march - Morwell RSL

MORWELL RSL SUB-BRANCH 

NEWSLETTER 

( QUARTERLY ) 

MARCH - MAY, 2011 LEST WE FORGET 

Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Corner Elgin & Tarwin Streets Morwell 

P.O. Box 105, Morwell 3840 - Phone (03) 5134 2455 

E-mail: Enquiries@morwellrsl.com.au - Website: www.morwell.rslvic.com.au 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Your Committee 

President:- 

Bruce Jeffrey 

Senior Vice President:- 

Les Maher 

Vice President:- 

Wayne Gwynne 

Secretary:- 

Dennis Cleary 

Treasurer:- 

William (Bill) Hall 

Committee Members:- 

Ted Dunstan, Joe Geddes, 

Don George, Julian Kessner, 

Paul Rayment, Julie Bassett 

and Val Giles 

General Manager:- 

Dennis Cleary 

Manager:- 

Christine Hennessy 

_____________________________________ 

Sub Committees 

Appeals:- 

Wayne Gwynne (Appeals Officer), 

Danny Gallagher (Deputy), and 

Bruce Jeffrey 

Welfare and Hospital Home 

Visitations:- 

Val Giles (Co-ordinator) and 

Wayne Gwynne (Deputy) 

Pensions:- 

Joe Geddes, Adrienne Mitrevics, 

Ted Dunstan, and Don George 

Newsletter & Web Site – Editor:- 

Graham (Beatle) Burgess 

President’s Annual Report 

The following report is an extract from the one our Sub-Branch 

Past President, Mal Bugg, presented at the AGM on 23 rd 

February, 2011. It is his report for the year ending 31 st 

December, 2010 and is included in this newsletter for the benefit 

of all those members who were unable to attend the meeting. 

Members, my journey as President of this great RSL is almost 

over after 30 years in office. Looking back, it doesn’t seem that 

long but my body physically tells me otherwise. It has been a 

time of great highs and sadly some lows but that is part of the 

challenge. I have been privileged to work with some wonderful 

RSL people during this time, namely: the late Col Hower (a 

friendship I treasured so much), Tom Lawless (for his wise 

counsel), the late Bob Low (without whose help, many of our 

building upgrades may not have taken place), the late Mike Hall, 

Keith Tickner, Bill Cox and Danny Gallagher (giving support at 

funerals of members), Bruce Jeffrey and Wayne Gwynne (in 

Appeals), Martin Smith (as Manager), the loyal and trustworthy, 

Bill Hall (Treasurer during my 30 years as President), the present 

Manager Dennis Cleary supported by Christine Hennessy, Sheryl 

Knowles and all the staff and lastly the Administrative Officers, 

Liz Hotton, Laureen Blewatt, Berneice Neille and Val Taylor. 

After 28 years of helping veterans and widows, I handed over the 

pension section to Joe Geddes. It is now in the great hands of Joe 

and his staff to carry on this worthy and ultimate role of RSL 

Service. During the last 3 years Val Giles has been leading the 

welfare section of great volunteers. Many times, their efforts go 

unnoticed and I say to them a big thank you. I must never ever 

forget either the wonderful support I have received from our 

Women’s Auxiliary under the leaderships of the late Dot 

Beckman, Pattie Cox and in recent years Adrienne Mitrevics and 

all the wonderful ladies in the Auxiliary. Only two who were 

members when I became President, Margie Knights and Edith 

McGill are still serving. 

In 1981 we were a club made up of a dance hall with billiard 

room and dining room attached and would not rate against any 

local clubs in those days. We had the highest sales of beer 

consumption of any hotel or club in Victoria but were always 

broke, because of poor management. 

President’s Annual Report Continued on Page 2 

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Women’s Auxiliary 

President:- 

Adrienne Mitrevics 

Senior Vice President:- 

Pat Sheahey 

Vice President:- 

Lyn Priems 

Secretary:- 

Ann-Maree Blackford 

Treasurer:- 

Julie Bassett 

________________________________________________________ 

Courtesy Bus 

The Courtesy Bus is available to 

FULL MEMBERS of the Morwell 

RSL Sub-Branch. i.e. Service, 

Affiliate and Social Members. 

The bus will pick you up from 

your Home, or any other Club and 

Pub in Morwell or Churchill and 

bring you to the Morwell RSL 

Sub-Branch. Return Journeys will 

only be made from the Sub-Branch 

to your Home. 

If you wish to come to the club in 

the courtesy bus during the times 

shown below, please telephone the 

Sub-Branch on (03) 5134 2455. 

The Courtesy Bus operates during 

the following times. 

Tuesday:- 

5-00pm to 10-00pm. 

Wednesday:- 

5-00pm to midnight. With runs to 

Churchill at 6-00pm, 8-00pm and 

11-00pm 

Friday:- 

5-00pm to 2-00am. With runs to 

Churchill at 6-00pm, 9-00pm and 

1-00am. 

Saturday:- 

5-00pm to 2-00am. With runs to 

Churchill at 6-45pm and 1-00am. 

President’s Annual Report - ( Cont’d from page 1 ) 

To the incoming President and committee, I hand over to you in 

good stead one of the most modern and comfortable clubs in 

Victoria, particularly in RSL circles, and our heritage is 

paramount from the time you walk in the door, not like some of 

our sister RSL’s. Remember do not get swallowed up entirely on 

commercial issues because this is not what the RSL is all about 

and how often have I told certain members on the committee this 

over the years. The commercial activities are important as our 

income stream but welfare and support to veterans and their 

families should always be the target to aim at. 

Morwell RSL membership is now more than twice the size it was 

when I joined here in 1979. Our social and community 

membership has also doubled. The future of all Clubs is in the 

balance for their ongoing survival. They will require good strong 

leadership and support from all members if we are to maintain 

our position of strength. 

The annual audited statement declares in detail our trading and 

income results and nothing is hidden from you. You will note 

that in the last 12 months we have incurred a small nett operating 

loss of approximately $5,000, which if you take into account the 

trends of sales and gaming income of the last 12 months is not 

too bad. You will also notice that we have good cash reserves 

invested for the future. You are fortunate as members and always 

have been at Morwell RSL in my 30 years as President to have 

presented to you the full financial figures good or bad by our 

Treasurer. Well done Bill and Dennis with this report, it shows 

they worked hard with all the committee to maintain our budget 

throughout the year. 

President’s Annual Report Continued on Page 9 

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Within Our Hearts 

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain. 

To be with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. 

VALE 

It is with deep regret that we have been notified of the death of 

the following Members since our last newsletter was printed. 

Our deepest sympathy is extended to their family and friends. 

LEONARD J. BARNES - 23 rd DECEMBER 2010 

RONALD H. OSBORNE - 23 rd JANUARY 2011 

JOHN (Jack) L. EVANS - 17 th FEBRUARY 2011 

LEST WE FORGET.

Annual General Meetings - Office Bearers 

Sub-Branch - On Wednesday 23 rd February, 2011 the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch held its Annual 

General Meeting. As previously advertised, nominations for committee positions were received between 

31 st January and 11 th February. 11 nominations for committee office bearers were submitted prior to the 

meeting, and there was no need for an election. ( The President’s Annual Report is printed on page 1. ) 

Congratulations to the following successful office bearers who will officiate for the next 12 months. 

President:- - Bruce Jeffrey - Unopposed 

Senior Vice President:- - Les Maher - Unopposed 

Vice President:- - Wayne Gwynne - Unopposed 

Secretary:- - No Nominations Received (Dennis Cleary appointed) 

Treasurer:- - William (Bill) Hall - Unopposed 

Committee - Ted Dunstan, Joe Geddes, Don George, 

Julian Kessner, Paul Rayment, 

Julie Bassett & Val Giles - Unopposed 

Women’s Auxiliary - On Saturday 26 th February the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Women’s 

Auxiliary held their annual General Meeting and we congratulate the following office bearers who will 

officiate for the next 12 months. 

President:- - Adrienne Mitrevics Treasurer:- - Julie Bassett 

Senior Vice President:- - Pat Sheahey Secretary:- - Ann-Maree Blackford 

Vice President:- - Lyn Priems 

ANZAC Day Tokens – Can You Sell? 

ANZAC Day is nearly upon us, and once again I want to thank all those who volunteer each year to sell 

ANZAC Day Tokens. Thanks, but we need you again. We already have a regular group of volunteers 

who assist in selling Tokens, but additional sellers are always needed and appreciated. 

Many of you may have already received a letter seeking your help to sell ANZAC Day Tokens. If you 

have received a letter and wish to sell Tokens, please return the section listing your details to the RSL as 

soon as possible. If you did not receive a letter and wish to sell tokens for us, please contact the 

reception staff at the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch by phoning 5134 2455 or visit the RSL and leave your 

name and contact details for me, Wayne Gwynne. I will then contact you and make the necessary 

arrangements. We will be selling tokens between Monday 11 th April and Saturday 23 rd April. 

Previous efforts have enabled our Sub-Branch to continually exceed our Token sales expectations and I 

need volunteers to make this year’s total another successful one. The only way we are able to achieve 

this, is by having sufficient numbers of volunteers out on the streets to “Man the Tins”. If you could 

spare some time at one of our selling locations, or you could sell some ANZAC Day Tokens at your place 

of employment, your time and effort would be greatly appreciated. Morwell selling locations will be at 

Morwell Post Office, Bunnings, Mid Valley Shopping Complex, Stockdale & Leggo and Coles 

Supermarket. In Churchill, at Ritchie’s IGA Supermarket, Café le Mac’s and Safeway Supermarket. In 

Yinnar, at the Yinnar General Store and in Boolarra, at the Post Office. 

All proceeds go to the RSL welfare funds, enabling them to help the older veterans and their families. All 

ANZAC Day Tokens $2-00 and over are Tax Deductible; the mounting card is your receipt. 

Wayne Gwynne, Appeals Officer. 

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Past President - Mal Bugg - New President - Bruce Jeffrey 

Mal Bugg reported in the last newsletter, his 

intention not to stand as President in the 2011 

Sub-Branch committee. As you may have 

read in the article on page 3, our Sub-Branch 

now has a new President in Bruce Jeffrey. 

Having a different President other than Mal 

Bugg is something many of our members 

have never experienced. Mal has enforced a 

very strict and honest rule over our Sub- 

Branch for the past 29 terms of Presidency. 

Bruce joined the RSL in 1971, soon after 

returning from the Vietnam War, where he 

served as an infantryman with 7th, 2nd and 

3rd Battalions, RAR. Bruce is married to 

Lora and they have two daughters. Mal Bugg (right) handing over to Bruce Jeffrey 

Bruce has been a dedicated and tireless worker for veterans and the Morwell RSL for the past 10 years or 

so. He will have a different style of leadership and we may notice some changes during his period of 

Presidency. We ( the Morwell RSL members ) wish Bruce well whilst carrying out this important and 

responsible position. 

Following is a brief outline of Mal Bugg’s history and achievements whist with the Morwell RSL:- 

Mal Bugg joined the Dandenong RSL Sub-Branch in 1974 as a Service member, prior to this he had 

joined as a Temporary member in 1964. In 1979, he was a builder, living at Beaconsfield, when he 

secured some contracts in the Latrobe Valley Areas. He temporarily moved to Morwell in 1979 and 

transferred his RSL membership to the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch. Soon after, Mal joined the committee 

and soon after became President of the then quite active, Morwell RSL Angling Club. 

In 1980 he and his wife Moria moved permanently to Hazelwood Road in Morwell and have not moved 

since. During 1981, Mal was elected onto the committee of the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch and Club. 

During 1982 he became Junior Vice President and was installed as President at the Annual General 

Meeting in September of that year. 

Whilst a member of the Dandenong RSL, Mal became interested in assisting War Veterans with their 

welfare and pension claims. In 1981 Mal started to assist the welfare officers at Morwell and soon 

became a permanent “Welfare and Pensions Officer” and he is still assisting with veterans’ welfare. 

In 1982 Mal Bugg was elected onto the Victorian RSL, State Council and then became a State Executive 

Member of the Victorian Branch RSL, a position he held for 27 years. In 1983 Mal was elected to the 

position of State RSL, Country Vice President. From 1985 to 2002 Mal was elected the State RSL Junior 

Vice President and then the Senior Vice President from 2003 to 2007. 

In 1994 Mal was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the Veteran Community. 

During Mal’s period of Presidency at Morwell RSL he has overseen many important changes. These 

include four major refurbishments of the building, the introduction of Gaming machines, purchasing 

adjoining properties to allow building extensions and accommodation for our welfare and pension teams 

and together with our treasurer Bill Hall ensured the Sub-Branch’s financial situation is healthy. He has 

also been very active in Welfare & Pensions, Veterans’ Affairs, Hospital Visiting, ANZAC & Poppy 

Appeals, Youth Activities, Mental Welfare, Membership, Social Activities and Commemorations. 

Mal, thank you, from all of the Morwell RSL members, for your dedication and hard work. You have 

directed our Sub-Branch into a position that will allow it to continue to improve for many years to come. 

4

ANZAC Day Souvenir Placemat 

Each year, the Morwell RSL produces a free souvenir table placemat for it’s ANZAC Day Luncheon. 

The placemat at this 

year’s luncheon will 

commemorates 100 

years of the Royal 

Australian Navy. 

This composite picture will be the basis of the design on the ANZAC Day luncheon placemat. 

5 

The picture shown is a 

composite one made 

up of paintings sourced 

from the Australian 

War Memorial’s art 

collection. It also 

shows a picture of The 

Perth Mint’s silver 

coin commemorating 

100 years of the RAN. 

The AWM’s paintings used for the placemat’s layout are, Unknown artist, Join the Navy for a Grand 

Career ( c. 1948, ARTV00210 ), Doug Sealy, HMAS Vendetta ( 1986, ART28997 ), Charles Bryant, AE 

2 in the Sea of Marmora, April 1915 ( 1925, ART09016 ), Ray Ewers, Sailor ( 1964, ART40977 ) and 

Ray Honisett, HMAS Hobart with the US Seventh Fleet off Vietnam, 1968 ( 1985, ART45009 ) 

Both the Australian War Memorial and The Perth Mint pictures are used with their approval. 

The Perth Mint has also donated to us a 1oz silver, 100 years of the RAN, proof coin and badge set to 

give-away during the ANZAC Day luncheon. We thank them sincerely for their generous support. 

See details about the ANZAC Day Service and Luncheon on page 23 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Power House Day Club 

The Power House Day Club has resumed after a break during December and January. The Day Club has 

been well attended so far this year. The members are enjoying fun and games together with a “Gentle 

Exercise” session and a two course meal. The members also have a great time chatting and enjoying cups 

of tea or coffee. Cost for all of this is only a total of $8.00. 

A successful Christmas party was organised in December and a great day was had by all who attended. It 

included a Christmas dinner prepared by Mary, Theo and staff from our Victoria Cross Bistro. 

New members are always welcome and you don’t need to be an RSL member to attend. You can simply 

turn-up at 10-30am on any Tuesday. The Day club is on between 10-30am and 2-00pm every Tuesday. 

If you are interested and need more information please telephone the RSL on 5134 2455. 

Man Drowns - A man was found dead in his home over the weekend. Detectives at the scene 

found the man drowned in his bathtub. The tub had been filled with milk, sugar and cornflakes. A 

banana was sticking out of his mouth and - Police suspect a cereal killer. 

Pall Bearers - I went to the cemetery the other day and saw four pall bearers walking around 

with a coffin. Three hours later they were still walking around with it. I thought to myself; “These 

idiots have lost the plot”.

New President’s - Introduction 

Members, I would like to introduce myself to any Morwell RSL Sub-Branch members who do not know 

me. My name is Bruce Jeffrey. I joined the Victorian RSL in 1971 after serving as an infantryman in 

Vietnam with the 7 th 2 nd and 3 rd Infantry Battalions during 1970-71 and I’m very proud of my service. 

First, I wish to thank our out-going President, Mal Bugg OAM for all the great work he has done during 

his long period as President and committeeman. Together with the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch members I 

wish Mal and his wife Moria all the best for the future. 

I believe the most important people in the RSL are our service members, as without them there would not 

be an RSL. Our service members are admirably supported by our Affiliate & Social members who also 

keep the RSL alive. Another very important group, is our Women’s Auxiliary, they also do a great job in 

supporting us and I do congratulate them on their contribution. If any members would like to help them 

please contact the reception desk and a representative from the Women’s Auxiliary will contact you. 

I’m sure many people do not know about the great work our RSL Sub-Branch does for the community, 

such as:- Hospital visits, Veterans’ pensions & welfare, Day Club, Funerals, Purchasing equipment 

for our Hospital, Sporting club sponsorships and School scholarships. 

The former President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy said in his famous speech, “Ask 

not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” The same statement could 

also be used by our RSL, so members, if you can help, please offer your services. 

Together with the new Committee’s assistance, I hope to complete my duties as your President in a 

manner acceptable to you all. If you have any concerns regarding the RSL or our Sub-Branch please feel 

free to speak to a member of the committee or write a letter to the Sub-Branch Secretary, Dennis Cleary. 

I hope all of our Members have a safe and enjoyable year. 

Bruce Jeffrey, President. 

Help A Mate 

By God I’m tired but I mustn’t stop, If I do I’ll let him drop 

I found him there, against a tree, And I knew at once he couldn’t see. 

I fixed a blind to help his eyes, And we must get back before he dies. 

He copped a blast, from God knows what, And now he’s in a state of shock. 

“Now lift your feet you crazy coot, Forget that that’s in your boot. 

Hup, two, three, it isn’t far, Pretty soon you’ll be able to front the bar. 

That’s when I’ll bludge and let you shout, You can owe me that till we get out. 

I don’t know your name but I’ll call you mate, You bastard, you are a hell of a weight”. 

By gee, I’m tired this mud is so thick, “Stand up straight and use that stick. 

You won’t mind if it has a head, And think of those sorts, while you bludge in bed. 

They’ll blow your nose and wipe your bum, Not far now, so come on chum. 

Step it out and don’t you fail, We’ve reached the end of this bloody trail”. 

I’m so bloody tired, but I feel great, It’s been a pleasure to help a mate. 

Ken Foot - 1942 

Nasho’s 60th Anniversary 

All National Servicemen, partners, relatives and friends are invited to Australia’s largest event to mark 

the NASHO’S 60 th Anniversary to be held at Townsville North Queensland from 8 th to 11 th Sept. 2011. 

Any enquiries should be directed to the National Servicemen’s Assn. of Australia. Phone 07 3324 1277 

6

Beatle’s Bit 

Australia Day Breakfast - The following details regarding the Morwell Rotary Club’s annual 

Australia Day Breakfast at the Morwell RSL was kindly supplied by Gloria Auchterlonie. 

At 8-15am on Australia Day the Morwell RSL conducted a “Flag Raising Ceremony” outside the RSL. 

This was followed by the Rotary Club’s annual “Australia Day Breakfast” in the RSL’s ANZAC 

Function Room. It was nice to liaise with Members and Management of the RSL and provide the 

Australia Day Breakfast once again. Over 120 people attended and enjoyed a lovely cooked breakfast, 

thanks to Mary and Theo. We all sat in air-conditioned comfort, whilst being entertained by members of 

the Latrobe City Brass Band and D.J. Mike Kitwood. 

Avis McInnes ( and helpers ) sold enough raffle tickets to cover costs and her Dad, David McInnes, sold 

the “Aussie Pride” lapel badges which our Rotary Club is selling to raise funds for flood victims. 

Everyone who attended was presented with a free “Herald Sun” Australia Day hat. These freebies were 

organised and supplied by Ray and Jeanette Burgess who are the proprietors of the Morwell Newsagency 

in Commercial Road. 

Rotary Club President, Mark Reidy, did the honours this year as MC and kept the ball rolling nicely. 

There were also various lucky-spot and competition prizes awarded during the function. 

Thanks everyone for attending and helping. I hope you all enjoyed it. - Gloria. 

Severe Weather Event - On Friday evening, 4 th February a severe storm went through parts of 

Morwell. The storm’s most severe path seemed to travel along Elgin Street in the vicinity of the Morwell 

RSL. Several large trees near the RSL were blown over and during the height of the storm it was difficult 

to see across Elgin Street due to the extremely heavy rain. Trees in the centre medium strip were also 

bending over at a very low angle due to the wind. Some limbs were blown off and luckily, narrowly 

missed damaging parked cars. Rain was being driven in through the main front entrance doors but our 

RSL only suffered some minor water damage. At the height of the storm an air conditioner cover was 

also blown off the roof. The cover landed in the rear car park but did not strike any vehicles. 

During the storm which lasted about half an hour, electricity was cut from the area. Our Sub-Branch has 

emergency lighting and this automatically came on to give a small but adequate amount of lighting. Mary 

supplied candles to the tables in the bistro and this gave a calming effect to those still eating. 

Sheryl Knowles ( Shez ) was the Manager at the time of this weather related emergency. It was pleasing 

to see her organising and reassuring patrons and staff during this difficult period. She was certainly able 

to work under pressure without showing any signs of stress or panic. Well done Shez. 

Dark and Stormy Night 

It was a dark, stormy, night. The Sailor was on his first assignment, and it was guard duty. A Captain 

stepped out taking his dog for a walk. The nervous young Seaman snapped to attention, made a perfect 

salute, and snapped out ," Good Evening, Sir!" 

The Captain, out for some relaxation, returned the salute and said "Good evening Seaman, nice night, isn't 

it?" Well it wasn't a nice night, but the Sailor wasn't going to disagree with the Captain, so he saluted 

again and replied "Yes Sir!". 

The Captain continued, "You know there's something about a stormy night that I find soothing, it's really 

relaxing. Don't you agree?" The Seaman didn't agree, but then the seaman was just a seaman, and 

responded " Yes Sir!" 

Then the Captain, pointing at the dog said, "This is a Golden Retriever, the best type of dog to train." 

The Seaman glanced at the dog, saluted yet again and said " Yes Sir!" The Captain continued "I got this 

dog for my wife." The Seaman simply said, "Good trade Sir!" 

7

Morwell RSL - Awards to Local Students 

During December 2010 our Committee Members made presentations of Morwell RSL Sub-Branch 

Educational Awards and Scholarships to local students. Twelve of the awards were “Bill Brannan” 

Education Awards and one was a Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Scholarship. Congratulations to them all. 

The Bill Brannan Education Awards to Grade 6 students, were awarded to:- 

Charmaine Cook - ( Morwell Park Primary ) 

Wade Allan - ( Tobruk Street Primary ) 

Rosemary Carter - ( Lumen Christi Primary ) 

Gemma Laidlaw - ( Churchill North Primary ) 

Jayde O’Donnell - ( Hazelwood North Primary ) 

Brandon Mayberry - ( Commercial Road Primary ) 

8 

Emma Jonkers - ( Yinnar Primary ) 

Storm Caldwell - ( Boolarra Primary ) 

Jasmine-Rose Carrigy - ( Morwell Primary ) 

Dianne Gibson - ( Churchill Primary ) 

Aaron Agustin - ( St Vincent’s Primary ) 

Mary-Jane Vernier - ( Sacred Heart Primary ) 

____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Scholarship for a year 11 student, was awarded to:- 

Keisha McQuillan – ( Kurnai College - Senior Campus ) 

____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Who was Bill Brannan? - Bill Brannan, an orphan who was born in England in 1918, never ever 

knew his parents or his relatives. He started work in a coalmine at age 13 and when he was 17 years old 

he joined the British Army to serve in the United Kingdom and Europe during World War II. He was 

illiterate in every sense of the word, being unable to write or read. 

After WWII, in 1946 he migrated to Australia and joined the Australian Army where he served as a 

vehicle mechanic and after taking discharge in 1950 he moved to the Latrobe Valley and worked for the 

State Electricity Commission as it was then. He retired in 1983. 

Bill was a very generous man and although he had no family, was loved by all he met. Just before he 

died in 1986 he requested that the Morwell RSL invest some money he had accumulated over his lifetime. 

The interest this money generated each year would then be used to give Education Grants to the Primary 

Schools in Morwell, Churchill, Yinnar, Hazelwood North and Boolarra. Bill requested that the awards be 

given to a chosen student in Grade 6 who was about to commence his or her secondary education. He 

wanted to ensure that educational assistance is given, where possible, so that the recipient students could 

be taught to improve their ability to read, write and comprehend English, which he could never do. 

Who was Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop? - Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop was a surgeon in 

the Australian Army during World War Two. He is famous as a prisoner of War on the Burma Thailand 

railway and the care he took of soldiers who had also been taken prisoner by the Japanese. Even in the 

most horrible conditions Dunlop found the energy to fight for the health and the lives of these men. 

“Weary” served with the Citizen Forces and as a Captain in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corp. 

He studied at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and obtained his Fellowship of the Royal College of 

Surgeons. “Weary” was working in London at the outbreak of World War II and in November 1939 he 

enlisted in the 2 nd A.I.F. When War in the Pacific began Dunlop's unit was transferred to Java. He was 

promoted to Temporary Colonel and given command of No. 1 Allied General Hospital at Bandoeng. On 

8 th March 1942 the island fell to the Japanese and Dunlop became a prisoner of war. After being 

imprisoned in Java and Singapore, Dunlop was transported to Thailand by the Japanese in January 1943. 

For the rest of the war, under Japanese control, “Weary” worked as a medical officer on the Burma 

Thailand railway. The men under his charge suffered in extremely primitive conditions and “Weary” 

became famous for his care of the ill and his willingness to place himself at risk, despite being unwell 

himself. As a commander, “Weary” had the awful job of deciding who was fit enough to work. As a 

surgeon, he was also the one who patched the men when they were injured. “Weary” and the men who 

survived with him remained captive until 16 th August 1945. “Weary” then assisted with the evacuation of 

former POW’s and he returned to Australia in October 1945 and even though they were most horrible to 

the prisoners, “Weary” forgave the Japanese soldiers.

President’s Annual Report - ( Continued from page 2 ) 

Besides donations to worthy groups and charities, our local Hospital and Nursing Homes, 13 school 

scholarships to Primary students and 1 Tertiary Education Grant, a Cadet Flying Scholarship and 

assistance to our Cadet Units and our own RSL Junior Football Club, Portsea RSL Children’s Christmas 

Camp, kindred organisations and many others, we can clearly show to our members and the community, 

we support local organisations more than any other Club in the area with the exception of Leongatha RSL 

which is like ourselves. This clearly demonstrates to all where a large part of our profits go. Much of this 

is also supported by our great Women’s Auxiliary which many RSL’s are very envious of. 

Another great activity we have is the “Powerhouse Day Club” under the co-ordination of Rosa and Stan 

Schumann, with Bruce Jeffrey as Treasurer, Maureen Kemp, Gloria Hoppe, Val & Lyndon Giles and 

many others who help keep it running. It certainly is providing a great level of support and entertainment 

for its members of all ages and those in the community who come along each week to join in. It is a 

wonderful opportunity for many to have a great social day out and also have a great meal at a very low 

charge. We also thank Mike Mihaly and DVA for their support in helping to arrange funding for us to 

purchase equipment to get the club off the ground and keep it going. 

In 2009 we saw our Appeals Officer Wayne Gwynne ably supported by Bruce Jeffrey with Terry 

Blackford and Danny Gallagher and many of the 100 great helpers from Morwell, Yinnar and Churchill 

achieve great results. The results for the 2010 ANZAC & Poppy Appeals in Morwell, Churchill and 

Yinnar were a big increase on 2009. From this our welfare funds benefited greatly. To all in the 

Appeals’ Team, a job well done but let’s chase another record breaker in 2011. 

Also to Graham (Beatle) Burgess and those who help him in the production and mail out of our newsletter 

please accept our appreciation. It was great to see members like Bruce Jeffrey, Ross Howell, Dale 

Sinclair, and Terry Blackford helping. We thank you all for helping to get the newsletter mailed to us. 

To Graham, thanks also for all the other great work you do including our website which is one of the best 

in RSL circles. One of the greatest thrills I got this year was to present to Bruce and Graham their Life 

Memberships on ANZAC Day 2010. 

Again in 2010, Australia Day saw around 120 RSL, Rotarian members and the community join in the 

Aussie Breakfast and this too was enjoyed by all. The MC on the day, Paul Violi did a great job and 

Gloria Auchterlonie is to be congratulated on setting it up. 

Also I would like to say a particular big thanks to our Senior Vice President Les Maher, who supported 

me 110% whenever called on and also the total loyalty he has given to me, something one expects from 

an Old Gunner Mate who I have known for a long time. 

In closing this year’s report I wish lastly to thank my wife Moria, who in recent years has not endured 

good health but always stood by me through thick and thin, many times sacrificing hers and our family’s 

times for me to do my role of RSL service. This has been her sacrifice over 48 years of my membership 

in the League at Dandenong and Morwell and I say a big thank you for the love and support you have 

given, allowing me to complete my role as President of this great Sub Branch Morwell. You have been 

the quiet supporter in the background and this has been respected by all members you have embraced. 

I go out of office now as I came into it 30 years ago, with my loyalty and love to the RSL that I believe 

in. That is the way I wish to retire and I ask for no accolades from anyone. 

Mal Bugg. OAM. - President. 

My Living Will 

Last Night, my kids and I were sitting in the lounge room watching a TV show about dementia and old 

age. I said to them, “I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on a machine and fluids from a 

bottle. If that ever happens to me, please just pull the plug.” 

They got up, unplugged the computer and poured my wine down the sink - Little wretches. 

9

Morwell Town Thoroughfare Names 

In the September 2010 newsletter, I wrote about my research relating to Morwell thoroughfare names 

that may have links to the Armed Forces. The following article is the first of several that lists some of 

those thoroughfare names and some details about what they commemorate. The ships history was 

extracted from articles on the Royal Australian Navy, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian 

War Memorial websites. 

The following three streets are most likely named to commemorate Naval ships. 

Brisbane Street :- Named to commemorate WWI ship, HMAS Brisbane. 

HMAS Brisbane was a Town class light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy. Built by Cockatoo Island 

Dockyard in Sydney between 1913 and 1916 to the Chatham subtype design, Brisbane operated in the 

Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Australian coastal waters during World War I. Following the end of the 

war, the cruiser was decommissioned and recommissioned on several occasions, and was reclassified as a 

training ship in late 1925. In 1935, Brisbane was reactivated for the specific purpose of conveying the 

ship's company of the new cruiser HMAS Sydney to their ship in Britain. Brisbane was decommissioned 

in Portsmouth, England on 24 th September 1935. In June 1936, Brisbane was sold to Thomas Ward & 

Company for £19,215 (Australian) to be broken up. The cruiser was scrapped at Briton Ferry, Wales. 

Perth Street :- Named to commemorate WWII ship, HMAS Perth. 

HMS Amphion was commissioned at Portsmouth on 15 th June 1936 and cruised to South Africa in 

October 1936. The Cruiser spent the next two years as Flagship on the Africa station, based on the Cape 

of Good Hope. Her mid-commission refit was undertaken at Simonstown in the late autumn of 1937. 

Amphion proceeded to Portsmouth in December 1938 to pay off for another refit. 

Following an agreement between the British and Australian Governments for the purchase of Amphion 

for the RAN, it was decided to transfer the ship in 1939. Subsequently the cruiser HMAS Adelaide paid 

off her crew, who were to man this new addition to the RAN. On 29 th June 1939 the cruiser was 

commissioned into the RAN at Portsmouth as HMAS Perth. When war appeared imminent at the end of 

August 1939 the ship was in the West Indies. For most of the next seven months Perth carried out escort 

and patrol duties in the West Indies and Western Atlantic. 

In March 1940 Perth sailed for Sydney and most of April was taken up by a refit. Until the end of 

November 1940, Perth was engaged in patrols and escort work around Australia until she left Fremantle 

as an escort for the seventh Middle East convoy. Whilst in port at Malta, Perth was damaged by a near 

miss in an air raid. In April Perth participated in the evacuation of troops from Greece to Crete. In April 

1941, Perth 's aircraft was shot down off Suda Bay, but its crew of three was rescued by a destroyer. In 

May 1941 enemy aircraft succeeded in damaging the ship by a near miss. 

During a stay at Alexandria in May urgent repairs were carried out. Perth then sailed for Crete to assist in 

the evacuation, being attacked en route by a German aircraft but fortunately escaping damage. During the 

return from Crete with 1188 passengers aboard Perth the convoy was attacked five times and on 30 May 

the ship was hit by a bomb in a boiler room. Two cooks, two sailors and nine passengers were killed and 

the boiler room was put out of action. In August 1941, Perth arrived back in Sydney and moved to 

Cockatoo Dockyard for an extensive refit. After completion of her refit Perth was engaged in exercises 

in November and then sailed for Auckland. She carried out patrols, escort duties, exercises and 

manoeuvres during December 1941 and January 1942, visiting New Caledonia and New Guinea. 

In February 1942, Perth sailed for the Java Theatre. On 26 th February the ship departed Surabaja in 

company with two Dutch cruisers, the cruisers USS Houston and HMS Exeter, two Dutch destroyers, four 

US destroyers and HM Ships Jupiter, Electra and Encounter and proceeded along the north coast of 

Madura Island. During the night of 27 th February these ships engaged Japanese forces in the disastrous 

Battle of the Java Sea, from which only Perth and Houston survived. 

Morwell Town Thoroughfare Names – Continued on page 11 

10

Morwell Town Thoroughfare Names – Continued from page 10 

HMAS Perth and USS Houston arrived at Tandjung Priok on 28 th February after the day and night 

actions off Surabaja. Unfortunately stocks of fuel were low and Perth could only receive 50% of full 

stowage. Preparations were being made to destroy all warehouses and harbour installations, so the 

opportunity was taken to embark any stores that might prove useful. Orders were received to sail in 

through Sunda Strait to Tjilatjap. Perth and Houston cast off at 1900 hours and the harbour entrance was 

passed at 1900 hours and a course set for Sunda Strait. Houston was stationed five cables ( about 926 

metres ) astern of Perth. 

At 2306, a vessel was sighted about five miles close in to St Nicholas Point. When challenged she proved 

to be a Japanese destroyer and was immediately engaged. Shortly afterwards, other destroyers were 

sighted to the north and the armament split so as to engage more than one target. During the action a 

large number of enemy destroyers attacked from all directions, and due to the large number of enemy 

ships attacking, it was impossible to engage all targets at once and some were eventually able to close to a 

very short range. 

Little damage was caused to Perth until the very end of the action. At about midnight it was reported that 

very little 6" ammunition was left, so Captain Waller decided to attempt to force a passage through Sunda 

Strait. He ordered full speed and altered course for Toppers Island. Perth had barely steadied on course 

when she was struck on the starboard side by a torpedo. Captain Waller gave the order to prepare to 

abandon ship. A few moments later another torpedo struck just ahead of the first hit, and the Captain 

gave the order to abandon ship. After five or ten minutes a third torpedo struck well aft on the starboard 

side. This was followed shortly afterwards by a fourth torpedo, which hit on the port side. The ship then 

righted herself, heeled over to port and sank about 0025 on 1 st March 1942. 

USS Houston was still fighting although badly on fire. She was hit by torpedoes and sank shortly 

afterwards rather closer inshore. A Japanese report gave the Japanese losses as “one mine-sweeper and 

one transport of convoy sunk and several vessels seriously damaged”. 

Most of Perth 's crew abandoned ship between the second and third torpedoes. During the abandon ship 

operation Perth was under fire from several destroyers at close range and many hits were scored and 

casualties caused. Many were killed or wounded in the water by the explosion of the last two torpedoes 

and by shells exploding in the water. 

At the time of her loss Perth 's ship's company totalled 681, comprising 671 Naval personnel, six RAAF 

personnel (for operating and servicing the aircraft) and four civilians (canteen staff). Three hundred and 

fifty Naval personnel (including Captain Waller) and three civilians did not survive the sinking. Those 

who did, numbered 328 (324 Naval, three RAAF and one civilian). 

Four Naval personnel died ashore without having been taken prisoner. A further 106 men died in 

captivity (105 Naval, one RAAF). Four sailors were recovered from captivity in September 1944 when 

they were among prisoners-of-war rescued after the sinking of a Japanese transport. After the end of 

hostilities 214 men (211 Naval, two RAAF and one civilian) were repatriated to Australia. 

Sydney Street :- Named to commemorate WWII ship, HMAS Sydney. 

After being laid down in 1933 for the Royal Navy as HMS Phaeton, Sydney was purchased ( before 

launching ) by the Australian Government in 1934 and renamed in memory of the earlier Sydney (I) that 

destroyed the German cruiser Emden in 1914. 

The ship was commissioned at Portsmouth on 24 th September 1935, and spent the early part of her career 

on the Mediterranean Station taking an active role in the Abyssinian crisis. Arriving in Australia during 

August 1936 Sydney remained in home waters until the outbreak of war and was in Fremantle on the day 

war was declared. Sydney remained on local patrol duties until April 1940 when she sailed from 

Fremantle as part of the escort for a large Middle East bound convoy. She parted company in the mid- 

Indian Ocean and arrived in Colombo on 8 th May 1940. 

Morwell Town Thoroughfare Names – Continued on page 12 

11

Morwell Town Thoroughfare Names – Continued from page 11 

On 19 th May 1940 Sydney proceeded to the Mediterranean where she joined the 7th Cruiser Squadron of 

the Mediterranean Fleet in Alexandria. Here Sydney experienced her first action when she took part in 

the bombardment of Bardia on 21 st June 1940. A week later Sydney, in company with other ships of the 

Squadron, encountered three Italian destroyers. The action that followed was fought at dusk in fast 

failing light and two of the destroyers succeeded in evading the Allied cruisers. Sydney 's role in this 

action consisted chiefly of finishing off the remaining destroyer Espero and rescuing 47 Italian survivors. 

In July 1940 Sydney returned to Alexandria, where she proceeded as part of the covering force for Malta 

convoys, before joining the Mediterranean Battle Fleet. Following a period of severe air attacks ( four of 

them directed at Sydney), that were successfully beaten off, she then took part in the first full-scale action 

with the Italian Fleet; the Battle of Calabria on 9 th July. 

On 19 th July, Sydney fired 956 shells in an action that sank the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni in the 

waters just north of Cape Spada, Crete. During this action Sydney was hit in the foremost funnel and 

suffered only one minor casualty. Sydney continued in action against the Italian convoys and participated 

in bombardments of the Libyan coast before leaving Alexandria in January 1941 for Australia. 

Arriving in Sydney, the ship’s commanding officer, Captain John Collins, and his crew were greeted by 

enthusiastic crowds and given a civic reception. Their success at Cape Spada had made them “the toast of 

the country”. After undergoing a refit in Sydney, HMAS Sydney sailed for the west coast of Australia 

with a new commanding officer, Captain Joseph Burnett. 

During 1941, the cruiser carried out escort and patrol duties in the Indian Ocean and around Australian 

waters. In November, on one such patrol, she escorted the troopship Zealandia to the Sunda Strait where 

she handed her over to HMS Durban. On 17 th November, HMAS Sydney sailed south for Fremantle. 

Two days later, on 19 th November, and according to the German raider, Kormoran accounts, Sydney 

sighted the Kormoran, disguised as a Dutch merchant ship, approximately 240 kilometres south-west of 

Carnarvon, Western Australia, and both ships altered course. The Kormoran increased engine speed on a 

reverse course while the Sydney headed towards the raider. When the Kormoran was asked to identify 

itself it instead hoisted the signal identifying the ship as the Straat Malakka but, unable to read the flags, 

Sydney sent another signal requesting that they hoist the signal letters more clearly. The commanding 

officer of Kormoran, Commander Theodor Detmers, was unable to respond to the Sydney’s request for 

the Straat Malakka’s secret signal. As the distance between the two ships narrowed he apparently struck 

the Dutch flag, hoisted the German colours and, already at action stations, fired at the ill-prepared 

Australian cruiser at almost point-blank range. The Sydney’s bridge and director tower were hit within 

seconds and for 30 minutes the two ships fired guns and torpedoes at each other. 

By 6.00 pm, the crippled Sydney sat low in the water with its forward area ablaze as it staggered away 

from the enemy. At 6.25 pm, despite their own difficulties, the Germans fired one last shot at the 

departing Australians who by now were about 10 kilometres away. Commander Detmers then 

concentrated on abandoning his own ship, sending most of the crew off by 9.00 pm. At midnight, the last 

of the crew cast off after igniting scuttling charges and the Kormoran sank half an hour later. 

The first serious attempts to locate the cruiser were not organised until 24 th November when Sydney was 

four days overdue. That same evening a British tanker crew reported they had rescued 25 German 

seamen from a raft. During subsequent land and sea searches off Carnarvon 315 more of the Kormoran’s 

crew of 393 officers and men were rescued. A badly damaged RAN Carley float ( life raft ), and two 

lifebelts are all that were recovered from the Sydney. 

The final hours of the Sydney and the fate of the 645 men on board remains controversial. The Kormoran 

survivors have consistently maintained that the ship drifted off into the distance and that the final 

flickerings of the burning Sydney disappeared about midnight. 

On 17 th March 2008, the wreck of the Sydney was finally located. It was approximately 12 nautical miles 

from Kormoran, under 2,470 metres of water. The search first focused on finding the German raider 

Kormoran which was located on 12 th March approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western 

Australia, lying in 2,560 metres of water. 

12

Footy Tipping Competition 

The Morwell RSL Footy Tipping Competition is on again for the 2011 AFL Football season. 

Competition tipping cards will be supplied on entry and you must enter before round one, on 

Thursday 24 th March. Entry fee is $30.00 and this must be paid in full before round three, 

on Friday 8 th April. 

Prize money will be paid for the 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and last placed entrants at the end of round 22, 

the last “home and away” round. If there are multiple winners with the same score, prize 

money will be divided evenly between those winners. ( Prize values to be decided when 

the number of entrants is known. ) 

On the competition cards there are games marked thus,*. These are the “Match of the Round” 

and on these games you must enter your estimate of the winning team’s margin in points 

between the two teams. The entrant with the closest estimate of the winning margin will 

win a prize of $50.00. If there are multiple winners with the same winning margin, 

prize money will be divided evenly between those winners. 

Please see bar-staff members, Rob or Ron at the Members Lounge Bar if you wish 

to take part, or want more details. 

Be Careful with the Lodger 

A couple in England took in an 18-year-old girl as a lodger. She asked if she could have a bath but the 

woman of the house told her they didn't have a “built-in” bath but if she wanted to she could use a tin bath 

in front of the fire, as we do. “Monday's the best night, when my husband goes out to darts,” she said. 

The girl agreed to have a bath the following Monday. After her husband had gone to the pub for his darts 

match, the woman filled the bath. She was surprised to see that the lass didn't have any pubic hair. She 

mentioned this to her husband when he came home. He didn't believe her, so she said; “Next Monday, 

don’t go to darts. I'll leave a gap in the curtains so you can see for yourself.” 

The following Monday, when the young girl again got undressed, the wife asked; “Do you shave?” 

“No,” replied the girl. “I've just never grown any hairs down there. Do you have hair?” “Oh, yes,” said 

the woman, and she showed the girl that indeed, she was far from hairless. 

When the girl went to bed, the husband came in, and the wife asked; “Did you see it?” “Yes,” he said, 

“but why the hell did you have to show her yours?” “Why not?” she said, “you've seen it before.” “I 

know,” he said, “but the darts team hadn't!!” 

Pilot Humour 

1. Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory. 

2. If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. 

That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again. 

3. Stay out of clouds. The silver lining everyone keeps talking about might be another aeroplane 

going in the opposite direction. Reliable sources also report that mountains have been known to 

hide out in clouds. 

4. Helicopters can't fly; they’re just so ugly the earth repels them. 

5. The four most useless things to a pilot are the altitude above you, runway behind you, fuel back at 

the airport, and a tenth of a second ago. 

13

Havildar Lachhiman Gurung VC, aged 92, 8th 

Gurkha Rifles, died on 12 th December 2010 at the 

Chiswick War Memorial Homes in London. He 

was living and being cared for there by his 

granddaughter Amrita. He won the Victoria Cross 

while serving with the Gurkha Rifles in Burma in 

1945. Lachhiman Gurung was buried in Chiswick 

New Cemetery, Staveley Road, Chiswick, West 

London, on Thursday, 23 rd December 2010. 

Death of Gurkha VC 

In recent years he had been a prominent figure in 

the campaign led by the actress Joanna Lumley to 

allow former Gurkhas to settle in Britain. In 2008 Lachhiman Gurung moved from his native Nepal to 

live in the United Kingdom settling in Hounslow, to which he was formally welcomed at a ceremony led 

by the mayor and the council: he was later made a Freeman of the Borough. He attended many functions 

of the Nepalese communities in Hounslow and elsewhere, and was honorary vice-president of the 

Chiswick branch of the Royal British Legion. 

For the award of the Victoria Cross:- ( London Gazette, 27 July 1945 ), Taungdaw, Burma. 

At Taungdaw, in Burma, on the west bank of the Irrawaddy, on the night of 12th / 13th May 1945, 

Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung, 8th Gurkha Rifles was manning the most forward post of his platoon. At 

0120 hours at least 200 enemy assaulted his Company position. The brunt of the attack was borne by 

Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung's section and by his own post in particular. 

This post dominated a jungle path leading up into his platoon locality. Before assaulting, the enemy 

hurled innumerable grenades at the position from close range. One grenade fell on the lip of Rifleman 

Lachhiman Gurung's trench: he at once grasped it and hurled it back at the enemy. Almost immediately 

another grenade fell directly inside the trench. Again this Rifleman snatched it up and threw it back. A 

third grenade then fell just in front of the trench. He attempted to throw it back, but it exploded in his 

hand, blowing off his fingers, shattering his right arm and severely wounding him in the face, body and 

right leg. His two comrades were also badly wounded and lay helpless in the bottom of the trench. 

The enemy, screaming and shouting, now formed up shoulder-to-shoulder and attempted to rush the 

position by sheer weight of numbers. Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung, regardless of his wounds, fired and 

loaded his rifle with his left hand, maintaining a continuous and steady rate of fire. Wave after wave of 

fanatical attacks were thrown in by the enemy and all were repulsed with heavy casualties. 

For four hours after being severely wounded Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung remained alone at his post, 

waiting with perfect calm for each attack, which he met with fire at point-blank range from his rifle, 

determined not to give one inch of ground. Of the 87 enemy dead counted in the immediate vicinity of 

the Company locality, 31 lay in front of this Rifleman's section, the key to the whole position. Had the 

enemy succeeded in over-running and occupying Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung's trench, the whole of the 

reverse slope position would have been completely dominated and turned. 

This Rifleman, by his magnificent example, so inspired his comrades to resist the enemy to the last, that, 

although surrounded and cut off for three days and two nights, they held and smashed every attack. His 

outstanding gallantry and extreme devotion to duty, in the face of almost overwhelming odds, were the 

main factors in the defeat of the enemy. 

Lachhiman Gurung was invested with his Victoria Cross by Lord Louis Mountbatten at a parade at the 

Red Fort, New Delhi, on the 19th December 1945. After the action which won him the Victoria Cross, 

Gurung was evacuated to hospital, but lost his right hand and the use of his right eye. He continued to 

serve with the 8th Gurkha Rifles but transferred to the Indian Army after Independence in 1947. 

He retired with the rank of havildar ( the equivalent of sergeant ) in the same regiment. 

This article is an extract from the “The Telegraph” British newspaper’s website at - www.telegraph.co.uk 

14

The Battle of the Coral Sea 

The Battle of the Coral Sea was a series of naval engagements off the north-east coast of Australia 

between 4 th and 8 th May 1942. It was fought by Australian, U.S. and Japanese aircraft against four 

different major groups of warships and took place in the Coral Sea, in an area separating the Solomon 

Islands, the eastern tip of New Guinea, and the N.E. coast of Australia from Townsville to Horn Island. 

Some of the aircraft involved were land-based, but most were from the opposing aircraft carriers. It was 

the first aircraft carrier battle ever fought and the first naval battle in which the opposing forces of surface 

ships at no stage sighted or fired at each other. All attacks were carried out by aeroplanes. The battle was 

significant for two main reasons: 

1. It was the first time in World War 2 that the Japanese experienced failure in a major operation; 

2. The battle stopped the Japanese sea-borne invasion of Port Moresby. 

For many people this was the “Battle that saved Australia”. This may be an exaggerated claim, but the 

battle certainly seemed more significant at the time than modern history books have rated it. 

Victory in Europe Day – VE Day – 8 th May 

The final document of unconditional surrender by Germany was signed at General Dwight Eisenhower's 

headquarters in Rheims on 7 th May, 1945. Germany’s Admiral Karl Doenitz, sent General Alfred Jodl to 

the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces detachment in Rheims to seek terms for an end to 

the war. At 2:41a.m. on May 7 th , General Jodl signed for the unconditional surrender of German forces 

on all fronts, which was to take effect on May 8 th at 11:01p.m. The 8 th May was declared VE Day. 

In England, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, officially announced the end of the war with 

Germany. In a message broadcast to the nation, he said the ceasefire had been signed at 0241. 

Huge crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London. Earlier tens of thousands of people had 

listened intently as the King's speech was relayed by loudspeaker to those who had gathered in Trafalgar 

Square and Parliament Square. In it he paid tribute to the men and women who had laid down their lives 

for victory as well as to all those who had "fought valiantly" on land, sea and in the air. 

In Australia, celebrations were tempered with the knowledge that the war in the Pacific was still to be 

won and this was done 3 months later on the 15 th August, 1945. 

Yellow 24 Virus 

A man goes to the doctors feeling a little ill. The doctor checks him over and says, “Sorry, I have some 

bad news, you have Yellow 24, a really nasty virus. It's called Yellow 24 because you’ll soon end up 

with a yellow complexion and you usually only have 24 hours to live after that. There's no known cure so 

you may as well just go home and enjoy your final precious moments on earth.” 

So he trudges home to his wife and breaks the news. Distraught, she asks him to go to the bingo with her 

that evening as he's never been there with her before. 

They arrive at the bingo and with his first card he gets four corners and wins $35. Then, with the same 

card, he gets a line and wins $320. Then he gets the full house and wins $1000. Then the National Game 

comes up and he wins that too, getting $380,000. 

The bingo caller gets him up on stage and says, “Sir, I've been here 20 years and I've never seen anyone 

win four corners, a line, the full house and the national game on the same card. You must be the luckiest 

man on Earth!” “Lucky?” The man screamed. “Lucky? I'll have you know I've got Yellow 24.” 

“Well, I’ll be blowed,” says the bingo caller. “You've won the raffle as well !!” 

15

Australian Government 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs 

Veteran Imposter Rex Crane Pleads Guilty 

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the outcome of the case against veteran 

imposter Arthur Rex Crane, handed down in the Brisbane District Court on 21 st December, 2010. “Mr 

Crane pleaded guilty to defrauding the Commonwealth and ordered to pay back more than $413,000 for 

falsely claiming he was a prisoner of the Japanese during the Second World War,” Mr Snowdon said. 

Mr Crane has been sentenced to four years jail and can be released after serving six months upon entering 

a good behaviour bond for four years. He was also ordered to pay the Commonwealth more than 

$413,000 in falsely claimed pension. “The Australian Government takes very seriously the recognition 

and respect of those who have served our country and has no tolerance for those who fraudulently claim 

that recognition,” Mr Snowdon said. “The Department of Veterans’ Affairs works hard to ensure that 

veterans receive their lawful entitlements. All allegations of fraud are investigated thoroughly.” 

The Department has a dedicated compliance section that investigates all suspected cases of fraudulent 

activity. Other ongoing measures that act as a deterrent are proof of identity checks, and departmentally 

initiated reviews. “Incidences of fraud are very isolated and today’s sentence should be a warning about 

the serious penalties involved in defrauding the Commonwealth,” Mr Snowdon said. 

Grant to Commemorate Second World War Hero 

A memorial in Malaysia marking the site of an Australian serviceman’s act of heroism during the Second 

World War will be refurbished with the help of an Australian Government grant, Minister for Veterans’ 

Affairs, Warren Snowdon announced on 21 st January. “The Beaufort Memorial, Malaysia, marks the 

area where Private Tom Starcevich of the 2/43rd Battalion single-handedly took on a series of Japanese 

defensive positions in June 1945 and was later awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery,” he said. 

On 27 June, the 2/32nd and 2/43rd Battalions of the 9th Australian Division had fought their way into 

Beaufort, Sabah, while Australian companies positioned outside the town engaged the Japanese trying to 

escape. The following morning, as Australian troops patrolled the surrounding jungle, Private Starcevich 

destroyed four machine gun posts which were holding up his platoon’s advance. Private Starcevich 

originally from Subiaco, Western Australia, survived the War and the Beaufort Memorial was later built 

by locals in the area who had been liberated by the Australians. “To ensure the actions of Private 

Starcevich and the other Australians who fought and liberated the area are always remembered, the 

Australian Government has provided a $15,000 grant under the Overseas Privately–Constructed 

Memorial Restoration Program to refurbish the Beaufort Memorial,” Mr Snowdon said. 

Mr Snowdon said the funding would help to clean and refurbish the memorial, landscape the surrounding 

gardens, improve access to the memorial for visitors and build sheltered seating. “This grant will help to 

ensure more people can enjoy the Beaufort Memorial and learn about the important wartime history of 

this region and the heroic efforts of Private Starcevich,” he said. “I encourage Australians travelling 

overseas to visit the Overseas Memorials Database to find out more about memorials located in the area 

they are travelling to.” Images of Private Starcevich and the Memorial are available at 

www.dva.gov.au/media. 

The Australian Government’s Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorial Restoration Program provides 

funding to restore existing memorials outside Australian territory which directly commemorate 

Australia’s military involvement in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and recognise the 

contribution of Australian servicemen and women. For more information on the Overseas Privately- 

Constructed Memorial Restoration Program visit the DVA website. 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Continued on page 17 

16

Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Continued from page 16 

Remains of RAAF Spitfire Pilot Located and Identified 

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, announced on 

17 th December that the remains of a pilot that went down 66 years ago off Normandy in France have been 

officially identified as Flight Lieutenant Henry “Lacy” Smith, of Number 453 Squadron, Royal 

Australian Air Force. The RAAF began the identification process after 6 th November 2010, when the 

wreckage of a Spitfire aircraft, and human remains were recovered in the Orne Estuary, near Ouistreham 

in Normandy by local museum curators, Mr. and Mrs. Cobin. 

“With the help of the local museum curators, there was sufficient evidence provided to the RAAF to 

positively identify the remains are those of Flight Lieutenant Smith. Evidence included the aircraft 

wreckage engine serial number, eyewitness reports of the other two pilots flying in the formation at the 

time of the downing of the aircraft, the physical location of the recovered wreckage, a wartime casualty 

report linking the aircraft tail number, engine serial number and pilot details, and the engine serial number 

recovered with the aircraft wreckage. I am very pleased to know that the remains of this brave pilot have 

now been accounted for and can now finally be laid to rest. Finding Flight Lieutenant Smith after over 66 

years is an outstanding result for all concerned particularly the family,” Mr Snowdon said. 

The RAAF has contacted surviving relatives living in Australia, and arrangements are underway for the 

reinterment of Flight Lieutenant Smith’s remains, with full military honours. This ceremony will occur in 

2011, at a date yet to be set, in a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in France, in accordance with 

normal practice for recovered remains. 

Further Historical Background:- Flight Lieutenant Smith was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft 

fire on 11 th June 1944, five days after D-Day whilst on a mission supporting the Allied invasion at 

Normandy, in France. His last radio message to his comrades was: "I'm going to put this thing down in a 

field." But the Australian's plane nose-dived into the sea and he was listed as missing believed killed. 

The recovery team was astonished at how well preserved the fighter's fuselage and wooden propeller 

were. The dials on the instrument panel were still recognisable. After the wreckage was towed ashore, 

the remains of Flight Lieutenant Smith were found in the cockpit. They were placed in a coffin and were 

handed to the Australian Embassy in France. 

Flight Lieutenant Smith’s unit, Number 453 

Squadron, was one of 17 RAAF squadrons formed 

under the Empire Air Training Scheme to bolster 

the Royal Air Force during World War II. It served 

at Singapore from August 1941 until Japan’s 

invasion of Malaya forced its withdrawal and 

disbandment in March 1942. The unit was 

reformed in Scotland three months later and fought 

over Britain and occupied Europe until the end of 

the war. The unit disbanded in January 1946, but 

was reformed on 1 st December 2010 when a new 

Number 453 Squadron took charge of RAAF Air 

Traffic Control in WA, SA, Vic and NSW. Lifting the upside down wreckage of the Spitfire 

The squadron’s motto is “Ready to Strike.” 

Over the six years of the Second World War, from September 1939 until August 1945, 39,366 members 

of the Australian armed services were killed or died of wounds or sickness. Just over 10,750 were 

members of the RAAF, including 884 who were recorded as “missing” rather than “presumed dead” at 

the end of the conflict. Many of those fliers have still not been accounted for in the decades since World 

War II ended. Worldwide, about 1100 aircraft are on the RAAF’s missing aircraft register, almost all of 

them from World War II. 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Continued on page 18 

17

Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Continued from page 17 

Commemorating the Bombing of Darwin 

On the 69 th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, and 

Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin encouraged Australians to take time to reflect on the 

moment in history when war came to Australian soil. 

Mr Snowdon said the events of 19 th February 1942 and the months that followed are an important part of 

Australia’s history which should not be forgotten. “The morning attacks by 242 Japanese aircraft caused 

death and destruction across Darwin. Many sites including the harbour, RAAF base, aerodromes, aircraft, 

post office, administration building and the Army hospital were destroyed. Eight ships were sunk in 

Darwin harbour and another two near Bathurst Island and a number of military aircraft were destroyed. 

“The loss of life was significant, with some 250 people killed and hundreds injured, including service 

personnel and civilians. Australians should pay tribute to those who died in the Bombing of Darwin and 

in the defence of Australia,” Mr Snowdon said. 

From the time of this first raid until the last on 12 th November 1943, Darwin and other northern 

Australian sites endured more than 90 air raids carried out by the Japanese. 

Attending a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Darwin on behalf of the Prime Minister and the 

Minister for Veterans Affairs’, Ms Crossin said the attacks confirmed for many Australians that they were 

now fighting a war in direct defence of their own country. “While Australians began the war fighting the 

Italians and Germans in North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Japan’s entry into the war 

in December 1941 brought the conflict into our own region. “Japan’s rapid advance through Southeast 

Asia made the threat of war reaching Australia a reality for many. On 19 th February 1942, only four days 

after the Fall of Singapore, Darwin came under attack twice in one day,” Ms Crossin said. 

Services are held across the country to mark the anniversary of the bombing. The anniversary is also 

commemorated on the Battle for Australia Day on the first Wednesday of September each year. 

Articles regarding the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are extracts of media releases from the 

Department’s Minister. Originals are available on his website - http://minister.dva.gov.au/index.htm 

If you would like additional information regarding these or any other topics that DVA are responsible for 

please do not hesitate to contact Michael or Phil at the DVA office, No.10 George Street Morwell, 

Wednesday to Friday or phone them anytime on (03) 5133 0177 or free call 1300 551 918. 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Morwell RSL - Victoria Cross Bistro 

Special Meals, each with a specific theme, will be available in the Morwell RSL’s Victoria 

Cross Bistro, on each of the first four Wednesday evenings of the month, as follows:- 

1 st Wednesday - All-You-Can-Eat SEAFOOD Smorgasbord - $15.00 

2 nd Wednesday - SCHNITZEL Night - $12.00 

3 rd Wednesday - PARMA Night - $12.00 

4 th Wednesday - STEAK Night - $15.00 

All these evening meals include soup, Salad Bar and a selection of sweets. 

18

Women’s Auxiliary Donations 

The Morwell RSL Women’s Auxiliary made two significant donations to Latrobe Regional Hospital 

during the last six months. One donation was for two chairs presented to the Occupational Therapy 

Manager, Nicole Tierney by Women’s Auxiliary President, Adrienne Mitrevics and Secretary, Ann- 

Maree Blackford, for Children’s occupational and physiotherapy sessions. 

The chairs were valued at $3449. One of the chairs was a “Jenz Giraffe” 

chair and as the name suggests is a chair whose frame is in the shape of a 

giraffe. This chair is visually pleasing and attractive to the children whilst 

it allows the child to sit independently and maintain good posture during 

treatment sessions. The second item was a “corner seat” and its function is 

similar to the “giraffe chair” but more suited to older children. 

The Women’s Auxiliary also donated 5 alarm activated bed pads valued at 

$11790. These pads are used to assist with the treatment of elderly and 

infirmed patients. The alarm pads are activated when a patient falls out of, 

or attempts to get out of bed when they should not do so. Quite a few of 

our own veterans could have benefited from this equipment in the past and 

their will no doubt be many in the future who will also benefit. 

These donations and many others are made possible because the Women’s Auxiliary works hard raising 

money from Raffles, bingo and the sale of items of memorabilia. 

Poor Rabbit 

A rabbit hops into a pub and says to the barman, ”Can I have a schooner of beer, and a Ham and Cheese 

Toastie?” The barman is amazed, but gives the rabbit a schooner of beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie. 

The rabbit drinks the beer and eats the toastie. He then leaves. The following night the rabbit returns and 

again asks for a schooner of beer, and a Ham and Cheese Toastie. The barman, now intrigued by the 

rabbit and the extra drinkers in the pub, (because word gets round), gives the rabbit the beer and the 

Toastie. The rabbit consumes them and leaves. The next night, the pub is packed. In walks the rabbit 

and says, “A schooner of beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie, please barman.” 

The crowd is hushed as the barman gives the rabbit his beer and toastie, and then burst into applause as 

the rabbit wolfs them down. The next night there is standing room only in the pub. The barman is 

making more money in one week than he did all last year. In walks the rabbit and says, “A schooner of 

beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie, please barman,” The barman says, “I'm sorry rabbit, old mate, but 

we are right out of them Ham and Cheese Toasties” The rabbit looks aghast. The crowd was quietened 

to almost a whisper, when the barman clears his throat nervously and says, “We do have a very nice 

Cheese and Onion Toastie.” The rabbit looks him in the eye and says, “Are you sure I will like it.” The 

masses' bated breath is ear shatteringly silent. The barman, with a roguish smile says, “Do you think that 

I would let down one of my best friends. I know you'll love it.” “Ok,” says the rabbit, “I'll have a 

schooner of beer and a Cheese and Onion Toastie.” The pub erupts with glee as the rabbit downs the beer 

and swallows the toastie. He then waves to the crowd and leaves.... NEVER TO RETURN!!!!!! 

One year later, in the now impoverished pub, the barman, (who has only served 4 drinks this day, 3 of 

which were his), calls time. When he is cleaning down the now empty bar, he sees a small white form, 

floating above the bar. The barman says, “Who are you?”, To which he is answered, “I am the ghost of 

the rabbit that used to frequent this pub.” The barman says, “I remember you. You made me famous. 

You would come in every night and have a schooner of beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie. Masses 

came to see you and this place was famous.” The rabbit says, “Yes I know.” The barman replies, “I 

remember, on your last night we didn't have any Ham and Cheese Toasties.. You had a Cheese and Onion 

one instead.” The rabbit said, “Yes, you promised me that I would love it.” The barman said, “You never 

came back, what happened?” “I DIED”, said the rabbit. ”NO!” said the barman. “What from?” 

After a short pause, the rabbit said ………... “Mixin-me-Toasties.” 

19

No Entertainment on Friday Nights 

As of the 1st April and throughout the winter period, there will not be any entertainment 

in the Morwell RSL on Friday nights. However entertainment will continue to be 

conducted on Saturday nights between 8.00pm and 12.30am. On Saturday nights, there 

will also be some new bands as well as some of your favourite ones to entertain you. 

Entertainment Calendar – (Shez’s GIG Guide) - Our Supervisor Sheryl has 

organised the following entertainment for you all. Please support these evenings and have a great time. 

Wednesday 2 nd 

Friday 4 th 

Saturday 5 th 

MARCH 

- “Under the Spotlight” 

( Featuring SNAKE ) 

- RECKLESS 

- COOLCHANGE 

Friday 11 th - Karaoke with D.J. GLENNO 

Saturday 12 th 

- I.C. ROCK 

Wednesday 16 th - “Under the Spotlight” 

( Featuring SOLO ) 

Friday 18 th 


* Sunday 20 th 

- MICK LODGE 

- MISTY 

- OLD TIME DANCE * 

( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free ) 

Friday 25 th 

- SHINDIG 

Saturday 26 th - BLACKHILL RAMBLERS 

20 

Saturday 2 nd 

APRIL 

- YESTERYEAR 

( This is a new band to the Morwell RSL ) 

Saturday 9 th 

- IMPACT 

( This is a new band to the Morwell RSL ) 


- Not Yet Finalised 

( Check Gig Guide at the Morwell RSL ) 

* Sunday 17 th 

- OLD TIME DANCE * 

( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free ) 

Saturday 23 rd 


- MUSIC FESTIVAL 

( See details on page 19 ) 

- JIVE BAND 

( Back by popular demand ) 

Entertainment functions marked thus * will be held in the ANZAC Room ( The Big Function Room ), 

with Entry Charges as noted. All others will be held in the Members Lounge and are Free Entry. Starting 

times for these functions is around 8-00pm. 

Please check the latest “Gig Guide” at the Sub-Branch reception desk or contact the club by telephone on 

5134 2455 in case there are any late changes to the entertainment calendar. The “GIG” guide is also 

shown on the Morwell RSL Website at www.morwell.rslvic.com.au 

The OLD TIME DANCE with Ken and Alice Rae is a great afternoon’s 

entertainment. There is always plenty of space for people to come along and 

enjoy the Music, Games and Friendship, not forgetting the Dancing, of 

course. The OLD TIME DANCE is held on the Third Sunday of each month. 

There is no charge for this entertainment. IT’S FREE. 

Table Bookings:- Table bookings in advance will NOT be accepted for 

functions in the Members Lounge. However you may arrange a table for you 

and your guests on arrival if one is available. 

IMPORTANT: - Due to Health regulations, patrons are not allowed 

to bring food or beverages onto our premises for any function.

Easter Saturday - 23 rd April 

In the Morwell RSL’s ANZAC Function Room 

Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal / MUSIC FESTIVAL 

will be held in the Morwell RSL on EASTER SATURDAY, 23 rd April. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The MUSIC FESTIVAL will entertain you between 6-00pm and 1-00am 

All the Bands have kindly donated their time and proceeds from Door Sales, Raffles and 

Auctions will be donated to the 

Royal Children's Hospital, Good Friday Appeal. 

Entry Cost to the Music Festival is - $12.00 per person 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

EASTER SATURDAY’s Function will feature the following bands:- 

RECKLESS, COOLCHANGE & I.C. ROCK. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

This is the fourth year the event has been held and it has so far raised 

a grand total of $22,030. It is hoped this year’s event will considerably boost that total. 

Please support this function. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Easter Hamper Raffles and Auctions will also be organised. If individuals or local 

businesses would like to donate gifts or gift vouchers, they would be greatly appreciated. 

They will be auctioned during the festival. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal 

As you all would know, each year on Good Friday an appeal is held in Victoria to 

raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. If any of you would 

like to donate to this appeal, you may do so by forwarding a cheque to the 

Morwell RSL, written out to the Royal Children’s Hospital or give a 

donation directly to Shez at the Members Bar or to our receptionist. 

Your donation will be added to the Monies collected during the Easter 

Saturday Music Festival and passed on to the Appeal organizers. 

A receipt for your contribution will be forwarded to you. 

21

Lunch & Dinner Smorgasbords 

Sunday 8 th May 

Don’t forget Mother’s Day on Sunday 8 th May. Bring mother to the 

Morwell RSL Sub-Branch’s “Victoria Cross” Bistro for the 

Mother’s Day Smorgasbord Lunch ( 12-30pm ) or Dinner ( 6-00pm ). 

Cost of either Lunch or Dinner for all people over 10 years old 

is $20-00 per head. Children 5 years and under are free, and 

all other children aged 6 to 10 years pay $10.00 per head. 

Everyone who attends goes into a draw for a Hamper 

and all Mothers will receive a free Rose. 

Please make a reservation for the Smorgasbord Lunch 

or Dinner in the Bistro on Mother’s Day. 

See Mary in person or phone her on (03) 5135 3689 and book your seats. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Morwell Art 

& Framing 

Lea & Rod Jones 

49 Chickerell Street, Morwell 3840 

Telephone - 5134 5515 

Email - morwell.art@bigpond.com 

We are experts in custom framing 

of service memorabilia, and all 

other general and custom framing. 

We can create stunning framed 

memories from your service 

memorabilia such as photos, 

medals, badges, certificates, rank 

patches, berets and hats etc. 

Presentation of this advertisement 

will entitle you to a discount from 

your purchase. 

22 

Custom & Conservation Framing 

Large Variety of Art Supplies 

Art & Fine Antique Restoration 

Portrait & Wildlife Artist 

Gallery 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANZAC Day Timetable - MONDAY 25 th APRIL 2011 

Morwell - Dawn Service - The ANZAC Day Dawn Service organised by Morwell RSL will 

commence at 5-45am at the Cenotaph on the corner of Tarwin and Elgin Streets. RSL Members and the 

General Public are invited to both the Service and a “Gunfire” breakfast in the RSL’s ANZAC Function 

Room after the Service. Entry is a gold coin donation. Please enter through the Tarwin Street entrance. 

Morwell - March & Service - Marchers should assemble near the Morwell Town Common 

in Elgin Street ( opposite the Commercial Road Primary School ) at 11-30am. The march will “Step- 

Off” at 11-50am sharp. They will march along Elgin Street to the Cenotaph, where the official service 

will commence at 12.00noon. An ANZAC Day Luncheon ( see details printed below ) will follow the 

service in the Sub-Branch’s ANZAC Function Room. Please enter through the Elgin Street entrance. 

Morwell RSL Sub-Branch - ANZAC Day Luncheon - Our ANZAC Day Luncheon 

will follow the ANZAC Day Service and take the form of a 3 course sit down meal subsidised by the 

Sub-Branch. The Luncheon is FREE to all Service Members of the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch only and 

where appropriate, their registered Carers. Affiliate and Women's Auxiliary Members will be charged 

$5.00 per head. A list will be kept of visiting Sub-Branch Members from other RSL's who wish to attend, 

and if sufficient room is available for them, they will pay $10.00 per head. 

Everyone who wishes to attend the Luncheon ( including Service Members ) requires a 

ticket. Tickets are now available from the reception desk and to ensure you have a seat 

you are requested to book now. If there are still tickets available, they will be sold at the 

door but do not rely on this. Please Book Now! 

IMPORTANT NOTE:- This Luncheon is strictly limited to Special Guests, RSL Service, Affiliate 

and Women’s Auxiliary members and their Registered Carers. If you wish to book a table for a 

group of members please tell the Receptionist or our Manager Dennis Cleary when you pick up or 

pay for your tickets. We will try to cater for visiting Service Members if the numbers allow but no 

children, Social or Community Members are able to attend. 

Yinnar - ANZAC Day Timetable - The Yinnar Township March will assemble at 9-00am 

near the general store in the Main Street and march-off at 9-20am to the Cenotaph, also in the Main 

Street. A Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph will commence at 9-30am, followed by a Service in 

the nearby Memorial Hall at 9-45am. 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

LATROBE VALLEY TRAVEL 

Latrobe Valley Travel is Located at 

4 Tarwin Street Morwell. 

The Proprietor, May Sennett, is a Member of the 

Morwell R.S.L. Sub-Branch and together with her 

experienced staff is able to assist you with your entire 

travel requirements, from booking a hotel in Melbourne 

to your dream holiday overseas. 

When planning your next holiday, visit Latrobe Valley 

Travel. They will organise all the details for you. 

23 

Telephone:- (03) 5134 1433 

Facsimile:- (03) 5133 9325 

Email:- enquiries@latrobetravel.com.au 

Licencee:- E.M. Sennett t/a Latrobe Valley Travel 

Licence No.:- 31427

Clubrooms 

Monday to Thursday, 

10-00am to 1-00am 

Friday & Saturday, 

10-00am to 3-00am 

Sunday, 

11-00am to 12-00 Midnight 

Sub-Branch Trading Hours 

Diggers Café 

Monday 

to 

Saturday 

11-00am to 2-00pm 

and 

5-00pm to 8.30pm 

24 

Victoria Cross Bistro 

Every Day of the Week 

Lunch - 12-00 noon to 2-00pm 

Dinner - 6.00pm to 8-30pm 

For reservations phone Mary on 

(03) 5135 3689 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

ANZAC Day 

Every year in the early hours of 25 th April, at various Shrines of Remembrance, Cenotaphs and War 

Memorials throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Gallipoli there will be a gathering of the men 

and women who have gone to war and returned. Together with their families and friends they gather for a 

dawn service that heralds the start of another ANZAC Day. 

This is a day of remembrance, of the deaths and sufferings in war, the valor of fighting men and women, 

and the ever-present hope for the peoples of the world to live together in harmony and everlasting peace. 

And, as every ANZAC Day service recalls, 

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. 

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, 

we will remember them. 

ANZAC Day is a National Day of Remembrance and commemorated in Australia and New Zealand. It 

commemorates the landing at Gallipoli during World War I, on the 25 th April, 1915 of the two countries’ 

fighting men, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). 

DISCLAIMER 

Information printed in this newsletter is either reprinted from other publications or is derived from other verbal or written 

notes. While efforts are made to verify the information, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or the 

Sub Branch Committee and Management. Readers should not act or rely upon any matters or information contained or 

implied by this newsletter without checking its accuracy. No responsibility or guarantee is given or implied for any action 

taken by individuals or groups as a result of information contained within this newsletter and no liability will be accepted for 

any loss resulting from such use. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

DON’T FORGET - Mark Your Calendar 

Monday 25 th April – ANZAC Day Services at Morwell Cenotaph 

Dawn Service at 5-45am, followed by the March and Service at 11-30am. 

Please book a seat for the Luncheon by collecting your tickets at our reception desk. 

( See ANZAC Day Program and Luncheon details on page 23 ) 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Sunday 8 th May – Mother’s Day Luncheon and Dinner in the Bistro. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Friday 13 th May is the closing date for articles to be included in the next newsletter, June Edition

march - Morwell RSL

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