We celebrated our 100 year Milestone with our Centenary Dinner on 12th October 2019, at the Morphett Vale Function Centre. The Governor of South Australia His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le, AC, and his wife Mrs Lan Le attended and also Trevor Whitelaw Vice President and Chair RSL SA and wife Jo. Other dignitaries included Keith Payne VC with wife Florence, Janice Sliby Deputy Commissioner DVA SA and husband Garry.
A new Sign recognising our Centenary was donated by Colin Smith owner of SignBoys, and was unveiled by his Excellency. One hundred bottles of special wine had been bottled, labeled and donated by d’Arenberg Wines to recognise our occasion. A special thanks was given to d’Arry and d’Arenberg Winery for their generosity. D’Arry’s father Frank was our inaugural President. Around 111 attended including Kindred Sub Branches Morphett Vale RSL, Willunga RSL, Port Noarlunga Christies Beach RSL, Goolwa RSL, and Colonel Light Gardens RSL.
We hosted the Southern Metro & Alexandrina Combined RSL Sub-Branches Conference this morning, and were delighted to have 25 visiting President and Secretary Delegates plus our own President Brian Flavel and Secretary Cliff Gibson. Our regional Co-ordinator, Rod Murray was unable to attend, but Trevor Whitelaw OAM State Board Chairman & President of Brighton Sub-Branch, Chaired the meeting. Cheryl Cates, Vice President of the State Board supported, and Bill Hignett, Chairman Veterans Centre at Plympton/Glenelg RSL gave a Power Point Presentation on Advocacy. Sub-Branches represented were McLaren Vale, Port Noarlunga/Christies, Marion, Morphett Vale, Pt Elliot, Colonel Light Gardens, Goolwa, Blackwood, Willunga, Victor Harbor, Plympton/Glenelg, Mitcham, and Brighton. RSL Yankalilla and RSL Kangaroo Island were apologies. It was an informative meeting, and guests were treated to an excellent array of platters containing meat, cheese, scones and other finger food prepared by Marilyn Gibson and Darryl Alsop, before they left.
The RSL McLaren Vale Sub-Branch unveiled a banner announcing and Celebrating the beginning of our 100th year of Service to our Veterans and families, our Members and our Community on January 1st 2019 at 1200hrs (12 Noon).
The small ceremony entailed unveiling the secured banner on the Clubrooms at 2, Aldersey Street, with a few words from our Centenary Coordinator Rob Richards.
A light lunch followed consisting of cold chicken, salad, and crusty bread with a glass of bubbly. Approx 30 people attended.
Our Flagpole Dedication was completed successfully thanks to Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP and Father Brenton Dick. Thanks to all who attended and made it a great event.
ANZAC Day, 25th April each year, marks 100+ years since the Gallipoli landings. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. However, ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915. It is recognised by Australians as one of our most important days of national commemoration. It is the day on which we honour and remember the Australians who served and those who died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It also honours and remembers our Nurses who looked after the wounded and dying in unimaginable conditions, without regard for their own safety. Lest we forget.
RSL McLaren & District Sub-Branch commemorates ANZAC Day with a special Dawn Service at the McLaren Vale Memorial Park, Gemmel Tassie Reserve, in Valley View Drive, starting at 6.00am, each year. The Australian National Flag, Naval Ensign & RAAF Ensign will be flown during the service. RAAF & Navy Cadets will assist with raising the flags.
Please be present by 5.45am and bring a chair and torch if required.
Australian Airforce Cadets will mount a Catafalque Party at the Memorial at 5:45am followed by a party of veteran flag bearers. The Service will open with a welcome from Master of Ceremonies followed by an address by the Sub-Branch President. The Scripture reading will be by our Pastor.
Community members will have the opportunity to lay Wreaths and Tributes. Please let us know if you wish to be recognized as you do so.
Gunfire Breakfast will be held as usual at the RSL McLaren Vale Clubrooms after conclusion of the Service, for Donation. All are welcome.
LEST WE FORGET.
RSL McLaren Vale Clubrooms are situated on the corner of Aldersey Street & Tatachilla Road. McLaren Vale.
Phone. 8323 8124.
Advocacy: Ex Service Persons’ Pension Office, The Returned & Services League of Australia, McLaren Vale & District Sub Branch Inc.
Email: darryl.oxford@gmail.com or call Mobile 0432 959 005.
Or: Craig Schuberg 0430 140 367.
The Ex-Service Persons’ Pension Office offers a free Advocacy service to all serving or ex- serving members of the Australian Defence Forces, plus members of the Australian Federal Police who may be eligible for assistance for any claims through the Department Of Veterans Affairs. (more…)
