he would later be awarded the Victoria Cross. Australian Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) Sarbi would spend almost 14 months missing in action (MIA) in Afghanistan after disappearing during the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan. She was rediscovered alive in late 2009 by US forces and returned to Australia. From the 37 man patrol there was 1 KIA (US), 11 WIA (9 Aus) & 1 MIA (EDD Sarbi). : Australian War Memorial

01.01.2022 A very, very happy birthday to Smiley. We won't disclose her age, but suffice to say it's a milestone. Smiley is well named and she has great friends at the RSL who look forward to her company every week. At present her smiling face is sorely missed by all. So have a very happy birthday Smiley and be well aware we are all thinking of you. We all look forward to sharing a "Crownie" with you once this lockdown is over. xx

01.01.2022 Busy day at the RSL with the front doors being refurbished. Just a coat or two of paint now and they'll be as good as new. We are looking for a 30mm masonry bit which is very large to insert the bar behind the door. Please message us if you can assist.