Guitar for Vets Australia is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of ailing and injured military Veterans by providing them with free guitars and music instruction. Our primary focus is using the healing power of music to help our Veterans. Whether we agree or disagree with the decision to go to war, one thing is for certain, there are men and women who bravely fight for and honourably represent our country. As a consequence of war, many of our soldiers come home with physical and emotional injuries. THEY NEED OUR HELP.
Guitars for Vets Australia provide ten free private guitar lessons. We seek out guitar instructors that can gently assist the Veteran to learn the basic chords and to play at least three songs. The private lessons are taught by paid or volunteer instructors and are then followed by group sessions, wherever possible, that provide a forum for the Veterans to talk and play music with like-minded individuals, many of whom have had the same experiences, emotions and traumas. The music sessions provide a communal atmosphere. Music has proven to be a catalyst that helps the Veteran continue on their road to recovery and well-being.
The Veterans can be of any age or from any service or conflict zone.
Guitars for Veterans Australia relies on the community for donations whether it is cash, guitars or a location for tuition.
Please visit our site on: https://www.guitarsforvetsaustralia.com and onFaceBook “Guitars4Vets” Australia, or contact direct : Mick Jim Mavromatis 0438843254
GUITARS FOR VETERANS
Korean War 70th anniversary
Today we remember the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and recognise the service and sacrifice of more than 17,000 Australians who fought as part of the United Nations (UN) multinational force defending South Korea from a North Korean invasion. On 25 June 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Army crossed the border into the Republic of Korea capturing Seoul within days. This led to the first Australian ground troops arriving in Pusan and following three years of fighting an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 after a long negotiation. However, Australians would remain in Korea for another four years as military observers. Australia suffered some 1,500 casualties during the Korean War and post-Armistice period, including more than 350 who died, and 30 who were taken prisoner. Even today, some 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action. Today we remember all those who served our country in Korea and thank them for their sacrifices.
OGBH RSL Sub-branch NEWS
The Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-branch is pleased to announce that the additions to the Memorial in the Ocean Grove Park are now complete and we encourage members of the Community to come to the park and visit the Walls.
The additions comprise of three walls (1 main wall and 2 wings), honouring the names of all those who have served in the Australian Defence Force from WW1 to current conflicts. The criteria for name selection is: was born in, enlisted from or on discharge returned and lived in the Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads or Connewarre Districts.
If anyone finds that a relative or friend’s name is missing, please let the Sub-branch know, and if after research the name is approved, it will be added to the Walls in the correct category. The cut-off date for this year is 31 July 2020. Any names will be added prior to Remembrance Day, contact John Dickinson on dingopc@bigpond.com for any assistance. The RSL will conduct this exercise on an annual basis.
When current restrictions have been eased the RSL is planning an open day for the Walls an including afternoon tea.
The sub-branch have a Facebook page named “Bellarine Young Veterans” and we encourage all young veterans (Post Vietnam), on the peninsula to check it out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2087214987990073/
We have regular a get together (Post Corona 19), and activities for the family’s so if you are interested or maybe just need a bit of help, please contact Alison Sloane at alison.sloane@gmail.com
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DID YOU KNOW – Free Health Check for All Veterans.
Click on “Read More” then Arrow > to see Video
NOTICE TO ALL VETERANS RSL Vic Admin Services.
Please find the following from Liz Cosson’s Office (RSL Vic) regarding Information on COVID-19 for veterans and their families.
Please find attached a fact sheet for circulation to your members which provides further information on COVID-19 for veterans and their families. We will also publish this fact sheet on the DVA website and will provide updates when there are significant developments.
I have also attached a fact sheet with further information on telehealth for your information.
Flu vaccinations
Availability of flu vaccinations was raised at the teleconference and attached is the most recent link to a Media Release from Minister Hunt regarding vaccinations.
You will note the media release states the following and we suggest you discuss with your GPs:
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/flu-vaccination-more-important-than-ever-during-the-month-of-april
- Minister Hunt released a statement encouraging all Australians to be vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. Free government vaccine is now available in GP practices (for those over 65, children under 5 and those with relevant pre-existing conditions). It is not known when the privately funded vaccine will become available to GP surgeries.
HONOUR WALL COMPLETED
The Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-branch is pleased to announce
that the Ocean Grove Honour Wall and Wings are now completed and on display in the Ocean Grove Park.
When the current Health Crisis is over and it is safe to do so, the Sub-Branch would encourage the Community and members to view the upgraded Memorial.
If some-one feels they have a relative who has been overlooked, the RSL Sub-Branch is happy to research any information provided prior to 1 July 2020, and if found to be eligible will add the details to the Memorial in the correct category in time for ANZAC Day 2021. This will be the timeline to add additional names to the Honour Walls in future years as well.
Contact: John Dickinson. Mob: 0409 432331
or email: dingopc@bigpond.com
The Memorial honours all Defence Force members since 1914 who lived in, enlisted from or subsequently settled in the Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Connewarre Districts.
The RSL Sub-branch is very mindful of the support provided by the Community for this project. The Sub-branch would particularly wish to thank Andrew Bartlett, the Stonemason, Staff from the COGG and the Committee for the Park.
South Side 
North Side
“SCAM WARNING”
| Just a reminder that the Scammers are still out there and over the next number of Months will be very active.. With the recently announced $750 Government payment due to start being paid to Veterans etc at the end of this Month, the scammers are using it as an opportunity to try and gain access to your private details Calls are supposedly coming from “Medicare” looking to update clients details due to the virus. Please do not tell them or any other caller any personal information, especially bank account or credit card details.. The $750 payments will be made automatically. You do not need to do anything. |
