ASSOCIATION
Patron: Maj Gen Brian Howard AO,MC,ESM (Ret’d)
for the PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association
held at Geebung- Zillmere RSL Club, Brisbane
Meeting opened:
at 1.15pm – Greg Ivey issued a welcome to all.
Present: D. Graham, K. Horton, I. Ogston, G. Ivey, G. Screen, G. Farr, K. Smith, L. Quinlivan, Lt Col Dr Stan Mellick (Guest), Dr John Worthington, T. Edwinsmith,
Apologies: G. Johnson, M. Pears, R. Lange, F. Cordingley, I. Minns, G. Carnes, R. Wade, F. Maclean, N. Hunter, J. Cooper, H. Howard, D. Dymock
Minutes of 2018 AGM/GM circulated
Moved: K. Horton Seconded: G. Screen
“that the Minutes of the 2018 AGM/GM as circulated be confirmed” CARRIED
Business arising from the minutes.
The valued organizational and financial input of Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC in securing the 6 pavers honouring the PNG WWII decorated soldiers was recognized by the meeting.
President’s Annual Report
Greg introduced President Don Graham who read his President’s Report.
Moved: D. Graham Seconded: G. Farr
“That the President’s Report be received” CARRIED
Correspondence – carried over to the General Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report showing a current balance of $1188.70 (See Attached)
Moved Treasurer F. Maclean and Seconded T. Edwinsmith
“that the Treasurer’s Report be received” CARRIED
Paypal Auxiliary Treasurer’s Report showing a balance of $65.62AUD (See Below)
Kev Horton presented this report related to our Website www.soldierspng.com
Moved K. Horton and Seconded G. Ivey that the Paypal Report be received. CARRIED
Membership Report – The report showing 119 members including 39 Financial Life Members, 8 Hon. Life Members and 9 Hon. Members was presented by Kevin Smith. Six new members have joined and 5 have been lost through resignation or passing away.
Election of Office Bearers
President Don vacated the Chair and Ian Ogston conducted the elections.
Chairman Ian thanked the outgoing Committee for a great year and called for nominations for the following positions.
Patron: Maj Gen Brian (Hori) Howard has agreed to continue as Patron – this was approved by acclamation.
Nominations from the floor were called for and no new nominations were received. It was moved I. Ogston and seconded L. Quinlivan that the following members who had agreed to carry on their current positions be elected as follows. CARRIED.
President: Don Graham
Vice President: Greg Ivey
Secretary: K. Horton
Treasurer: Frankie Maclean
Assistant Secretary: G. Farr (Greg agreed to continue the ANZAC Day Co-ordination role.)
Brisbane Representative: Phil Adam
Interstate Representatives: NSW – Gary Screen, WA – Graeme Johnson, VIC – vacant, SA – vacant
History Officer: P. Jesser
Newsletter Editor: Ian Ogston
Membership Co-ordinator: Kevin Smith
Website Managers: K. Smith and F. Cordingley
Medals Officer: Russ Wade
The AGM was closed and General Business was opened.
President Don resumed the Chair, thanked Ian for conducting the elections and opened the General Meeting.
Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the NGIB and cutting of the Triple Anniv. Cake
G. Ivey introduced Lt Col Dr Stan Mellick (aged 99 years) of Brisbane – a WWII PNG veteran, academic and author who cut the Anniversary cake (deliciously prepared by Christine Ivey).
Photos courtesy Terry Edwinsmith
 Dr Stan Mellick cuts the Anniversary cake |
 Stan (99 not out) address the meeting |
Stan then gave an enlightening and thought-provoking talk on Australian history from the point of view of recognizing and valuing the past achievements and sacrifices of Australians in setting the scene for our current situation. He thanked Associations such as ours for helping keep that history alive.
Thanks were carried by acclamation.
General Business:
Correspondence –
Major inward/outward items consisted of multiple e-mails relating to –
1. Thank you letters to RSL Caboolture, Dept of Transport, MP’s etc re Sgt Frank Wust Bridge Naming Ceremony
2..Letters of support for funding of Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade – G. Farr, D. Graham, K. Horton etc to MP’s, Local Members, Press, Media, ANZAC Day C’tee,etc – positive result with State Govt reversing decision and agreeing to cover increased costs of holding the Parade.
2. Orders were placed for Pavers laid to honour six highly decorated PNG soldiers at Kokoda Memorial Wall on the Gold Coast on August 8, 2018 – backgrounds provided by Greg Ivey and input from Peter Jesser (History Officer)
3. E-mails to/from Maurie Pears/Committee members/Secretary re combined funding of Pavers and speech to be delivered at ceremony on Kokoda Day 2018.
Thank you letter to Maurie Pears re his major funding and ideas for pavers.
4. Invites and related items re Kokoda Day 2018 and possible changes for 2019. (Surfers Paradise RSL, Southport RSL, Organizing C’tee etc)
5. E-mails to/from Lahui Ako – author of Nameless Warriors re award of ‘Honorary Membership’ of Assn. and his support for 50th Anniversary Medal
6. To/from President Don/ Kev/Greg re presenting Honorary Membership to Lahui Ako.
7. Thank you letters to Conan Bland and T.S.S. and Southport RSL re Kokoda Day 2018.
8. E-mails to/from Alan and Marg Whelan re Kokoda Day 2018.
9. Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL to/from re their Kokoda Day Service.
10. 18+ e-mails relating to continuing exploration of recognition of 50th anniversary PNG Medal. Russ Wade/Don Graham/Greg Ivey/Secretary/Medals C’tee
11. Membership reminders and Dues receipts/ new members welcoming letters plus snail mail posting of Assn stickers – (Direct Credit payments and cheques for dues) to/from Treasurer Frankie Maclean, Secretary Kev and members. .
11. ANZAC Day 2019 letters to/from members, Parade C’tee, 2/14th, 39th Assns re march arrangements, media bios, ANZAC Day Pde Ctee meetings etc – (Phil Adam, Greg Farr, Kev Horton, Peter Porteous etc)
12. 34+ e-mails re Newsletters / information updates / items of interest to/from members – (Ian Ogston, Greg Ivey, Kev Horton, Kevin Smith)
13. Jack McIntosh 95th birthday & Jack’s donation to Assn of $100.
14. Correspondence to/from Bluehost re Website annual costs etc. (K. Smith, F. Cordingley, G. Ivey, D. Graham, Kev Horton
15. E-mails to/from L/Sgt Collins, Sgt Stevens, Greg Ivey re Honorary Life Membership.
16. E-mails to/from a Member re MDS (Bone Marrow/Leukaemia related) claim through DVA
17. Get well cards / Sympathy cards posted
18. E-mails/correspondence available to view on computer.
Business arising from Correspondence – Nil:
Moved: K. Horton Seconded: G. Screen
“that the inward correspondence be received and the outward endorsed” CARRIED.
Other items of General Business
1. Report on PNGDF Medals issued during 2018-19 and related medal issues was read. – (Russ Wade) (See Attached) Carried
2. 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of the formation of 1 & 2 NGIB and HQ PIR in 1942. It was moved G. Ivey and seconded D. Graham that Honorary Life Membership be bestowed on L/Sgt Don Collins & Sgt Laurie Stevens (2 NGIB) and W.O. Bill Scott (3 NGIB) who are all surviving NGIB veterans. Carried
3. Newsletter comments – (Ian Ogston) Five newsletters were issued during 2018/19. Ian thanked members for contributions with special thanks to Greg Ivey. Ian’s efforts were applauded by all present.
4. It was proposed G. Ivey, Seconded K. Smith that the Association support stronger links with our historical comrades eg 39th Bn. and 2/14th Bn. by attending their events and exchanging electronic newsletters. Carried.
K. Smith will investigate establishing a link to these newsletters on the Assn Website once negotiations are over.
5. The 2018 Anniversary of Kokoda at Broadbeach organized by the Southport RSL was a success and our Assn will support the new format in August 2019. President Don agreed to again liaise with organizers.
6. Greg Farr agreed to continue as liaison ANZAC Day Co-ordinator for 2020.
7. Moved G. Ivey Seconded T. Edwinsmith that State representatives be encouraged to report member news and recruit new members and that a Regional Qld representative be elected. Graham Carnes was subsequently elected to fill this position. Carried
8. Kevin Smith reported that the Website www.soldierspng.com is continuing well however concerns were raised re obtaining/training website managers in the future as our membership ages. Children of members were suggested as possibilities.
9. It was moved G Ivey, seconded L Quinlivan that the Assn. formalize its archive by buying a filing cabinet to be maintained by an executive member. After discussion of the use of the website to electronically store much information, ergonomically friendly storage and the possibility of a cabinet being donated or obtained cheaply, the motion was Carried.
10. It was resolved that the 2020 AGM be held during June in line with the 80th Anniversary of the Formation of the Papuan Infantry Battalion.
11. Garry Screen expanded on the proposed PNG ‘Chalkies’ display (Promoted by our Patron Hori Howard and President Don) at the Army Museum at Singleton and gave details of the upcoming 2019 Re-union in October 15-17 inclusive. It is hoped that the exhibit will be opened and that a NSW Dept of Education Honour Board listing National Servicemen who served in PNG will be unveiled as well. A 3TB tour has been included as well. More detailed information is available on the website www.nashospng.com (Well done to Gary and Steve Beveridge for all their efforts!!)
12. Resolved that new car stickers be purchased.
13. Moved L. Quinlivan Seconded J. Worthington that any expenses in line with the goals of the Association with a cost of less than $100 be able to be actioned by the Executive. Carried
ATTACHMENTS
1. TREASURER’S REPORT 2018 – 2019 Financial Year – As at 20 June 2019
Opening Balance from 2nd July 2018 (Bank Statement): $825.60
INCOME
Dues: $345
Donations: $100 (wreath)
Book Sale: NIL
Kokoda Wall: NIL
Total Income: $445
Balance carried forward plus income: $1270.60
EXPENDITURE
Flower Refund: $16.95
Petrol: $49.45 (secretary)
Cashbook: $3.50
Stamps: $12
Total Expenditure: $81.90
Income less Expenditure: $368.10
Balance as per Bank Statement: $1188.70
Frankie Maclean
Honorary Treasurer 20 June 2019
2. PAYPAL WEBSITE REPORT
PIB-NGIB-HQ-PIR ASSN – PAYPAL Account – As at 16.06.2019
Carried forward from 2018 – $39.75AUD
Income $50AUD (from PIB Acct.) July 4 2018
Sub total $89.75
Expenditure
22.05.2019 (Automatic deduction by ‘Bluehost” – Annual Domain Name ‘soldierspng.com’)
– $15.99 USD to Bluehost.com until May 2020 – ($24.13AUD)
Total expenditure 2018-19 $24.13AUD
2018 Balance less Expenditure $ 65.62AUD
Current Balance as per Paypal $65.62AUD
K. Horton Hon Sec
ADDENDUM
$8.99 USD x 36 months for ‘Bluehost’ website hosting – $323.12USD ($445.98AUD) for 3 years – 29.05.18 to 29.05.21 was paid in May last financial year.
3. MEDALS OFFICER REPORT 2019
There were two applicants who enquired about eligibility for the PIR 50th Anniversary
Medal in accordance with the current guidelines endorsed by the Association,
namely:
• Sgt Ian Minns – enquiry processed April 2019 and awaiting confirmation of
purchase
• Sgt Don Collins – enquiry processed April 2019 and awaiting confirmation of
purchase
The PIR 50th Anniversary Medal remains unrecognised by the Australian
Government in the Australian Schedule of Foreign Awards, as the medal has never
been “offered” by the PNG Government to the Australian Government.
Association President Major Don Graham wrote to the Chief of Defence Force on 19
September 2018 and the Governor-General on 20 September 2018, to make
representations about the recognition of the Medal. The President subsequently
wrote to the Minister for Veterans Affairs on 1 November 2018, for which a response
was received dated 18 December 2018.
The Association is grateful for the support received on this matter from our current
Patron and former Patrons.
Russ Wade
Medals Officer, PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association
Lest We Forget
Pastor Erik Riedel MBE 1PIR – Long serving pastor in PNG and friend to all.
Thomas O’Meara – Vic – National serviceman 1971-73 – posted to 1PIR as Edn Instructor 1971-72
John Gibson – Qld – National Serviceman 1967-69 – Posted to 1PIR as Edn Instructor 1967-68
Olive McIntosh – Qld – Assn supporter – wife of Lt Jack McIntosh MID (PIB)
Col Cecily Sinclair-Smith of Bull Creek WA (1920-2017) – posted to Rabaul 1945-46 – later RAANC Captain at 1PIR 1966-68.
Meeting closed at 3.20pm
Minutes confirmed____________________________ / /2020
