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The Naval Association

of Australia

QUEENSLAND SECTION CONFERENCE - MAROOCHYDORE 19 - 20 MARCH 2010

55^th State Conference - Queensland , 20^th March, 2010

As with most events of this nature, there was a certain amount of rapid paddling going on behind the scenes but everything went smoothly enough on the day …. The Conference was hosted by the Maroochy Waters subsection, the venue was provided by the Maroochydore RSL, and the delegates generally seemed pleased with their accommodation, almost all of which was arranged through SALT.

There were delegates attending from most subsections, including the two newest ones, Stanthorpe and eFleet. Unfortunately, although they had been invited to appoint someone to look after their interests, subsections in the far north were not represented. Ways and means of enabling their inclusion in future conference proceedings are the current subject of debate.

There was disappointment that the National President, Les Dwyer, was unable to attend the Conference, but this was made up for by excellent presentations by the CO South Queensland, Cmdr. Geoff Fiedler, Nick Fountain from DVA, and Sunshine Coast Cadet units representative, Lt. Jerry Gwynne. After lunch, Vice President Trevor Rigby explained some of the new initiatives in the way Welfare issues are to be handled within the NAA.

This year, there were no burning issues presented as Agenda Items. Are subsections happy and content, or just complacent? Nor was there any drama regarding positions on the State Executive. An actual vote was not required as the State President and State Vice Presidents were all returned again uncontested and there was only one volunteer each to take up the positions of State Secretary and State assistant Secretary.

There were no NAA Awards to be considered, but several Certificates of Appreciation were presented, among them one to John Taylor who has unfailingly recorded the audio proceedings of Queensland Conferences for many years. Bundaberg Subsection won the Alex Nicholls Shield for percentage increases of membership, and Sunshine Coast subsection appropriately won the Sunshine Coast Shield for the greatest aggregate increase!

Our old friend Father Bill Pearson blessed the Conference and attendees as usual, as well as presiding over the Memorial service at Cotton Tree Park in the early evening. The Governor’s representative, LCDR Mathew Rowe, laid a wreath during the Ceremony, and although there was some concern that there might be some backlash from the cyclone hovering further north, the rain held off long enough.

Thence to the Dinner, also held at the RSL - a typical NAA Gala evening with most turned out in their best dress. I heard no bad reports of the food, behaviour of the guests, or of the entertainment – provided by a local Scottish Pipe band and I think greatly appreciated by all.

Congratulations to the Conference convenor Vice President Graham Savage of the Maroochy Waters subsection for a job well done.

Pat McKay

State Secretary 2008-2009

Photos courtesy of Shipmate Tom Hamilton:-