tar march 2016 - independent order of rechabites · bro malcolm campbell ... paintings being used...

The AustralianRechabite

Issue 1March 2016

Print Post Approved: 100002497

Inside

Rechabites:People who enjoy analcohol-free lifestyle

Rechabite

2 Editorial

3 Our Calendars

3 What’s Going On Here?

4 More Bursary History

4 Strictly Personal

5 Victorian News

6 Region News

7 IOR Caravan & Holiday Club

8 Australian Rechabite Foundation

10 Queensland News

11 Obituary & Summer Exposes Children

12 Qld Christmas Party

13 New South Wales News

15 Jottings from Mal Campbell

16 Alcohol Labelling

2 - The Australian RECHABITE March, 2016

Issue 1March 2016

The Australian

Rechabiteis the official journal of the

IncorporatedRechabite Fraternal Societies

in Australia

Keeping Rechabites in touch

New South WalesDistrict Secretary

Bro Malcolm CampbellUnit 2/38-40 Garnet Street

HURLSTONE PARK NSW 2193 Telephone: (02) 9558 9800

QueenslandDistrict Secretary

Sister Cynthia Kilah15 Pallaranda Street

TARRAGINDI Qld 4121Telephone: (07) 3392 9431

Email: qldsecretary@australian rechabites.org.au

VictoriaState Secretary

Sis Gwenda MartynPost Office Box 4532

KNOX CITY CENTRE VIC 3152

Telephone: (03) 5177 8144Email: alan-gwenda@

vic.australis.com.au

Copy:Material for inclusion in this magazineshould be addressed to

The Editor11 Frangipanni StreetBELLBIRD PARK QLD 4300

Email: [email protected]: (07) 3139 1505

Peace and Plentythe reward ofTemperance

Editorial

THE Independent Order ofRechabites was the result of aneed noted by a Dr. Grinrod.

The Friendly Society movement inEngland had begun in Public Houses,often with the publican establishing aSick & Funeral Fund through some ofhis well known customers. This washaving an adverse effect on those try-ing to stay off liquor. I quote fromRechabite History, published in 1936.

“The early teetotallers soon found outthat these public-house clubs werefrustrating their efforts and that mem-bers of the Temperance Society wereagain falling into habits of intemper-ance through attending the FriendlySociety Meetings. On these grounds,therefore, some of the friends ofTemperance began to consider theadvisability of attempting to provide aspecial Society for their members.

“Dr. Grindrod, a member of theManchester (Moderation) Temper-ance Society, who had been all his lifea practical abstainer, soon saw thattotal abstinence was the only effectu-al remedy for intemperance, andorganised. at an early period, a seriesof meetings.

“In 1835 a re-organisation of theManchester and Salford TemperanceSociety took place, when Dr. Grind-rod was re-elected President, andJoseph Brotherton, M.P., for Salford,Vice President: and perhaps it wasdue to Dr. Grindrod more than to anyone else, that the desire was awak-ened within the hearts of the mem-bers of clubs, who were total abstain-ers, for a purely Total AbstainingFriendly Society.

“The propriety of commencing aBurial Society was suggested - this tobe upon Teetotal principles, meetingwhere there were no intoxicatingdrinks, and governed by officials whowere teetotallers; this was stronglyrecommended to the public, and thesaid Society was commenced under

the name of The Salford TemperanceBurial Society, its meetings being heldat Mrs. Meadowcroft’s TemperanceHotel, Bolton Street, Salford.”

Growth was slow, people were preju-diced against it, and publicans raisedthe alarm and it seemed it would allcome to nothing when one officersaid “if you intend to do anything forthe Temperance Cause, you mustcommence a new Order, like theOddfellows, then people will joinyou.”

“The suggestion was talked over atthe next meeting of the Burial Societyand it was resolved to call the mem-bers together to propose to them thecommencement of an Order uponteetotal principles.

“The meeting adopted the resolutionto establish a sick and burial societyunder the name of the “IndependentOrder of Rechabites,” and No.1,Ebenezer Tent was opened at MrsMeadowcroft’s Hotel, on 25th August,1835.”

There was much public opposition toits presence, but it has had a proudhistory becoming a serious voicewarning against the dangers of alco-hol throughout the United Kingdomand beyond as the Society was tocross the seas to USA., New Zealandand to Australia when on 20th April,1842, “Star of Australia” Tent wasopened in Sydney by John Garrettwho had been Deputy High ChiefRuler in England in 1836. He arrivedhere in 1840 and was keen to see theIOR established in his new homeland.

Now, 180 years on we face problemsas big as when we were established.We are the only remnants of whatgrew into an important Society. Do we have the vision to survive?Do we have the same resolve? Do we have the answers? I hope so!

Vivian A BelcherEditor

The Editors are not responsible for theviews expressed in contributions,

articles or communications.

CLOSING DATE FORARTICLES FOR THE NEXT

ISSUE IS

15th July 2016

March, 2016 The Australian RECHABITE - 3

HAVE you enjoyed receiving the IOR calendarsentitled The Pioneers in both 2014 and 2015?We are pleased that these are a part of your mem-

bership benefits.

The Queensland District Secretary was keen to find out alittle about the artist, Almar Zaadstra.

Almar Zaadstra was born in 1960, grew up in an artisticfamily and has been painting in oils since his school years.He has been painting Australian history since 1980.

His love of the traditions and romance of pioneeringAustralia presents itself in the fine detail of his art, whichaccurately depicts the farming practices, the costumes ofthe era and the wonderful, hard working Clydesdalehorses. This detail gives great realism and authenticity tothe nostalgic images. Almar derives much of his inspirationfrom the undulating countryside around Casterton,Victoria, where he has lived since 1985.

Interestingly, 24 of Almar’s paintings have been used tocreate the most beautiful jigsaw puzzles, as well as otherpaintings being used on cards, calendars and a range ofother goods.

If you would like to learn more, visit the artist’s website:-http://www.almarzaadstra.com.au

or see the second last page of this year’s calendar.

Our Calendars

THAT is the question we are hoping one of our readersmay be able to answer for us.

What we do know?Bro Graham Larmour, Member No. 267 of Botany TentNo.111, who attended from 1933 to 1950, until hemoved to Yagoona, has identified the Rechabite in thephoto as the late Bro Thomas Henry Lane, PCR, amember and officer of the Botany Tent No. 111 andSuperintendent of the Juvenile Tent No. 103.

Bro Tom is remembered as a true and dedicatedRechabite whose talks to Junior Members on the problemsand evils of alcohol and its effect on families are stillremembered by those then present.

On 26th September 1944 Bro Tom Lane was authorised toact as Deputy High Chief Ruler for the New South WalesDistrict No.85 effective from 27th September, 1944. TheCommission duly signed by the High Chief Ruler and HighSecretary in England. The illustration below is part of thefront cover of that Commission.

Regretfully a meaningful reproduction of the inside of theCommission could not be produced.

What we would like to know!The photo has been passed on to Bro Lamour by DavidLane, grandson of Bro Tom Lane to see if there is anyonereading these pages who can remember the event pic-tured.

Was the Ambulance agift from Botany TentNo. 111 and was BroLane making the presen-tation?

Bro Graham’s father, thelate Justin (Mick)Larmour, PCR wasSecretary of Botany TentNo.111 until his passingin 1982 and would haveknown the circum-stances surrounding thisphotograph. Is thereanyone out there whocan remember or shed any light on the event pictured? Ifso would you please contact your Editor as soon as possi-ble. See page 2 for details.

If it is possible to preserve this piece of history it would begreatly appreciated. Thank you.

What’s Going On Here?

NATIONAL


More BursaryHistory

FURTHER to our article “A Pieceof Queensland's History” in theOctober 2015 issue, we have a

response to the closing sentence, “Arethere any other recipients of the bur-saries who would like to share theirstory?” Bro Ron Poon has shared thefollowing. Thank you Bro Poon.

Sis Joyce Briggs (nee Poon)Ron’s sister, Joyce Poon, received herRechabite Bursary in 1941 whilstattending North State School,Toowoomba. She continued her edu-cation at Toowoomba High Schoolwhere her father was a well knownteacher for 30 years.

In England, Joyce married an ex-Lancaster Bomber pilot, John Briggs,in 1953 and then came back toBrisbane to live. Sister Joyce becamean accountant with her own set ofclients for Tax Returns whom she serv-iced her until she and her husbanddecided to go into the Fairview R.S.L.Care at Pinjarra Hills, Queensland, toenjoy a quieter life in retirement.

Bro Ronald PoonMeanwhile Brother Ron Poon was towin a Rechabite Bursary the followingyear for his results in the ScholarshipExam of 1942.

Whilst working at BHP Wollongong,Bro Ron continued his education atWollongong Technical College wherehe obtained a Diploma in Metallurgy.During his time in Wollongong hemarried, had four children and madesteel at the Steelworks, where hebecame the Assistant SuperintendentFoundries.

During his time in Wollongong hetook on the office of Secretary of theIOR Pride of Wollongong Tent No. 56.He held this office for a number ofyears before getting itchy feet that ledhim to Adelaide in 1974, Launcestonin 1975, and then to Melbourne in1978, where he is today. His IORmembership remained at Pride ofWollongong Tent No.56.

ABOVE is Sis Elva Tout and hergranddaughter Zoe Rickard.Elva has been a member of the

IOR since childhood, and has justturned 91 in January.

Her granddaughter, Zoe, was thegrateful recipient of the IORScholarship for year 10 students,whilst she was attending Our Lady ofthe Sacred Heart College inBentleigh. The two are pictured hold-ing Zoe’s degree from MonashUniversity. Zoe graduated last yearwith a Bachelors of Business Informat-ion Systems.

Zoe is now working in the family busi-ness, Calculation, offering IT andTraining Services to small businesses.

NEWS to hand as I, your Editor,prepare this edition of The

Australian Rechabite is that I haveanother Great Granddaughter. Forthe first time in over 100 years in thisgeneration we have more girls thanboys; 4 to 2. Mind you they comefrom three branches of my family, butstill its nice. Up until 2013 there wasonly one girl in the family in 106years, my Granddaughter, Kimberly.

So we welcome into this crazy worldRemington Mary Brooke Belcher,

born 9.00am Thursday, 21st January,2016, is the daughter of Robert andCharlotte Belcher, Granddaughter ofAllan and Carol Belcher, (Allan helpswith the production of this magazine),and Great Granddaughter of BroVivian & Sis Rae Belcher.

CONCERNED that our Hope ofIpswich Tent No. 2 member,Sis Liz Jordan, was not at

home for her birthday we have justbeen informed that she was living itup at the Sunshine Coast with family.

However, I have been advised thatshe is now back from her holiday andturned up at Seniors on Friday (endJanuary) looking so pretty in the frockshe was wearing (and probablymade). She was part of the IndoorBowls Team that flogged the opposi-tion and it is reported that someyoungster, still in his 60s, told her shewould have to be banned from play-ing. Was that because she is too goodor is it that she is now 104? That’s ourElizabeth Dawson Jordan. HappyBirthday Liz.

HISTORICAL

Strictly Personal ...

SOCIAL NEWS


STATE NEWS

BY the time you read this, I willhave reached nearly half-waythrough my third time as

Victorian State President. (Previously2007-8 and 2008-9).

Our fraternity is still quite active, withfour Regions, and at least 5 Tentswhich meet, as well as a Holiday Clubwhich operates two 5 day coach tourseach year.

We also encourage members, and asa society have written letters to therelevant authorities on matters relat-ing to the alcohol problem in ourNation.

We are also a supporting member ofthe National Alliance for Action onAlcohol (NAAA), an organisation ofmore than 80 groups advocating forstronger alcohol policy in Australia.

o0o

It was interesting to read of the blood-thirsty exploits of Rehab, son ofRimmon and Rechab’s brother andtheir quick execution by King Davidfor their foul deed in the last issue ofThe Australian Rechabite.

Most of us know the story of theProphet Jeremiah offering wine to theRechabite Clan in a Jerusalem templeroom, and they refusing it, becausetheir ancestor Jonadab, son of Rechabhad instructed them to drink no wine.(Bible reference: Jeremiah: Chapter35.) This occurred around 600BCduring the last years of the Kingdomof Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar ofBabylon and his allies were rampag-ing around the country, hence theRechabites, a nomadic people, wholived in tents, had sought refuge inJerusalem.

Now, go back about 241 years. Thesetting is in the Northern Kingdom ofIsrael in about 841BC. A man is seen

walking along the Jezreel-Samaria(The Capital City) Road. His name?Jehonadab (Jonadab – Good NewsBible; Scofield Reference Bible –margin) son of Rechab! From thedirection of Jezreel a group of soldiersapproach. The leader, in a chariot,recognises Jonadab and greets him.It seems to me as if they are friends.Jehu, - for that is his name - says, “Isyour heart as true to mine as mine isto yours?” Jonadab answers, “It is”(“You and I think alike. Will you sup-port me?” - Good News Bible.) “Ifit is, give me your hand.” Claspingthe other’s hand, Jehu helps Jonadabup into the chariot then says “Comewith me, and see my zeal for theLORD”.

Now, what was the nature of this zealfor the LORD? Jehu, one of Israel’sarmy commanders, at the instigationof Elisha the prophet had beenanointed King of Israel, despite therealready being a reigning king, andordered to kill all the male descen-dants of King Ahab. This he proceed-ed to do with ruthless efficiency. Thisincluded dispatching both the reign-ing kings of Israel and Judah (bothrelated to the Ahab family). In Jezreel,Queen Jezebel, the widow of KingAhab, their relatives and associateshad been murdered, not to mentionthe 42 hapless Ahab Judean familyrelatives met on the road to Samaria.

One wonders how keen Jonadab wasto see Jehu’s zeal in action, but hisfriend was now the King of Israel andmaking sure there would be no rivals!Jonadab, does not yet pass from thescene. On arrival in Samaria, Jehuhad all Ahab’s remaining relativesbutchered. Then Jehu ordered all theBaal worshippers in Israel to a worshipceremony in the temple of Baal whereJehu was to preside. After the wor-shippers had gathered, they all wentinto the temple of Baal, filling it fromwall to wall.

After the sacred robes were distrib-uted, Jehu went into the temple withJonadab, son of Rehab. Then making

sure that there were no worshippersof the LORD there, offered sacrificesand burnt offerings to Baal.

The long and the short of it was thatwhen Jehu had presented the offer-ing, he went out to the eighty soldierssurrounding the building and orderedthem to kill all those inside, whichthey did. Baal’s Temple was thendestroyed and turned into a latrine.

After this Jonadab passes from thisnarrative. Did he enjoy a privilegedposition in Jehu’s monarchicalbureaucracy or was he the Jonadabthat ordered the clan to dwell in tentsand not drink wine, or yet another?

Allan CLARK State President

References: Holy Bible; The New RevisedStandard Version – Catholic Edition, 1993;Good News Edition 1976; The ScofieldReference Bible 1917. The whole story can be found in 2 Kings: 9,10.

Victorian StateCommittee Report

THE Annual Victorian Confer-ence was held in Belmont(Geelong) at the Parkside Motel

and Conference Centre on Tuesday13th and Wednesday 14th October2015. The Conference was held overtwo half days with a President’s Nighton the Tuesday evening.

In the afternoon of the Tuesday, TrudiCooper from Narana AboriginalCultural Centre gave us a very inter-esting presentation in relation toAboriginal culture.

After dinner on the Tuesday night weall partook in a relaxed evening of asmall skit and also a much enjoyedtrivia.

The Conference for 2016 will be heldin Sale on the 18th and 19th October.

Continued over

Victorian NewsThe State

President’sReport


Continued from page 5

The State Committee for 2015/16 is:

State President:Bro Allan Clark

State Deputy President:Sis Gillian Legge

State Past State President:Bro Geoff Legge

State Officers:Bro David McGeeSis Ann Stephen

State Officer/State Secretary:Sis Gwenda Martyn

State Treasurer:Bro Innes Russell

Victorian Fraternal NewsAt this year’s Conference oneCertificate of Appreciation was given.It will be presented to Bro NoelRobilliard, who has been Secretary ofRegion 4/5 for many years, and wethank him for those years of service.

Region 4/5 still meets three times ayear, Bro David is the new Secretary.We also have to report that our oldestmember has passed away at the ageof 103. Sis Doreen Gordon had beena Rechabite for nearly all of her life.

She regularly attended the Quarterlymeetings of the Surrey Hills TentNo. 309, later known as Salford ParkTent No. 100.

Gwenda MartynState Secretary

Victorian State Committee

Back Row L to R: Gillian Legge, Geoff Legge, Allan Clark, Innes Russell,Front Row: Gwenda Martyn, Ann Stephen, David McGee.

Region News

Region 6 MORWELL(Gippsland)

OUR meeting in October wasvery successful with it meet-ing at a new venue. We now

meet at Centenary House in Morwell.This new venue was very pleasing toeveryone and has all the facilities thatwe require.

Our Region covers a large area andwe are lucky to have a good atten-dance at each meeting. We are alsolucky to have four members of theState Committee that are in ourRegion.

The meeting gives an opportunity formembers to ask questions and getanswers straight away as there isalways a member of the StateCommittee present who is able togive an answer. We also have manymembers who are not able to attenda normal Tent meeting.

During the meeting we had amoments silence to remember BroArthur Glazner who died on 4th

August at the age of 95. Arthur was aregular attendee at our meetingsseveral years ago and always gave usup to date information on theTemperance Hall in Sale. He was aregular contributor to his local paperwith many articles on alcohol.

After lunch we watched a video of arecent cruise that Gillian and GeoffLegge had been on. The video wasmuch enjoyed by everyone.

Our meeting is open to all membersin the area, but please ring me on (03)5177 8144 so adequate cateringarrangements can be made.

Our first meeting for 2016 will be onSaturday, 23rd April.

Gwenda MartynSecretary Region 6.

Region 7 HARCOURT(Central Victoria)

THERE was no meeting in October2015, so will all who are interest-

ed in attending our next meeting notethat it is due on - Sunday 20th March 2016,commencing at 12.30pm in theHarcourt Recreation Centre as usual.

For this time, as attendance has abearing on the provision of lunch,PLEASE let me know as soon as possi-ble if you will be attending by ringingme on either 9306 4968 or5446 8439. Thank you.

John FlettSecretary Region 7

REGION MEETING DATES 2016Region Secretary Phone Meetings

held atFebruary - Sunday 14th 4/5 D McGee 9598 7840 MordiallocMarch - Sunday 20th 7 J Flett 9306 4968 HarcourtMarch - Wednesday 16th 9 L Jukes 5762 5584 KyabramApril - Saturday 23rd 6 G Martyn 5177 8144 MorwellMay - Sunday 1st 4/5 D McGee 9598 7840 MordiallocSeptember - 21st 9 L Jukes 5762 5584 KyabramOctober - 22nd 6 G Martyn 5177 8144 MorwellNovember - 12th 4/5 D McGee 9598 7840 Mordialloc


THE Holiday Club had a won-derful trip to Horsham at theend of October 2015 with 42

passengers on the coach driven byour usual driver David. David is mostobliging with all our members, attend-ing to off loading all the “walkers” ateach stop and providing morning teaeach day.

After leaving Melbourne, we stoppedat Ballarat for morning tea, and thencontinued onto Ararat for lunch.After lunch we visited the Gum SanChinese Heritage Centre and thenhad a guided tour of ‘J Ward’, whichbecame the Ararat Lunatic Asylum,where the most dangerous men inVictoria were housed. ‘J Ward’ wasclosed in 1991. We then continuedonto Horsham where we stayed forthe next few days.

Day 2Next day we had a town tour ofHorsham and then made our way toMurtoa where we visited the StickShed. Built during World War II tostore excess grain, it is one of the onlyremaining buildings of its type left. Itis not opened to the public except forone weekend a year so we felt veryprivileged to be able to visit this won-derful building. After lunch we visit-ed Warracknabeal where weexplored the Wheatland MachineryMuseum, home to a large collectionof historical farming machinery, muchof which is in working condition.

The Stick Shed

Day 3On day 3 we visited the EbenezerMission, which was established in1850 and is on the land of theWotjobaluk aboriginal people. Themain aim of the mission was to civiliseand Christianise the Aboriginal inhab-itants of the area. The Mission is notusually open to the public on a regu-lar basis so we felt really privilegedonce again to be able to visit and walkaround the area and see the oldbuildings that are left.

Next, we headed for the little countrytown of Dimboola for a delightfullunch. Dimboola was made famousby a film made in 1979 about a wed-ding reception there. After lunch wevisited the Dimboola Historic Societybefore heading out to the Little Desertwhere we picked up a local guide fora guided town tour of Nhill.

Day 4Next day we visited the Grampianswith a guide. Visiting this area with aguide who can answer all your ques-tions about all the wonderful flora andfauna that abounds in the Grampiansis a wonderful experience.

Day 5Friday, we farewelled Horsham andthen visited the Bendigo Art Gallerybefore settling back in the coach forthe last leg of our journey home toMelbourne.

A great trip that was enjoyed byeveryone of the 42 passengers onboard, which was the most we havehad for some time.

The destination of the next trip willbe to Apollo Bay at the beginningof April 2016.

The October trip for 2016 will be toWentworth (near Mildura).

Club Businenss

AT a recent meeting the Holiday Clubelected two new members to posi-tions on their Committee, they arePresident/Chairperson – Innes Russel,and Secretary/Treasurer – AnnStephen. Ann takes over from JoyceWallace who has held the position ofSecretary/Treasurer for over 20 years.We thank Joyce for her years of loyalservice.

Anyone is welcome to join theCaravan and Holiday Club, and youdon’t have to be an IOR member tojoin and membership is just $2.00 perannum.

For further information about theHoliday Club trips please contact AnnStephen on (03) 5176 1638.

IOR Caravan & Holiday Club

STATE NEWS - Vic


building knowledge andsupport for action toreduce the harmfuleffects of alcoholAbout the ARF

The Australian Rechabite Foundation (ARF) isa private ancillary fund established in 2009 aspart of the demutualisation of the IndependentOrder of Rechabites Friendly Society. ARFdoes not invest in companies that are producersor retailers of alcohol.

The ARF supports research, community actionand advocacy projects, which build knowledgeand support for action to reduce alcohol relatedharm.

The ARF BoardProf Robin Room - Chairman - Professor andDirector of the Centre for Alcohol PolicyResearch La Trobe University and HonoraryProfessor at the Melbourne School ofPopulation and Global Health of the Universityof Melbourne and at the Centre for SocialResearch on Alcohol and Drugs at StockholmUniversity.

Margaret Campbell - A Rechabite member forover 30 years, Margaret has a legal backgroundand over 17 years experience as a companydirector.

Peter Henderson - A Rechabite member forover 50 years, Peter has an accounting back-ground and over 40 years experience workingwith non Government organisations.

Prof Kypros Kypri - Professor at the School ofMedicine and Public Health, University ofNewcastle, and a fellow of the National Health& Medical Research Council.

Dr Michael Livingston - Research FellowCentre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR)School of Psychology & Public Health La TrobeUniversity.

Brian Vandenberg - Currently at MonashUniversity, Brian was Executive Officer for theNational Alliance for Action on Alcohol(NAAA) and a Senior Policy Advisor onAlcohol at the Cancer Council Victoria.

Donations & BequestsWe need your support to ensure that thetemperance heritage of the Rechabites isretained. In the past temperance organisa-tions provided education on the harmfuleffects of alcohol and lobbied to changegovernment policy on alcohol.

The Australian Rechabite Foundation is continuing this temperance work.

You can help by making a tax-deductibledonation or a bequest to the AustralianRechabite Foundation by cheque or directdeposit.

Cheque: Please post your cheque togetherwith your name and return address to:PO Box 4001Eight Mile PlainsQueensland 4113

Direct Deposit: to Bendigo and AdelaideBankBSB: 633 000Account Number: 139029607and email your confirmation [email protected]

If you wish to include the foundation inyour Will please contact us for furtherinformation.

With your help we can continue to supportleading research into the harmful effects ofalcohol. We can provide essential funds toadvocacy groups who can lobby for effectivealcohol policy development. We can alsofund community education and initiativesthat reduce the harmful effects of alcohol.


PreviousRecipients

Jointly funded the ACAPpilot project with FARE topromote community actionon alcohol by enhancingthe mobilisation of localcommunities.

Supported the People’sAlcohol Action Coalitionto continue the engagementof its part-time PolicyCo-ordinator on alcoholreform.

Supported the BurnettInstitute’s pilot study toinvestigate the potential forusing smart phone applica-tions to promote anti-bingedrinking.

Provided funds to TheGeorge Institute whoexamined the associationsbetween number anddensity of alcohol outlets,and risk of road crashes.

Supported the Universityof Newcastle’s work torecruit parents to exploreattitudes towards thesupply and consumption ofalcohol by adolescents.

ARF Scholarships & GrantsSince its inception, the ARF has been privileged to support many organisations. Our small

grants have served as seed funding for future major national grants and for stand-aloneprojects. These grants have funded research, community education, advocacy and policy

development. Through our PhD scholarships we have encouraged and supported researchon the harmful effects of alcohol.

Recent Small Grant RecipientsAustralasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) -Australia Day 2016: Snapshot Survey of Alcohol Harm inAustralian Emergency Departments. This project will document the level of alcohol harm presenting to emergency departments on Australia Day 2016. We expectextensive media coverage and opportunities to advocate formeasures to reduce alcohol harms.

Hello Sunday Morning – Enough is EnoughHello Sunday Morning in partnership with the ACEM willdevelop an innovative and evidence based digital-interven-tion to reduce harmful drinking. The initial trial will beconducted in Victoria and then replicated nationally.

Drug ARM Australasia - Gold Coast SchooliesLongitudinal Research ProjectTo assist the project in communicating research findingsfrom over 22,000 school leaver responses spanning 15 yearsby bringing data entry up to date, thereby informing goodpractice, and the issues relating to alcohol and other drugissues and young people.

Recent PhD Scholarship RecipientsJanette Mugavin - 3 year scholarship - Lifetime low riskdrinkers: who are they and what influences their drinkingpatterns?Ingrid Wilson - 1 year scholarship - How can we reducealcohol related violence against women?Sonia Sharmin - 3 year scholarship. Utilising theAustralian Parent Supply of Alcohol Longitudinal Study(APSALS) cohort to examine potentially modifiable parentfactors in the pathway to the development of riskydrinking.

Future Grants and ScholarshipsThe ARF offers grants and scholarships to organisationswith Deductible Gift Recipient status. If you are interestedin applying for a small grant or scholarship please contactus for eligibility criteria and details of our next applicationrounds at [email protected]

10 - The Australian RECHABITE March. 2016

Queensland NewsSTATE NEWS

District Chief Ruler’sAnnual Meeting

Address

Brothers and Sisters,

THANK you again for electingme your District Chief Ruler. Ihave thoroughly enjoyed my

role over the last twelve months. Asyou will see, as we get further into themeeting, we have monitored thefinancial situation of the Society andmanaged our money wisely. We haveonce again given donations to com-panies that share our philosophy orpromote a healthy lifestyle free fromdrugs and alcohol. Although ourmembership is getting smaller, I saythank you to the staunch supporterswho participate in organised func-tions every year.

The Fraternal Executive visited theIpswich members this year to seethem and support them in this time ofuncertainty. Bro Peter Henderson alsomet unofficially with Bro Jim and SisLyn MacDonald when he was inMackay this year.

The Executive have continued tomeet four times a year to deal withthe business of the Association. Dueto Bro Noel and Sis Margaret Andrewsbeing away for a number of months,Bro Peter Henderson, Sis CynthiaKilah and I had our usual meeting inJuly, however this time we connectedwith Bro Jim MacDonald via tele-phone and we conducted our meet-ing. We found this was a very easyway to connect and also eliminate theneed for Bro Jim to travel to Brisbaneeach quarter.

All the society members are gettingolder and it is sad to see that we haveso few members left. I can rememberwhen I was first initiated into theSociety, when we have many func-tions throughout the year hosted byboth the Rechabite Sports and SocialAssociation (as it was once known)and the District. I ask that you asmembers try to keep the support forour Association going as we head intothe future. Although it is hard to getnew members, as long as we contin-ue to promote the values we hold, wemay just make a mark on a few peo-ple.

Once again, I would like to thank themeeting for your faith in me to per-form the duties of the District ChiefRuler to the best of my ability and Iknow my family will be proud of me.I never once considered when I firstjoined Rechabites that I would everbe installed as your District ChiefRuler.

I would like to express my thanks toBro Ian & Sis Rae Belcher for theirpast work on our biannual magazineTAR. I know Rae is no longer able toassist and that Ian has experiencedhealth issues since his return fromoverseas but he has still managed todevelop the magazine for publication.

Thank you.Glenys Harbottle

District Chief Ruler

The Queensland Annual DistrictCouncil Report

THE Annual District Councilincorporating the AnnualGeneral Meeting of the

Independent Order of RechabitesQueensland District No. 87 Inc. washeld on Saturday 24th October 2015

in the Wellers Hill Tarragindi UnitingChurch, ‘Church House’, Pope Street,Tarragindi.

This was our eighth annual meetingconducted under the AssociationsIncorporation Act 1981 and waschaired by the District Chief Ruler, SisGlenys Harbottle. Twelve memberswere in attendance.

The District Chief Ruler, Sis GlenysHarbottle addressed the meeting.Following this, the statutory require-ments of the Act were conducted atthe Annual General Meeting with theannual financial statements beingtabled, discussed and adopted. It wasnoted that the office bearers for thecoming year remain unchanged andare as follows:

Sis. Glenys Harbottle,Hearts of Oak Tent No.29 is

District Chief Ruler.

Bro. Noel Andrews,David Livingstone Tent No. 5, is

District Deputy Ruler.

Sis. Cynthia Kilah,Annerley Tent No. 67 is theImmediate Past District Chief Ruler

and District Secretary.

Bro. Peter Henderson,Annerley Tent No.67 is

District Treasurer.

Sis. Margaret Andrews,David Livingstone Tent No.5 and Bro. Jim MacDonald,Star of Mackay Tent No. 21 are the

District Officers.

(Note: Bro MacDonald’s resignationfrom this position was accepted withregret at the February 2016 DistrictExecutive meeting.)

It was noted that an election of offi-cers is due in 2016 for the biennialperiod 2016 - 2018.

The Annual Report of the DistrictExecutive and reports on the ongoingwork of the Australian RechabiteFoundation and DrugARM werereceived after the completion of thestatutory business.


It was affirmed that the annual mem-bership of $22.00 per member, GSTincluded, should remain the same.

There were no nominations for LifeMembership, Meritorious ServiceAwards or Certificates ofAppreciation received by the DistrictExecutive in 2015.

The District Chief Ruler thanked themembers for their attendance andclosed the meeting at 3.50pm withan invitation to remain for afternoontea.

Tent News

TENTS David Livingstone TentNo. 5 and Annerley Tent No. 67continue to enjoy their month-

ly Tent meetings as well as the fellow-ship over supper afterwards. Ourtopics of discussion include tripsdown memory lane, current issues,history, family, travel and a host ofothers.

You are welcome to attend our Tentmeetings held on the first Tuesday ofeach month at 7.30pm in the ChurchHouse of the Wellers Hill TarragindiUniting Church, 24 Pope Street,Tarragindi.

In 2016 we hope to include a month-ly social activity into our calendar asopportunities arise.

For further details please contact TentSecretaries, Bro Peter Henderson on0419 640 493 or Sis MargaretAndrews on 0428 049 895.

In Remembrance

OBITUARY

Sis Ivy Alice Chant

Summer exposeschildren to more harmful

alcohol advertising

Eighteen-year-old Cole Millerhas become the latest victim inwhat is believed to be an alco-

hol-fuelled attack, passing away in aQueensland hospital on Monday 4thJanuary, 2016 after being punched inFortitude Valley in Brisbane early onSunday morning.

Dr John Crozier, Co-Chair of theNAAA and Chair of the RoyalAustralasian College of SurgeonsTrauma Committee said that Mr

Miller’s death was a tragedy andurged the Queensland Governmentto bring in reduced trading hours assoon as possible.

“It is shameful that while young peo-ple are killed in these unprovokedattacks, children continue to beexposed to harmful alcohol advertis-ing as families tune their televisions tolive sporting events over the holi-days,” Dr Crozier said.

“The Australian Government failed toend the unhealthy link between alco-hol sponsorship and sport when theCommercial Television Industry Codeof Practice was recently reviewed.“The Code contains a loophole which

allows alcohol advertising before8.30pm during live broadcasts ofsporting events, and as a result chil-dren are exposed to an ever increas-ing rate of alcohol advertising.

“Instead of strengthening the regula-tions, the revised Code of Practice haslowered the bar even further, extend-ing the times at which alcohol can beadvertised, broadening the range ofalcohol promotions that are exemptfrom regulation, and reducing theaccessibility of the complaintsprocess.

“Alcohol advertising has never been aspervasive, as inventive, and as wellContinued on page 16, Column 3

THE IOR Queensland extends itssympathy to the family of thelate Mrs Ivy Alice Chant fol-

lowing her death on 28th September,2015. At the time of her death, MrsChant was Queensland’s oldest mem-ber and its second longest servingmember having joined the Order inSeptember 1938. Her son, Graham,wrote “She was very proud of being amember.”

Ivy was born in Pittsworth, Queens-land on 10th May 1910. She was oneof twelve children born to August andEmmeline Volker. The family movedto Dalby when Ivy was young.

Ivy married Sidney Callow in 1936.They had two sons, Robert, born in1939, and Graham, born in 1942.Sidney passed away in 1965. Duringher time in Dalby, Ivy was involvedwith the Independent Order ofRechabites and the Woman’sChristian Temperance Union (WCTU)

In 1968, Ivy married David Chant andmoved to Toowoomba. After manyhappy years and following David’sdeath in 1995, Ivy continued to reside in Toowoomba until her health began

to fail. She relocated to Dalby andlived independently with the aid ofMeals on Wheels and Blue Care untilthe age of 104 years. When her sightbegan to fail she moved to NinganaRetirement Village in Dalby. With theexceptional care provided, Ivyremained there until her death at theage of 105.

A Service of Thanksgiving for Ivy’s lifewas held in the Dalby Uniting Churchon 2nd October 2015.

Ivy Chant was a faithful member ofthe IOR and her long time commit-ment to abstinence is to be com-mended.

10/05/1910 - 28/09/2015

(Information provided by Ivy’s son, Graham Callow)


THE QueenslandIOR Christmas Partyarranged by the

Annerley & LivingstoneTents was held onSaturday 12th December.Members and their fami-lies were able to enjoy theChristmas Party in slightlycooler weather thanBrisbane had experiencedearlier in the month. Unfortunately,several regular members were unableto join the festivities this year.

An added “flavour” to the eveningthis year was the inclusion of a bar-beque with meat superbly cookedby Harold Kilah and Sis GlenysHarbottle, well supervised by ourmost Senior Members Sis JoanChapman and Bro Ron Andersen!

Sis Cynthia Kilah provided challeng-ing competitions entered into co-operatively and Sis Margaret and BroNoel Andrews made sure all partici-pants were amply rewarded withuseful prizes. Artistic talents also wereshown by tearing paper to make aChristmas tree. See bottom right

With surprises we have becomeaccustomed to, Santa did not disap-point as he made his much awaitedentrance this year popping his partypoppers. He brought laughter andjoy to the young ones, and the not soyoung! All the children were delight-ed to receive their gifts, although our

newest recipient NicholasMouzourakis was not so sure andheld on tightly to his Mum!

Entertainment this year wasprovided by our young people –Irish Dancers, Nyah and ChloeBurrows-Andrews, with pianist –Cordell Andrews and violinistKalin Andrews.

Inspired by the Irish dancers,young Zoe Henderson did someimpromptu dancingand added furtherenjoyment for all.

As is our tradition thelast item of theevening, was the stir-ring singing of AuldLang Syne, this yearunaccompanied, aspianist Sis CecilyWalker was unable toattend.

Supper followed giv-ing us the chance to extend Christmasgreetings to each other. We wish youall a Happy NewYear and hope tosee you Christmas2016.

The IORQueensland DistrictChristmas Party 2015


New South Wales NewsFrom the NSWState Chief Ruler

MY NAME is Gail Kalaitzis.At the New South WalesAnnual Conference held on

Saturday, 17th October, 2015, I waselected to the position of State ChiefRuler.

The State Committee for 2015-16was also elected:

State Chief RulerSis Gail Kalaitzis PSCR

State Deputy Chief RulerBro Robert Breene PSCR

State SecretaryBro Malcolm CampbellPSCR

State TreasurerBro John Dixon PSCR

Committee MembershipBro Peter CampbellSis Jeanette Sheldon PSCR

Sis Margaret Campbell was invitedby the SCR to join the StateCommittee and accepted the invita-tion and we welcomed Margaret onboard on 16th December 2015.

This year the State Committee comestogether with a lot of history behindit. For example:

Sis Gail Kalaitzis – daughter of BroAlec. McWilliam PDCR and DistristTrustee and wife of Bro Bill KalaitzisPSCR.

Sis Jeanette Sheldon – daughter ofBro Eric Evenden PDCR and DistrictTrustee and wife of Bro Paul Sheldon.

Bro John Dixon – son of Frank DixonPDCR.

Sis Margaret Campbell – daughter ofBro Bob Breene PSCR

Bro Peter Campbell – son of BroMalcolm Campbell PSCR.

In the past the State Committee beencriticised for not having professionalsin its ranks. In 2015-16 we have theprofessionals, so I hope our critics arehappy.

From the 2015 State Conference aWinding Up Committee was formedto look at winding up the NSWRechabites and distributing its funds.

Why did we need another committeewhen the State Committee was look-ing into these matters and makinggood progress?

I have asked Bro Bob Breene,Convenor of the Winding Up Com-mittee to write a report, at right.

Each year Bro Malcolm Campbellwrites his own report on the AnnualConference so I have asked him to dothe same this year, Both reports willbe found in the NSW Section of thismagazine and should be interestingreading.

On 7th November 2015 Sis JeanetteSheldon and I attended the FuneralService of Sis Shirley Whiddon, wifeof the late Bro George Whiddon, DCR– 1960-61 and SCR – 1993-94.Shirley was a bright spark who lit upthe room with her presence and wasone of the early members ofFriendship Tent No. 20, Strathfield.She regularly attended our meetingsuntil ill health stopped her fromcoming. On behalf of the StateCommittee we extend our sympathyto her family.

Each year Sis Jeanette Sheldon organ-ises a bus trip for Friends of Guiding.This year we are going to Tamworthon 29th April to 1st May. Members ofTent No.20 have been going on thesetrips for several years and have anenjoyable time. Any Rechabites andfriends who would like to join uswould be most welcome. For moreinformation ring me, Gail, on 96704602, or Jeanette on 4730 1639.

If 2016 is to be the year the NSWRechabites close, what do the activemembers want to do?

a) still meet,b) Tents still associate with

each other under another format.

If our NSW Society keeps going weneed to look at revamping the organ-isation. If you have any suggestions,please ring me on 9670 4602. I willtake your suggestions to the meetingsfor discussion.

If the NSW Rechabites do close themembers of Friendship Tent No. 20,Strathfield, will still meet as a group offriends who enjoy the alcohol free lifestyle.

On that note I will close and trust youall have a healthy New Year.

Gail KalaitzisState Chief Ruler

IOR N.S.W. Winding UpCommittee Report

AT THE IOR NSW 2015 AnnualGeneral Conference membersagreed to establish a commit-

tee to consider the winding up of IORNSW. The Winding Up Committee,comprising of Bro Bob Breene(Chairman), Sis Margaret Campbell(Minute Secretary), Bro MalcolmCampbell, Bro John Dixon and SisGail Kalaitzis, have met three timessince October.

The Winding Up Committee consid-ered the process to wind up, selectedsuitable organisations to be consid-ered for receipt of surplus funds onwinding up, contacted those organi-sations to request information andconsidered the information providedby those organisations. The WindingUp Committee has also consideredoptions for members to continue toreceive benefits such as the magazineand calendars.

On 16th December 2015, theWinding Up Committee made itsrecommendations to the IOR NSWState Committee and the IOR NSWState Committee resolved to call aSpecial General Meeting on 9th April2016 at 1.30pm to consider the issueof winding up IOR NSW. A notice ofmeeting will be sent to all IOR NSWmembers at least 21 days before themeeting. If members are unable toattend the meeting they are encour-aged to complete the proxy form,which will be included with thenotice of meeting.

Bob Breene, Chairman

STATE NEWS


The State Chief Ruler’s

Address

THANK you for electing me tothe office of State Chief Rulerthis last year.

In the elections the committee of 8for the last year diminished to 4 thisyear, leaving 3 house wives and aretired Government Inspector ofadvancing years to run the society.

The year started at the last AnnualConference where a memberinformed us, if we were on the com-mittee, we were risking our houses.While we note that, Members gener-ally are only liable in the event ofwinding up to the extent of anyunpaid portion of their annual $20membership fee, we nevertheless willbe working to reduce any personalrisk for Committee members by tak-ing out Management LiabilityInsurance in the current term.

Also this member told us accountants,lawyers and business managers couldnot be on the committee withoutpaying huge amounts for registration.As learnt at a March Seminar held bythe Department of Fair Trading,attended by Bro. M. Campbell andmyself, as small associations rely onretired business people we are confi-dent that retirees can be on any smallassociations’ committee they wishand not be registered.

Sis Gail Kalaitzis and I representedRechabites at the Manchester Unity175th Anniversary Dinner. During theyear we have asked for other peopleinterested in coming on the StateCommittee. We received 8 replies of

which 7 were over 75 and the otherlived in Qld. Where are the middleaged members who care for oursociety?

I attended three visitations this year,one in March to Friendship TentNo.20 at Hunters Hill Bowling Clubon the wettest, windiest day of theyear, fortunately, inside the club waswarm and dry and the company wasgood.

I had a lovely lunch with theNewcastle Rechabites at WesternSuburbs Leagues Club in NewLambton in September and supperwith the Campbell family at Tents 8 &81.

As members, we need to think seri-ously about the future of this society;do we continue doing small deeds ofadvocacy and temperance support ordo we close down and have ourmoney boost temperance in a largerbut short term way. I am not standingfor State Chief Ruler again as I havedone two years but will stay on thecommittee.

Again, thank you for trusting me forthe last year and I look forward toworking with new members of theCommittee.

Jeanette Sheldon

2015 N.S.W. Rechabite

CommitteeAnnual Report

Committee Members2014/2015

Sis Jeanette SheldonState Chief Ruler

Sis Gail KalaitzisDeputy State Chief Ruler

Bro Malcolm CampbellState Treasurer/

State SecretarySis Jennifer Terry

Ordinary Committee Member

The Committee continued to workhard on the organisation consideringour limited resources. We have inves-

tigated like entities and places for ourmemorabilia to go when needed.We asked Bro Peter Campbell to jointhe Committee as assistant Secretary.

MeetingsThe NSW Rechabite Committee heldits meeting in the months ofNovember, February, April, June,August and October.

MembershipNSW membership decreased duringthe year from 550 to 530 members.No new members have taken upmembership with the IndependentOrder of Rechabites Fraternity (NSW)Inc. this year.

Sub-CommitteesThe NSW Indoor Bowls Associationsub-committee continue to work withthe NSW committee. The NSW SocialCommittee was disbanded and theState Committee undertook to organ-ise three outings a year. The NSWRechabite Committee expresses theirappreciation for the great work car-ried out by the members of thesecommittees. (Individual reports forthese committees will be presentedseparately at the Annual Conference)

DonationsDonations were made to:

- WCTU NEWCASTLE $500 - COADE $2,000- Australian Rechabite Foundation

$1,000- Drug Arm QLD $2,000

Apart from an additional $1,000donated to COADE all paymentswere made in accordance with theauthorisation of the 2014 AnnualConference and have been distrib-uted. Each organisation expressedtheir appreciation for the donationand confirmed their efforts to pro-mote temperance ideals.

Rechabite MagazineThe Rechabite Committee expressesappreciation to Ian Belcher and fami-ly for producing the magazine and tothe members who have made contri-butions to the magazine.

WebsiteWe encourage you to visit the websiteat www.australianrechabites.org.au

STATE NEWS - NSW


Co-operation with other IORFraternities The Committee has maintained closelinks with the Victorian & QueenslandFraternities. Common areas of inter-est are The Australian RechabiteMagazine, the Rechabite Calendarand the website.

Tent VisitsThe members of the NSW Committeehave visited Newcastle, Strathfieldand Excelsior Tents during the year.

Social FunctionsThe Committee organised a picnic ata Little Bay, Fish and Chips atWatson’s Bay and a Visit to VaucluseHouse, the success of which hadmixed results. Our next function isthe Family Picnic at Clarks Point,Hunters Hill on Saturday 28thNovember.

Members’ Support FundOne member received assistance forequipment during the year.

For and on behalf of the IndependentOrder of Rechabites Fraternity (NewSouth Wales) Inc. Committee.

Jeanette SheldonState Chief Ruler

Jottings fromMalcolm Campbell

on the 131st AnnualGeneral Conference

UPON arrival at the venue forthe 2015 AGC (CarringtonAve, Strathfield) on the cor-

rect date (17/10/2015) it was noticedin the car park a suitably adornedcamper-van. However, did Elvis stepout of the vehicle as could be expect-

ed? No, it was Bro Graham Speirsfrom Dubbo who had come to theconference to listen to the advertiseddiscussion on the future of the NSWFraternity.

Also in attendance was Bro GrahamLarmour, the Australian President ofthe Model Trains Association.Although Bro Larmour declined tonominate for the ManagementCommittee - and this is understand-able - he was in discussion with thethen State Chief Ruler, Sis JeanetteSheldon, now PSCR, and perhaps wewill learn more of this later. I supposeBro Larmour was some compensationfor the loss of Bro Ian Belcher toQueensland.

These were not the only celebrities toattend. For those who had not foundthe item in Strictly Personal by BroGreg Allen PDCR/PSCR in theOctober 2015 The AustralianRechabite magazine, (the latenessexplained by Editor,) an announce-ment was made at the conference.Bro Allen stated that the PerseveranceTent No.4 member, Bro Max BaldwinOAM, had been awarded this OAMand on behalf of the conference con-gratulated him. Of course, there wasno inkling of this as Bro BaldwinOAM, signed in.

Time and space restrict me, other-wise there may be jottings aboutmore of the 30 important memberswho attended. Attendance by thosetravelling a distance was appreciated.

Finances came under scrutiny at theconference with appointed StateDeputy Ruler, Bro Bob Breene, PSCRsuggesting expenses should be furtherpruned. Temperance support wasreduced. The then State Treasurer BroMalcolm Campbell PSCR pointed outthat the 130th Celebration wasexpensed at $2,198.00 and recordsstorage continued at $2,452.00 forthe year. Bowls expenses could bequestioned noting that venue costswere to increase. A Winding-UpCommittee was appointed with BroBreene PSCR, as Chairman.

A deserved recognition was made toSis Marion Allen by then SCR, SisJeanette Sheldon PSCR.The State Secretary, Bro MalcolmCampbell PSCR, reported that verbal

advice from Foresters Friendly Societywas that approval had been obtainedfor and implementation of combiningfunds and that a bonus had beenadded to certain funds from01/07/2015.

At the request of appointed StateChief Ruler, Sis Gail Kalaitzis PSCR,the conference approved storage ofmemorabilia at Silverton Gaol andManilla Heritage Museums.

Malcolm CampbellState Secretary

Secretary Excelsior Tent No 8 &Campsie Tent No 81Telephone (02) 9558 9800

CorrectionWE got it wrong! Bro Max Baldwin,OAM, was not a member of NSWPerseverance Tent No. 44, but amember of Nil Desperandum No. 4.We apologise for the error.

FRIENDSHIP Tent No. 20 meetsfor outings 3rd Tuesday of themonth. Mark these dates on

your calendar. We will select from thefollowing suggestions . . .

Wendy Whiteley’s SecretGarden, Stony Ridge, ChineseGarden, Botanic Garden, Ferry around the harbour duringJacaranda flowering,Tour of The State Theatre, Tour of the QVB,Fish 'n Chips at Woy Woy,Barangaroo, Fort Dennison,Historic Houses, Fire Museum,Police horse training, and Panorama at Glenbrook.

The venues we miss this year will besuggestions for 2017.

Depending on availability, the program may change.If you are interested in joining usplease contact Lorraine or RobertAllerton on 9667 4148 or Frank orMarcia Pidgeon on 9645 3458.You will be most welcome.

Friendship TentNo.20

Alcohol Labelling

COMMENT on the PolicyInnovation Research Unit’sevaluation of the

Responsibility Deal Labelling Pledge

Important new research recentlypublished by the Department ofHealth-funded Policy InnovationResearch Unit (PIRU) once againdemonstrates the failings and limita-tions of the alcohol industry’s self-reg-ulation through the ResponsibilityDeal.* What they have shown is theindustry’s failure to adhere to eitherthe letter or spirit of it’s own commit-ments on labelling. Moreover, it isworth re-emphasising that these com-mitments are so weak that there is noevidence to suggest they will reducealcohol consumption or harms, thusleaving industry profits untouched.

The study finds that the headlinecommitment of 80% compliance withlabelling standards has been missed,albeit narrowly, and so the industryhas failed to keep to the letter of itsregulations. According to PIRU, 78%of products they examined met thestandards agreed as part of the PublicHealth Responsibility Deal, displayingon the label: i) the number of units ofalcohol contained in the drink; ii) theChief Medical Officer’s guidelines forconsumption; iii) a warning about therisks of drinking while pregnant.

This confirms the results of anindustry-commissioned audit from

Campden BRI, which also found thatlabelling standards fell short of thepledge. It discovered that only 70% ofproducts in the off-trade compliedwith this pledge, when weighted bymarket share of total alcohol volume. Thus there is reason to suspect thatthe PIRU analysis would have beenmore damning if weighted to accountfor market share and strength. Whatthe PIRU research has added is anappreciation of the way in which theindustry is bending the rules, evenwhen it complies with the strict letterof the Responsibility Deal. In theCampden BRI analysis, only 47% oflabels reflected what is considered‘best practice’ by industry-agreedstandards. The PIRU paper demon-strates vividly the ways in which thesedepartures undermine public healthmessages on labelling.

According to the new study, the aver-age font size for health information onlabels is 8.17, well below the 10-11point size that is optimal for legibility.60% of labels display health informa-tion in smaller font than then themain body of information on thelabel, contrary to official industryguidance. Pregnancy warnings aresignificantly smaller on drinks targetedat women than men.

Even more importantly, we ought toremember that the rules the industryhas designed for itself are not sup-ported by the evidence as effectivemeasures to improve public health,and so even if implemented diligent-ly, there is no guarantee that theywould reduce harm or hurt industryprofits. A recent independent system-atic review of the evidence, againfrom PIRU, found that most of thepledges in the Responsibility Dealwith government “fall into the catego-ry of ‘probably ineffective’ or‘no/poor/inconclusive evidence’”.

Research into the effect of providingguidelines, warning labels and unitalcohol content on alcohol packaginghas found that whilst such informa-tion can help to raise awarenessamongst consumers of the risksassociated with alcohol consumption,existing labelling schemes have hadno substantial effect on how muchpeople drink.

The PIRU study has revealed the

flawed implementation of a flimsypledge, further vindicating those whowarned that the Responsibility Dealwas insufficiently evidenced androbust.* Knai C, Petticrew, M, et al (October2015)., ‘Health information on alcoholicbeverage containers: has the alcoholindustry’s pledge in England to improvelabelling been met?’ Addiction

Alcohol Alert October 2015.Reprinted with permission

Summer Exposes . . . Continuedresourced as it is now. There is anurgent need for effective regulationthat prioritises the health of childrenand young people.”

National market research earlier thisyear showed that 74 percent ofAustralians support phasing outalcohol commercials from televisionsports broadcasts, with only 8 percentopposed.

“Children who regularly see alcoholadvertising are more likely to startdrinking at a younger age, and drinkat harmful levels when they reachadulthood. Much of this marketingalso reinforces the harmful drinkingculture in Australia and overwhelmshealth and medical efforts to changethis,” Dr Crozier said.

“We know that an expert reportprepared by the Australian NationalPreventive Health Agency, more thana year ago, recommended that theGovernment legislate to control alco-hol advertising and marketing if theindustry failed to voluntarily removethe live sports broadcast exemption.

“Commercial interests have beenprioritised over expert advice andcommunity concerns, and it is timefor either the Minister for Communi-cations or the relevant Minister fromthe Health portfolio to step in andacknowledge the failure of self-regu-lation and the need for legislatedcontrols.

“A whole-of-system review that con-siders the effect of alcohol advertisingon young people across all mediumsis required, and the NAAA is callingfor an immediate end to the Code ofPractice loophole that allows alcoholadvertising during sporting eventsbefore 8.30pm.”

Reprinted with permission from NationalAlliance for Action on Alcohol. (NAAA)


ALCOHOL ISSUES

The alcohol industry hasonce again been demonstrat-ed to have fallen short of itspledge to ensure 80% ofproducts have a clear, legiblehealth warning

Moreover, the industry hasfailed to keep to the spirit ofthe pledge, underminingpublic health messages evenwhen complying

In any case, the rulesdesigned by the industry foritself are not supported bythe evidence as effectivemeasures to improve publichealth.

tar march 2016 - independent order of rechabites · bro malcolm campbell ... paintings being used...

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