Identified by association
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The National President of the Naval Association of Australia, Les Dwyer, explains what the association is all about and answers the question, what’s in it for me? |
The Naval Association of Australia (NAA) is the longest standing Australian association dedicated to the well being of naval personnel.
The Association’s membership is open to all serving and former members of the RAN and other Commonwealth Navies, regardless of rank. Membership is also open to Merchant Naval personnel with operational service, Naval Cadet Officers, Instructors and Cadets (over the age of 18) and there is also provision for civilian associate, club and social membership.
The NAA’s origins go back to shortly after World War I, when a group of sailors met in the vicinity of Young and Jackson’s pub in Melbourne, and later at the old Manchester Unity Hall in Swanston Street, to form the Ex-Navalmen’s Association, inaugurating in November, 1920.
Through an early affiliation with the Boxer Rebellion’s China Naval Contingent Association, the NAA’s heritage goes back to 1900.
In 1960, the name changed to the Naval Association of Australia to better identify the national nature and wider scope of activity, with membership open to all ranks. All members of the NAA have an equal say in its governance and informality is encouraged.
In our organisation we have members who served in ranks from Ordinary Seaman right the way through to Admirals. We also believe in the saying “rank and rate – stops at the front gate”.
From the beginning, the Association’s proud motto has been “each for all – all for each”, reflecting the historic ethos of the Navy that “those who go down to the sea in ships” will always respond to the needs of others, regardless of who they are.
Through its 64 Sub Sections scattered throughout Australia, the NAA provides social interaction between shipmates.
We encourage something that sailors are really good at – having fun. From dinners to BBQs and Christmas and seasonal activities, river cruises, theatre parties. And of course, we gather on those iconic days such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and others to commemorate the deeds of all of our mates who have served.
Importantly, the NAA does a huge amount of work in promoting the interests of all naval personnel, serving and retired, by representations to Government on pay, conditions of service, rehabilitation benefits and advocacy in support of claims for compensation under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act or the Military Compensation Schemes.
We are also involved in:
Protection of our naval heritage by maintaining collections of memorabilia and historical items;
Actively supporting the disadvantaged;
Mentoring career advice to younger naval personnel, be they members or not;
Assisting former and serving members to obtain civilian employment;
Providing for the entertainment of ships personnel during port visits and
Practical and financial assistance to members and their immediate families in times of crisis.
In recent years the NAA has made appropriate representations on a variety of matters related to Naval service and conditions.
The NAA’s brief is to look after all naval personnel. Some members are also members of ship or other associations. We see no conflict in this and encourage other naval organisations to affiliate with the NAA.
Several years ago, the NAA sponsored the Federation Naval Congress that brought together a multitude of ex-Navy organisations to develop closer relationships between them so that the ex-navy community could speak with one powerful voice when needed.
This has the effect of improving support for the welfare of naval personnel, serving and retired; generating a better understanding of our nation’s maritime history and the role played by the Royal Australian Navy; providing a stronger voice in the public debate on defence policy, particularly in relation to the maritime environment.
Often, the thought of joining an ex-service association such as the NAA is put off by many Naval people until their health or personal circumstances change. So, the NAA sees much of its value being in the area of providing information, support and a knowledge of entitlements and other help that our seasoned ex-Navy members know a fair bit about, having confronted many of the issues that arise when the support of the Navy’s Divisional System is no longer there.
The NAA is a means of staying in touch so that personnel can contact expert assistance even if they are not inclined to do so on the day they again become a civilian.
For more information, visit the NAA website at www.navalassoc.org.au for details of its offices in the various states and territories or to join on-line. Or contact the National Secretary by phoning 1300 780 054 or (07) 54727359 or mailing GPO Box 711, Canberra ACT 2601.
