Navy Victoria Network November 2014 News

News & Articles of Interest

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28 Nov 2014	Veteran Creativity On Show In Victoria Veterans from across Victoria put pen and paint to paper showcasing their artistic talents as part of the 2014 Story Writing & Art Competition (SWAC) at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Victoria, John Geary, congratulated this year’s winners and all those who submitted entries. More.....
28 Nov 2014	HMAS Canberra joins the fleet Governor General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), together with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Mr Tony Abbott, MP, were the guests of honour today as Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) was welcomed into service in the Royal Australian Navy. The Australian White Ensign was raised for the first time, signalling that HMAS Canberra III was formally commissioned into the Fleet. More.....
28 Nov 2014	HMAS Canberra, among the best in the world The commissioning of HMAS Canberra, a 27,000 tonne Landing Helicopter Dock, provides the Royal Australian Navy with one of the world’s most capable and sophisticated amphibious assault ships, Defence Minister David Johnston said. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Garden Island, Sydney, Senator Johnston said HMAS Canberra was the largest warship ever built for the RAN and her introduction to the RAN fleet marked a “very proud day for the men and women serving in the senior service”. More.....
28 Nov 2014	ADF Assistance Trust If you know someone in the Defence community who is struggling to meet financial commitments as a result of incapacity, death or injury, we may be able to help. The Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust is a charity helping current and former members of the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as their families following the death or severe injury of their loved one as a result of service with the ADF, particularly in recent conflicts. More.....
27 Nov 2014	Cyber Security Review The Australian Government will review Australia’s cyber-security strategy to better protect Australia’s networks from cyber attack. The review, to report within six months, will explore how industry and the government can work together to make our online systems more resilient against attacks. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will lead the Cyber Security Review assisted by a panel of experts. More.....
26 Nov 2014	Navy training aimed at building resilience among indigenous youth HMAS Cerberus has hosted young players, coaching and support staff from the AFL Flying Boomerangs squad as part of a personal development and leadership program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders between 14-15 years old. The players were introduced to training, Navy style, through program designed to test and strengthen their resilience. More.....
26 Nov 2014	CDF statement regarding Defence Abuse Response Taskforce Report The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, has welcomed the reports tabled in Parliament today by the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce. In thanking the Taskforce for its ongoing work, Air Chief Marshal Binskin acknowledged the Honourable Len Roberts-Smith for the dedicated and professional manner in which he has approached these difficult matters. More.....
26 Nov 2014	Defence Abuse Response Taskforce report The Government has received the final report of the out-going Chair of the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce (DART), the Honourable Len Roberts-Smith RFD QC, and his report on Defence Abuse at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Both reports were tabled in Parliament today. More.....
26 Nov 2014	NVN's November newsletter NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't been receiving your monthly newsletters by email, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date. To correct this, contact the webmaster at: and he will copy and amend your address.
25 Nov 2014	Video Highlights Important Message For Defence Community A video reminding Australian Defence Force members that support is available no matter what stage of their career they are at was launched today at the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Veterans’ Mental Health. The video provides a platform to start a new conversation with serving members, with the central message being that while you may not need help now, you might need it down the track and there are many avenues through which you can get help. More..... Watch the Video.....
24 Nov 2014	F-35 strike fighters for the Canberra-class? AIR power experts and aficionados cocked a collective eyebrow last autumn when Defence Minister David Johnston announced that F-35B strike fighters could operate from the two Canberra-class flat-tops. Heavyweight endorsement by Prime Minister Tony Abbott propelled the Defence White Paper staff to examine the concept, and we await their words of wisdom in a 2015 review. The news has neither fuelled nor ignited political partisanship, and Labor’s assistant defence spokesman David Feeney has maintained an active and lucid interest in the concept in social media for most of the year. More.....
24 Nov 2014	Armed Merchant Cruisers / Landing Ship Infantry (AMC/LSI) Association September newsletter.....
22 Nov 2014	HMAS Toowoomba intercepts second drug shipment For the second time in 72 hours, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba has intercepted a suspicious vessel carrying a large cargo of heroin in international waters off the East coast of Africa. On 20 November 2014 the Australian warship discovered 324 kg of heroin, with an estimated Australian street value of $129.6 million, hidden in a dhow. Commanding Officer Cath Hayes said her team in Toowoomba had done a highly professional, efficient and effective job making two heroin busts in 72 Hours. More.....
22 Nov 2014	Navy League of Australia (Vic Div) November newsletter......
20 Nov 2014	A gift for future generations The story of the battle between HMAS Sydney (I) and SMS Emden is one of cunning, strategy, endurance, and honour. But a labour of love was the focus of this year's traditional mess dinner at HMAS Cerberus. Captain Guy Holthouse, a former Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney (IV) lead the gathering to remember the Battle of Cocos on 9 November 1914 and the significance that the battle played in Australia's naval history. More.....
20 Nov 2014	Letter from the Secretary of Defence to The Australian 20 November 2014 \| On the Record This is the letter from the Secretary to The Australian in response to Nick Cater’s article on 18 November 2014, Shiny pants don’t need a pay rise. Nick Cater’s 18 November article [Shiny pants don't need a pay rise] is full of bile, prejudice and inaccuracies. Amongst the many inaccuracies is the claim that the Defence People Group is a ‘division caught up in the prissy, moral crusades of our time and driven by the obsessions that bear little relation to the strategic purpose of Defence’. More.....
20 Nov 2014	Australian Defence Force completes monitoring of Russian Surface Task Group in the region Australian Defence Force vessels and aircraft have completed monitoring a Russian Surface Task Group that was operating in the Coral Sea to Australia’s north. The Russian ships did not enter Australian territorial waters and have now departed the Coral Sea. More.....
20 Nov 2014	HMAS Toowoomba drug seizure The Royal Australian Navy has once again dealt a blow to international drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean with HMAS Toowoomba intercepting and seizing 388 kg of heroin off the coast of Africa. Minister for Defence Senator Johnston said the crew of Toowoomba boarded a dhow in international waters and discovered the drugs in a sealed compartment. More.....
20 Nov 2014	Naval History Society of Australia (Vic Div) President's November musings.
19 Nov 2014	Major Grants To Commemorate Wartime Service Four projects honouring the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women will receive more than $342,000 in funding under the Major Commemorative Grants category of the Saluting Their Service programme. More.....
19 Nov 2014	Final farewell for Navy’s landing craft After nearly 40 years of essential service to communities in Australia and the Pacific, the Royal Australian Navy’s three remaining Landing Craft, Heavy (LCH) have been farewelled at HMAS Cairns. Representing the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert watched the Australian White Ensign being lowered on HMA Ships Brunei, Labuan and Tarakan at sunset, marking the end of their service life. More.....
17 Nov 2014	Projects Supporting Our Veterans Receive Funding Organisations across the nation that provide vital services and support to our veteran and defence communities will receive a welcome funding boost under the Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program. More.....
16 Nov 2014	5000 Poppies – A tribute of Respect and Remembrance A community project to 'plant' a massive field of 5,000 hand-made red poppies in Federation Square, Melbourne for Anzac Day 2015 is attracting interest from around Australia. The initial target of 5,000 has been revised to a whopping 100,000 with an influx of contributions from crafty-types all seeking to help remember the sacrifices of servicemen and women. More.....
16 Nov 2014	Book ready in all respects Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett has officially launched a book that highlights important maritime aspects of the Great War, at an event at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. In All Respects Ready: Australia’s Navy in World War One by Navy historian Dr David Stevens, was commended to the assembled group including descendants of First World War veterans, former and current serving personnel. More.....
16 Nov 2014	German envoy marks 1914 Cocos battle The following is the text of remarks made by Dr Christoph Müller, German Ambassador to Australia, at the service to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Cocos Islands on 9 November at the Cocos Islands. Dear friends: Sir Peter, I thank you for your kind and moving words on this day, the centenary of the battle between HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden. The tale of those two ships and their men has indeed long been a source of inspiration for all of us. Those brave sailors and their descendants have taught us truths that many may still not believe: The bonds of humanity can be stronger than war and death. There can be mateship even across the gulf of official enmity. Former enemies can move on and become friends. More.....
14 Nov 2014	ADF supports the 2015 International Airshow Defence is once again proud to be a major partner of the Australian International Airshow and Defence Exposition to be held at Avalon Airport in Victoria from 24 February to 1 March 2015. The ADF will participate in the airshow by showcasing a wide range of contemporary Air Force, Navy and Army aircraft along with a number of static ground displays. More.....
14 Nov 2014	Navy’s MH-60R Romeo helicopters on display The Royal Australian Navy’s newest maritime combat helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' has been on display today flying from its home in the Shoalhaven to Sydney and around Sydney Harbour. Defence Minister David Johnston said the new helicopter is part of an eventual fleet of 24 and is the next generation submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft that represents a quantum leap over Navy’s current helicopter force. More.....
13 Nov 2014	Update on unacceptable behaviour incidents Two sailors have been found not guilty of inappropriate behaviour and another two await details of their punishment after pleading guilty to some of the charges they faced for their role in incidents alleged to have occurred on board HMAS Newcastle in 2011. All sailors have been acquitted of the most serious charge which involved allegations of sexual intercourse without consent. More.....
13 Nov 2014	Inquiry into unresolved recognition for service with the United States Army Small Ships Section The Government has accepted the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal’s recommendations of its inquiry into unresolved recognition of members of the US Army Small Ships Section, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, announced today. More.....
12 Nov 2014	Defence Monitors Russian Naval Vessels Defence is monitoring Russian naval vessels that are currently transiting through international waters to the north of Australia. In accordance with international law, Defence have been monitoring the Russian vessels. Defence regularly undertakes maritime surveillance patrols in the approaches to Australia. The movement of these vessels is entirely consistent with provisions under international law for military vessels to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters. Russian naval vessels have previously been deployed in conjunction with major international summits, such as the APEC meeting in Singapore in 2009. A warship from Russia’s Pacific Fleet also accompanied former Russian President Medvedev’s visit to San Francisco in 2010.
12 Nov 2014	Minister for Defence Opening address to the Submarine Institute of Australia Biennial conference, Fremantle WA. Read.....
11 Nov 2014	War Time Reporters Honoured In Major Commemorative Grants The contribution of Charles Edwin Woodrow (C.E.W) Bean, and of all the men and women who have reported on Australia’s experience of war, will be honoured with the construction of a new memorial to be located at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. More.....
11 Nov 2014	Anzac Centenary Public Fund Recommendations I am pleased to announce $7.45 million in funding from the Anzac Centenary Public Fund to support the commemoration of the Centenary of Anzac in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. More.....
10 Nov 2014	Further inquiry into Vietnam Campaign Medal The independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will conduct an inquiry into the feasibility of amending the criteria for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester MP, announced today. More.....
10 Nov 2014	Action between HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden commemorated The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, travelled to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to commemorate the action between HMAS Sydney (I) and the German light cruiser SMS Emden, which occurred on 9 November 1914. Sydney was undertaking escort duties for a convoy of First World War ships that departed Albany, Western Australia, on 1 November 1914, and was called to action when the German ship was discovered by wireless telegraphy operators on the Islands. More.....
06 Nov 2014	Amazing book captures 100 years of pride in fleet A quality coffee table book that captures the story of today’s Navy in stories and pictures will be launched by the Chief of Navy at the end of this month. Celebrating 100 Years of Pride in Fleet brings together the work of Navy photographers, historians and writers, to deliver a remarkable account of Navy, tracing its history, its establishments and its fleet. More.....
05 Nov 2014	Chief of Joint Operations and Director General Air Operations brief journalists on ADF operations in Iraq DAVID JOHNSTON: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I’m here with Air Commodore Iervasi again to give you an update on operations in the broad – I will focus on Iraq, where I suspect your interest is, but I’ll talk through a range of operations that are currently underway in the ADF. But we’ve currently got two and a half – about two and a half thousand people deployed on operations globally in our region, and in our border area conducting our normal border operations. Full brief and questions.....
05 Nov 2014	Ceremony marks the return of Maralinga Tjarutja lands at Woomera The Australian Government has formally acknowledged the excision of an area of the Maralinga Tjarutja lands, from Defence’s Woomera Prohibited Area, in an event held at the Maralinga Village today. Known as ‘Section 400’ it was the site of atomic testing and associated trials conducted by the British in the 1950s and 1960s in South Australia. More.....
05 Nov 2014	An Eye-Witness Account of the Sydney / Emden Battle The following eye-witness account of the Sydney / Emden battle by one of their crew, Wireless Telegraphist James Clifford, was provided by his son Julian Clifford. This account is also in the Australian War Memorial. My dad was James Clifford Nick and known as “Nat” He joined the Navy at 11.00 am August 8th 1912 and give it a go for 5 years. If I remember it was eventually extended to 7. He trained as a wireless telegraphist and picked a strange “spark” at 6.23am and after confirming that he wasn’t hearing things sent off his messenger, Norm Hunter to fetch Captain Glossop. More.....
03 Nov 2014	ADF pay offer approved The independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) today approved the 2014-2017 Workplace Remuneration Arrangement for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, said the decision will see ADF members receive a 1.5 per cent pay increase each November for the next three years, starting this year. More.....
03 Nov 2014	DFWA - MONTHLY UPDATE #285 – October 2014 ‘UPDATE’ is an e-letter produced by the Defence Force Welfare Association to inform the Service and ex-Service communities of those current issues that are of most concern to them. Distribution is intended to a wide audience that includes Members of Parliament, media outlets, Senior Public Service Officers, members of DFWA, their families and supporters, and all members of the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations.
03 Nov 2014	Cocos Islands to mark Sydney-Emden battle On 9 November 1914, HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden in a furious and bloody clash in the Cocos Islands earning Australia’s first naval victory. Sydney was undertaking escort duties of the first troop convoy from Australia to the Middle East, which left Albany, Western Australia, on 1 November 1914. More.....
03 Nov 2014	Support Defence personnel this Christmas Australians are being encouraged to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed on operations this Christmas by sending a message of thanks or donating to a charity that supports Defence personnel and their families. “I call on all Australians to take a moment to think of those service men and women who will be deployed on operations in our region and across the globe. Sending a message that simply says ‘thank you for your service’ has a tremendous positive impact on our troops,” said Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert. More.....
02 Nov 2014	Major clean up of explosives in Bougainville under way An Australian Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has already made safe more than 6000 kilograms of World War II munitions during the first week of Operation RENDER SAFE 14 in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. An international team of 60 EOD experts, led by members of the Bougainville Police Service and Australian Defence Force personnel, has found a former WW II defensive position complete with fighting pits containing scores of unused munitions. More.....
02 Nov 2014	Albany ANZAC Commemoration reflects strong Defence ties with Japan The participation of Japanese Murasame class destroyer JDS Kirisame in this weekend’s centennial commemoration of the first convoy of ships that carried ANZAC troops to World War I reflects the strong historical and growing military relationship between Japan and Australia. “The convoy that carried 30,000 men from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) departed from Albany in Western Australia on the morning of 1 November 1914 to sail for Egypt. Japanese cruiser, HIJMS Ibuki, joined the troop convoy two days after it departed Albany to provide escort support. More.....
01 Nov 2014	End of an Era for Cooks and Stewards At around 2030 this evening 31 October 2014 our Cooks and Stewards at Cerberus will turn out the lights of the Main Galley and Wardroom for the last time. They will leave with their heads held high and we of the old brigade will be comfortable in the knowledge that they have maintained the highest traditions and values of the Navy. More.....
01 Nov 2014	Three Australian Veterans To Receive France's Highest Honour Three Australian Second World War veterans will be presented with France’s highest honour, the Legion of Honour, at the Albany Convoy Commemorative Event being held in Albany, Western Australia. The Legion of Honour is the highest decoration bestowed by France. Among the recipients of the award are those Australians who risked their lives in the service of France during the Second World War. More.....
31 Oct 2014	Welcome to Sydney - NUSHIP Canberra sails in Sydney could not have put on a better morning to welcome the first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), NUSHIP Canberra, into her home port at Fleet Base East. The 27,000 tonne ship made an impressive sight as her bow cut through the harbour towards her new home. More.....
31 Oct 2014	ADFA 24 – The facts The Australian Defence Force (ADF) rejects any assertion that it has not acted in response to historical allegations of abuse at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). The so-called ADFA 24 refers to 24 serious allegations of physical, indecent and sexual assault from 19 alleged victims identified in the 1998 Grey Review and later referred to in 2011 in the DLA Piper Report (Vol 1). The Defence Abuse Response Taskforce’s (DART) ADFA 24 referral to Defence was primarily based on analysis of historical records rather than individual complaints. More.....
31 Oct 2014	Announcement of overseas conditions of service for ADF personnel The Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, today announced conditions of service for ADF personnel serving in Iraq and other Middle East countries. These conditions of service are based on the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Deployment Allowance framework. Under this framework, the threat level of an operation is the sole metric used to determine the rate of the allowance. More.....
31 Oct 2014	Theft At ANZAC Commemorative Site in Turkey The Australian Government was informed overnight of the theft of the letters ANZAC from the Anzac Commemorative Site at North Beach in Turkey. This latest act of vandalism follows similar thefts in recent days of metal plaques across the Gallipoli Peninsula and thefts from Turkish vendors’ stalls located at Chunuk Bair. Australian authorities in Turkey are cooperating with the local Turkish authorities in the investigation of this matter. Thefts of metal products for re-sale are not uncommon in Turkey, although vandalism such as this has not occurred in the past. Whilst deeply disappointed that this act has occurred, the Australian Government will replace the letters as quickly as possible and undertake steps to ensure the letters cannot be removed again. The Government appreciates the determination of Turkish authorities to track down the offenders.
29 Oct 2014	100 year bond never broken HMA Ships Sirius and Arunta, and HMNZS Te Kaha rendezvoused in Bass Strait during their passage to Albany, Western Australia, for the centenary of Anzac commemorations commencing 31 October. The ships will be providing support for the events which will commemorate the departure of the Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Expeditionary Force soldiers for the First World War. The passage to Albany will enable communication, navigation and warfare training said Commanding Officer Sirius, Commander Darren Grogan. More.....
29 Oct 2014	NUSHIP Canberra departs Melbourne Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, NUSHIP Canberra has been farewelled from Melbourne as she departs for Sydney. NUSHIP Canberra departed BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard en route to her Sydney homeport. More.....
29 Oct 2014	Government Cuts Red Tape Facing Veterans and Their Families The Government is slashing red tape for veterans and their families, making it easier for them to access services from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). More.....
28 Oct 2014	Important Research Studies Released Three important research studies into the impact on families and veterans of service during the Vietnam War and of peacekeeping duties have been released today. The Vietnam Veterans Family Study, the Peacekeepers Health Study and the Rwanda Deployment Health Study represent a $12 million investment in better understanding the health and wellbeing of veterans, peacekeepers and their families. More.....
28 Oct 2014	Remembering Navy Women Women’s Royal Australian Navy (WRAN) and Royal Australian Navy members, both past and present, come together in October each year at HMAS Harman to remember and honour the sacrifices and accomplishments that women have made through their service to Australia. The WRANS memorial, which was dedicated on 1 July 2003, 62 years after 14 young women started their first posting at the RAN Wireless/Transmission Station Canberra, stands within the front gates of the base. More.....
27 Oct 2014	JDS Kirisame arrives in Fleet Base West Japanese Defense Ship Kirisame arrived at Fleet Base West on 24 October ahead of her participation in the Albany Convoy Commemorative Event. At over 4,000 tonnes the modern Murasame destroyer is based in Sasebo in Nagasaki and has made the passage from Singapore to Australia following a port visit. More.....
27 Oct 2014	2015 Creswell Oration Details of the 2015 Creswell Oration, presented by the Australian Fleet Commander, RADM Stuart Mayer CSC RAN, can be found on the 'Flagship Events' page on the website.

Anzac Centenary Events
2014 - 2018

The Anzac Centenary (2014 – 2018) will shine a spotlight on the commitment and sacrifice of those who served in the First World War.

Across Victoria, there will be a number of commemorative events marking key dates throughout the Centenary.

OCTOBER 2015

ANZAC Naval Commemorative Ball - 17 October 2015
The Naval Commemorative Committee Victoria, invite all serving ADF personnel, Australian and Allied Veterans along with family and friends, to attend the ANZAC Naval Commemorative Ball on Saturday 17 October 2015 at (New Venue) The Atrium, Flemington Racecourse, 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington (10 Minutes from the CBD). Dance to the Music of the RAN Dance Band. The Ball is open to all serving and former members of the ADF, NZDF, Reserves, Cadets, families, friends, Police, Emergency Services, our Allies and the General Public.
Full details at: http://www.anzacball2015.org/p2 and http://www.anzacball2015.org/p6

Navy Ball Flyer.....
Navy Ball Information page.....
Navy Ball Booking Form.....

Should you wish to register an event, go to the Anzac Centenary website.

News & Articles of Interest

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Anzac Centenary Events 2014 - 2018

Anzac Centenary Events
2014 - 2018