MESSAGE from the President – April 2008

A much belated welcome to members and families for ‘08.  At the speed which things are happening it will be time for Bundaberg before you can say DDG42 now DDG39. 

Again we had a well attended AGM at the Bicton Palmyra RSL club.  The President and members there always make us very welcome, and as they have excellent facilities we are able to produce our own excellent food, thanks of course to the wonderful ladies.  Financially, while we are in quite a good position, we do have to ensure that any function etc that we do have does not run at a loss and thus ensure the association viability.  I am happy to report that we have not lost money since we moved the AGM etc to Bicton Palmyra.

Treasurer Fred Varris and wife Yvonne have taken off on an extended caravan holiday and we trust they are enjoying a hassle free and relaxing time.

Also discussed at the meeting was the move to refurbish the Hobart memorial in Victor Harbour South Australia.  We are fortunate that Mr Brian Thorpe, a member of Yankalilla Bay RSL , and who instigated the move is taking such a keen interest and also chasing down grants to help get the job done.  Also thanks to Bud and Lyn Abbott from NSW who spent some time there last year taking photographs and putting forward ideas etc.

The reason for the make-over is that there is very little information regarding Hobart’s history, why the anchor points in the direction it does etc.  Also there is not even a decent photograph of her.  With a bit of luck, lots of cooperation and if necessary scrounging for more funds, this project will be completed to coincide with the commencement of construction of the Hobart in 2011.  Stay tuned for more info on both memorial and progress of the new Hobart.

A newspaper article related to the Australia American Association being given a hard time with regards to using the Fremantle War Memorial to conduct the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial service.  While they will now be able to use the memorial, we have written to the Mayor of Fremantle expressing our displeasure.  (see attached copy of article).

We are also looking at updating our name badges to include the ship’s badge, plus we are getting quotes on having our own Hobart polo shirts with pocket produced.  Price etc will be advised when confirmed.

Anzac Day
Quite happy with the turnout this year, but as always  a lot not there.  We would certainly like to see more.  We know some members have commitments elsewhere, but there are still a lot of members and non members for varying reasons who don’t join in.  Please give it some serious thought for next year because we are it!  If we can’t keep up the tradition it will fall into a rather large black hole.  Remember, you do not have to be a member of the association to march.

After our march and commemoration service the function way this year held at the home of the President and wife in Bull Creek, the change due to the fact that Fred and Yvonne moved to Cunderdin.   Thanks to Fred and Yvonne for hosting the function for all of those years prior.  They were all good fun.  Attendance at the function was great, but again more would be even better!  Must mention that it was good to see Peggy Blain and Molly Wreford join us.  Both their ‘boys’ were great supporters before their passing and we are delighted the girls continue to support us.

Now for a few thank you’s:
Firstly the ladies who jumped in and helped prepare food, brought along various dishes and sweets etc.  Thank you. 
To Mr Phillips who couldn’t make it but took the trouble of dropping around 2 classic bottles of port for our raffle.
Finally to Gareth Watts and Brian (Tex) Morton for going out of their way to pick up a few of the more senior ladies and gents and getting them to and from the function.  Thanks guys!

In all, a wonderful day.  Next year we will supply ear plugs so the girls aren’t deafened by the gunfire and wellies in case they step in the bull……..!

Moving on, as most are aware the next Hobart reunion will be held in October 2009.  As you are aware there is a dedicated reunion site: www.hmashobartasswa.com.lau and all info regarding the runion can be found there.  We will of course promote it on these pages and hope that we end up with the usual excellent representation from Western Australia.

Now I would like to clear up a few points regarding reunions from a West Aussie perspective.  Up until the Orange reunion HMAS Hobart reunions had been pretty much non existent.  However due to the personal efforts of Ethel Etherington and Dutchy Van Thiel and their wives, and notwithstanding the fact that it was not endorsed by the NSW association, the Orange reunion went ahead, was extremely well supported by Hobartians from all states and was a very successful HMAS Hobart national reunion.  I would also like to suggest that perhaps there were shipmates there that were not members of their own state association.  All we can do is encourage people to join but if they choose not to for whatever reason, that is their choice.  NSW president Bill Bowley raises the point about those who only attend annual reunions. From a WA perspective, we are delighted to catch up with old shipmates every two years.

Reflecting back to the Orange reunion, it was there that the decision was made, after asking a number of attendees, that yes we would hold reunions in the future and they would be every second year, and SA put their hand up for 2001, WA 2003, and again in 05 for Hobart.  Had WA not put the hand up for 05 there would probably not have been a reunion that year and possibly reunions may have fallen in a big hole.  As has been the practise in the past the next reunion as announced on the night of the gala dinner.  Nominations from states have been called for via the website months in advance.  Hence in Tasmania the only people that made it known they would be prepared to run the next reunion were the Mildura guys.

Prior to the gala dinner at Mildura, several states nominated for 09.  The Balina reunion”wasnot” ignored by the ‘committee’ at Mildura.  What was considered though was the input from attendees who clearly wanted a reunion in 09.  Where was not the issue.  Additionally we were advised that Balina was a one off primarily for Cruiser guys!!  Without fear of contradiction, at the conclusion of the gala dinner, and hearing how the cruiser gentlemen and ladies were enjoying everything, the decision to go with Bundaberg in 09 was spot on.  In spite of the fact that the 09 reunion would go ahead, at no stage was there any suggestion that Balina should not or would not be supported. Incidentally I don’t’ recall any dates being published for the Balina reunion prior to Mildura.

Anyway, Mildura is now just a very pleasant memory and we look forward to Bundaberg in 2009.

For West Australian Hobartians, don’t forget our Spring Barbeque, which will be held at 1100 Sunday 22 November 2008

We will of course be keeping everyone up to date on events,  particularly the progress of the new Hobart DDG39.

All the best for now.

Trevor Cangemi