30 April 2006 - Tableland Nasho’s Branch News

Tableland Branch Nashos have been busy over the past few months with various activities across the north. ANZAC Day commemorations were organised and observed by members at numerous centres across the Tableland. Good attendances were recorded at all centres. A good public response was received for the sale of ANZAC badges and thanks goes out to those that made contributions.

Members travelled to Cardwell on 30 April 2006 to participate in the 64th Anniversary Commemoration Service of Battle of the Coral Sea 1942. A memorial service followed a march to the Coral Sea Battle Memorial Park. General Peter Cosgrove acted as guest speaker for the occasion and commented on the good turnout and dress standards of the Nashos. One highlight of the ceremony was the simultaneous laying of wreaths by the Branch Presidents from five North Queensland Branches, Tableland, Cairns, Innisfail, Ingham and Townsville. People attending had lunch in a very pleasant setting on the foreshore of the park. In the first National Service scheme between 1951 and 1959, conscripts did their training in intakes at naval establishment across three Australian states.

Far northern members travelled to Townsville on 27 March to attend the unveiling and dedication of a special Memorial to National Servicemen at Rowes Bay Park. The black granite memorial is oval in shape and features a map of Australia and the three Service Badges and inscription.

Some members are currently planning their attendance at the 2006 State Conference at Acacia Ridge from 7-10 September and the National Servicemen's 55th Anniversary National Reunion at Gosford from 17-23 October.

Many enquiries are being received about the Australian Defence Medal. People that completed their National Service obligation are eligible for the medal.

Further details about any Branch activities can be obtained from the Branch Secretary, John Hardy (Ph 0408 939 910). Branch meetings are held at the Nasho’s shelter at the Rocky Creek War Memorial Park on the first Sunday of each month.

Branch Presidents laying wreaths at Cardwell’s Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorations. L to R Warren Hegarty Townsville, John Pearson Ingham, John Ahlers Tableland, Phil Pearce Innisfail and Fred Cave Cairns along with an RAAF representative

Appreciation Certificates being presented to Branch supporter members by Branch President Don Locarnini. L to R - Shirley McIntyre, Jess Ahlers, Heather Kraft, Margaret Chester and Linda Fitzgerald

National Servicemen from Cairns , Innisfail and the Tableland commemorating National Servicemen’s Day at Atherton Click here for more detailed picture

A good turnout of far northern ex-national servicemen and their supporters were present on 14 February at ANZAC Park, Atherton to commemorate National Service Day; marking the day the last Nasho’s marched out of camp. It is a time to remember their fallen comrades, 2 being killed in Borneo in 1966 and 210 killed in Vietnam between 1968 and 1972. In addition, 1479 national servicemen were wounded in these conflicts.

Former national serviceman, Padre Des Pritchard provided spiritual and musical support during the program while the guest speaker Lt Colonel (Retd) Bill McDonald of Mareeba provided an interesting delivery. The service was followed by a buffet luncheon at the RSL where State Management Committee representative John Hardy explained further details of the proposed Wacol heritage precinct relocation.

Tableland Branch members also traveled to Cairns to participate in their commemorations on the previous Sunday.

The National Servicemen's Association now has branches Australia-wide and is the second-largest ex-service organisation after the RSL. Members are invited to the Tableland Branch AGM to be held at the Rocky Creek Nasho Shelter on Sunday 5 March at 1030 hours followed by a BYO lunch. Presentation of Branch Certificates of Appreciation will follow.

Anyone wishing to find out further details about these or any other branch activities should contact Secretary Boyd McQueen on 4091 7335.