 |
|
| |
| |
| Australasia Branch
2008 Brisbane Reunion
|
|
Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association
Australasia Branch
1. Overview of Brisbane
The 2008 “main reunion venue” of the RLIRA Australasia Branch will be held in
Brisbane, the sub-tropical capital of Queensland, on 24-25th April (Anzac Day)
2008 where, it should be noted, non-Association and other overseas RLI people
are definitely welcome to join in.
Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and although it definitely has a more
relaxed pace than its large cousins of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is still a
vibrant modern city with an estimated resident population of around 2 million.
If you make the journey you will find how beautiful a city Brisbane can be for
it has a unique combination of the old and new - where sandstone cathedrals
blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers, modern architectural design
is teamed with a healthy respect for tradition.
With the combination of Brisbane’s laid-back style, mix of old & new buildings
and Jacaranda trees, it is somewhat reminiscent of the Salisbury City – in days
now gone past.
For those who may have the time to stay a bit longer and wish to explore
Brisbane and surrounding regions, you will find that within easy striking
distance, there is a wide & fascinating range of things to do and sights to see
for any age group and/or, specific interest.
Just name a few:-
- Morton & Fraser Island Adventure Day Tours
- Scenic Mountain & Rainforest Nature Day Tours
- Climb the Story Bridge Adventures
- Brisbane City Tours
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Brisbane Hot-Air Balloon Flights
- Surfers Paradise & Gold Coast
- Multiple Theme Parks – Dream World, Sea World, Wet-n-Wild etc.
- Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo & Crocoseum
- Riverside Bicycle Hire
- The Famous XXXX Brewery Tour
Another major feature is the majestic Brisbane River which leisurely winds it’s
way through the city. During the day there is always something to see happening
on the river with river taxis continually criss-crossing to drop passengers off
on the North or South banks.
 |
However, it is at night the river truly seems to burst into life through
the
sparkling reflections from illuminated buildings, bridges, prominent
|
landscape
features and, brightly lit Mississippi style paddle-wheel restaurants and other
boats plying their way around the river.
As will be noted by the follow-on information, the Brisbane Reunion Organizing
Team has gone to great lengths to ensure that the 2008 Reunion has a very
distinct "River Theme".
The Brisbane River at night |
If you have any queries about Brisbane in general, or the 2008 Reunion in
specific, contact either
Marshall ROSS: myross@bigpond.com or,
Jack LAMONT: lamont4@digisurf.com.au
2. Accommodation Group Discount Deal – Stamford Hotel
 |
A great group discount deal has been struck with the very stylish 5 Star
Stamford Plaza Hotelwhich is located on the corner of Edward & Margaret Streets
in the heart of Brisbane’s central business district and, situated right on the
very edge of the Brisbane River.
|
Every room in the Stamford boasts sweeping river views and thus, their normal
tariff runs to
around $550.00 per night however, after much hand-wringing and
shirt-renting, a tremendous
group discount rate of $230.00 per night has been
obtained for a two night stay……check-in 24th
April, check-out 26th April.
As in Sydney at last reunion, rooms can be booked for a couple, a single or, on
a twin share.
For the twin share, each occupant is responsible for only half the
$230.00 nightly tariff.
The Stamford is on the left of picture
|
|
|
|
Typical Stamford Plaza room layout
|
View from a Stamford Plaza room |
To make a direct on-line booking with the Stamford Plaza at the RLI
Reunion special rate
 |
1) Go to Stamford Homepage www.stamford.com.au
2) On the Hotel Finder Panel, select the hotel offering the special and select
your check in
& out dates*, number of rooms, and number of adults.
3) Click the drop down arrow beside the words "Booking Code". A small box will
appear
(as indicated left). Type in RLI2008 and press “Search”.
4) The special Conference Rate will appear above the other available rates.
Click on the
“Book This” link to proceed.
|
5) Proceed with the booking as usual
For queries regarding the online booking process, please contact
cho@stamford.com.au
IMPORTANT NOTE
* The RLI Reunion special rate will only appear for the group booking dates
24th& 25th April. To check availability & rates for additional days, contact the
Stamford Plaza direct at: www.stamford.com.au. Also, the group deal will only
come into effect if we get a minimum of 10 rooms booked |
3. Pre-Anzac Day Dinner – The Kookaburra Queen
 |
Feedback from last reunion clearly indicated that the a pre-Anzac Day Dinner
was a huge success
and should be made a regular feature of reunions.
Accordingly, a dinner will be held on the evening of 24th April and again in
keeping with the
River-Theme, dinner will be held aboard either the Kookaburra
Queen I or II paddle-wheel river-boat restaurants which, are true icons of
Brisbane River and, provide a unique view of the city,
particularly at night.
|
Both Queens are 30 metres long, constructed from traditional Queensland timbers,
weigh in at a
whopping 140 tonnes and, although powered by modern twin 350
horsepower engines, were
designed to come as close as possible to the original
steamers
It might be of comfort to some to hear that the Queens were so named because the
Kookaburra is
an Australian native bird that is never seen to drink water – no
doubt, a prophesy all boat owners
would hope to emulate !
Kookaburra Queen lit up for night cruise |
|
For the night dinner-
cruise, boarding time is 7.00pm with the actual cruise starting at
7.30pm and goes for 2 hours during which, a lavish four course buffet
style meal will be available that includes a fine selection of seafood
such as: Smoked Salmon, Ocean Fresh Prawns, Fresh Rock Oysters, Fresh
Sand Crabs and for the adventurous uninitiated, Morton Bay Bugs – an
alleged local delicacy !
Throughout the cruise, the RLIRA Reunion group will have exclusive use
of a complete deck which means, you will be able to wander around at
your leisure to take in the sights and lights of Brisbane.& the river.
|
The combined cost of the cruise and dinner (drinks excluded) is a
reasonable $72.00 per person. Yes, there is a fully stocked & serviced
bar on each deck.
Please note, in order to secure exclusive use of a complete deck we need
to have a minimum of
30 people book for the dinner/cruise and, this also
requires us paying a substantial up-front deposit, |
please book as early as possible!
Kookaburra Queen Dining Area
For Dinner-Cruise Bookings, please contact Jack Lamont:
lamont4@digisurf.com.au
4. Dawn Service Options
 |
There are two options for people who wish to attend a Dawn Service.
The first is to attend the main Brisbane service which takes place in Anzac
Square, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Stamford Plaza.
|
The Brisbane service is attended by thousands of people and whilst large
numbers certainly add to the sense of occasion, it can also cause difficulty
getting close enough to see what is going on and to hear what is being said.
Anzac Square |
|
|
|
|
 |
The second option would be for the RLI to hold a small private and thus,
possibly more poignant service. A perfect location for this would be the
Brisbane Botanic Gardens which directly adjoins the Stamford Plaza.
As the Botanic Gardens has an extensive network of tree-canopied pathways from
which the Brisbane River can usually be seen and easily accessed, there is a
multitude of locations where we could hold a small intimate service to remember
our fallen.
Botanic Gardens gates - Stamford Plaza in background |
|
|
|
 |
A normal practice at a Dawn Service is to lay a wreath in remembrance of the
fallen. Wreaths are usually laid upon a cenotaph or other such memorial
structure however, there is no such structure in the Botanic gardens.
Accordingly, the plan is to cast our wreath onto the waters of the Brisbane
River. Given that Rhodesia has itself now drifted away into the pages of
history, this may well represent a far more appropriate act, rather the laying
our wreath on an
Australian memorial. |
|
Further adding to the intimacy, Lt. Col., Bishop Nicholas Jackson (ex-RLI), has
kindly agreed to conduct the religious aspects of our Dawn Service. |
|
|
|
One of the many possible river side sites in the Botanic Gardens |
 |
Immediately following completion of a Dawn Service, it is traditional for many
to go directly to a “Gun-Fire Breakfast” which are simple “Bangers and Mash”
type affairs, and normally put on by service clubs where it is often provided
free of charge to those wearing medals.
At present time, we have not yet been able to identify a nearby “Gun-Fire
Breakfast” location however, a fall-back alternative is the Stamford’s riverside
Brassiere which,
opens for breakfast at 6.00am (their charge is $35.00pp)…..
Research will be continue on other Gun-Fire options.
Stamford Plaza Brassiere breakfast venue option |
5. March & Post March Venue – The Port Office Hotel
 |
Like in Sydney, we will again march with the local Rhodesian Contingent who
in Brisbane, assemble at the top of Charlotte Street near Pancake Manor (on
corner with George Street) at 09:45am.
One can walk to the Rhodesian Contingent form-up area from the Stamford in 5
minutes at a brisk pace, and 10 minutes at a sedate stroll. |
Once we have a more acurate idea of RLI numbers, and if numbers are sufficient
to warrant such, we will make an approach to organizers of the Brisbane Rho.
Contingent organizers about the RLI forming a sub-group to their contingent.
Rhodesian Contingent at Brisbane march |
| |
As you may be able to note by the above photo the Brisbane
Rhodesian Contingent chaps set a reasonably high standard of dress so, it wil
be up to each RLI to ensure they are properly attired.
It will no doubt be of interest to hear that the RLIRA Patron, Brigadier
“Digger” Essex-Clark, DSM, has recently accepted an invitation to lead the RLI
sub-group at the Brisbane march.
The Brisbane parade usually commences at 10.00am, starting from George Street
(near the Casino), travels down Adelaide Street, past King George Square & Anzac
Square (where the Governor normally takes the salute), then turns right into
Creek St where all the unit disband, which again, is a 5 – 10 minute walk back
to the Stamford Plaza. |
|
|
The RLI Post-March lunch-drinks venue is the historic Port Office Hotel
which, is conveniently, located directly adjacent to the Stamford Plaza…...about
a 30 seconds
stagger away !
|
The heritage listed Port Office Hotel was originally built in 1868 (then named
the Shamrock) but was subsequently destroyed in a fire and totally gutted &
re-modelled in 1880. Further re-modelling took place in 1909 whereupon the hotel
took on it’s current façade, roof and name. The Port Office Hotel is one of the
oldest buildings in Brisbane.
As the Port Office Hotel is a popular reunion venue on Anzac Day (total 1st
floor area booked out for another private reunion |
| |
|
|
function) we have been fortunate enough to make arrangements to have a section
of the ground floor “Marble Bar” roped off forexclusive use by RLI.
The Historic Post Office Hotel
Whilst many members will no doubt wish to mingle with other people in the
general bar area, having our very own area, with reserved tables and chairs,
means that there will also be a guaranteed area for those that prefer to sit and
chat.
The reserved area will also serve as a central point for delivery of the light
snacks we have arranged to be provided. There is also a variety of lunch options
available at the hotel, ranging upwards from steak-sandwich type affairs.
Our reserved area is half inside and half outside the pub with the external ½
being a roofed section of what would have once been a horse & carriage
access-way.
| Portion of the inside RLI reserved area |
Outdoor part of RLI reserved area |
 |
 |
6. Interest / Attendance Surveyy
In order that the Brisbane Reunion Organizing Team might more accurately
estimate attendance numbers at the various venues/activities, it would be
GREATLY APPRECIATED if you would sent a brief email to Jack Lamont
lamont4@digisurf.com.au to
indicate your probable involvement (eg: by advising: Definite, Unsure, Not Able)
for each the following 6x venues and/or, activities:
Kookaburra Queen Pre-Anzac Day Dinner
Stamford Plaza Accommodation
Botanic Gardens Dawn Service
Brisbane City Anzac Day March
Post-March Port Office Hotel Lunch/Drinks
7. Reunion Dress Advice
General
A semi-formal Jacket & Tie arrangement would be the most appropriate for Anzac
Day functions and, whilst there is no hard & fast rules, some sort of conformity
of attire would be highly preferred, particularly as it is planned that the RLI
will be marching in an RLI specific sub-group of the Rho. Contingent.
During TV broadcast of the Sydney Anzac Day march, voice-over commentary made
special reference to the Green-Bereted & smartly turned out RLI group.
Recommended form of attire:
- Dark suit or, Blazer (preferable with RLI pocket badge) & grey trousers.
- White or near white shirt
- RLI or similar green/white stripped tie.
- RLI Beret & Badge
- Medals (own on the Left, family member on the Right)
- Rho. Combat Infantry Badge
- Para Badge (if applicable)
Blazers
For those chaps who still have RLI blazers, these would be entirely suitable to
wear on the day. Unfortunately for most of us, the Blazers have not survived the
passage of time or, seem to have mysteriously shrunk over the years!
An alternative is to purchase a department store off the rack blazer, and
tack-stitch onto it an RLI blazer badge. As the only RLI blazer badges currently
available come with black material surrounds, the blazer usually has to be black
to match in.
By lightly stitching on the badge, it can be easily removed so that the blazer
can be utilized for other functions. Very good quality wire bullion RLI blazer
badges can be obtained for about $40.00 from: Ken Palmer:
faggamoto@optusnet.com.au
Berets
If again your original berets have not survived the passage of time, same colour
green berets can be purchased for approximately $35.00 from either the 1
Commando Association Q-Store: http://www.1commando.com or, the NZ Rhodesian
Services Association CQ Store: http://www.rhodesianservices.org
Beret Badges
If you also require a replacement beret badge, your best bet is to look out for
one on www.ebay.com where they often come up for sale and generally go for
between $10 - $20. It does not matter if you can only get hold of one with
damaged or missing rear lugs as it is a simple matter to invisibly stitch it
onto the beret using fine fishing line.
Medals & Ribbon
If your medals have been lost, genuine medals and replica copies can be
purchased. Again a good source is eBay www.ebay.com. where prices for genuine
RGSM’s vary widely however, they generally go for around $60.00 and, Zimbabwe
Independence usually cost considerably less. The NZRSA CQ Store
http://www.rhodesianservices.org
also has a stock of recently produced duplicate copies of both the RGSM & ZIM,
plus stock of replacement ribbon for both.
RLI Ties
 |
Andy Tattam (ACT Chapter Representative) is generously self-funding a
production run of RLIRA design ties. Ties will be available at around AUD$29,99
each (inclusive of postage within Australia & New Zealand.
If interested in a tie, send an email to Andy at:
mail@plaspress.com.au |
| |
|
| The Rho. Combat Infantry Badge (unofficial) |
 |
The CIB is an Australasia Branch initiative, supported by the RLIRA
Executive Council and, all profits derived by the
Australasia Branch goes into a
trust fund for Association specific use. |
The purpose of the badge is to be worn so that it shows to others that the
wearer was an infantryman who, has served in actual combat.
Accordingly, it is suggested that the badge be worn on the left side of the
chest, central to and approximately one centimeter directly above
your medals
For those interested in more information about, or obtaining a CIB’s, contact
* Australia Residents Tony Young
ozemedic@bigpond.net.au
* NZ or elsewhere overseas Hugh Bomford
hbomford@clear.net.nz |
| |
|
|
Parachute Wing Lapel Badges |
|
Small metal & enamel pin-back para wing lapel badges (2 x 1 cm) can be
purchased for $7.00, inclusive of postage.
If interested, contact Tony Young
ozemedic@bigpond.net.au |
| |
|
| RLI Solid Silver Cufflinks |
 |
One set of solid silver cufflinks, boldly featuring the RLI crest is
available for sale at $100.00 per pair. If interest is
sufficient, production of
further sets can be organized but, it should be born in mind that about 4 weeks
has to be allowed from time of order, until delivery.
If interested, contact Tony Young
ozemedic@bigpond.net.au |
| |
|
| |
|
8. Anzac Day – Description & Explaination of Significance
Most countries have a specific day set aside for reflection of the sacrifices
made during war such as, Remembrance Day in the UK and, Veteran Day in the USA.
However, no where else is in the world does anything come even remotely close to
what takes place in Australia & New Zealand every Anzac Day wherein, throughout
both countries, residents of every city, regional centre & small town, hold
commemoration events.
Anzac Day was originally established to remember the sacrifices & outstanding
achievements by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (A.N.Z.A.C.), during
World War 1.
WW1 made a significant and lasting impact upon the psyche of the populations of
Australia & New Zealand as may be demonstrated by the fact that virtually in
every town, no matter how small, memorials to sacrifices made by residents of
those communities can be found.
These memorials form the focal point of Anzac Day commemorations, with the
program of events in each location following a similar pattern. As might be
expected, the larger the city or town, the larger the turn-out is for Anzac Day
events.
Whilst remembrance of the Gallipoli campaign holds centre stage at Anzac Day
commemorations, following WW2, Anzac Day has evolved to recognize the sacrifices
made by Australian & New Zealand forces in all subsequent conflicts in which
they were involved.
During recent years, Anzac Day has further evolved and now, veterans from
conflicts in which Australia or New Zealand were not necessarily involved are
officially encouraged to partake in Anzac Day ceremonies.
This invitation includes, forming their own contingents and marching in the main
Anzac Day veterans parade along with their Australian & New Zealand
counterparts.
By participation in Anzac Day events, this provides non-Australian or non-New
Zealand veterans a venue to commemorate sacrifices & achievements of their
ex-service personnel.
Since the early 1980’s small contingents of Ex- Rhodesian service personnel have
participated in Anzac Day formalities in various cities throughout Australia.
In Sydney, which has the largest and most spectacular Anzac Day parade, a
Rhodesian contingent marches under the Rhodesian Flag and a banner identifying
who they are and, setting out the Battle Honours of the Rhodesian Armed Forces.
Whilst Anzac Day is indeed an event that honours sacrifices made and remembers
the fallen, to veterans who have experienced first hand the rigors & emotions of
combat, the day has far deeper & complex significance.
Although most would be reluctant to publicly confirm it, for veterans, Anzac Day
is also a kind of proud affirmation of having once been warriors and what they
have experienced!
The Dawn Service
Dawn Service’s mark the beginning of Anzac Day commemorations, are usually held
at the local war memorial and take the form of a solemn out-door church service.
The Dawn Service originates from the battlefield routine of pre-dawn Stand-To’s.
After WW1, returned soldiers sought the comradeship they felt in those quiet
peaceful moments and so, informally began gathering at their local war memorials
in the dark before dawn to remember and honour fallen comrades.
The Dawn Service is a moving ceremony which rapidly became a common form of
Anzac Day remembrance. The first recorded official dawn service was held at the
Sydney Cenotaph in 1927.
Dawn services were originally very simple affairs & in many cases, were
restricted to veterans only. Just before dawn the gathered veterans would be
ordered to "stand to" and two minutes of silence would follow. At the end of
this time a lone bugler would play the "Last Post" and then concluded the
service with "Reveille".
Over the passage of time, Dawn Service ceremonies have become more elaborate,
incorporating hymns, readings, pipers, buglers, rifle volleys and now, is
attended by both veterans and others.
The Gun-Fire Breakfast
Immediately after completion of the Dawn Service, most attendees then adjourn to
the local Service Club, Community Hall or other suitable venue where, a hot
breakfast is usually provided free of charge.
The origin of the name Gun-Fire Breakfast is that, this was the term used for
the traditional Stand-to heart-starter of coffee with a tot of rum. As a
consequence, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is also a feature of the
Anzac Day Gun-Fire Breakfast.
Pre-March Gathering
In cities & towns which hold large Anzac Day parades, it is often necessary to
have the various march contingents step-off at staggered intervals.
In Sydney for example, the parade consists of many thousands of veterans, whilst
the first contingent may step-off around 1000 hours, the last contingents do not
step off for another 2 hours.
In many instances, veterans who intend to march in the parade arrange to meet
friends early at their respective contingent form-up area, and use the time
before step-off to catch up on news, have a few drinks etc.
The Main Parade
Main parades involvement for most groups consists of a short 30 minute march by
veterans or their representative, formed up in service/nationality contingents,
down the main street/s of respective cities & towns, which are lined with
spectators, to a place where all form up as if on parade, normally within the
vicinity of a war memorial.
Parades are attended by a range of VIP’s who deliver short speeches reminding
all of the significance of Anzac Day, and expressing thanks for the service &
sacrifices made by veterans.
In the larger cities, the main parade is made up of many separate unit specific
& group contingents, interspaced with brass or bagpipe marching bands. In
smaller towns, the parade might consist of a single mixed unit group, normally
accompanied by a band.
Originally, only veterans were allowed to march in the parade however over the
years, this rule has been somewhat relaxed so that now, a family member can
march in place of a deceased veteran and, wear their medals for them on their
behalf.
One of the more touching aspects of the day is that often before, during and
after the parade, you will see be-medalled veterans approached by children who
hand the veterans small home made thank you cards, sprigs of rosemary which is a
symbol of remembrance or some other small token of admiration.
Sprigs of Rosemary are also freely available from volunteers who wander around
with trays/baskets of the sprigs…….it is good idea to bring along a couple of
safety pins to attach the sprigs to your blazer.
Post March Lunch & Drinks
At conclusion of Parade ceremonies, groups break-off and go to pre-arranged
venues where they have lunch and generally spend the remainder of the day
talking over drinks with old friends and making new acquaintances.
It is accepted that Anzac Day is a time for veterans to “let their hair down” a
bit, and thus a degree of high-jinks is overlooked….this includes the operation
of normally illegal Two-Up Schools which, is an old fashion form of gambling
used by Australian troops in the field. Two-Up gets it’s name from the two
pennies that are used in the game, that are flipped in the air and bets laid on
which way the pennies will land. EG: Both heads up etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|