Mar 20083 CSSB Welfare Newsletter - October 2008
CO's CORNER
It is terrific that the vast majority of the Battalion is back together in Townsville. There are now less than a handful of soldiers deployed overseas on individual assignments, but all the formed bodies have returned from the Middle East and East Timor. To the families of those soldiers who are still away - we are still here to support them and you. To the families of those who have just returned - thank you for your support which enabled them to do their jobs so well. For the soldiers that remained in Townsville and kept the Battalion functioning at such a good standard whilst we have all been away - well done and thank you. Not only have you managed to to keep everything in good shape you set the foundations for the Battalion to win the Brigade Commander's Trophy for Military Orientated Sports - for the second year in a row.
It would be easy to rest on hard earned laurels and take a breather, but as we near the end of the year there is still plenty to do as we work toward setting a solid platform to start 2009. Next year will be busy and we need to have as much in order before the year starts as we possibly can. The spouse/partner morning teas will continue at Gecko's and the next is 21 Oct 2008. I would love to see you there.
M.A. KING
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
Red Cross Blood Van
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| LTCOL King accepting the Bejing Red Cross Blood Donor Medal |
The bags of blood donated by Battalion members during this campaign was enough to secure one of the few Medals.
Once again thank you to all soldiers who were able to provide their support on Tuesday 19 Aug 08 with the Red Cross blood van.
Future dates for the Blood Donor Van.
- 3/4 Cav 3 November
- 2RAR 10 November
- 1RAR 25 November
2008 Battalion Ball
The 2008 3 CSSB Ball will be held on the 7th of November at the Jupiter's Casino Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $60.00 each and can be purchased from Company/Squadron Ball representatives.
3 CSSB Claims Commanders Trophy??...Again
For the second year in a row , 3 CSSB has claimed the coveted Commanders Trophy.
The Brigade Cross Country competition was conducted on Friday 19 September 2008, after being postponed on several occasions. 3 CSSB was in with a chance for the Commanders Trophy, and this was the last Brigade event on the list. Members of the unit paraded early, and in order to provide maximum support to our competitors unit personnel loaded up into the Transport Squadrons Unimogs, and were dropped off at various points along the 10km course.
The 3 CSSB Cross Country team was led by CAPT Craig who was sporting one of the prototype bright yellow unit PT t-shirt currently being tested.
In the weeks leading up to the race, members of the Battalions Cross Country team had been put through their paces by CAPT Craig, and everyone was aware that the competition for the Commanders Trophy was far from over. 3 CSSB held a narrow lead over 3 CSR and 2 RAR.
CAPT Craig and SGT O'Regan, both from Health Company, led the field from the start line and never looked in danger of being passed.
At the halfway mark CAPT Craig and SGT O'Regan held a huge lead over the rest of the field. The pair held on to this margin and finished 1st and 2nd respectively.
While the first two runners over the finish line were from 3 CSSB, it was the first ten runners from each unit that count towards the overall standings.
2 RAR achieved the top points in the cross country, finishing twenty points ahead of 3 CSSB. 3 CSR placed third in the race.
In order to win the Commanders Trophy 3 CSSB needed to finish the cross country in the top three , and ahead of 3 CSR.
CO 3 CSSB LTCOL Mick King accepted the Commanders Trophy on behalf of the Battalion from COMD 3rd Brigade BRIG John Caligari.
Final placings for the Commanders Trophy:
1st - 3 CSSB
2nd - 2 RAR
3rd - 3 CSR
3 CSSB Results for 2008:
1st place - Bde Orienteering
6th place - Bde Shooting
1st place - Bde Obstacle Course
2nd place - Bde Cross Country
Annual Review of Housing Contributions 2008
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| Group Rent Scheme graphic |
The review determined there would be changes to the Group Rent Scheme (GRS) for members in Service Residences and on rent allowance; housing-related allowances and charges, and the Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS). The date of effect for these changes is November 13.
The table to the right outlines changes to the normal GRS contributions paid by MWD for a Service residence with three or more bedrooms, or for the full rate RA.
Contributions at the two bedroom rate for MWD, and contributions by MWOD will be published on the ADF Pay and Conditions website at least six weeks before taking effect.
Further information on the review can be found in the latest ARMY Newspaper.
Further information on contribution changes is available at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac.
Welcome Home TLBG-4
As this edition goes to print, the redeployment of 3 CSSB members deployed as part of TLBG-4 will be underway.
The team that deployed have done a fantastic job whilst in East Timor, and after a few days in barracks to complete post deployment administration, will be taking some well deserved leave.
The 3 CSSB element, led by MAJ Jiear from Admin Company, have been deployed for six months during which they provided logistical support to the Battle Group Balmoral, led by 3 RAR..
The main body of TLBG-4 will be returning to Sydney, and the official welcome function will also be in Sydney on Saturday 8th November 2008.
Accor Defence Leisure Program (ADLP
ADLP is a benefit program that is designed exclusively for Defence personnel in Australia, and Police Association members and employees in Australia and New Zealand for personal leisure travel.
Whether your spending one night in the city centre or planning a week long resort getaway, an ADLP membership may help save you money time and again.
The ADLP provides its members with a 20% discount off the best unrestricted public rate at all Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis and All Seasons hotels across Australia, New Zealand & Fiji, and 10% discount with Formule 1 hotels in Australia and New Zealand.
Members also enjoy up to 20% discounts on car hire with Europcar in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
Who is Eligible:
- Permanent, reserve, and retired members of the ADF
- Overseas Armed Forces on temporary duty or on leave in Australia
- Defence civilians
- Partners of ADLP members
ADLP membership is valid for five years and cost $50 pp for eligible serving members, and $25 pp for partners and retired personnel.
Accor has more than 135 hotels across Australia, 37 hotels across New Zealand, and four hotels and resorts in Fiji.
Hotels include:
- Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
- Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort
- Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
- Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
To join or for more information visit the ADLP website at: 
www.accorhotels.com.au/adlp/