Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
AGM 2007 -
Minutes of the Meeting
FAAAA Annual General Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting - Saturday, 27th October 2007
National Executive
David Farthing, National President and Chairman
Peter Welsh, National Vice-President
Michael Heneghan, (Acting) National Secretary
Denis Mulvihill, National Treasurer
Patron
Toz Dadswell
Division Delegates
NSW: Greg Wise, Jim Lee, Mike Heneghan
Queensland: Tom McDonald (proxy)
SA: John Siebert
Tas: Tom McDonald (proxy)
Victoria: Ron Christie, Peter Barnes, John Champion
WA: Peter Welsh
Observers: Ron Batchelor, Geoff Litchfield, Les Jordan, Clem Conlan, George Self, Brian Carroll, Dick Martin, Harley Dadswell, Eric Bruce, Chris George, Ian Chorlton, Margo Napier, Joanne Bruce; Ian Warren; Bob Geale, Jim Hill.
Apologies: Toz Dadswell, John Goble, Phil Robinson, Gordon Walters, Phil Carey, Winston James, Don McLean.
Welcome by National President: David extended a warm welcome to all those present, recognising that many had travelled long distances, and expressed the hope that we would have a worthwhile meeting and a worthwhile discussion. He reminded delegates that, in accordance with the Constitution, only registered delegates are empowered to speak on matters before the AGM until 'Open Forum' starts, after which everyone is entitled to have their say.
Minute's silence: A minute's silence was observed for departed shipmates.
Minutes of the 2006 AGM: All office bearers had previously received copies of the 2006 AGM Minutes and copies were available for members present. Motion by NSW and seconded by Queensland that they be accepted. Carried.
Business arising:
1. Victorian Division stated that the names of their delegates as listed on the 2006 Minutes were incorrect. Their official delegates for last year were Geoff Litchfield and Charles Fargher.
2. On the matter raised by Geoff Litchfield concerning the naming of the new multi-purpose ships, one of them as HMAS Australia, David said the Chief of Navy endorsed what he had previously told the meeting that it would have to be the Flagship of the RAN to be named HMAS Australia. The new ships are listed as support ships at this time, and therefore the naming as HMAS Australia is out of the question.
It was moved by New South Wales and seconded by Victoria that the minutes be accepted. Motion carried.
National President's Report:
Prior to reading his Report, David informed the meeting that the Chief of Navy has approved the 60th anniversary celebrations, and the CO of Albatross has appointed a project officer, Reservist Commander Ted Wynberg. The President then said he would be reporting back in some detail later on.
The report was then read, a copy being available to all those present, and a copy is also on this website.
South Australia moved the report be accepted, seconded New South Wales. Carried.
Secretary's Report: The Secretary's report was available to those present, and is also on this website.
New South Wales moved the report be accepted, seconded Victoria. Carried.
Treasurer's Report: The Treasurer's report was available to all members present, and is available from the National Executive.
Victoria moved the report be accepted, seconded New South Wales. Carried.
Wall of Service: Greg Wise stated that Slipstream was ticking along quite well and applications for WOS plaques continue to be received satisfactorily. Another order has already been placed and about three or four applications continue to be received weekly.
Greg said that in future all personnel who are leaving the Service or the Establishment will be required, as part of their leaving routine, to contact Warrant Officer Ian Warren, who has been officially appointed by the Captain as the Administrator of the WOS, as it now belongs to the Navy, and his brief will be to explain the WOS programme and encourage those entitled to consider applying.
Before proceeding, the President endorsed Greg's statement that, for a number of very important reasons, it is only a member's next-of-kin who is entitled to arrange for a plaque to be placed on the WOS.
Triennial election of National Executive: There were no nominations received for their positions, and the National President, Commodore David Farthing, the National Vice-President, Mr. Peter Welsh, and the National Treasurer, Mr. Denis Mulvihill, were declared re-elected for a further three-year term. At the '11th hour', a volunteer for the position of National Secretary, Mr Dick Martin, was received, proposed by New South Wales, seconded by Western Australia, and Mr. Martin was declared duly elected.
Guest speaker, Commander Nat Gould RAN (Rtd): Commander Nat Gould delivered a truly inspirational talk on his amazing flying career, which spanned the years before, during and after WWII. During his talk, he noted that in his Log Book there is a total of some forty different aeroplanes flown throughout his spectacular career. This is something which has probably never ever been equalled, and most certainly never will be now. A transcript of his speech has been prepared, and is on this website.
FAA Museum Progress Report, Mr Ian Chorlton, Museum Technical Curator: Ian began by outlining his background history which included considerable fixed-wing service on Harriers, Sea Harriers and Buccaneers in the Royal Navy together with six years in the aviation world in Australia.
He noted that the Museum Gannet was undergoing a refurbishment programme, and was being painted in Australian colours, and in addition both the Macchi and Skyhawk were also being refurbished and back into their original Navy colours. The paint shop is doing that, probably by early next year, after which it's intended to start on the Dragonfly, and there's a lot of work to do on that, hopefully started by mid-next year.
With only a couple of exceptions, all the civilian aircraft which were in the Museum have now been disposed of, usually to their owners, though some are awaiting collection, having been sold. This has resulted in a bit more available space.
Ian said they were awaiting approval to acquire a few of the ex-RN aircraft, a Kiowa, Squirrel and Sea King, when they become available in a few years time. We've also just acquired a Meteor, which Terry wants to put into the Korean display, where we already have a MIG, a Sea Fury and Firefly.
Most of the old engines and weaponry which was dotted around the Museum before has had to be withdrawn for refurbishment, but will all be gradually put back on display in the future as the work is completed. The archivist curator will be replaced during her maternity leave for the the next five or six months, and during that time, many new display cabinets will be delivered to house objects previously archived.
Air shows will take place on 24th 25th and 26th October, 2008, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. There's also going to be some flying on 27th January and the 18th May, low-key open days, which are intended to maintain a level of interest during the year. Mr. Chorlton concluded his talk by declaring that the Museum and its staff were moving forward satisfactorily, and looking forward to a successful future.
Ms Margo Napier - Museum Resources and Communication's Officer: Margot's short, but very important and very well received input by all Members present, was mainly to officially inform the Association that entrance to the Museum, as well as being currently 'free' to all serving Members, was also now 'free' to all FAAAA members, identification required.
Notices of Motion
1. Award of Life Membership. Following a proposal from the New South Wales Division in accordance with the Constitution, seconded by the Victorian Division, and unanimously approved by all Divisions, Mr. James (Jim) Lee was presented by the President with the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia's Certificate of Life Membership.
The citation from the NSW Division paid tribute to Jim's tireless work for the Association since the NSW Division was founded in 1990, his work in the roles of both National and Divisional Secretary, and his enthusiasm in undertaking any task which the Association may require whenever called upon.
2. First Proposed Amendment to the Constitution by WA Division WA Division proposed that Rule 3.4 the Museum name be changed to Fleet Air Arm Museum and that the reference to the RAN Historic Flight be removed as it is now under the control of the Royal Australian Navy. Motion approved unanimously
3. Second Proposed Amendment to the Constitution by WA Division WA Division proposed that the award of Life Membership, Rule 8.1, be changed to include a second category;
or "a member of a Division who is deemed by a majority vote of the Federal Council to have provided extraordinary service to the Association at the National level, following receipt of a recommendation for the award for Life Membership by any Division, in addition to a member who had rendered 15 years exceptional services to their Division". Motion approved 5 votes to 1.
4. Third Proposed Amendment to Rule 16.2 of the Constitution by WA Division.
WA Division proposed that the discretionary spending level of the Executive be increased from $500.00 to $1,000. An amendment to the amendment was proposed by NSW that the new amount be $2,000, because of a likely increase in 2008 Reunion expenditure.
SA spoke against the latter amendment, and this, coupled with the fact that it was not possible at short notice for retiring Nat. Sec. Tom McDonald to consult either of the Divisions for which he had the proxy vote, resulted in the amendment to the initial amendment being defeated. However, the original Motion for $1,000 was approved.
Association Website: At the instigation of the WA Division, it was proposed that better use could be made of our website. National V-P Peter Welsh led the discussion.
Having assured the meeting that he was definitely not in the business of criticising the site, he explained that he was focusing on the possibility of introducing a system whereby members could add items to it without having to go through the webmaster, once they had duly registered as a contributor, something he had observed worked successfully on other sites similar to ours. Peter said he had spoken to Harley about it, who said he doesn't have the expertise to create that environment. During a lengthy discussion on the matter there were inputs from SA, NSW and individual members, some being in favour of the proposition and some in favour of the status quo. Harley carefully explained the pros and cons as he understood them, and the limitations imposed by his own level of expertise. In summary, the President acknowledged that there may well be reasons for change in the future, but for the present the status quo is generally considered satisfactory.
Registration Fees, Capitation Fees and Slipstream levy for 2008: On advice from the National Treasurer, and support from the floor, there was unanimous agreement that these three fees should remain unchanged for the coming year.
General Business - Open Forum
1. The President invited Bob Ray to address the meeting with regard to the acquisition of a 'Charley' model Iroquois. Bob explained that he had a 'conduit' to a team of American enthusiasts working with officials of the US Defence Department and the Disposals Group of the US Defence Organisation. He then provided us with a detailed explanation as to how it may be possible for us obtain a 'Charley 'model Iroquois, and how it could even be ready for display next October air day.
The Chiefs of all three Services have given the project their nod of approval in principle, providing appropriate arrangements can be made for 'shipping' it back in one of their large transports. An estimated cost of $4,500.00 may be the amount required, and that should be able to be raised from our own Association resources, and not from Navy sources. Bob mentioned two persons in the States who may be able to help us, one being a Trade Commissioner for the Queensland Government, and a second who is well known to us all as an RAN career helicopter pilot, but who is now a senior Naval Defence Attaché in the US, and a keen enthusiast. David thanked Bob for his contribution.
2. He then returned to the subject of air day, and reminded the meeting that he had asked for suggestions the previous year. One such received from WA was that, as with the 50th reunion, we try to arrange for the Post Office to issue suitable franked stamps and envelopes for the occasion, and perhaps a 50 cent or one dollar coin with an aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
3. Similarly there was a suggestion that we apply to have a suitable Navy related picture on the cover of the local 2009 Nowra Telephone Directory. Also, Victoria has suggested that we get an ex-FAAA padre for the occasion and Albatross is thrilled about that idea so we'll write him a letter very soon to invite him to be part of the celebrations.
4. Still on the subject of the Reunion, the President then reminded members that accommodation for the reunion was already very scarce and advised that early booking was absolutely essential.
4. With next year's AGM scheduled to take place during the reunion, David said he felt there was a need to determine just when and where it should be held. After due consideration, including a comprehensive overview by Greg Wise of Navy's preliminary air day arrangements for FAAA members and the general public, it was decided that it would still be held on the Saturday as usual, but at the earlier time of 9am.
5. Chris George then raised the subject of the Historic Flight, initially stating that he didn't intend to express his personal views, or indeed to discuss the topic of whether or not we should fly the historic aeroplanes. He said he hadn't come with a fixed position on this question, but he wondered whether the Association might be prepared to come up with a policy position on it because it comes up every two or three years. It's a very heated question because the very dedicated people see those who oppose flying these wonderful old aeroplanes as opposition to their organisation.
Chris said that from his viewpoint, it is seen as a management question, with the context of the question getting a little bit mixed up and muddled, and which comes up regularly. We used to have iron clad instructions that only when we had two fully equipped and serviceable airframes would be even consider flying one of them. Elaborating on this risk theme, Chris discussed some philosophical pros and cons. He then proposed that the Association give future consideration to the matter after they have had a detailed look at his views. The President then spoke briefly on the matter, and expressed his opinion that it boiled down to what he termed a "risk versus rarity" situation.
6. The President informed the Meeting that the National Executive have unequivocally given its full support to plans for resurrecting the ACT Division of the Association, which closed about five years ago. Commodore Geoff Ledger and Bob Ray are currently investigating the feasibility of the project and a well publicised meeting for those interested will be held in Canberra later this month.
7. David informed the Meeting that he, Bob Ray and Neil Ralph were going to a presentation at the Australian War Memorial early next month about the post-WWII Galleries. Having already referred to the fact that the one and only helicopter there is an Air Force 'Bravo' model, and considering the vast bulk of the flying was done by both Navy and Air Force 'Hotel' models, he is dissatisfied with this and a number of other matters. He was particularly concerned that the contribution of Naval Aviation was almost completely overlooked.
8. SA informed the Meeting that their Division was making an effort to liaise with the Council of ESOs concerning recognition of individuals who were exposed to atomic testing at Montebello. John Siebert said he was looking for information from Association members on the Firefly, perhaps two Fireflies, which took off from HMAS Sydney on 3rd October 1952, and flew through the atomic cloud. Unfortunately that's all the information that's available at this time, and John would welcome more detail on the names of the aircrew, for example, if anyone can provide them.
9. Warrant Officer Ian Warren described how, since the RAN regained ownership of the Museum, he and four other Reservists known as weekend curators, have been carrying out regular duties at weekends, one of the most important being liaison with the visitors. He then described the reaction and the type of comments which he and his colleagues now receive regularly, and the extent to which the remarks are now inevitably most favourable about the overall quality of the refurbished Museum. This is especially the case when talking to people who visit the Museum regularly.
10. Finally, confirming the 2008 AGM will be held at 0900 Saturday 25th October, and because numbers will probably be above normal, it may be held in one of the Museum Conference Rooms - TBA.
11. Meeting closed at 11.55
David Farthing, National President Tom McDonald, National Secretary
See also:
2007 Annual General Meeting
2007 AGM President's Report
2007 AGM Secretary's Report
Guest speaker Nat Gould