MessDeckBuzzesPageADFMEDAL

The Naval Association

of Australia

52st QUEENSLAND STATE CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE PINE RIVERS SUB

SECTION AT PINE RIVERS 16-18 MARCH 2007

The 52nd Queensland State Conference was held at Pine Rivers over the weekend 16 - 18 March 2007.

Pine Rivers Sub Section President Pat Ringold arranged for the Mayor and Patron of Pine Rivers Sub Section

Cr Yvonne Chapman to host a reception for the delegates at the Pine Rivers Sub Section HQ's.

The grounds around the headquarters provided space for the Naval Reserve Band to perform a Ceremonial Sunset which was watched by the Mayor and Commanding Officer NHQ, SQLD, CMDR Forbes Peters, ADC accompanied by his wife Louise. The delegates including the State President and the National President enjoyed the display and the reception with scrumptious food that followed.

The Conference was held next day in the Community Hall, a spacious venue that allowed everyone room to take part in the proceedings in comfort.

National President, Les Dwyer opened the conference and provided information on the new format White Ensign magazine will take in the future.

CMDR Forbes Peters addressed the delegates and gave a very interesting insight into the current state of the Navy, particularly the success of the Collins Class Submarines. Being a submariner himself, he was able to provide some telling insights into the way Navy and our sailors operate these days.

Glenda Mann represented the Dept of Veterans' Affairs, addressed the delegates providing information on the current directions the department is now following.

The next speaker, The Hon. Con Sciacca, AO, gave the delegates a talk on his time as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. The insights he provided into the way the government works certainly held the attention of all present.

The last guest speaker was Wes Moreton, representing Pine Rivers Shire Council. Wes explained the planning that has gone into ANZAC Memorial Drive.

Key matters that were discussed by the delegates included the need for and expanded entitlement for ex-serving members to Gold Cards, a matter that was then referred to the National body. Matters effecting membership were also discussed, as were matters effecting pensions and retirement benefits generally.

At the conclusion of the conference Logan Sub Section volunteered to host the 2008 Conference.

Delegates were treated to morning tea and a great lunch which gave everybody a chance to socialise in between attending to the business of the conference. A dinner dance followed on Saturday night at the Pine Rivers Memorial Bowls Club. On Sunday morning a brunch was enjoyed by many delegates and their partners at Norths Leagues Club.

Brian Berry, Publicity Officer, QLD Section, NAA

Photos under were supplied by Shipmates Tom Hamilton, Darby Ashton and Les Dwyer.

© The Naval Association of Australia