Vietnam Veterans

Association of

Australia

Geelong & District

Branch

31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. 03 5243 3700

Email: gdvvaa@gmail.com

Website: https://geelongvietnamvets.com

The Slouch Hat Newsletter

DECEMBER (Christmas) 2019 Welcome to the December 2019 issue of the Geelong and District Vietnam Veterans

Association of Australia Newsletter – “The Slouch Hat.”

Your “Vietnam Veterans Centre” is located at

31 Mt. Pleasant Road, Belmont.

Telephone: 03 5243 3700.

The centre is open every Monday, Tuesday and

Thursday (except public holidays) from 10am to 3

pm, call in and have a coffee, a social chat, or to

just get the latest gossip. We can also advise you on

who to contact if you require assistance.

***URGENT: Volunteers are required to staff the

office, so if you have a free day, and would like

to be a part of the team, call the office, or drop in

and find out more about how you can help, and keep the centre open.

Check out the Geelong Vietnam Veterans website as above (or call our office) for any

information regarding meetings, lunch dates or events happening throughout 2019.

**The Geelong Surf Coast Veterans Centre: For all matters relating to welfare and

pensions contact the centre on 035222 6003, or call in and see the staff at 14 Griffith

Street, Grovedale.

President’s Report

War Graves: Whilst at the ACCA Conference in Alice Springs we had a presentation from

representatives of the Department of War Graves. Information is available in regard to the

eligibility of veterans for a war grave and commemoration plague. Details will be included in

the next ‘Slouch Hat’. Incidentally, many cemeteries now have veteran areas, with digger

statues, Lone Pine, rosemary beds etc. Veterans can reserve plots within these areas. Your

partner can also access these war veteran areas. Did you that this year alone 54 Vietnam

vets have passed away.

Museum Collection: As members know our Museum collection is stored with Osborne

House at present. It is safe and, in a climate, controlled room. Discussions at Committee

level have centred on what we do with the collection. Bernie has spoken to our new Mayor

and I have been in discussions with Travis Kirkwood with the Property section of the CoGG.

I expect some good news soon. The Arts & Culture department at CoGG has the Inventory

data base, we have a similar inventory.

Pay Day Lunches: It has been pleasing to see the number attending our ‘Pay Day’ Lunches

has remained pretty much steady. Next year we intend to have all lunches in the same

location in a room dedicated for our use, with the return of door prizes and Frankie’s “don’t

look in the bucket” raffles. It is also very pleasing to hear that Sue Ryan’s Ladies Lunches

are also well attended.

State Council Ballarat: I attended the VVAA State Council meeting in Ballarat. (The Agenda

and SB reports are available at Belmont, also minutes of the mid-year meeting) A large

number of items were discussed. The State SB has received commemoration grants ($50,000

/annum for 4 years) from the Victorian Gov’t to fund VV ceremonies, Free Entry for students

at the NVM, the development of a Curriculum package for schools. These grants will also

support local VV Day events. President Bob Elworthy again stressed the requirement that

anyone who has contact with children, even at street BBQs MUST have a Working with

Children certificate. It is VVAA policy and members will not be covered by VVAA Insurance if

a complaint were to be upheld. The WW certificates are free and obtainable on-line. The

State VVAA are in the process of developing a Veteran Welfare Package which will be

available to all Victorian Vietnam veterans. The Secretary has asked that all events the SB

could be involved in for the year be voted on at the AGM so that all members are covered for

PL Insurance. I see that Andy has prepared a draft 2020 Calendar showing all events. 2020

will be the 30th

Anniversary of the VVAA (Vic) ceremony at the Shrine. 2021 is the 50th

Anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in South Vietnam.

State VVAA has asked all Victorian members to send details of any health issues their

children or grandchildren have or are experiencing. They wish to develop a data-base

of any health conditions their children/grandchildren have been diagnosed with. There

is a lot of anecdotal information about possible inherited health issues of veterans’

families which need to be documented.

There have been some concerns expressed that Open Arms, formerly the Veterans

Counselling Service, has not responded in the best possible way to veteran and veteran

family needs. If there are any issues/concerns from members please report these to the

State VVAA.

ADTP: Training continues for Advocates through the ADTP. There are now 158 accredited

Advocates in Vic. However, the average age is 65. So, they are hoping to attract younger

veterans to take up the training. We have two members in training as Welfare Advocates.

Pension Advocates are available through the Geelong Surf Coast Veterans Centre.

Productivity Commission Report: This report is available on-line. It has a number of

recommendations which will directly impact on members and their partners. Please be aware

of these developments. If you have concerns contact your local Federal members.

Speaking to Politicians: The State President has asked that if speaking to politicians please

do not raise VVAA policy matters as this is a State VVAA responsibility.

RSL Reform group: The RSL Reform groups continue to challenge the RSL Vic Executive over

a variety of issues. Some of their concerns are valid but the tactics they are using are of

major concern.

VVAA History: A researcher from Sydney Uni has been engaged to document the history of

the VVAA. I have continually argued that our records show that Geelong was the first VVAA

group in Australia. Our records show that in 1975 Neil Smith became the first President of

the Geelong Vietnam Veterans group. I have sent in photos of our Honour Boards and the

history of our Association as written by Mick Mutton (RIP).

State Membership: According to the Membership co-ordinator State membership stands at

1922, with Geelong at 199 (capitations paid), Diamond Valley 195, Noble Park 176 and

Outer Eastern 245.

Remembrance Day Poppy Selling: Thank you again to David S for co-ordinating Poppy

Selling in Malop St. Funds raised go towards Veteran Welfare.

Rieny Nieuwenhof

President G & DVVAA

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DATES TO Remember

Meetings: Monday 10th

February 2020, Annual General Meeting – 10.00am.

Tuesday 10th

March, 2020.

Tuesday 14th

April, 2020.

** Committee Meeting commence 10.00am, followed by the General Meeting, at the Vietnam

Veterans Centre, 31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont.

Pay Day Lunches: – Every second Thursday of the month (Note the change of day for

2020): February 13th

& 27th

, March 12th

& 26th

, April 9th

& 23rd

, 2020.

** All lunches commence at 11.30am, with the venue confirmed as the Newlands Room at

the Geelong R.S.L. – check the website or regular emails from Gary Ryan (Secretary) for

updates.

Contact the Veterans Centre to make your bookings on 0352433700, Monday, Tuesday or

Thursday, BUT, no later than the Wednesday prior to the lunch date for booking purposes.

‘Pako BBQ’: Don’t forget the ‘Pako BBQ’, 4th

Saturday of every month, outside Heritage

Meats, 200 Pakington Street, Geelong West.

Special Events: Annual General Meeting Monday February 10th

, at the Vietnam

Veterans Centre, Belmont, commencing 10.00am.

Ladies Lunch Dates: Ladies, please keep your eye out for regular emails outlining

the Ladies Lunches, held on the third (3rd) Thursday of each month, at various venues in the

Geelong area. If you require further information please contact the Centre (03 52433700)

or Sue Ryan (0418 898190) for details.

NEWS You May Have Missed

Changes to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs treatment cycle arrangements

A new End of Cycle Report item of $30 (excl. GST) has been announced for allied health

providers delivering services under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) treatment

cycle arrangements.

From 1 October 2019, referrals for DVA clients to allied health services – including

psychology services – will be valid for up to 12 sessions or for 12 months, whichever ends

first.

DVA clients can be referred by their usual GP to an allied health provider if they have a

clinical need for allied health treatment.

At the beginning of the treatment cycle, the allied health provider will prepare a treatment

plan and ask the client about their health goals. At the end of the treatment cycle the allied

health provider will send a report to the client’s usual GP. The report outlines the treatment

provided, the progress of the treatment and recommendations for further treatment if

required.

This will take the form of a brief, 1page report using a template.

The GP will use the report to review the client’s progress and assess if further allied health

treatment is clinically required, and whether other treatment options are clinically indicated.

Providers will be able to claim the End of Cycle Report item of $30 (excl. GST) on completion

of reports made after 1 October 2019.

The updated DVA Fee Schedules will be published on the DVA website from 1 October 2019.

All new referrals made on or after 1 October 2019 will be subject to treatment cycle

arrangements, except for DVA clients with a TPI embossed Gold Card who are exempt from

the treatment cycle for exercise physiology and physiotherapy services.

For providers needing certainty about the validity of referrals made prior to this date, the

DVA has made the following arrangements:

• Clients with an existing indefinite allied health referral can receive up to 12 sessions or 12

months access (whichever ends first) of allied health treatment after 1 October 2019 before

requiring a new GP referral.

• Clients with an existing annual allied health referral can receive up to 12 sessions of allied

health treatment after 1 October 2019, or treatment until their annual referral expires (if

that occurs first).

Affairs treatment cycle arrangements effective as of 1 October Updated Department of Veterans’ 2019. From 1 October 2019, allied health providers delivering services under the Department of

Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) treatment cycle arrangements must note a new End of Cycle Report

item of $30 (excl. GST).

The changes to the treatment cycles relate to referrals for DVA clients to allied health

services – including psychology services. From 1 October, referrals will be valid for up to 12

sessions or for 12 months, whichever ends first.

DVA clients can be referred by their usual GP to an allied health provider if they have a

clinical need for allied health treatment.

At the beginning of the treatment cycle, the allied health provider will prepare a treatment

plan and ask the client about their health goals. At the end of the treatment cycle the allied

health provider will send a report to the client’s usual GP. The report outlines the treatment

provided, the progress of the treatment and recommendations for further treatment if

required.

This will take the form of a brief, 1-page report using a template.

The GP will use the report to review the client’s progress and assess if further allied health

treatment is clinically required, and whether other treatment options are clinically indicated.

Providers will be able to claim the End of Cycle Report item of $30 (excl. GST) on completion

of reports made after 1 October 2019.

Members can read all read about these changes to the allied health treatment cycle on

the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

All new referrals from this date will be subject to the new fee schedule. Updated documents

regarding new Fee Schedules will be published on the Allied Heath Health fee schedules

page on 1 October 2019.

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THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE – DID YOU KNOW? (From President Rieny)

Australian Veterans with war service who have died after a war or conflict has ended and

whose death is accepted as being caused by their service may be entitled to have their

service commemorated on their final memorial. The Department of War Graves can provide

an official commemoration for deceased eligible veterans in the form of grave headstone or

niche plaques for cremated remains. Upon the death of a veteran, DVA will make an

assessment of the veteran against a prescribed criteria, and notify the Department of War

Graves about the veteran’s eligibility. Once this information has been provided the

Department of War Graves will provide information and an application form for official

commemoration to the next-of-kin, spouse or responsible person. For more information call

the Department of War Graves on 1800 555 254 or email wargraves@dva.gov.au

An example of post-war commemoration

A veteran of the Vietnam War has recently died. He was supported by DVA via a specific type

of pension that recognised he was living with illness or impairments that were the result of

his war service. The DVA notifies the Department of War Graves of the veteran’s eligibility

for official commemoration at the time of his passing. The Director of War Graves, extends

to the veteran’s spouse, next-of-kin or responsible person a letter of condolence and an

offer of official commemoration which is accompanied by an information brochure and a

simple to navigate application form. The application form and brochure outline the different

types of commemoration the family of the veteran can choose from:

• Burial in a cemetery – monumental

• Burial in a cemetery – lawn

• Placement of ashes – niche wall or garden

• Memorial plaque in a Garden of Remembrance

Once the nominated contact or family has decided on the type and location of internment

the Department of War Graves will:

• Confirm the location details with the cemetery or crematorium

• Request confirmation of plaque size required for the location

• Arrange to have the commemoration manufactured and put in place

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Poppy Selling 2019

The Geelong and District Vietnam Veterans Association were able to assist the Geelong RSL

by raising $5,912.65 in this year’s appeal. This includes $269 that Nigel Wilson was able to

sell to his former co-workers at Powercor, after he completed a shift in Malop Street.

This year we trialled an EFTPOS machine at the APCO site and took in $392.00. Thank you to

all of the 20 volunteers for their support and during some very poor weather conditions.

. ………………………………………………………………………………

In February 2020, make a date to join other members of our sub-branch at the Beachport

Caravan Park & Surfside Apartments (08 87358128) for a short break (or longer). The

beachfront location is great and many activities, including winery tours, golf, swimming and

fishing are available for your enjoyment.

Powered sites, ensuite cabins and luxury fully self-contained apartments are available.

February 21st

to 28th

, 2020.

For further inquiries contact Kevin Benson, via the office.

………………………………………………………………………………

Commemorative Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 2 October 2019

On Wednesday 2 October at 2.00pm, close to 30 Vietnam Veterans, partners and supporters

gathered in the vicinity of the Vietnam Commemorative plaque in St Paul’s Cathedral,

Melbourne. The gathering was to commemorate the 50th

Anniversary of the Hat Dich

(Operation Goodwood) and the Battle of Binh Ba, the 9th

Anniversary of the dedication of the

plaque and the 57th

Anniversary of the deployment of Australian service personnel to

Vietnam.

The service also gave us the opportunity for our own personal reflection on the time that we

spent as a part of the Australian Vietnam Forces.

The Canon Pastor and acting Precentor, the Rev’d Canon Christopher Carolane conducted

the service and also gave an excellent reflection, which showed considerable empathy to us

as Vietnam Veterans.

We were fortunate to have Norm Harris from Outer Eastern Metro Sub-branch of VVAA

present with us to play the Last Post and Rouse following the Ode. It was wonderful to again

have Norm as a part of the service.

Among the attendees were VVAA members, partners, RSL members and those from other

ESO’s. Included in these were George Skell, VVAA Vic State Secretary, Rieny Nieuwenhof,

President Geelong and District Sub-branch VVAA and John Saunders, Secretary of Clayton

RSL.

Prior to the Service, the Geelong contingent, who had

travelled to Melbourne by train and coach, enjoyed

lunch at certain establishment across Swanston Street

from St Paul’s.

A big thank you goes to all those who were in

attendance, especially to State Secretary George. We

look forward to an even bigger commemoration next

year when we commemorate the 10th

Anniversary of

the dedication of the plaque.

Nigel Wilson

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A Remembrance Day Service was held in Camperdown which was very well attended and

wreathes were laid by representatives of many different groups from within the community.

Below are some images from the service.

………………………………………………………………………………

On Tuesday November 12th

, a group of volunteers headed to Colac to assist with some

gardening and clean-up operations at the home of long-time member Marilyn Hanley. A day

of much hard work, refreshment and friendship resulted in a great effort, and was much

appreciated by Marilyn. Thanks to those who volunteered.

………………………………………………………………………………

On Saturday, November 23rd

, the sub-branch held a dinner dance at Buckley’s Entertainment

Centre, Geelong, with approximately 75 members, partners and friends attending. Special

thanks to Sue and Gary Ryan for their superb effort with ticket sales, table preparation, gift

organising and wrapping, and all the other tasks they undertook. Below are some photos

from the event. Thanks to all who helped out and made the night a success.

………………………………………………………………………………

VALE.

Unfortunately, we have to announce the passing of the following Geelong Sub Branch

Member:

Kenneth (Ken) William FULTON OAM: who passed away on 29th September 2019. Service

No. A35820, Warrant Officer RAAF, SVNM: No.1 Operational Support Unit from 04/1970 to

04/1971

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Rolling Thunder Vietnam - Geelong Arts Centre Acclaimed as "a musical and dramatic triumph", the rock drama Rolling Thunder Vietnam

takes audiences on an exhilarating and emotive "Magic Carpet Ride". The show comprises

stirring rock classics of the '60s and '70s, including Fortunate Son, All Along the

Watchtower, The Letter, What's Going on and Bridge Over Troubled Water, together with

intimate stories of courage, longing, protest and love. RTV showcases an outstanding cast,

including Tom Oliver, Toby Francis and Matthew Pearce. PERFORMANCES

• Fri, 13 Mar 2020: 07:30pm. Sat, 14 Mar 2020: 02:00pm. Sat, 14 Mar 2020: 07:30pm

TICKET PRICES

• Full Price$95.60 - $85.40. Pens/Vets$75.20. Student$65.05. Group 6+$85.40. VENUE: The Playhouse

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

His new wife was standing there by the bench watching him.

After a long period of silence she finally said; "Honey, I've been thinking, now that we are

married, maybe you don't need to spend so much of your time out here in your garage and

could consider selling some of your machinery and stuff......like your gun collection, fishing

gear, boat, and lose all those stupid model airplanes. And sell that vintage hot rod sports

car, dump that home brewing kit......and THE GOLF CLUBS.

Tom got a horrified look on his face and silently stared at her. She said, "Darling, what's

wrong?"

He quietly replied, "Nothing........but for a minute there, you were starting to sound like

my ex-wife."

"Ex-wife!?" she screamed, "YOU NEVER TOLD ME YOU WERE MARRIED BEFORE!"

Tom replied, "I haven’t been…......"

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A reminder about an item which appeared in the last newsletter regarding the 2021 Re-

union of C Sqn 1 Armd Regt Personnel. Check the details and make your arrangements as

per the article.

Disclaimer: This Newsletter is a publication of the Geelong and District Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, and material contained in this newsletter is general comment only and neither purports nor is intended to be advise on any matter. No person should act based on any matter contained in this newsletter without considering, and, if necessary, taking appropriate professional advice upon his or her own circumstances. The V.V.A.A., the authors and the editor expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or part, of the contents of this newsletter. You may find some errors in this Newsletter. This is in keeping with our policy to have something in the newsletter for everyone.

For further information on any of the abovementioned events, please contact our Vietnam Veterans Centre,

Belmont, on 03 5243 3700. The above list of events is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, so

don’t forget to check out the Sub-branch Website to see latest details.