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The Naval Association

of Australia

NSW STATE CONFERENCE 2009 - HOSTED BY TUGGERAH LAKES SUB SECTION AT Diggers@TheEntrance - 27 February - 1 March, 2009

What a marvellous State Conference!

The Fleet Commander RADM Nigel Coates, AM CSC RAN attended to officially open proceedings and gave a talk on the activities being undertaken in the Fleet and particularly mentioned the Fleet Review and Freedom of Entry to the City of Sydney celebrations that will take place on 12 and 13 March 2009. His review of the incredible pace of activities and the involvement of RAN personnel in so many activities made our heads spin. There was no doubt that the Fleet and the Navy is in very capable hands when we have naval officers of the calibre of RADM Coates at the helm.

The local ANC unit attended to provide the ceremonial entrance for the Admiral who was welcomed by NSW State Section President Noel Jackson and State Section Secretary Peter Ashpole. The National President was also on hand to welcome Admiral Coates and was armed with his trusty camera to record events.

Sub Section delegates from around NSW attended and it was good to see the large number of partners in attendance.

A Meet and Greet was held on the Friday night with everybody in attendance thoroughly enjoying the relaxed and friendly environment of the host club and the arrangements put in place by Tuggerah Sub Section (where Peter Ashpole is also the Sub Section President). The work of Steve Reynolds (Tuggerah Sub Section Secretary) and his wife Jane was commendable. The arrangements they made for the weekend in company with the Committee of Tuggerah worked very well with luncheons, morning and afternoon teas and other feasts being well organised together with an enjoyable bus trips for the home commanders.(ie partners and wives)

It was wonderful to be able to recognise the 99th birthday of Danny Bowden - the founding Tuggerah Lakes Sub Section President whose 99th birthday fell on the day prior to the commencement of the Conference - 11 March. It was also good to catch up with the Immediate Past President Roger Gaydon and wife Elly Gaydon who are both fighting with some health challenges at this time.

The conference itself covered a range of issues and some time was spent by the National President explaining the nitty-gritty of Public Liability insurance and its universal introduction into the

Naval Association on 1 January 2009. It seemed that not many were aware that we have a facility available so that affiliated Ship Associations and other affiliated associations can participate in this scheme by providing the names and just $2 for each member to cover themselves for a full year.

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Some photographs taken during the Conference are under:-

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