By RON LANE
It was 4.15am on the morning of 25 April 2015, as Paul Jenkinson WO1 (retired) Australia Army, stood on the golden sands of Noosa Main Beach, he was nervous with anticipation. Basically, this was his baby; a tribute to the landing at Gallipoli, 100 years ago. Now, before an unexpected crowd of some 12,000 to 15,000 people, his dream was about to become a reality.
With this being the centenary of the most famous landing in Australian Military History, Warrant Officer Paul Jenkinson, a man immensely proud of both his country and its military history, hoped that all would go well.
To say that it was a success would be an understatement. From the landing of the Digger from the surf boat, through the telling of his story as the “Unknown Soldier”, the singing of “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, the laying of the wreaths, the Ode and the playing of the Last Post it all came together. It made all those present proud to be Australian.
For the old Digger Paul Jenkinson, affectionately known to his mates as Jenko, his comrades at the Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub Branch, the script writer, actor, director, musicians and support teams, the sweat, toil and worry had all been worthwhile.
Paul Jenkinson’s journey through life started in the Blue Mountains.
“I was an only child and we lived pretty rough; no phone, running water, or sewerage and when we wanted a hot bath, I cut wood for the heater. I started my education at Grose Vale Primary School and somehow later on, my family managed to get me into Scots College and at 9 years of age I was the youngest boarder in the school.”
After leaving Scots, Paul joined the Army Apprentice School at Mornington Victoria, where he undertook a four-year apprenticeship as a vehicle mechanic. At the completion of his training, he was posted to Townsville and following this, to Vietnam where he served 1970/’71.
“Vietnam as you can understand was quite an experience; you never knew what was going to happen next.”
However, it was while in Vietnam that Paul really became interested in the martial art known as Tae Kwon-do, (TKD) Korean Karate.
“I found out that a detachment of the South Korean Army was just down the road from where we were based, so I decided to join their classes. That was OK but it was a real shock because boy were they tough, real mean b … … s. If we could manage it, we were required to train every night for two hours on old concrete tennis courts surrounded by heavy wire fences. If you made a mistake, you could be on the wrong end of a mid-section kick and end up hitting the wire fence.”
After his tour was finished, Paul returned to Australia for a short spell, and then received a posting to Singapore; by this time he had reached the rank of Corporal. While in Singapore 1972/’73 he continued his study and training in the art of TKD, and in 1973 finally obtaining the coveted Black Belt.
Returning after his tour of duty in Malaysia, Paul was posted to Sydney, then to Albury in 1975, where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Also in this year he took the opportunity to open his own martial arts club, which he ran for the next five years. A highlight of his time as senior instructor was when he undertook to raise funds for the purchase of a mini bus to be used for local disabled children.
“I organised a big night and put on demonstrations of Tae Kwon-do and self-defence scenarios. After this I broke over 100 roofing tiles in 30 seconds, using my hands and elbows. It went over so well in front of the big crowd that we raised the necessary one third of the total required and the government supplied the rest.’’ Other postings included England, Germany and Vanuatu where he was the technical Advisor to the Vanuatu Mobile Force and Police Force.
Then in 1992 after 27 years of service to his country, he retired from the army with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. On his retirement while in Victoria he started working as a Personal Trainer (1on1 Fitness). After some time he moved to Brisbane where he worked as a project manager for Home Assist Secure, an organisation aimed at helping people over 60 or people any age with a disability.
It was while in Brisbane that Paul met Robyn the lady who was to become his wife; also during this time he returned to the ranks of the military, becoming a member of the Army’s Ready Reserve, serving for a further six years. They stayed in Brisbane until 2000, and then moved to Noosa.
Upon arriving in Noosa, Paul continued working for Home Assist Secure. In 2002, Paul and Robyn joined the Sunshine Beach SLSC, where they qualified for their bronze medallions. They were involved in several major after-hours rescues, receiving a Queensland Premier’s citation. They assisted in many areas including towing the competition trailer to Aussies in Perth and back (2007). However, in 2009 they transferred to the Noosa Club and very quickly became part of the training team.
Paul joined the Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub-Branch, where he became involved in various projects such as the RSL Men’s Shed. It is in this shed where retired servicemen gather to do jobs such as framing and other jobs revolving around woodwork.
“This is a great place where the retired servicemen gather to do jobs that help others; and the comradeship is great. One of my jobs is to make the morning coffee,” he said with a laugh, “and if I am late they give me heaps.” He also works as the Youth Development Officer for the sub branch. This involves promoting Queensland RSL bursaries to students and assisting their applications.
“We continue to have a huge amount available annually through RSL Queensland, for all Queensland youth and our success rate in the Noosa Shire is something of which we are all very proud. Leading a local project like this is extremely rewarding.”
As the Gallipoli Centenary drew close Paul discussed his dream for a commemorative ceremony at Noosa Main Beach with his wife Robyn.
“We do a lot of work together and she fully supported the idea.”
Then in 2014, Paul discussed the concept at a general meeting of the sub branch and after much discussion the project was approved. With both Paul and Robyn being also heavily involved in the Noosa Surf Club as patrolling members and trainers, Paul approached the club and they agreed to help the sub branch in any way possible.
“Apart from helping with the working bee the day before and the pack up the day after, the Surf Club provided three surf boats and crews, a team of ushers and safety officers to assist the large crowd and First Aid officers, who were kept busy. Several people needed help, with three being taken to hospital”, said Paul. Surf Club president Greg Cowie told Paul “We were only too happy to help as we are fully supportive of the sub branch. Like us, they work for the community.”
By producing this project, Paul’s dream of the Dawn Service was great for the community for it brought not only the sub branch and the lifesavers together, but also such groups as the S.E.S, Coast Guard, Noosa Council, Sea Scouts, Police, NZ ex-Defence Force Band and others. Led by the RSL, Anzac Day 2015 became a truly commemorative occasion; one which will live in our memories forever.
Another project that is very close to the heart of both Paul and Robyn is their education sponsorship of a little 11-year-old girl in an orphanage in Vietnam.
“That is something that is very personal and close to our hearts,” Paul said.
He went on to say, “I enjoy helping people; the respect we show to others gives a true value to life. We both think this is very important.”
From the beauty of the Blue Mountains, to the hallowed halls of Scots College, to the tropical jungles of Vietnam, Malaysia and Vanuatu … ..and finally the sands of Noosa Main Beach. Such is the road travelled by Paul Jenkinson – one of our people.
