News

National Memorial Fund Raising Update
National Service Memorial Confirmed.

The Australian War Memorial has confirmed the prime site in its grounds in Canberra for the National Service Memorial. The AWM has released an architect's perspective (below) showing our Memorial set in its own garden on the right hand side of the main entrance. The Weary Dunlop statue is nearby.

The design is for a fountain, but it will be one that can use recycled water harvested from the roofs of the AWM or could stand alone if the drought continues.

plan.jpg (60693 bytes)

Earle.jpg (100720 bytes)

The AWM's Head of buildings and Services, Mr. Stewart Mitchell (Above with National President Earle Jennings) told the National Council at its Canberra meeting on 22 March 2007 he hoped to have a concept from Mr. Johnson - who is the AWM's principal architectural consultant by July. He said the AWM had planned a  fountain and was pleased when the NSAA had proposed a  simular project.

The National Service Memorial is part of the Eastern Precinct redevelopment which would improve facilities for visitors and compliment the formal garden on the western side of the building. The project is planned for 2008 subject to funding.

Any Member who may have any suggestions for Fund Raising or contacts for Sponsorship please contact
Douglas Black,
   Email Address
Chairman of the National Service Memorial Fund Raising Committee  

FUND SO FAR AS OF
Thursday, 11 September 2008

$517,000+


ANZAC DAY 2009

25th April 2009
 To be advised


RESERVE FORCES DAY 2009
Victorian Defence Reserves Support Day

TO BE ADVISED

Assembly/Forming up point
Queen Victoria Gardens, South of Princess Bridge Melways Map Ref 2F, H7
At 12.30 hours for step off at 13.00 hours to Shrine Forecourt for service.


 

Dress Code for Formal Occasions

The public understanding and appreciation of the NSAA, and our 'esprit de corps', is underpinned by a dress code as described below.

Members are encouraged to wear the above attire at all marches and formal functions.

[Back to top]


Medal Protocol

The following is extracted from a letter from the Assistant Secretary, Awards and National Symbols, The Department of The Prime Minister and Cabinet -

....... Over a number of years some ex-service organisations have created and distributed 'Commemorative' medals to mark particular periods of military service. These medals have no official status. You should be aware that the government has created a number of official medals that commemorate certain events, for example, the 80th Anniversary Armistice remembrance Medal and the Australian Sports Medal.

Only those medals, decorations and honours, which have been created under the prerogative of the Crown have official status. Such medals should only be worn in accordance with The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards on the left breast either on an official uniform or civilian dress. (Official medals worn by relatives of a deceased veteran should be worn on the right breast.)

[Back to top]


A human lottery

 

Lottery Barrel

National Service 1965 - 72

The 1st Nasho Ballot was in 1957, the 2nd Intake of 1957 onwards till end 1959 were ballot drawn, I know because I was one of them.         Douglas Black  

Registration for National Service began again on 1 January 1965, and the first National Service ballot for the 60s Nashos was held in March that year. All males whose twentieth birthday fell within a specific six month period were required to register. Only Aborigines, serving members of the permanent Military Forces and, prior to 1967, non-British migrants were exempt. During the turbulent period of the Vietnam War the fate of many young men was being decided by the luck of a lottery draw.

The actual lottery barrel, from which the marbles were drawn for the 16 national service ballots for the war in Vietnam, was on loan from Tattersall's,

Webmaster    Hugh Williams

[Back to top]