Navy Victoria Network
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28 Mar 2013 | Click here to view Melbourne's Anzac Day march assembly plan for 2013. |
27 Mar 2013 |
HMAS Perth National Association (Vic Area) Anzac Day Media
Release![]() The HMAS Perth National Association (Vic Area) and the USS Houston Association have hatched a plan for Melbourne’s 2013 Anzac Day march. For the first time in the history of these two warships, the USS Houston banner will parade together with the HMAS Perth banner at Anzac Day in Melbourne, 25th April 2013. The USS Houston Association has generously agreed to send out their banner for this one day in Australia’s memorial calendar celebrations. With this in mind, it is the intention of the Perth Association, together with the family and friends of these ship’s, to try and make Anzac Day an even more memorable occasion for the five remaining HMAS Perth 1 men living in Victoria. More..... |
26 Mar 2013 |
Looking After Young Minds and the Community The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has joined with school children and teachers to launch the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) education resources for 2013 and remind local communities to apply for funding under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program. Speaking at Bradshaw Primary School, Minister Snowdon reinforced the Australian Government’s commitment to nurturing future minds and ensuring the appropriate commemoration of Australia’s wartime history. More..... |
25 Mar 2013 |
Inquiry into eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today announced the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will inquire into eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was instituted by the former Government of the Republic of Vietnam for service during the Vietnam War. The award was offered to a range of countries that assisted that Government during the Vietnam War, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. More..... |
25 Mar 2013 |
![]() Today, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, officially opened the Defence Archive Centre at Fort Queenscliff. “Fort Queenscliff is a fundamental part of the local Queenscliffe and Geelong communities, and the establishment of the Defence Archive Centre reaffirms Defence’s commitment to retaining a presence at the Fort,” Senator Feeney said. More..... |
25 Mar 2013 |
View our
March newsletter. NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't received your March newsletter by email, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect. To correct this, please email the and he will copy and amend your address. |
25 Mar 2013 |
Royal Australian Navy and Royal Thai Navy exercise joint
war-fighting skills![]() The Royal Australian Navy, supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, has conducted a highly successful maritime exercise with the Royal Thai Navy, demonstrating yet again how well the two nations can operate effectively together. The Australian Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Parramatta travelled to Thailand in March to conduct Exercise AUSTHAI 2013 with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTM Ships Rattanakosin and Phutthayotfa Chulalok. More..... |
23 Mar 2013 |
Sons of ANZAC’s Vietnam Memorial Tour In 2015 it will be the centennial of the landing at Anzac Cove and coincidentally a significant anniversary for Vietnam Veterans, being 50 years since the deployment of our first battle group. That deployment went on to last 10 years. More..... |
23 Mar 2013 |
NCCV Newsletter Click here to view the Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria's March newsletter 'Rogue's Yarn'. |
22 Mar 2013 |
HMAS Childers recovers survivors from the water![]() HMAS Childers and the crew of Ardent Six (Lieutenant Commander Chris Brough) have been instrumental in recovering 77 survivors from wreckage 60 nautical miles north of Ashmore Island. Responding to a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre Australia via Joint Task Force (JTF) 639, the Armidale Class Patrol Boat recovered all survivors from the broken up vessel in little more than an hour after arriving on scene on 13 March. More..... |
22 Mar 2013 |
Fair Work Ombudsman on board with Reservists Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Defence, to strengthen processes to manage their shared workforce. The agreement pledges the Fair Work Ombudsman�����s commitment to supporting Reservists and releasing them to undertake Defence service. More..... |
22 Mar 2013 |
COALITION SUPPORT FOR VETERANS LEGISLATION WELCOME This week, the Government introduced the Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Military Compensation Review and Other Measures) Bill 2013. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon said in the 2012 Budget, the Government allocated $17.4 million over four years to respond to the comprehensive report of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. It agreed to implement 96 of the 108 recommendations from the review. More..... |
20 Mar 2013 |
Government Delivers More Support To Veteran and ADF
Communities Current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families, will benefit from improved military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements through new legislation introduced to Parliament today. More..... |
20 Mar 2013 |
NEW PENSION RATES FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY BEGIN TODAY New pension and income support payments rates for veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers across Australia come into effect from today, 20 March 2013. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said today’s increase is part of the bi-annual indexation process. Veterans, partners, war widows and widowers will also receive a boost to their payments through the Clean Energy Supplement, a regular payment under the Household Assistance Package to help meet household costs associated with the carbon price.” The first payday which will include payments under the new rates will be 4 April 2013. More..... |
20 Mar 2013 |
Slow and steady steals the show at Grand Prix![]() Members of the Navy Steam Club (NSC) from HMAS Cerberus had the unique opportunity to showcase the historic 1923 Foden Steam Wagon at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix (F1GP), held at Albert Park Raceway. The Foden was selected from 900 vintage, classic and veteran vehicles for inclusion in the Automotive Avenue special interest car display at the F1GP. During the event, the Steam Wagon operated as a static display amongst a very select group of 35 vehicles including Concept, Performance, Luxury and Exotic cars. More..... |
20 Mar 2013 |
On The Record - Chief of Navy - Letter to the Editor – The
Mercury Dear Mr Holman, On Monday 18 March 2013 the online version of your newspaper published an editorial which related to the article entitled “Incat sailing at full speed” (17 March 2013). I feel compelled to respond given the highly emotive and inaccurate attack on both the Navy and the Department of Defence. More..... |
20 Mar 2013 |
A must for MTHs of old, or is that
our Boiler makers!! Blacksmiths Festival Set to Fire Up Footscray Fire, anvils, muscle and sweat will intertwine on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March, from 10am at Waterside Forge (corner Bunbury and Maribyrnong Streets), Footscray, with Melbourne’s inaugural International Blacksmiths’ Festival, held on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. Blacksmiths from Belgium, Germany, New Zealand and Australia will assemble to showcase the ancient craft, and bring red hot steel to life over two days. This unique festival will feature blacksmiths forging together to create a chain link sculpture and include demonstrations on metal forging, power hammering and blacksmith striking. Soak up the smell of hot steel while sampling authentic European sausages and waffles, washed down by an ice cold Belgium craft brew. This family friendly event will also include metal sculptures by local artists, roving entertainment, face painting and a rollicking performance by gypsy band Babaganoush. For those fancying a foray into the craft of blacksmithing, make sure you stop by the temporary tool shop to sample the range of anvils, hammers, tongs and other specialist equipment, imported by Angele Schmiedetechnike, one of Europe’s largest blacksmith equipment suppliers. |
19 Mar 2013 |
![]() The Royal Australian Navy-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) directed the boarding of two vessels identified as carrying approximately 1500kg of cannabis in the Gulf of Oman on 15 March 2013. CTF150’s Australian commander, Commodore Charles McHardie, said a helicopter from the Royal Navy vessel Her Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Northumberland observed the crews jettisoning their cargo as Northumberland approached as part of counter-terrorism operations. More..... |
19 Mar 2013 | The RAN's Senior Leadership Group and responsibilities. View..... |
19 Mar 2013 |
Supporting Defence personnel on Anzac Day![]() In the lead-up to Anzac Day, Australians are encouraged to show their support for Australian Defence Force members, particularly those deployed on overseas operations. The most effective way to show support is to send an email message to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au These messages are widely circulated and much appreciated by Defence members. More..... |
19 Mar 2013 |
Inaugural Australia-Vietnam Defence Ministers’ Meeting Today in Canberra, I hosted Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, General Phung Quang Thanh, for the inaugural Annual Australia-Vietnam Defence Ministers’ Meeting. Minister Thanh and I also laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial and called upon the Governor‑General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce. More..... |
18 Mar 2013 |
BOOK LAUNCH![]() "OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND" Author: Dr. John Carroll The HMAS Sydney & VLSV Association (Vic. Inc.), invite you to attend the book launch of "Out of Sight, Out of Mind", on 03 May 2013. More..... |
18 Mar 2013 |
New App Helps Veteran Community Think Before They Drink A new smart phone app helping current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) track their drinking habits was launched today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon. Mr Snowdon said the app ON TRACK with The Right Mix uses mobile technology to encourage users to think about impact of drinking on their lifestyle and physical health by tracking consumption against the impact on their budget, wellbeing and fitness. More..... |
15 Mar 2013 |
![]() HMAS Toowoomba recently participated with other navies in Exercise AMAN 2013 while deployed on maritime security operations in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). Exercise AMAN 2013 was hosted by the Pakistan Navy to promote peace and stability in the region and enhance interoperability among partner naval forces. More..... |
14 Mar 2013 |
Response to allegations of abuse in Defence Minister for Defence Stephen Smith today provided an update to the Parliament on the Government’s response to allegations of sexual or other forms of abuse in Defence. The Minister also tabled the First Interim Report of the independent Defence Abuse Response Taskforce (‘the Taskforce’) to the Minister and the Attorney-General. More..... |
14 Mar 2013 |
Paper presented by the Minister for Defence on The Defence
Abuse Response Taskforce Tabled in conjunction with a Ministerial
Statement Introduction The Government is committed to providing regular reports and updates on its response to allegations of sexual or other forms of abuse in Defence, including to the Parliament. More..... |
14 Mar 2013 |
Navy Squadron takes Avalon trophy 816 Squadron (816 SQN) has returned from the Avalon airshow with a highly sought-after award. The Australian International Airshow is the premier event on Australia’s international aviation calendar and the Military Concours d’Elegance is awarded after judging by a panel comprising representatives of the event organisers Airshows Downunder, the Royal Australian Air Force Association and the Royal Aeronautical Society. More..... |
12 Mar 2013 |
USN Submariner Farewells Aussie Submarine Force![]() In a quiet gathering held at Fleet Base West this week, United States Navy (USN) Exchange Officer Commander Travis Petzoldt was farewelled by his colleagues at Australia’s Submarine Headquarters. During his two year tenure with the Royal Australian Navy, Commander Petzoldt performed the role of ‘Principal Staff Officer – Operations’ for the Submarine Force. During his farewell, Commander Submarines Captain Mark Potter commended Commander Petzolt for his professional knowledge, dedication and unwavering commitment. More..... |
08 Mar 2013 |
Exhibition![]() The Military History and Heritage Victoria Inc (MHHV) and its supporter, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV) will hold a major exhibition at the RHSV. Fear God and Honour the King: HMAS Melbourne (I) (1913-1928) The Exhibition is to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of Australia’s first light cruiser, HMAS Melbourne, in Port Phillip Bay, on 26 March 1913, as part of the new Royal Australian Navy. HMAS Melbourne took the crest of the City of Melbourne and its credo ‘Gather Strength as She Goes’ The exhibition runs from 18 February - 1 May 2013 at the: Royal Historical Society of Victoria 239 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne. Official opening, book launch and lecture 26 March 2013 For further details go to Military History Heritage Victoria website. |
08 Mar 2013 |
Sailors, Ships and Imperial Defence: The early Australian Naval Forces to 1922
One Day Conference at the RHSV. The Military History and Heritage Victoria (MHHV) and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria will hold a one day conference at the RHSV on Saturday 27 April 2013, between 9 am and 4.30 pm For full details go to: Military History Heritage Victoria website |
08 Mar 2013 | Naval Historical Society (Vic) Presidents musings 2013 |
07 Mar 2013 |
DSTO on the cutting edge of maritime security The Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s (DSTO) Adelaide laboratory continues to play an essential role in maritime research for Australia’s future security. In a visit to the site today, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, received briefings from Defence scientists on their work into maritime security. More..... |
06 Mar 2013 |
CHANGES TO AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL ROLL OF HONOUR APPLAUDED The Council of the Australian War Memorial has today agreed to recognise all members of the Australian Defence Force who have died on operational service, including non-warlike operations, on the Roll of Honour. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, applauded the decision of the Council and considers it a timely change as we move towards the Centenary of the First World War and pay special tribute to all those who have served their country. All the names of Defence personnel currently recorded in the Remembrance Book will be added to new bronze panels to be installed on the Roll of Honour wall in the Memorial’s commemorative area. “I am pleased the Council has announced these changes today. The Council’s decision reflects the views and expectations of many in the community on this important issue. This will ensure that those who have served our nation with distinction are properly recognised and I know that this decision will be of special significance for the families involved,” Minister Snowdon said. |
05 Mar 2013 |
For all the 'Old Salts'![]() What is the 'SEA READINESS BADGE'? Worn by eligible Naval Personnel above name tag on right breast to signify that they are qualified and ready for sea service at all levels. i.e., Medically and Dentally fit, weapons qualified. appropriate NBCD qualification etc. Badges and accompanying Sea Going Allowance are tiered as follows: More..... |
05 Mar 2013 |
Pilot Instructor reaches rare milestone![]() 723 Squadron Pilot Instructor Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Tony Reyne recently added to his considerable list of achievements by clocking up his 9,000th hour of military flying. Fellow training officer LCDR Cliff Gaudie put LCDR Reyne’s accomplishment in perspective: “9,000 hours is equal to approximately 6,923 flights, 375 full days airborne, or the time needed to cook 180,000 soft boiled eggs!” More..... |
05 Mar 2013 | Navy League of Australia (Victoria Division) March Newsletter |
04 Mar 2013 |
PENSION INCREASE FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY Veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers across Australia will see an increase to their pensions and income support payments from 20 March 2013, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, announced today. “This increase is part of the bi-annual indexation process and will provide the veteran community with extra support to help with increased living costs,” Mr Snowdon said. “Veterans, partners, war widows and widowers will also notice a further boost to their payments thanks to the Clean Energy Supplement, a regular payment under the Household Assistance Package to help meet household costs associated with the carbon price.” More..... |
03 Mar 2013 |
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence – Speech – HMAS Yarra
Memorial Service Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you all on the eve of the 71st anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Yarra in waters to the north of Australia during the darkest days of the Second World War. Before doing so, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the volunteers who gave up their time to build this wonderful memorial to HMAS Yarra, including Mr Angus Walsh OAM and volunteers from the Rotary Club of Williamstown. More..... |
02 Mar 2013 |
2013 King Hall Naval Conference 'The War at Sea 1914 - 1918'
The eighth biennial King Hall Naval Conference will be held in Canberra on 23 - 24 May 2013. The conference will be organised by the Sea Power Centre - Australia with assistance from the Australian Naval Institute, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of NSW Canberra, and the Australian War Memorial. The King Hall Conference has become a significant event in the national and international sea power communities for its wide ranging discussion of topical naval historical and maritime strategic issues. The conference is open to the public. More..... View the Program..... |
02 Mar 2013 |
![]() The Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) newest Midshipmen and Officer Cadets marked the successful completion of their initial military training program at the Chief of the Defence Force Parade in Canberra today. Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley congratulated the 320 Year One Cadets on reaching their first career milestone. More..... |
02 Mar 2013 |
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs Speech at the Centenary of the Royal Australian Naval College, Osborne House, Geelong Minister Snowdon, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is truly an honour to be here in this place, in Geelong, on this day. This is truly a significant event for the Navy. As Vice Admiral Jones mentioned earlier, it was the final piece in the architecture of the Navy being put in place. Our submariners would probably disagree – they would say the final piece was in 1914 with the arrival of AE1 and 2, but I think from an architecture point of view, it was the final piece of putting the Navy together. More..... |
02 Mar 2013 |
100 years of teaching Australia’s Naval traditions The Royal Australian Navy is celebrating 100 years since the creation of the first Naval College in Australia, at Osborne House in Geelong. The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon has joined those marking the college’s centenary and paid tribute to those who have taught Australia’s naval officers over the past 100 years. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Chief of Navy speech at the Rededication of the Navy Memorial – Anzac Parade Navy Birthday – 1 March 2013 The reason we are rededicating this memorial is that in 2009 the Governor General approved an updated and expanded set of campaign and battle honours for the RAN. There are I think two important aspects to the 2009 decision. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
From the Fair Go Team URGENT!! URGENT!! Do you want an opportunity to speak your mind with the PM? Do you want to challenge her regarding her Government's recent decision not to consider a more equitable indexation of our military superannuation? "I'M ALRIGHT, MATE, ON MY $349,000.00 SALARY. SCREW THE VETERANS." I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE SENATE's RECENT DECISION WHICH CRITICISES MY GOVERNMENT FOR NOT INTRODUCING A MORE EQUITABLE INDEXATION. THE SENATE DOES NOT TELL ME WHAT TO DO Well, here's your chance. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Kevin Sheedy Kicks off 816 Squadron's Training Day![]() Greater Western Sydney Giants coach and AFL legend Kevin Sheedy kicked off a recent visit to the Shoalhaven in style when he arrived at HMAS Albatross in a Navy Bell 429 helicopter. Kevin Sheedy, accompanied by Giants player Dom Tyson, was at Albatross to deliver the keynote address for the 816 Squadron Training Day. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Senate condemns Gillard Labor Government over military
superannuation failures The Coalition has today successfully moved a motion in the Senate condemning the Gillard Labor Government for failing to provide fair indexation for Australia’s 57,000 military superannuants. Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said the motion’s passage through the Senate must now be followed by real action on Fair Indexation. “Today the Senate has said enough is enough”, Senator Ronaldson said. “The Gillard Labor Government has been rightly condemned for its misrepresentation of the annual average DFRDB military pension and its ongoing and stubborn refusal to give our veterans a fair go.” More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Press conferece on the Government’s response to the Inquiry
into Unresolved Recognition for Past Acts of Naval and Military
Gallantry and Valour SPEAKERS: Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN Chair of Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, Mr Alan Rose AO Director of the Australian War Memorial, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson DAVID FEENEY: Okay, well, welcome everybody. Today I have the privilege of being here with the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, the Chair of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, Mr Alan Rose and the Director of the Australian War Memorial, the Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Renaming of Divisions at RAN College and RAN Recruit School![]() by Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO CSC RAN, Chief of Navy In September last year I announced the renaming of two Divisions at the Recruit School to honour sailors. This was the first step towards better recognising our sailors who have distinguished themselves during their service. Today, on Navy's 112th birthday, we are taking the next step; the remaining two Divisions at the RAN Recruit School named after officers will be renamed after the graduation of the current Divisions to complete the process of better recognising Navy's sailors in this way. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Report of the Inquiry
into Unresolved Recognition for Past Acts of Naval and Military
Gallantry and Valour by Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO CSC RAN, Chief of Navy Today the recommendations of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal Inquiry into unresolved recognition for past acts of Naval and Military gallantry and valour were accepted by the Government. I welcome the Tribunal's report and the Government's response. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Independent tribunal’s findings accepted: No VCs to be awarded posthumously The Australian Government has today announced that no Victoria Cross (VC) will be awarded posthumously for any of the 13 individuals who were the subject of the recent Inquiry into Unresolved Recognition for Past Acts of Naval and Military Gallantry and Valour (the Inquiry). Following intense community interest into whether these heroes of Australia’s military past should be awarded a VC for acts of gallantry and valour, in February 2011 the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, directed the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) to inquire into the matter. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
Unit Citation for Gallantry to be awarded to HMAS Yarra![]() The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, has today announced that the World War 2 sloop HMAS Yarra will be awarded a Unit Citation for Gallantry based on her actions off Singapore on 5 February and in the Indian Ocean 4 March 1942. HMAS Yarra was sunk in March 1942 when it confronted a vastly superior Japanese force. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
UPDATE ON THE OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL - BORDER PROTECTION THE PURPOSE OF THIS SIGNAL IS TO INFORM YOU ABOUT THE PROCESS SURROUNDING THE OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL - BORDER PROTECTION (OSM-BP), TO HIGHLIGHT THE NOMINATION PROCESS FOR NON-SERVING MEMBERS AND NOK OF DECEASED MEMBERS AND TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON THE ORDER OF WEARING THE OSM. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 |
2013 Defence Work Health and Safety Awards Today a number of Defence members were recognised at the 2013 Defence Work Health and Safety Awards for workforce health and safety excellence. The four Defence Work Health and Safety Awards and 18 Commendations demonstrate that Defence people are striving to make measurable improvement in our work health and safety performance through the practical implementation of the Defence Work Health and Safety Strategy. More..... |
01 Mar 2013 | DFWA Monthly Update #278 - February 2013 |
01 Mar 2013 |
Indonesion Confrontation - Registration of Interest 50th Anniversary Embarkation Commemoration HMAS Sydney R17/A214 - HMAS Parramatta FO5 - HMAS Yarra FO7 111 LAA Bty RAA, 7 Field Sqn RAE, 42 TPT PL (AMP) RAASC 5 Sqn RAAF - 32 Small Ship Sqn RAE To be conducted in Garden Island, Sydney on 24 May 2014..... click here for details and Registration..... |