Vietnam Veterans Association Of Australia

 Victorian Branch

1.

Prior to 2007 there had been no Vietnam Veteran organization in Castlemaine even though the RSL has been in existence since WW1.The closest VVAA sub branches were Kyneton,Maryborough and Bendigo. It was at the Bendigo VVAA Sub branch that some vets from Castlemaine joined.

2.

Sometime in mid July 2006 the Mayor  of Mt Alexander Shire,David Gittens, was to run a civic reception for local Viet Vets to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long-Tan.An invitation was mailed out to 36 veterans whose names were obtained from CVSC Bendigo.The Long-Tan day was a great success with a BBQ and guest speakers chosen by CVSC, Lindsay McQueen and the shire. Thirty one of the known thirty six veterans attended.Graham Shard(Exec State VVAA and Maryborough sub branch)asked why do we not have a local sub branch.After speaking with Mauri Benson the then secretary of the State executive,it was decided to ring around to see how much interest there was in a local sub branch.

3.

Consequently the first meeting of the Steering Committee was held in the RSL Hall on Wed 1st Nov 2006 at 7.30 pm. Nine vets and 2 wives attended. At this meeting it was decided that we contact Mauri Bensen for permission be requested from the State Exec for a Castlemaine Sub Branch be formed.Max Godwin(President Bendigo VVAA sub branch)was the special guest to help out with his advise. A letter of Application to Form a sub branch was sent to Peter Bright Secretary VVAA State Branch

4.

The second meeting of the steering committee was held on Monday 12th Feb 2007,8 Vets and 2 wives attending.Received letter from VVAA State Branch acknowledging our letter to form sub branch The State VVAA at their state council meeting at Bright in Nov 2006 decided that they would hold the next State Council in Castlemaine on 5th May 2007 at which time, providing all the criteria had been met, the Castlemaine Sub Branch would be formally welcomed into the State Branch It was decided that Monthly meetings would be held at the RSL hall on the 1st Monday of the month starting at 7.30 pm.Subscriptions would be Veterans $25 Non Vets(associates) $10

5.

Inaugural Meeting of Castlemaine District Sub-Branch of VVAA   Feb 27th 2007

Special Visitors were Peter Bright(State Secretary),Jim Coglan(State Treasurer),Graham Shard(Member State exec,Pres Maryborough VVAA),Craig Borland(Maryborough),Max Godwin(Bendigo),Sue Arthur(Bendigo)Iris Sutton(Bendigo)

Lindsay McQueen welcomed all the visitors and vets he then called upon Peter Bright to enlighten the meeting of the VVAA aims and objectives. Bendigo VVAA has offered $200 to help start up. Addresses were also given by Jim Coglan and Bendigo and Maryborough reps. A 15 min break for supper was then ordered.

 The meeting resumed after the break Peter Bright in the chair posed the question”Do You Want to form the Sub-Branch?.

Unanimous affirmative response by show of hands led to the nomination of the new executive by Peter Bright on behalf of the VIC VVAA. Congratulations were extended and the Castlemaine District Sub-Branch was officially formed.

Executive members elected were-

President  Lindsay McQueen

Secretary  Bob Miller

Treasurer  Alan Lane

Committee  John Armstrong  John Whiddon  Eddie Nicholson

Membership forms were distributed to be returned at the next meeting to be held on the 5th Mar 2007 at 7.30 pm at the RSL Hall

6.

After only two monthly meetings(assisted by the State and Mornington sub-branch) the State Council was held in Castlemaine hosted by Castlemaine District Sub-branch on 28th April 2007. During this council meeting Castlemaine sub-branch was officially welcomed as the new sub-branch of VVAAVIC

This event was a great success for the the new sub-branch and for the Mt Alexander Shire.