News

Service of Rememberance 11th November 2024

A solemn and heartfelt Service of Remembrance was held at the War Memorial Elizabeth Ann Brown Park on November 11, 2024. Led by the RSL Sub Branch, the event honored and paid tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country. The President's address, delivered by Mr. John Porter, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes and the importance of honoring their memory. As we mark this day, let us not forget the courage, dedication, and selflessness shown by our armed forces. The service was a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment and unwavering dedication to protecting our nation and its values. For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to visit our gallery for photos of the Service. May these images serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and the importance of honoring them every day. On this day and every day, let us pay our respects and express our gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are grateful to all who joined us in this Service of Remembrance and for your ongoing support of our veterans and service members. We strive to honor their legacy and ensure that their sacrifices are always remembered and appreciated.

Rememberance Day Quilt Raffle Results

The results of the Quilt Raffle, drawn on Remembrance Day 11/11/23 at the RSL Hall were:
1st RAAF Quilt - Ticket# 563 - Jill Irvine
2nd Remembrance Day 2012 $2.00 coin - Ticket# 363 - Ann Nunan
3rd Mosaic - Ticket# 365 - M Donnelly
4th Great War Bear - Ticket# 231 - B Greenland
5th Knee Rug - Ticket# 174 - Bob Wilson
6th Scentsy Burner - Ticket# 57 - L Riordan
7th Coaster Set - Ticket# 55 - Clorinda Ingram
8th - Bunnings gift card - Ticket# 162 - Aileen Mashford
9th - Handmade Jewellery - Ticket# 279 - Gary Procter.
Thank you to everyone who supported the sub-Branch by buying a ticket

Commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin 19 February

A low key Commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin was held in Elizabeth Ann Brown Park at 10am today (19/2/2023). It was conducted by Secretary John Gordon and Senior Vice President Bob Wilson, with a local family, Colin and Gwen Andrews, attending. Both Colin & Gwen’s fathers were in Darwin, one for the bombing and the other shortly afterwards, so the service this morning was particularly relevant.

Veterans' Health Week Activity with Dietician Krystal Top

Membership

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch is located at 13 Bugden Avenue Alstonville, right next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre. Data from the recent Census indicates there are over 380 people who have served in the Australian Defence Force residing within the 2477 Postcode. This month sub-Branch Members will be having a Stand in the Alstonville Plaza to share information with these Veterans, their families and the Community on Thursday 8th September 2022 from 9.00am until 3.30pm. Please drop by and have a chat.
On Sunday 18th September 2022 we will be having a Veteran's Family Day Sausage Sizzle at our Hall from 12.00noon until 3.00pm so that those who have served in the Australian Defence Force and their families can see our Hall and the Memorabilia within and chat to our members. We would love you to join us and see what we have in our Hall. For catering purposes would you contact our Secretary, John Gordon on 0414 285 812 with you name and numbers please. We hope to see you there.
We will also be having a Hall Open Day on Tuesday 27th September 2022 from 10.00am until 3.00pm for members of the Community to see the history and memorabilia within the hall. All Visitors are most welcome.

Anzaz Day

The Executive Committee of the Alstonville RSL sub-Branch have decided to proceed with normal ANZAC Day commemorations this year but are aware that infection is still a major concern. Those who are at higher risk of infection are encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing.The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Australians commemorate ANZAC Day. RSLNSW has worked with the NSW Government to ensure that the following commemorations can take place across the state this year, in accordance with current NSW Health advice and event guidelines:• Marches• Dawn Services• All other commemoration servicesThe health and safety of veterans and ex-service persons, current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and NSW communities is a priority for RSL NSW.ANZAC DayTo that end, the Executive Committee of the Alstonville Sub-Branch have decided to commemorate ANZAC Day 2022 in Alstonville in the following ways:
• The traditional Dawn Service will be held at the War Memorial in Elizabeth Ann Brown Park commencing at 5.30am.
• At 9.30am the traditional March through Alstonville will be held, and a normal ANZAC Day Commemorative Service at the War Memorial will commence at 10.00am. All Veterans within the area are welcome to join the March and Service. Form up opposite the Paddy Bugden Memorial on Bugden Avenue.
If you do not feel well, please do not attend, and see your local doctor or have testing done.
FundraisingFundraising is the principal method of income for the sub-Branch; as such, Alstonville RSL sub-Branch will have badges for sale in the week preceding ANZAC Day with Stands in the Alstonville Plaza and Main Street (in front of the Newsagent) from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd and at the Wollongbar Shopping Centre on Friday 22nd. We would like to thank the community for the generous support we have received to date.
For more Information, please contactHonorary Secretary
John GordonAlstonvillesb@rslnsw.org.au0414 285 812

United Nations Day 2021

The United Nations Day Wreath Laying Ceremony honours serving Australianuniformed personnel and veterans who have served the United Nations and other multilateral organisations as peacekeepers over the past 70 years.
A short ceremony was conducted at the War Memorial in Elizabeth Ann BrownPark, Alstonville, to commemorate those who have served in UN peace and security operations. Australia is a founding member of the UN and has been an active participant in UN Institutions for over 70 years. Australia has participated in 62 multilateral operations since the first mission to Indonesia in 1947.

The Partridge Family

Dedicated to Serving the Nation
Long before the TV series ‘The Partridge Family’ there was another real Partridge family that was committed to community and country in Alstonville in the Northern Rivers of NSW. All of us are influenced by our family of origin. The Alstonville sub-Branch of the RSL acknowledges the service of the Partridge family to the sub-Branch which in total exceeds over 160 years and is still continuing.That service began with Kevin Partridge (NX131282 Private Kevin Claude Partridge). Kevin was born in Lismore on 17 July 1918 and passed on 8 August 2007. He enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 12 Sep 1942 and was discharged on 20 Oct 1944.He served in New Guinea on active service with the 2/16th Infantry Battalion (Aug 43 – Dec 43). He took part in campaigns in the Ramu Valley and Finisterre Ranges including John’s Knoll and Shaggy Ridge and was evacuated suffering from scrub typhus and malaria. (He later said he was pronounced dead in Port Moresby but thankfully an orderly saw him move before they buried him!)Following his military service, Kevin built the family home at 9 Commercial Road Alstonville in 1951 and joined the Alstonville RSL Sub-Branch around that time, was an active member until he retired, and remained a member until his death. So the first family member to complete 50 plus years of service to the RSL was Dad, Kevin.The two sons of Kevin and Marie Partridge, Alan and Brian, also caught the service bug and were also influenced by the commitment of their father to the RSL and the defence of Australia. Like Kevin, they decided at the start of their careers to make the Army, and initially the Infantry, their choice of career path.Alan joined the Army on the 14th February 1966 (for those who can remember the year that decimal currency was introduced). He served in Vietnam on active service from December 1967 to November 1968 with A Coy, 3RAR. He participated in the now-famous battles of Coral/Balmoral and Fire Support Base Anderson during the Tet offensive of 1968. The Battle of Baria (The Provincial Capital of Phuoc Tuy) was on 1 Feb 68 and the battle of FSB Balmoral started on Mother’s Day, 13th May 1968, and finished on Alan’s 21st birthday, 6th June 1968. Alan Joined the Alstonville RSL Sub Branch on his return from Vietnam in 1968.The battles during the widespread Tet Offensive were a powerful introduction to South Vietnam for 3RAR. A Company, commanded then by Maj H. Howard (later MAJGEN Howard), was always in the thick of it. On the outbreak of the Tet Offensive in Phuoc Tuy, A Company was designated Ready Reaction Force at Nui Dat and was requested to prepare for battle on the morning of 1 February 1968. What transpired was the heaviest street fighting seen by any Australian unit during the whole commitment to Vietnam, yet strangely it received little attention at the time and was sadly neglected as a powerful moment in Australian military history until recently.Alan returned to Vietnam with 3RAR for a second tour in 1971. Awards received include the “Citation for Gallantry for Battle of Coral/Balmoral on 15th May 2018 at Government House, Canberra”. After 50 years RSL service, he received the 50-year certificate from the RSL on 9 April 2019. Alan continued to serve with the Army having Corps transferred to the Military Police from Infantry in 1973 until he was discharged on 16th March 1986 having attained the rank of Sergeant.Not to be left out, Brian John Partridge was also to make a career decision that would keep the Partridge family’s commitment to service and the Army. Brian was born in Lismore on 5 April 1949. He joined the Regular Army on 23 January 1968 and was allocated to Infantry Corps, 8 RAR, where he served from August 1968 to March 1971. Like Alan and Kevin, military service for Brian meant serving his country abroad. Like Alan this meant service in Vietnam in this case from 17 Nov 1969 to 05 Nov 70 with 8 RAR. Like Alan, he too served in Vietnam on his 21st birthday (5 April 1970). Like many Infantry soldiers, this active service was preceded by service in Malaysia at Terendak Garrison near Malacca from August 1968 to May 1969. 8 RAR was formed at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane on 14 July 1966 as part of the expansion of the Army during Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. On 8 August 1966, it had a strength of 370 men, including 150 experienced soldiers who had been posted across from 1 RAR. The battalion was expanded the next month with both regular soldiers and conscripts. After a period of training, 8 RAR embarked overseas in 1967. In January it was warned that it would relieve 4 RAR in Malaysia, and this movement gradually took place from 24 August to 6 November. While in Malaysia the battalion formed part of the 28th Independent Commonwealth Infantry Brigade which also included New Zealand Army and British Army units. 8 RAR returned to Enoggera in April 1969 and began intensive training ahead of being deployed to Vietnam. The battalion arrived in South Vietnam on 17 November 1969 and replaced 9 RAR six days later. Between November 1969 and October 1970 the battalion undertook operations as part of the 1st Australian task Force. Like the other Australian Army units in Vietnam, the battalion was based in Phuoc Tuy Province. In early 1970 8 RAR took part in Operation Hammersley, a reconnaissance operation in the Long Hải area. This operation began on 10 February when C Company ambushed approximately 100 VC. On 18 February the entire Battalion supported by APCs and Centurion tanks attacked the D445 HQ located in caves and bunkers. From 12 June 1970, these operations were designated Operation Cung Chung and were intensified.8 RAR was awarded the South Vietnamese Government's Meritorious Unit Commendation, including Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation for its service in the Battalion’s tour. 8 RAR's tour of Vietnam ended in October 1970, by which time it had lost 18 men killed in action and suffered 108 wounded. As part of the reduction of the Australian force in Vietnam 8 RAR was not replaced by another battalion when it returned to Enoggera.The reduction in the size of the Army at the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War led to 8 RAR being amalgamated. In 1973 it was decided to reduce the Royal Australian Regiment from nine to five battalions. This change was implemented by merging ('linking') several battalions, and on 31 October 8 RAR was linked with 9 RAR to form 8/9 RAR. Members of 8 RAR received the following decorations during their deployment to Vietnam: one Distinguished Service Order, three Military Crosses, two Military Medals, and 13 Mentions in Despatches. Brian was promoted to Corporal in July 1970. On his return from Vietnam, Brian decided to Corps transfer to the Royal Australian Survey Corps in Mar 1971 (disbanded 1 July 1996) and became qualified as a Topographical Surveyor and was involved in mapping operations. As a member of the Royal Australian Survey Corps Brian was involved in survey work across Australia and overseas, including Indonesia, Irian Jaya, Solomon Islands, and Fiji. Brian decided to discharge on 7 May 1989 after having been promoted to Warrant Officer Class One in Jan 1989. He had joined the Alstonville RSL Sub-Branch in December 1970 (Official record Apr 1971) and has served on the Committee since 1990, has held the position of President (1992-93 and 1996-99), was granted Life Membership on 12 Dec 2013 and 50 Year Membership Certificate on 12 Feb 2021.The Partridge family have demonstrated commitment to both Australia and the RSL. For a family to have given so much real service over such a long time is worthy of recognition and remembrance. In the community of Alstonville, both military service and service to the RSL are held in high regard by the Community. This article has been written to acknowledge the gratitude that the RSL sub-Branch and the Nation have for the Partridge family, who continue to serve until this day.As an interesting aside: Kevin had two sons, Alan has two sons and Brian has two sons. It is pleasing to note that Alan and Brian have four granddaughters between them and one grandson!Vale Kevin Partridge
Mark QuilliganImmediate Past President

Elizabeth Ann Brown Park

Serving a Community
When Elizabeth Ann Brown was a child going to school in Alstonville many years ago, little did she know what would happen when she passed through what is now a local Heritage Park owned by the Ballina Shire Council (BSC). The Brown family actually wanted to build a house on the property but Council at the time (Tintenbar) did not give the approval. What resulted ironically is a place for quiet and reflection for the Alstonville community and Elizabeth Ann Brown’s name is now a permanent reminder for that community. In 1984 the tablets from the old Tintenbar War Memorial Gates at the Alstonville Show Grounds were relocated to EAB. These tablets are the Alstonville community’s recognition of those who gave their lives in war, and the number of names is a chilling reminder of what war cost Alstonville and its surroundings. In a recent renovation, these tablets have been covered by new tablets as it was not possible to renovate the original tablets due to the high risk that significant damage would occur, and there were OH&S issues as well. Feedback from the Alstonville Community has been generally complimentary. As EAB is a Heritage Park there has been considerable dialogue, bureaucratic process, and most importantly community engagement on what has occurred in the park. There is a Ballina Shire Council-approved plan for EAB Park. The latest inclusion is the new memorial to those who have served (pictured). Thanks must go to Keith Smith from Beckinsales Monumental Masons who is our subject matter expert on monuments and who installed the new tablets. They replaced the old brass plaques which were on the edge of the garden beds and which had suffered significant damage due to the weather and general wear and tear. The Alstonville sub-Branch of the RSL has retained those old plaques in the sub-Branch Hall. Thanks must also go to Tamara Smith, our State Member of Parliament who supported a grant to get the current works done. Her assistance was crucial to actions taken by the RSL sub-Branch. Likewise, Luke Marshall and the BSC Staff who worked on the park should be noted. Whilst the RSL sub-Branch does not own the EAB Park memorials, they have been and remain the Custodians of them and it is where their Commemorative Services are conducted. The Ballina Shire Council always consults with the RSL sub-Branch when it comes to matters regarding the memorials and the park. Feedback on the new memorial has again been quite positive. It has taken nearly ten years for total works completed thus far. The Ballina Shire Council-approved plan for EAB Park still has additional works to be undertaken. This includes the removal of some gardens and features that do not enhance the park and the opening up of the park for the community with additional grassed areas, seating, and wheelchair access to the memorials. The Members of the Alstonville RSL sub-Branch, wish to thank all involved, especially the families of those veterans named in the park. It is an honour and a privilege to be their Custodians. Keep an eye out as further enhancements are achieved.
Mark QuilliganImmediate Past President

Elizabeth Ann Brown Park

EAB Park Memorial Stage 2 Update. Beckinsales Monumental Masons have installed the plaques on the plinths and they look great. The photo provided by Keith Smith.

Our Fully Renovated Hall

We are so proud of our newly renovated hall, there has been an enormous effort by all concerned, the level of workmanship by the trades and the project management by sub branch leadership has been second to none and the results can be seen below in the photos. Thank you to all concenred.

ANZAC Day 2020

Inspite of these exceptional circumstances imposed upon all of us during this global pandemic, the communities of Alstonville and Wollongbar were unfailing in their support to pay their repects and commemorate the ANZAC spirit.
Contact
PO Box 692 pAlstonville NSW 2477 to your block, write your own text and edit me.
Email: AlstonvilleSB@rslnsw.org.au Phone: 02 6628 6156. (Answer machine only) add to your block, write your own and edit me.
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