By RON LANE
TO SEND people into harm’s way is one thing but to ignore them when they return is not only unacceptable but totally un-Australian.
Bearing this in mind on Monday evening the Noosa Surf Club played host to a Mates 4 Mates dinner and social gathering. The guests of honour were a group of twenty disabled war veterans; ten from the Australia Defence Forces and ten from the British Armed Forces.
In attendance were life members, management and committee members from lifesaving and supporter clubs, as well as Seahorse Nippers and parents. The Noosa Mates support group was also in attendance.
Donald McKill organiser for the Noosa Mates 4 Mates was Master of Ceremonies.
“To be in a position where we can help organisations such as the Mates is indeed a pleasure and while you are in Noosa we intend to do all we can to make your stay one to remember… we wish you one and all the very best,” Club President Greg Cowie said in his welcome to the guests.
Coming together under the patronage of the Mates 4 Mates, the visit of the veterans to Noosa is part of a golf program that is being used to help with the physical and social rehabilitation of those who have become disabled in the service of their countries.
The Golf Program will continue in Noosa courtesy of organiser Donald McKill, Noosa Springs and Noosa Surf Club. To all three, our sincere thanks.
“The Mates 4 Mates is a result of an initiative shown by the Queensland Sub Branch of the RSL and this is a good example of the fine work being done,” spokesman for the Australian group, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Marketing and Fundraising Manager said.
“We really appreciate what the surf club is doing to assist these men and support our organisation.
“However at this stage we are still in our infancy for we have been in existence for just over two years.
“It is our intention to start a golfing program similar to what the Brits are doing.”
Lieutenant Colonel Tristman Crew who led the British team said, “Our organisation is military run and covers many sports.
“At present we have 168 service personal involved in our program and I am very happy to relate that back home we have massive support throughout the country.’’
During the evening guests were shown two film clips. One was taken from a recent BBC program which went nationwide publicising the importance of golf in the rehabilitation program. It was very well received.
The other was a clip of a British Army patrol in action in Afghanistan. During this action one of those present was seriously wounded resulting in loss of limb. It was this that really bought home to those present the importance of organisations such as Mates 4 Mates.
To close the official presentation all visitors received Noosa Club polo shirts, presented by members of the Seahorse Nippers; Sam and Jasper Dokon, Jack Geitl and Rohan McDonald.
For Rohan, it was indeed a night to remember. Rohan himself an amputee was warmly greeted by the veterans receiving many hugs and jokes.
Master of Ceremonies Donald McKill then introduced a special member of the Australian Veterans. His name was Jim Reilly and to the astonishment and joy of the crowd they were told that in 1988 Jim was a member of the Noosa Nippers.
A recent golf tournament in Melbourne played between the Aussies and Brits ended in tragedy for us as the Brits came out on top. They now hold the Clyde Pearce Cup, a trophy in memory of a golf player killed in action in WW 1.
We at Noosa acknowledge and respect those who have and still are serving their country.
