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The Naval Association

of Australia

National Triennial Conference, Hobart 27 July – 1 August 2008 with photographs.

The Triennial Conference was a great success with the formal opening at Angelsea Barracks, Hobart by our Tasmanian Patron, The Governor of Tasmania, HE The Hon. Justice Peter Underwood AO. HE was a Naval National Serviceman and gave a great opening speech relating stories of his time in the Navy and how much he enjoyed his time as an Able Seaman. He was promoted to SBLT in the Naval Reserve. He completed reading Law and went on the become the Chief Justice of Tasmania, a position he held for 6 years prior to being appointed Governor. Following the opening a luncheon was held in the Officer’s Mess, Angelsea Barracks co-hosted by the SNO NHQ TAS Commander Tony Vine, ADC RAN and myself.

The Chief of Navy was overseas and was represented by the Fleet Commander, RADM Nigel Coates who spoke about current operations and the future of the Navy. His enlightening talk was informative and interesting.

Minister Alan Griffin was late owing to a problem with his flight from Melbourne and addressed the Conference after lunch. Delegates also attended his PMAC address the following morning at the RAAFA club next door to the Hobart Navy Club.

National Legal Counsel, LCDR Dominic Katter RANR spoke on Trusts, Property and other governance issues of interest to Section leaders. He also spoke about Insurance. Many questions were fielded by him during his address.

LEUT John Perryman Senior Naval Historian, Seapower Centre, Canberra gave an excellent presentation on FINDING HMAS SYDNEY II. His personal observations of the search, his time on the search vessel GEO SOUNDER and his insight into the emotion charged events when both HKS KORMORAN and HMAS SYDNEY II were discovered together with the detailed photographs of the wrechage was outstanding.

The Chief Executive Officer of the RAN Central Canteens Fund, Barnie van Wyk, announced that the last remaining difference between serving personnel and retired Naval Members had been removed. That is the reimbursement of $40 if you wish to join the BIG4 Holiday Park Scheme. All you need to do is send your receipt to the RAN Central Canteens Fund in Canberra and they will refund the joining fee to you. It has take a couple of years but we finally have parity between serving and retired members. I thanked the CEO for his efforts and also Jak Goudman the Sales and Marketing Manager.

CDRE Mike Smith RANR briefed delegates on the emerging changes with Australian Naval Cadets. A new Commander ANC in the rank of CAPTAIN ANC has been appointed. They have not got to smooth waters yet.

Receptions were hosted by the Premier of Tasmania, The Hon. David Bartlett, when we had the pleasure of catching up with Her Majesty’s Shadow Attorney General for Tasmania, LCDR The Honourable Michael HODGMAN, QC RANR Rtd who has not changed one bit. His son, Will, is the Leader of the Opposition.

A lovely reception was also hosted by the Lord Mayor Rob Valentine who was also the guest of honour at the final dinner at the Hobart Navy club on the Friday evening. Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Eva Ruzicka officiated and Ald Elise Archer hosted the Hobart City Council reception. We sincerely thanked both for the ‘guided tour’ and hospitality.

On Wednesday afternoon a Commemorative Service was held at the at the Hobart Cenotaph. Padre Mike Delaney, RANR officiated.

On Thursday 31 July The Secretary Dept of Veterans’ Affairs - Ed Killesteyn and Repatriation Commissioner Brig. Bill Rolfe AO Rtd gave excellent presentations on the future of DVA and the workings of the Repatriation Commission. Both patiently fielded many questions from delegates.

Agenda items and the results will be distributed separately to Sections and Sub Sections by the National Secretary in the usual manner. A brief round-up is:-

The Unattached Members List proposal was defeated with VIC, SA, ACT and NT voting against the proposal. This required a 75% vote in favour, so I am sorry to say to those people out there who wanted this facility that we are now examining other options.

The universal Public Liability proposal was carried with VIC and SA voting against.

The motion regarding Life Subscription was held over to enable the Proposer (VIC) to provide an amendment to the By Laws.

The motion regarding NAA Long Service Awards and the reduction of time qualifications was Lost with NSW and VIC (Proposer) being the only two States to support the motion.

Tasmania proposed a motion requiring Police checks for all elected to Executive positions throughout the NAA. This was lost 8/1.

The motion by WA to hold the next Triennial Conference in WA was carried unanimously.

National Executive Election Results:-

National President - Les Dwyer - QLD

Nat Vice President - Alex McNeill - TAS

Nat Vice President - Jim O'Connor - QLD

Nat Vice President - Peter Cooke-Russell - ACT

National Secretary - Roger Tozer - VIC.

National Treasurer - Jim O'Connor -QLD.

Assistant National Secretary - Pat McKay -QLD.

Kindred Affiliate Secretary – Not filled.

Kindred Affiliates Staff Officer- Not filled.

The ladies went on various trips to the historic town of Richmond, various boat trips and had morning tea with the Governor’s wife at Government House and also morning tea with the DVA Deputy Commissioner for Tasmania, Mrs Liz Quinn.

Delegates visited INCAT to see a 112 metre aluminium catamaran being constructed. It was a very informative visit and worthwhile. Thanks to Michael Jackson and the team at INCAT.

Thank you to the Tasmanian Section and the Hobart Sub Section for their kind hospitality and arrangements during the conference.

I hope that you enjoy the photographs accompanying this report. Thanks to Jim O’Connor and Roger Tozer for providing many of them.

Conference Opening: