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BRANCH ACTIVITIES AND NEWS.
Written by Howie Campbell on Nov. 14, 2009
On 8th November 2009, my wife Anne & I attended The Victorian RAAF Associations Pilgrimage to RAAF POINT COOK. This was followed by the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the WW2 members who seved at No1 Radio School at this unit. Many of those people went on to serve as radio technicians on the many radar units (142) scattered around Austarlia and the Pacific. Speeches were made by G Mannion and Alex Culvenor(President of RAAF Radar Association Vic)and AIRCDRE Ken Watson.It was an extremely hot day and a few of the RAAF cadets in the flag and support party collapsed. At the completion of the two ceremonies, we ajourned to an area under the pine trees, not far from the airstrip, for a delightful BBQ lunch. During this time, several Tiger Moths and a Winjeel, took off and landed, much to our delight.We spent a week in Melbourne visiting relatives and friends, and made a two day trip home to Springfield without incedent.

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Written by Howie Campbell on Nov. 14, 2009
)n 11th October, my wife Anne & I, drove to Newcastle to attend the "welcome Home" parade of members of 41 Wing from AFGHANISTAN. Over 200 smartly turned out men & women, led by the RAAF Cental Band, marched to a site near Newcasle Customs House, to be inspected by Minister Greg Combert and the Chief of the Air Force. A very sincere welcome home speech was made by the Mayor of Newcastle. This group of personnel were in control of an extremely dangerous and active airspace over Afghanistan for more than two years.After the parade was dismissed, a lunch was served and we were able to meet many of our new veterans and families. The latest Air defence radar was on display, and created great interest to the onlookers. We have over 400 new veterans in our radar family, and they have done us proud.GPCAPT Darryl Hunter, OC 41 Wing Led this group an is congratulated on the excellent organization of this event.( Ably assisted by FSGT Andy Earl)


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Written by Howie Campbell on Nov. 14, 2009
150 Ex & serving members of No2 Control & Reporting Unit LEE POINT RAAF DARWIN, attended the 50th anniversary reunion of the formation of this unit in Darwin from 19th to 27th September 2009. Many events were organized by the wonderful Darwin committee, headed by Gail(Mapstone) Snell and her daughter Sgt Leslie Stowers. Events included a combined Sgts & Officers Dinning In night at the Sgts Mess RAAF Darwin,a formal dinner at the Casino,several bus trips to the old 2CARU radar site, Aviation Museum an trips to the Adelaide River War Memorial Cemetary, and the Railway Station Museum at Adelaide River.A visit to the 114 Mobile Control & Reporting Unit on RAAF Darwin included an informative talk about what our current radar family is up to. A commemorative service for the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the men & women who seved at 2CARU Lee Point from 1960 to 2002 was held at Bicentennial Park on the Darwin Esplanade, in the presence of the Administrator,
Mayor and senior serving ADF officers, and a large crowd. Speeches were made by Gail Snell( first post WW2 Radar Operator) Howard Campbell (Secretary RADAR Branch RAAF Assoc NSW)SQNLDR Peter Janssen (Last CO of 2 CRU)GPCAPT Daryl Hunter OC 41 Wing EASTROC RAAF WILLIAMTOWN). The Dedication and Benediction was carried out bt Chaplain James Larkham. A delightful morning tea was provided by the Darwin CWA ladies. It was extremely hot and humid, and many of us older hands had forgotten how bad it is in Darwin during th "pre-wet" season. Altogether a most memorable occasion.


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Written by Richard (Dick) Wills BEM on Sep. 13, 2009
The Ballina Branch held a "Battle of Britain' commemorative service at the Ballina RSL Memorial on Sunday 13th September 2009. More than 100 people attended on a beautiful Ballina Spring day. With President Dick M.C., The service address was given by Flight Lieutenant Roy Nuttycomb CO of 326 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets. Mrs Dinah Manson spoke of memories from the era, Dinah was a WAAF joining up in 1941. Piper Mr Graham Broadhead (editor of the local newspaper) with cadets from 326 Squadron paraded the National Flags and the RAAF Ensign, Mr. Les Hale Ex RAN paraded the White Ensign. Local MP Mr Don Page and Ballina Mayor Mr. Phillip Silver Participated in the service. At the luncheon following the service RAAFA Ballina presented donations to 326 Squadron and RSL Life Care (previously Ex-Services Home Ballina).
Ballina Branch meets, third Thursday of each month at 11.00am at the Ballina RSL Club new members and visitors welcome.

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Written by 10SQN/11SQN on Jul. 15, 2009
7OTH ANNIVERSARY
THIS YEAR MARKS THE 7OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF NUMBER 10 AND NUMBER 11 SQUADRONS IN 1939.

AN INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO THOSE EX-SQUADRON MEMBERS OF 10 SQN, 11 SQN OR 492SQN OR WHO HAVE FLOWN, MAINTAINED AND SUPPORTED THE CATALINA, SUNDERLAND OR NEPTUNE AIRCRAFT TO ATTEND ON 24TH-26TH SEPTEMBER 2009 AT RAAF BASE EDINBURGH.

FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE FOUND ON

www.ednwelfare.com.au

OR BY EMAIL TO:
edn92wg.orionanniversary.com.au

or you can write to:
70TH COMMITTEE
C/O ORDERLY ROOM
11 SQN
PO BOX 1500
RAAF EDINBURGH SA 5111

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Website: www.ednwelfare.com.au
Written by ACS ASSOCIATION NSW BRANCH on Jul. 15, 2009
COMBINED ACS NATIONAL REUNION.

THE REUNION IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN MELBOURNE FROM 15TH TO 17 FEBRUARY 2010.

INFORMATION CAN BE SOUGHT FROM :
IAN BUTCHER
UNIT 4 / 251 TUCKER RD
ORMOND VICTORIA 3204

OR
ian.butcher@bigpond.com

OR THE WEBSITE LISTED BELOW

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Website: www.homestead.com/flyingshovels.com
Written by RAAF ASSOC. NSW DIVISION on Jul. 13, 2009
TOCUMWAL HISTORIC AERODROME MUSEUM

The 14th October 2010 will be the 50th Anniversary of the final lowering of the RAAF Ensign at the Tocumwal Aerodrome on that date in 1960.

To commemorate the RAAF involvement at Tocumwal a 28 foot - 8.4 mtrs - replica Liberator is under construction to pole mount at Tocumwal.

Over 12,634 RAAF and WAAAF personnel served there along with 7,000 USAAC on rotation. Aircraft included Liberator, Flying Fortress, Beaufort, Hudson, Beaufighter, Kittyhawk, Spitfire, Mustang and Vultee Vengeance who practiced live bombing.

The Tocumwal Historic Aerodrome Museum is inviting membership at $11 per annum and all ex-RAAF and WAAAF veterans and family to attend this commemoration on 14th October 2010.

Further information can be had from President Bob Brown (03) 5874 2795 and V/P David Grant (03)5864 6587 or by email: rmbrown@aapt.net.au

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Written by RAAF ASSOCIATION NSW DIVISION on Jul. 13, 2009
EAST TIMOR SOLIDARITY MEDAL

The East Timorese Solidarity Medal was introduced by the President of East Timor in recognition of forces involved in the contribution to stability and peace operations in East Timor. The commencement date is 6 May 2006 and qualification for the medal is:
a. Having served a minimum of 180 days continuous or accrued service in East Timor from 1st May 2006; or

b. Nominations will be considered for personnel that have served a minimum of 120 days from 1st May 2006; or

c. Nominations will be considered for personnel who served with a start date in May or June 2006 for a period at least 90 days; or

d. The President of the Republic may consider extra-ordinary cases outside the above time-periods. Apllications for extra-ordinary cases must be approved and submitted through the Department of Defence in Canberra, to be considered and approved by the President of the Republic.

Eligible Defence personnel who may be approved for unrestricted acceptance and wearing of the medal are ADF personnel assigned for service as part of the ADF contribution in East Timor and Defence civilians serving in East Timor under the auspices of the Defence Force Discipline Act.

Application can be made to the;
Director,
Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal
Locked Bag 7765
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610

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Written by DEPARTMENT VETERANS' AFFAIRS on Jul. 13, 2009
PARTICIPATION OF ex-AIR FORCE and ex- NAVY PERSONNEL IN THE VIETNAM VETERANS' FAMILY STUDY.

Air Force & Naval personnel who served during 1962-1975, whether they deployed to Vietnam or not, are welcome to participate in the VVFS.
The VVFS will help us obtain a better understanding of the impact of war service on the health and well being of the families of veterans.

More information on the study is available by contacting the DVA Health Study Line on 1800 502 302 or on the website at www.dva.gov.au/vvfs


Website: www.dva.gov.au
Written by AVADSC National Council on Jul. 13, 2009
Robotic assisted prostatectomy

We have received a number of requests for robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. In 2006, the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC – the body which advises the Government about items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule) evaluated the use of robotic assisted surgery compared to open radical prostatectomy in terms of safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The MSAC review concluded that there was uncertainty about the comparative cost-effectiveness of robotic laparoscopic surgery as a shorter period of hospitalisation does not offset the additional costs involved. MSAC also noted that there was insufficient evidence on long-term outcomes compared to an open radical prostatectomy, that is the remission rates associated with incomplete removal of the cancerous tissue. Open radical prostatectomy is still considered the “gold standard” for this type of procedure.

Consequently, DVA does not accept financial responsibility for robotic assisted surgery, whether requested by a doctor or hospital - except in rare cases where significant clinical evidence has been provided to support its use as the only viable treatment option. Any request for exceptional circumstances to support the funding of robotic surgery is considered on a case-by-case basis and should be submitted to DVA for approval prior to the surgery taking place.

This request must be made by the treating doctor. DVA will not fund robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy on the basis of veteran’s or surgeon’s personal preference for this procedure. If the robotic assisted surgery is provided without DVA approval - either not obtaining it or proceeding having been rejected by DVA - then DVA will only fund the surgery at the equivalent DVA fee for the open radical prostatectomy.

In terms of requests from hospitals, DVA will not fund requests for the same reasons outlined above.

DVA’s decision in this matter reflects a Departmental position to fund the requested treatment. It is not a direction to the treating doctor on whether to undertake the surgery, which is clearly a medical judgement.

Written by Gordon Johnstone on Jul. 3, 2009
AIRTC AND AAFC BRANCH
VALE BOB FORSAYTH
On of our long serving membes, Bob Forsayth, died peacefully on 25th June 2009 at Hornsby Hospital.
Bob served with No 32 Squadron during WWII, and later joined the New South Wales Squadron of the Air Training Corps. Bob was an Officer on the Reserve, and instructed at No 5 Flight at Frenchs Forest, later being promoted to Squadron Leader (AAFC) and appointed as Squadron Training Officer for NSW.
Bob joined the AIRTC and AAFC Branch soon after it was granted its' charter, and remained a member right through, rarely missing a meeting.
He was honoured with Life Membership of the RAAF Association in 2001.
Bob will be sadly missed.

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Written by WRAAF REUNION 2009 on Apr. 9, 2009
WOMEN'S ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
1951-1977

THE LAST NATIONAL REUNION OF THE WRAAF TO BE HELD IN NSW WILL TAKE PLACE FROM
16TH - 18TH OCTOBER 2009
IN SYDNEY.

ALL WRAAF - WAAAF - FEMALE RAAF ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

ALL ENQUIRIES TO THE SECRETARY, MARGARET WELLS,
18 WOODLAND AVENUE HAZELBROOK 2779.

(02) 4758 7153

Written by RAAF ASSOC. NSW DIVISION on Apr. 9, 2009
AUSTRALIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL - KOREA FOR POST ARMISTICE SERVICE.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN HAS GIVEN HER
IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL TO THE AWARD OF THE AUSTRALIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL FOR KOREA
(AGSM). THE AGSM WILL BE ISSUED TO THOSE FORMER DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL WHO COMPLETED 30 DAYS IN SOUTH KOREA DURING THE POST-ARMISTICE PERIOD FROM 28TH JULY 1953 TO 19 APRIL 1956. THE 30-DAY ELIGIBILITY CRITERION FOR THE AGSM IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE POST-ARMISTICE KOREAN SERVICE REVIEW REPORT,WHICH WAS RELEASED IN DECEMBER 2005.
ALTHOUGH THE AGSM HAS NOW RECEIVED IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL, IT STILL NEEDS TO BE FORTMALLY ESTABLISHED THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF LETTERS PATENT AND REGULATIONS WHICH AGAIN REQUIRE APPROVAL BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
THIS,TOGETHER WITH THE PROCESS OF FINALISING MEDAL DESIGN AND THE MANUFACTURING ASPECT CAN TAKE SOME TIME, BUT DEFENCE HAS MADE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW MEDAL A PRIORITY SO THAT IT SHOULD BEGIN BEING ISSUED IN EARLY 2010.

ISSUED BY
DIRECTORATE OF HONOURS AND AWARDS
T-1-49
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
CANBERRA ACT 2600
APRIL 2009

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Written by WRAAF BRANCH REUNION RAAFA on Mar. 27, 2009
WRAAF NATIONAL REUNION SYDNEY 2009


FRIDAY 16/10/09 MEET AND GREET
SATURDAY 17/10/09 REUNION LUNCHON
SATURDAY 17/10/09 HARBOUR LIGHTS CRUISE
SUNDAY 18/10/09 GARRISON CHURCH THE ROCKS
SUNDAY 18/10/09 TOUR OF KOKODA TRACK MEMORIAL WALK CONCORD

FULL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
SECRETARY WRAAF BRANCH MARGARET WELLS
(02) 47 58 71 53
18 WOODLANDS AVENUE
HAZELBROOK NSW 2779

Written by Howie CAMPBELL on Dec. 15, 2008
The RADAR BRANCH of the RAAF Association NSW is recruiting post WW2 members of ALL personnel who have,or are serving on RAAF AIR DEFENCE UNITS. This includes all musterings. We also invite ex and serving Air Traffic Controllers to join our branch.Any personnel who are serving in Maritime Squadrons are also welcome. The branch has a good working relationship with 41 Wing and 44 Wing at EASTROC at RAAF Williamtown. New membership subs can now be paid on line.Contact RAAF Association NSW raafansw@bigpond.com.au ph 02 9377 3485. Howie Campbell Secretary/Welfare Officer Radar Branch. 02 4322 1505

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