NEWS
NEWSLETTER, March 2024.
85th Year of the Corps of Commissionaires In Australia.
On behalf of The Committee, I extend greetings to all Members. The Corps’ 2023 AGM was held on the 24th of February at The Repat. 13 members attended and 10 apologies were received.
Minutes of the previous AGM, held on the12th of November, 2022 at the R.A.C.V. Club, were tabled and accepted.
Reports were tabled by the President, Treasurer and Membership Officer. The Minutes of the 2023 AGM are available to any member on request. As mentioned in previous Newsletters, the matter of the future of The Corps needed to be discussed and an open exchange of ideas took place.
It was agreed by those present, and along with the few replies I have received from previous requests for opinions, that The Corps of Commissionaires Association AUSTRALIA was no longer viable as an ex-service Association and therefore should begin the process of “winding down”.
It was decided by a unanimous agreement that “this should not be a drawn-out process”. Hence a number of decisions were made.
That The Corps would cease operating as an Incorporated Association on the 30th of April, 2024.
That R S L Victoria be informed of The Corps’ decision. That the opportunity to join the Corps UK Veterans Association as individual Associate Members be explored by the President with the Commanding Officer of the Corps U K.
That monies in The Corps’ bank account would be dispersed amongst ex-service, veteran supporting organisations and TS VOYAGER Naval Cadets. A discussion then began regarding such distribution of funds, facilitated by the Treasurer.
The Treasurer proposed that a donation be made to the Repatriation Hospital, Heidelberg. Unanimously carried.
The Treasurer proposed that a donation be made to TS VOYAGER Naval Cadets to support the purchase of a Rescue boat. (This stemmed from a request by the C.O. of TS VOYAGER for support funding made to the President). Unanimously carried. That The Corps consider a donation to The Shrine of Remembrance as a permanent legacy and “footprint” of The Corps’ presence in Australia. Unanimously carried. Subsequent to the AGM, The Shrine was contacted to explore possibilities of such a legacy.
Any further suggestions for donations to organisations such as Legacy, Carry On, Soldier On, would be considered from members before the 30th of April, 2024.
That the Melbourne ANZAC Day March, 2024 would be the final formal Parade of The Corps of Commissionaires Association, AUSTRALIA.
Yet To Be Confirmed (in the April Newsletter): The Corps will assemble by 0830, Flinders Street, west of Swanston Street, north side. Step off at 0930.
A section of the Duke of Wellington Hotel, Corner Russell and Flinders Streets has been reserved for a “Corps get together” at approx. 1100 after we return from The Shrine.
Those present gathered at The Corps Plaque to place a Wreath in memory of past Commissionaires. The Repatriation Hospital extended a permanent invitation to all Corps Members to attend any Service held at The Remembrance Garden for as long as they wished to do so.
Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Easter.
LEST WE FORGET
NEWSLETTER, March 2024.
ANZAC Day 2024
85th Year of the Corps of Commissionaires In Australia.
On behalf of The Committee, I forward the 2024 ANZAC Day Newsletter to you all, with greetings and best wishes for a memorable ANZAC Day.
Before I outline the arrangements for this years’ March to The Shrine, below is an invitation to join the ANZAC Day Observance at the Repatriation Hospital, Heidelberg, during which a Wreath will be laid at The Corps’ Plaque.
On behalf of all Members, I thank The Repat for their kind invitation.
Austin Health is pleased to invite you to the
Observance Ceremony for ANZAC Day 2024. 10.30am Wednesday 24 April 2024
The service will be held in the Remembrance Garden, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.
Medals to be worn. Wives and family especially invited. Wreaths can be laid.
If closer parking is required, please enter via Gate 9 Waterdale Road.
RSVP: siobhan.hodgins@austin.org.au Ph: 03 9496 2290 By 19 April 2024
Siobhan Hodgins Veteran Liaison 0411 544 912 | 03 9496 2290
Ground Floor, North Wing Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital 300 Waterdale Road, Ivanhoe PO Box 5444, Victoria, 3079 www.austin.org.au
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
As I have informed you all, The Corps will cease operating as an Incorporated Association on the 30th of April, 2024 and R S L Victoria has been informed of The Corps’ decision.
The Corps has made a donation to The Shrine of Remembrance as a permanent legacy and “footprint” of The Corps’ presence in Australia. More information on this will be forthcoming in the future.
The Melbourne ANZAC Day March 2024, will be the last official Parade of The Corps of Commissionaires Association, AUSTRALIA.
The Corps will assemble by 0830, Flinders Street, west of Swanston Street, north side. Step off by 0935. (Confirmed Order of March, RSL Victoria, Jason COOKE, Chief Marshall).
On behalf of the Committee, I urge as many of you as possible to attend. I know of at least 2 Members who are travelling from interstate to participate in this our last Parade.
Although there will be some sadness at this March, we should all use the day to reflect on The Corps’ presence in Australia for 85 years, and remember those Corps members who are no longer with us and their, and our own, contributions to the Corps of Commissionaires, AUSTRALIA.
A section of the Duke of Wellington Hotel, Corner Russell and Flinders Streets (146 Flinders Street) has been reserved for a “Corps get together” at approx. 1100 after we return from The Shrine.
Let me know if you can make it (0422142615) and I’ll see you there!! LEST WE FORGET |
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