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OC’S AGM REPORT - July 2005 - August 2006 It’s been another very successful year with the members of Riverwood Squadron attaining terrific results on the field and in the class room, whilst maintaining commitment to the Australian Air League and the community. I will summarize our activities for the year. JULY On Saturday 16th July, the Squadron held a fund raising BBQ at Bunnings Warehouse Bankstown. On Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th July, the Squadron held a Recruiting Drive at Centro Roselands Shopping Centre. AUGUST Over the weekend of the 12th to the 14th August, Squadron members participated in the 40 Hour Famine, raising funds for World Vision. Members abstained from food during this period, diverting their attention from their grumbling stomachs with plenty of football, DVD’s and Play Station games. The feast afterwards was a sight to be seen! This month, the Squadron conducted another Fund raising BBQ at Bunnings Warehouse, Bankstown. Over the weekend of the 20th to 21st August, members stayed at the Air Activities Base at Camden, participating in their Air Awareness & Air Activities Class 3 courses, and several members went up for a flight. Over the weekend of the 27th & 28th August, the Squadron conducted recruiting at Centro Roselands Shopping Centre. On the 27th August, the Squadron participated in the Haldon Street Festival in Lakemba. That month, we received confirmation of a $2,000 grant from Veteran’s Affairs towards our proposed commemorative cenotaph project. Work continued on the renovation of the hall. SEPTEMBER On Sunday the 18th September, the Squadron was stretched to the limits, with three commitments for the day. In the morning the Squadron performed at the Lugarno Lion’s Club Spring Fair at Gannon’s Park. Our Squadron led the concourse parade and we conducted some serious recruiting. Our entrant in the regatta was a camouflaged ‘Hornet’ aircraft, appropriately named ‘Piston Broke’ carried by two parents, the infamous Guido Zatschler and Irhad Sofic, affectionately known as ‘Maverick & Goose’. Our strobe lights and sirens were unfortunately not enough to win the race but there is always next year. That morning Our three Cadet of the Year entrants were kept busy showing their craft at the final testing stage of the competition. Later that afternoon, the Squadron participated in the Burwood Festival, in support of the local Squadron. In September, 2005 the Squadron took possession of a storage shipping container courtesy of Royal Wolf Containers. This acquisition has enabled us to store items and equipment and allow access to areas within the hall for further renovation work to continue. Many thanks to Royal Wolf Containers for their assistance and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial association. OCTOBER Over the weekend of the 15th - 16th October, the Squadron conducted recruiting at Centro Roselands Shopping Centre. This was the third occasion in 2006, resulting in a boost to our role strength with 18 new members! On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October, Squadron members participated in the activities associated with the Riverwood Festival, with Band performances on the stage and plenty of recruiting activities conducted. That month the Squadron received a $1,000 grant from Canterbury City Council under their Community Grants Program. NOVEMBER On the 12th November, three of our members, 2nd Officer Jonathon Wilkins, D/M Ian Kent and Sgt Danny Lam, were presented with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Certificates by the Governor in the gardens of Government House. The prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is held in high esteem and recognizes individuals for their work and achievement in support of the community over 3 years. The Squadron has several members at various stages of their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. The Squadron conducted two fundraising BBQ’s at Bunnings Bankstown and Villawood stores. That brought the official activities of the Squadron for 2005 to a close. JANUARY, 2006 Over the Australia Day weekend in January, Squadron members traveled to Tamworth and participated in the annual Tamworth Music Festival in support of the local AAL Squadron. We traveled by bus with members from Rockdale, Marrickville and Mt Pritchard Squadron’s. The Local Tamworth Squadron hosted us for the weekend. We joined in with the celebrations, attending the street carnivals and fairs and had a great time. We look forward to next years’ festival, and the bus trip!! FEBRUARY On Saturday the 4th February, the Squadron conducted a Fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Warehouse, Bankstown. These funds were put to good use, with renovation work continuing on the hall. A welcomed addition to the Office was the installation of and air conditioner, providing comfort for your hard working Officers. Many thanks to the NCO’s and Mr Nick APOKOURASTOS for assisting with the renovation work on the NCO & Training Rooms at the Hall. On the 11th -12th February, the Squadron conducted recruiting activities at Centro Roselands Shopping Centre. Several Squadron members are at various levels within the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Congratulations to Sqn/Lt Matthew WALLACE on attaining his Bronze Award. Riverwood Squadron are also assisting with the co-ordination of the D of E program for Marrickville Squadron members. On Sunday the 26th February, the Squadron traveled to Wyong for the Central Coast Wing Parade. We picked up a 3rd for Flag Party on the March and in the Diagram competition, 3rd for Best Squadron and 1st for Best Band. Later that day, the Squadron members strolled across the road to the local swimming pool where we participated in the annual NSW BG Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to all our members, especially J/Cdt Josh CALLAGHAN who won a medal in every event he entered. The update of facilities at the Squadron Hall progressed with the addition of a photo copier. Many thanks to the Lissing family for donating the copier to the Squadron. MARCH Four members completed their respective Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, with GOLD awarded to Sgt Michael APOKOURASTOS, the SILVER awarded to Sqn/Lt Matthew WALLACE and the BRONZE awarded to Sgt Christopher CAMAGE and Cpl David STEVENS. Congratulations to these very worthy recipients. A Fundraising BBQ was conducted at both Bunnings Warehouse Bankstown & Villawood stores respectively. APRIL Over the weekend of the 8th-9th April, the Squadron conducted recruiting activities at Centro Roselands Shopping Centre. On Saturday the 22nd April, the Officers and their families saw the Anzac Military Tattoo at the Sydney Superdome. It was pleasing to see three former Squadron members perform in their respective bands at the Tattoo On Sunday 23rd April, Squadron members participated in Anzac Sunday commemorations on behalf of Riverwood, Mortdale, Rockdale and Matraville RSL Clubs. We received a $500 donation for our efforts. On Anzac Day, 25th April, Squadron members participated in the Dawn Services held at the Riverview Bowling Club at Riverwood and in the City. Later in the morning, all Squadron members gathered in the City to participate in the City parade. Our Squadron band was treated to being placed between the Royal Band of the Royal Marines from Portsmouth, and the Band of the Grenadier Guards from England. These bands played in the parade as they were in town for the Anzac Military Tattoo. MAY On Saturday 6th May, a Fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Warehouse, Villawood was conducted. Later that evening, the Squadron Officers and their respective partners attended the annual Kingsford Smith Wing Dinner held at Club Rivers. The Squadron was aptly rewarded for the preveious years efforts, picking up numerous awards for excellence in the areas of Education, Drill and ‘Best Squadron’. Congratulations to Sqn/Lt Matthew WALLACE who was awarded the Most Outstanding Officer in Kingsford Smith Wing. On Sunday 7th May, the Squaron attended a Wing Training Day hosted by Southerland Shire Squadron. Squadron members attained several Field badges and NCO promotions on the day. Over the weekend of the 20th-21st May, several members attended a training course at the Air Activities Base in Camden, completing their respective Navigation Class 2 badges. Congratulations to Sqn/Lt Matthew WALLACE on completion of his AAL Diploma. On Friday 26th May, the Squadron conducted an open night, after much advertising in the local area. Several prospective members were in attendance, with roll strength increasing that month by 4 members. On Saturday 27th May, numerous Squadron membes participated in the Red Shield Appeal, collecting money for the Salvation Army. Later that evening, the Squadron Band performed at a 60th birthday party at the Catalina Restaurant in Rose Bay for a prominent physician. We were part of the entertainment for the evening which also consisted of a rock band, a choir and an orchestra! On Sunday 28th May, the Squadron competed in the annual NSW BG Church & Ceremonial Parade in the City. The street march competitions were conducted on the march from the Cenotaph in Martin Place, concluding at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. Several Squadron members were presented with individual awards. Congratulations to Sgt Chris CAMAGE & Cpl David STEVENS who received their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Sqn/Lt Matthew WALLACE who received his Silver D of E Award, and Sgt Michael APOKOURASTOS who received his Gold D of E Award. 10 years Service Medals were presented to 2nd/Off Jonathon WILKINS & D/M Ian KENT. For our efforts on the day, we picked up 3rd Best Drum Major, 2nd Best Squadron on the March, and 1st Best Band. On the overall performance of the Squadron for the 12 month prior, the Squadron picked up the Best Squadron in Field and the coveted ‘Most Outstanding Squadron of the Year’ in NSW. A terrific result! JUNE On Saturday 10th June, the Squadron conducted a Fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Warehouse, Bankstown. Over the weekend of the 16th-18th June, Squadron members attended the annual Officers, NCo & Band Training Camp at Lane Cove. We had 18 members in attendance throughout the weekend, including our three entrants in the 2006 Cadet of the Year competition, J/Cdt Joshua CALLAGHAN, Sgt Christopher CAMAGE and Sgt Michael APOKOURASTOS. Over the weekend of the 24th-25th June, the Squadron conducted recruiting at Centro Roselands Shopping Centre. We have achieved our goal, recruiting the ‘Dirty Dozen’ halfway through the year! If we keep up this momentum, who knows how many new members we can add to the ‘Hornets’ roll book by end of year! In June, W/O Nathan LISSING was deployed on active duty as part of the ADF Police Action in East Timor. Nathan is a rifleman with ‘Charlie’ coy, 2RAR, and is expected to be on deployment for around six months. We wish him all the very best and a safe return. JULY Later that day, the Squadron Band moved locations for band practice for the day, to the Anzac Rifle Range at Malabar, providing a music for sensitivity training for horses preparing for the following day’s Reserve Forces Parade. It was a novelty to perform to a couple of dozen horses! Our performance was much appreciated, perhaps leading to similar performances in the future. On the 2nd July, the Squadron participated in the Reserve Forces Day Parade in the City. On the weekend of the 7th-9th July, Squadron members attended a training course at the Air Activities Base, Camden. On Sunday 23rd July, Squadron members joined other Cadets and family from Squadrons within the Wing, for a Kingsford Smith Wing Day hike in the Royal National Park. On Sunday 30th July, our three Cadet of the Year nominees, J/Cdt Josh CALLAGHAN, Sgt Christopher CAMAGE and Sgt Michael APOKOURASTOS went through their paces at the conclusion of the competition process. I know you will join me in wishing them the best of luck. They have a long wait ahead of them, as the winners in the respective categories are not announced till this years NSWB Group Review in August! The month of July, also saw the installation of additional compound security lighting, following several incidents of vandalism, property theft and malicious damage by fire to adjoining Council property. Further security measures at the hall are planned, funds permitting. That concludes the official activities of the Squadron for the year to date, to a close.
Throughout the year, Riverwood Squadron members have extended the hand of friendship to others by providing band and musical tutoring throughout the year to members of Rockdale, Marrickville, Sutherland Shire, Toukley and Mt Pritchard Squadron’s. Several of our Cadets have been steadily working on their respective Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program throughout the year. Our Theory education & Practical education results have been terrific and our results in Field speak for themselves. The Squadron has been extremely active in support of numerous community functions and events. Riverwood Squadron continues to play an ever increasingly active participation in such events both locally and in Country NSW. Our renovation work on the hall has been progressing steadily, with the completion of the NCO & Training rooms, and ongoing improvements to the Office and the addition of further computers. Many thanks to the members and Parents for their efforts.
As you can see it’s been a very busy and successful year. Our Cadets have unselfishly traveled the State in support of other Squadrons and Community Groups. All this would not have been possible without a strong dedicated contingent of Squadron Officers. This Squadron is lucky to have such terrific Officers, all of whom hold multiple appointments within the Squadron and on Wing or Group Staff. Thank you for your efforts, which make my job easier and more enjoyable. On behalf of the members of Riverwood Squadron I would like to thank all Parents and the members of the Parent Committee for their support throughout the year. The Squadron cannot function without a dedicated Parent Committee to back us up, and I thank you all for your outstanding efforts throughout the year. I welcome the new parent Committee and look forward to working with you over the next year. C.Bailey, MSA, JP
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