Issue 99 - Nasho Front Page

A small gift was presented to each of the ladies who
attended.
At the January General Meeting held at the Cairns RSL,
president Fred Cave presented Vice-president Allen Dean
with the prestigious NSAA Meritorious Award in
recognition for his service and dedication to the
advancement of the National Servicemans' cause in the
Cairns and surrounding districts.
Congratulations Allen.
GOLD COAST NORTH (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each even month 0930 hours. Venue: Mudgeerba Light
Horse and National Servicemen’s Precinct)
Continuing our Branch Member’s Profiles - Brian Handke, Gold Coast
North Secretary. Brian was born at Clare, SA, 1933, educated at Farrell
Flat, left school and became a farmer and Shearer. He did his Nasho
training with I6th N S Battalion in 1953, and CMF with 27 South
Australian Scottish Regiment. He married Sylvia in 1963 and has three
children and six grandchildren. Brian, Sylvia and family moved to the
Gold Coast in 1978. Brian worked at Gold Coast Dairies for twelve
years. They caravanned around Australia for five years, doing a bit of
fruit-picking along the way. Brian joined the Nasho Association in May
1995, and later that year became an original member of the Gold Coast
and Districts Branch when it was formed on 31st October 1995. Since
then he has been President for four years, Secretary for six years, and a
member of the SMC for one year. Brian was Secretary, and driving
force, of the 50th Year Planning committee for the National 50th
Anniversary Reunion held on the Gold Coast in 2001. He was awarded
Life Membership of the Association in 2002.
GOLD COAST SOUTH (Meeting: Bi-monthly 1000 hours. Venue: Twin Towns RSL.)
Our Remembrance Sunday 9th November 2009 at our memorial at Point Danger was the first service we had
at the memorial since its dedication in June 2009. Beautiful weather insured a good role up of Nashos and
supporters. Squadron Leader John Parker AFC. DFM. Ret’d.
addressed about the contribution of national service men of
the defence of Australia was well received. Branch Chaplain
Father John Reid’s stirring address echoed the thoughts and
feelings of many. The service was followed by lunch at
Coolangatta Bowls Club and was a fitting end to the day’s
activities. The AGM has been set for March 21 in the ANZAC
room Twin Towns Services Club. Branch President Don Beck
has asked all members to consider standing for all positions on
committee for 2010-2011.
INNISFAIL (Meeting: 4th Tuesday each month 1800 hours. Venue –Innisfail Cultural Complex)
Our Branch has a new Patron, Mr Edward Bosworth MM who was a Staff Sargent in the Wacol Precinct in
the 1950 – 1955. Ted did the honour of presenting the Certificates pf Service for the late Edward O’Farrell to
his daughters at our annual Christmas Party. The Memorial Wall is fitted with more plaques of Nashos who
served in the early days of Wacol. We now have 16 plaques attached to the Wall and Monument. Our
Christmas Party was a huge success, with 50 odd members and associates being present. This was held at the
local RSL and we were well looked after by Chef (Gratten). We hope that everybody is well after the Festive
and ready for a new year.
PAGE 11