51st QUEENSLAND STATE CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE MACKAY SUB SECTION AT MACKAY 17 - 19 MARCH 2006

The 51st Queensland State Conference was held at Mackay over the weekend 17-19 March 2006.

Mackay Sub Section (President Tom Andrews and wife Midge) hosted the weekend doing an excellent job helped by the fantastic efforts of the cadets and parents committee from TS PIONEER (LEUT Garry Rovelli ANC) who provided the venue for the Commemorative Service, Civic Reception and a typically enjoyable scran on Sunday morning before we all hastily departed with the threat of Cyclone Larry breathing down our necks.  

Midshipman Katie Tate ANC was an inspiration to everybody.  It is easy to see how she won the RSL Prize for Outstanding Cadet of the Year.   Thanks also to SBLT David Stubbs - you are doing a great job that is reflected in the enthusiasm and bearing of the cadets.

The Mayor of Mackay Cr. Julie Boyd welcomed everyone at the Civic Reception and was unfortunately unable to attend any further events because of a very bad bout of 'flu.   The local MP for Merani Mr Ted Malone MP with his wife Mary represented the electorate at the Conference dinner held at the Windmill Motel in beautiful surroundings.  The band provided superb music with songs to suit all evening and were magic.

State President Phil Gilbert and wife Joan enjoyed the weekend while Barbara Snowdon swore that this was her second last State Conference and that she is not standing again for State Secretary next year - Barbara looked very relaxed after it was all over. 

The conference was officially opened by National President Les Dwyer.  

The Commanding Officer HMAS CAIRNS, CMDR Andrew Dakin, RAN flew down from Cairns filling us in on the expansion plans for his command. 

DVA Transport Manager Nick Fountain represented the Deputy Commissioner and brought everybody up-to-date with travel entitlements.  Being an ex-sailor Nick enjoyed himself immensely and was a wonderful representative for DVA.

The Delegates from Sub Sections throughout Queensland together with their wives, partners and friends of the Naval Association had an enjoyable weekend.

Chaplain Bill Pearson RFD MNSC attended with wife Lorna providing his usual good humour in between the serious bits.  - Thanks Bill.

Many thanks to everybody who did such a great job and particularly to Tom Andrews and his team at Mackay Sub Section for the marvellous weekend they provided for us all.

We hope you enjoy the photographs under.  Just click on them to enlarge them.