“RED RAT” NEWSLETTER JULY 2012

HQ1ATF: 2012 Reunion: Merimbula 8-12 November 2012
Merimbula Beach Holiday Park (MBHP), 2 Short Point Road, Merimbula, NSW 2548

(P): 02 6499 8999 (F): 02 6495 3381

Hello all.

We now have nearly 100 Veterans and partners registered for the November Reunion at this stage. Please make sure all your mates are aware of the reunion and encourage them to come along. Simply complete the form at the end of this Newsletter, add your cheque made payable to HQ1ATF ASSOCIATION or EFT to our Association’s account: National Australia Bank: BSB: 082697 HQ1ATF Association, Account: 188667746. Please reference your name.

As reported in the last Red Rat, we ran a competition for all Veterans who booked and paid by 30 June 2012. These early birds had their names entered into a draw for a prize of three people enjoying a scenic flight over Merimbula (with Air Sapphire: valued at $225. I am happy to announce the winner is Bob Ellis from Victoria and he will contact Air Sapphire direct for the scenic flight whilst in Merimbula in November. Should you wish to buy a flight and indicate you are part of the Reunion, you will receive a 10 per cent discount.

Our Webmaster, John Eller, reminds all of you to access our Association’s website ( This is a great way of communicating initially with each other: It also gives you an overview of what we all did “back in those days”! The Guest Page is:

It is great to announce that to make the production of the Red Rat newsletter on a regular basis sustainable, DVA has given us a grant of a few thousand dollars.

At the end of this newsletter (for those of you attending the reunion and having not yet completed the formalities) is the program and registration form for your completion and return to me. We are hoping for some 130 veterans and at least 80 partners – so let’s see how we go. Take a look at the inclusions for your reunion costs of $120 per person and you will agree that it is worth every cent:

FOUR dinners TWO lunches ONE breakfast

TouringCoach transfers in town, etc.

The actual cost of all this, works out to some $270 per person however we have been subsidised by numerous companies – you will see these listed on our website home page. The Merimbula RSL, the Merimbula RSL Sub-Branch, the Merimbula Rotary Club and the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce are supporting the reunion and have been quite generous to our Association. The NSW Government has given us $2,250 to subsidise the Commemorative dinner.

Should you have any family members, other than your wife/partner, wanting to join us at this year’s reunion, the cost for them is $270 per person. Again we must know beforehand.

At the 2012 reunion, our Treasurer will give us all a complete financial breakdown (however Helen does keep the committee updated every few months. If any Veteran has contacts with any company for a possible donation just let me know as I am happy to write a sponsorship request letter to them.

Also it’s time soon to start thinking about a committee and venue for the November 2014 reunion – I have some ideas however it’s up to the membership to collectively decide.

I have one request. Should any member change their contact details or obtain an email address for the first time, please do let me know: . To email the RED RAT costs us virtually nothing, however to print and mail the same costs us about $1.20 per member.

Regards, John Verhelst,

(President, Reunion Committee 2012)

Merimbula Beach Holiday Park

VALE

Another of our mates is no longer with us (please note this is not a complete list, only those that I have been advised of)

Raymond John Maloney

24 May 2012

Confirmed Merimbula Reunion attendees as at 30 June 2012

Norm and Sue Austin / William and Dot Hewat
Sebastian and Nina Azzopardi / Noel and Rosemary Hince
John and Gloria Barlow / Grahame and Anne Hobbs
Rod and Sue Barrett / Evan Holt
Richard and Sue Barron / Nigel and Beverley James
Bill and Karen Black / Doug and Aguira Lawrence
John and Denise Bushell / Stephen Mahoney
Rodney and Frances Cashmere / Ron and Elaine Miffling
Colin and Diane Chilton / Anthony and Jean Mitchell
George and Nita Corderoy / Barry and Lillian Monk
Blue Dog and Dorothy Cunningham / Greg Morgan
John and Gayner Davis / Phillip Moscatt and Julia Billows
Ned and Helena Dixon / Michael and Chris O’Byrne
John and Julie Eller / Graeme and Rosemary Pulford
Robert and Sheryl Ellis / Gregory and Mary (Macsmith) Ruming
Alan and Del Flick / Steve and Natalie Sheaves
Wilson and Karyn Folland / Michael and Anne Shields
Warren and Isabel (Knight) Handley / David and Kathy Simpson
Brian and Anne Harper / Sydney and Maggie Sinclair
John and Maureen Hasler / Patrick and Lorelle Smythe
Kevin and Robyn Hatherley / John and Helen (Lange) Verhelst
Barry and Gaye Heath / Terry and Glenda Wolff
Robert and Beth Hepburn / John and Cheryl Woolhouse

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REUNION - MERIMBULA: 8-12 NOVEMBER 2012.

The bi-annual reunion will take place at the Merimbula Beach Holiday Park from Thursday 8th November until Monday 12th November 2012.

Merimbula is located on the south coast of NSW, about 6 hours drive from Melbourne and from Sydney, and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly in from Melbourne and Sydney, each city having two flights per day (REX Airlines), with the local airport right in town. You can hire a car at the airport but best pre-book if you decide on this option.

Weather for November 2012 is sunshine each day with a maximum of some 26C, and a little cooler at night (

The Merimbula RSL will be our venue for several events as well as the start point for the Remembrance Day March to the local Cenotaph (on Sunday 11 November 2012). The Merimbula RSL Sub-Branch will look after the March logistics as well as road closures, etc. DON’T FORGET YOUR MEDALS.

On the registration form I have requested you show your interest in bringing along some of your Memorabilia (dusty pieces and photos). Many members have done so and we will have our own viewing area, accessible by all.

If you are not staying at the Merimbula Beach Holiday Park (MBHP), you will find a list at the end of the reunion program of alternate accommodation. Our prices at MBHP represent 10 % off the prevailing tariff and they range from $28 per night for a powered site, to $135+ for a cliff-top ocean bungalow: accommodation in bungalows sleep 4 to 6 people. In all cases wherever you do stay, please book direct.

Transport has been arranged (and the cost is included) from MBHP for any functions held at the Merimbula RSL (and the Commemorative Dinner at Oaklands). However, for the fitter amongst you, it is an easy walk of one kilometre to the Merimbula RSL

Reunion Contact details: HQ1ATF Association, (John Verhelst):

Email: or

Phone: 0437 212121

PO Box 325 Gladesville NSW 1675.

Our HQ1ATF Shop.

We have a supply of Association Ties, Hats and Lapel Badges (and five Satchels from the 2010 reunion) for sale. See the table below for a description and price of each. They can be ordered by sending a cheque or money order to myself made payable to HQ1ATF Association or Bank directly into the Association’s account (National Australia Bank) BSB: 082697 HQ1ATF Association Account: 188667746

Item / Description / Price / Postage
Tie
/ Very smart black with three thin red green and yellow stripes with the Red Kangaroo in the corner. / $20 / $7
Lapel Badge
/ Feature the Kangaroo on a yellow shield with HQ1ATF Association in raised silver around the edge / $10 / $1
Peak Cap
/ Feature the same info as the Badge and have a dark tan peak with dark green top / $15 / $7
Satchel
/ Collectors Item – black with Red Rat on the front / $20 / $7
Tie, Lapel Badge and Peak Cap / $35 / $7

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2012 REUNION PROGRAM / MERIMBULA.

Thursday 8 November 2012.

1600 Hours onwards. Arrival at Merimbula Beach Holiday Park (MBHP) for welcome and registration (and a drink or two). Evening BBQ (included in your cost) at MBHP. BYO drinks: although we do have wine for sale at $15 per bottle.

Friday 9 November 2012

Breakfast – own arrangements.

0930 Hours. HQ1ATF Assembly / meeting at MBHP

  • 1100 Hours - Tour to Tathra and Bermagui, with lunch at Mimosa Wines: included in your cost. (drinks additional). Return to Merimbula about 1600 Hours.

1830 Hours. Dinner at the Merimbula RSL Club: included in your cost. Drinks additional.

Saturday 10 November 2012

Breakfast – own arrangements

Optional Tours.

  • 0830 Hours: Tour to Eden, visiting the Killer Whale Museum and Marine Discovery Centre. A boat tour out of Merimbula with, hopefully, sightings of some whales. Lunch is included. Cost: $121 per person (note: this tour is limited to 100 people). Return to Merimbula about 1600 Hours.
  • A game of golf at the stunning 18 hole Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club ( / Phone 02 6495 6154. Cost: $40 per person for 18 holes and $15 per person for golf clubs and “push” buggy. Arrange your game of golf directly with the golf club please.

1830 Hours. BBQ dinner at the Merimbula Beach Holiday Park: included in your cost. BYO drinks

Sunday 11 November 2012

Breakfast – own arrangements

1015 Hours. Depart from MBHP and assemble (1030 Hours) at the front of the Merimbula RSL.

1045 Hours. March off through the main street of Merimbula to the local Cenotaph (400 metres), with appropriate accompaniments!! (Our own Rod Barrett has “volunteered” to be the RSM for our March).

1100 Hours. Remembrance Day ceremony with local RSL Sub Branch Members and members of the public.

1130 Hours. Adjourn to the Merimbula RSL for a light lunch: included in your cost. (drinks additional), and relaxation. There will be two shuttle buses back to MBHP: 1330 Hours and 1500 Hours.

Remainder of day at leisure.

1800 Hours. Depart by coach (pick up at MBHP and RSL) for the Nui Dat Commemorative dinner at Oakland’s Event Centre at Pambula (just down the road). Inclusive of dinner and drinks.

2130 Hours onwards. Coach transfer to MBHP, or to the RSL for your local accommodation.

Monday 12 November 2012

0830 Hours. Farewell BBQ breakfast: included in your cost.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: for MBHP, quote: HQ1ATF Reunion.

In addition to our reunion headquarters (Merimbula Beach Holiday Park / Ph: 02 6499 8999 email: ) there are a multitude of accommodation options in Merimbula including several other Caravan Parks, self contained apartments and motels. Our suggestions below are all within 300 metres of the RSL and Merimbula town centre

Motels.

  • Summer Hill Motor Inn: 24 Merimbula Drive. Phone 1800 024 946
  • Pelican Motor Inn: 18 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1933
  • South Seas Motel and Holiday Apartments: 12 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1911
  • Town Centre Motor Inn: 8 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1163

Apartments.

  • Albratross: 35 Merimbula Drive. Phone 02 6495 1314
  • Crown Apartments: 23 Beach Street. Phone 02 6495 2400
  • Beach Street Apartments: 1 Beach Street, Phone 02 6495 2205
  • Penguin Mews: 27 Beach Street, Phone 02 6495 1660
  • Merimbula Beach Cabins: 47 Short Point Road. Phone 02 6495 1216 (over the road from our MBHP).

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REGISTRATION FORM.

HQ1ATF 2012 REUNION: 8/12 November 2012

Merimbula Beach Holiday Park, Merimbula, NSW

Surname:
First Name:
Address (please include Postcode):
Preferred name on badge:
Partner’s Name if attending
Phone: / Mobile
Email:
Reunion Cost Members / $120 per member / $120
Reunion Cost Partner / $120 per partner if attending
Membership Fee: October 2012 to Sept 2014 / $40 per member / $ 40
Donation (optional)
Whale Watching Tour (see details below) / @$121 per person
TOTAL
PAYMENT DETAILS: Cheque/Money Order, made payable to:- HQ1ATF ASSOCIATION
Or EFT: BSB: 082697 HQ1ATF Association Account: 188667746 Please reference your name
It would help if all money be paid no later than 15th AUGUST 2012
What do I get for my money?Welcome BBQ and a second BBQ, Commemorative Nui Dat dinner with drinks, Tour to Mimosa Winery, including lunch, lunch & dinner at RSL Club, Farewell breakfast, Polo sweat shirt and a Rat Bag full of goodies for you and your partner ………………………..and a bloody good time!.

Please see over ...... there is more......

I will be bringing some Memorabilia from my days “in Country”. / Yes No / Please circle which is appropriate
Polo sweat shirts are available to members and partners (at no additional charge) for those who are attending the reunion. Please note that it may not be possible to change shirts if you order the wrong size(s). / Member Size:
S SM M L
XL XXL XXXL
Partner Size:
S SM M L
XL XXL XXXL / Please circle which is appropriate

To allow some time in planning activities at Merimbula, please indicate by ticking the following boxes if you wish to partake in any of the following on Saturday 10 November 2012. Note that the Whale watching tour must be pre-paid to ensure your place.

Time / Event / Member Attending / Partner Attending
0830 Hours / Tour to Eden, visiting the Killer Whale Museum and Marine Discovery Centre. A boat tour out of Merimbula with, hopefully, sightings of some whales. Lunch is included. Cost: $121 per person (note: this tour is limited to 100 people). Return to Merimbula Beach Holiday Park about 1600 Hours.
OR
PLEASE BOOK DIRECT WITH THE GOLF CLUB. Golf at the 18 hole Pambula Merimbula Golf Club ( / Phone 02 6495 6154. Cost: $40 per person for 18 holes and $15 per person for golf clubs and “push” buggy.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO:

HQ 1 ATF ASSOC,

PO Box 325, Gladesville NSW 1675

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