Search for Withers

I am writing on behalf of Jeanette Taylor of the UK who is very keen to make contact with Rod and Jan Withers. The Withers are godparents to her daughter Katherine. Jeanette last saw them while Rod was on a posting in the UK, during the early 80’s, and has since lost contact.

Suzanne Stewart
dstewart@mackay.net

Time for next step

I would firstly like to say thank you for publishing ABMT White’s letter in Navy News (March 27) as it raises a very important issue.
In DCN’s response, he has mentioned the Family Law Act 1975. In DI(G) PERS 53-1, it only refers to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
Correspondence that I have received from CDF also only refers to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
I believe this needs to be looked at carefully, to ensure that the right legislation’s are referred to, so as not to confuse the matter any further.
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) have stated that the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 does not prevent Defence from amending the definition of de facto in DI(G) PERS 53-1. So stating that Defence can only amend it’s internal policy if the Commonwealth changes the legislation is actually incorrect.
In the UK, the British Military have announced that the partners of any gay and lesbian service members killed during the war in Iraq will receive their military pensions and other benefits. When will Australia take the next step?
This change means a lot to so many, lets see it happen soon.
It’s been over 11 years since the ban was lifted on gays and lesbians serving in the ADF. I think enough time has gone past.

POWTR Stuart O’Brien
stuart.obrien@defence.gov.au

From the Bishop

Once again the men and women of the ADF have been called upon to fulfill their vocation and respond to the call of duty.
My Chaplains and I take this opportunity to assure you of our wholehearted affirmation and prayerful support.
We know you well and deem it a great privilege to serve you and your families as best we can and as circumstances allow. We are proud of you as you join in the active endeavour to combat and overcome injustice and terrorism.
We pray earnestly for your success and that you will help to achieve lasting peace for our troubled times.
May the Good Lord protect you one and all and bring you safely and quickly home to your loved ones.

Bishop Geoffrey Mayne
Catholic Bishop of the ADF

 

Heart felt thanks

Could this please be forwarded onto the men and women serving in the Persian Gulf.
I served onboard HMAS Brisbane (LSBM, OMC, 52 Mount) in the last conflict in The Gulf.
I hope all goes as your training has taught you, for it does work. All those DCX’s, action stations and all the other exercises you do, become second nature when the action alarm goes off in the middle of the night, when you have just got your head down after coming off watch.
I know you will serve your ship mates, country and all of us here. We are wishing you all our heart felt thanks for doing your duty for the Royal Australian Navy and Australia.

Paul Deacon
pdeacon@bigpond.com

 

$20k deep dig

On behalf of the families involved in the Defence Special Needs Support Group, I would like to thank you for participating in our Dig Deep for a Dollar Day held late last year.
A wonderful total of over $20,000 was received with Defcredit contributing $12,817.53.
All monies raised go directly into projects that support families with special needs either at a national or local level, establishing support groups or assisting those groups with their activities.
Could you please pass on our gratitude to everyone involved, especially those volunteers who assisted with the collection.

Margaret Fisk
Defence Special Needs Support Group

The opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not represent the views of the editor or the Navy. Sailors wishing to air their views through letters to the editor have access to the newspaper without using the chain of command. Letters may be edited. Preference will be given to letters of fewer than 300 words. The letter will be published only when it includes the author’s name, unit (where applicable), location and contact number. If the author has a genuine reason for remaining anonymous, he or she must still provide details to allow Navy Newspaper staff members to discuss the matter. Send your letters to:
The Editor — Navy Newspaper
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