Queensland

HISTORY OF CORAL COAST NAVAL ASSOCIATION

August 1988

A Sub Section of the Naval Association of Australia was proposed to take in the areas Burnett Heads, Mon Repos, Bargara, Innes Park and Elliott Heads.  Membership was sought from Old Salts who have served in the RAN, RN, RNZN, Commonwealth Navies, Merchant Navy and US Navy.  The Sub Section became known as "Coral Coast".  The proposed meeting took place on Sunday, 15th November 1998.  The Agenda included its aims and objectives:   Unite and develop comradeship amongst members and their families.  Promote and assist community activities within the local area. Promote and assist interest of the Royal Australian Navy.  Promote and assist the Australian Naval Reserve Cadet Movement.  Provide practical and financial assistance to members and their families if required.  Encourage the social, intellectual and general well-being of members and their families.

This meeting was attended by 30 ex-naval personnel with another 22 submitting apologies and it was resolved to make application to State Council for permission to form the proposed Sub Section. The application was rejected mainly along the lines of non-compliance with strict guidelines. Another meeting was set down for 15th November.  A lively meeting resolved to deliver to State Council a well-researched and well-supported application.  To the consternation of all involved the application was deferred for two months to enable state officials to visit the region.  The interim President and Secretary of the proposed sub-section proposed another meeting set down for a date in December.  This was attended by the State Secretary. 

The tenacity and determination of the naval family of Coral Coast impressed the official to such an extend he admitted he could find no causes or reasons for the for the sub-branch to be rejected.  His decision was endorsed by State Council on 6th February, 1999.  This date is the birth of Coral Coast Sub-Section.  Membership recruitment publicity through regional print and electronic media was intensified.  This resulted in scheduling the Inaugural Meeting of Naval Association of Australia Coral Coast Sub-Section, for  Tuesday 23rd February, 1999.  This meeting was chaired by Acting Interim President, Ruth Day-Lewis, in the absence of her husband Guy who was on the Sick Bay list.  Twenty six members were present, 24 apologies received and 3 visitors.  It was reported 50 paid-up members were on the books, comprising 31 Ordinary, 2 Associate and 17 Club.  Following a short recess, the Returning Officer conducted the Election of Officers.  Only the position of President was decided by ballot.  The following were duly elected:

President:  Ken Berkery          V/President:   Guy Day-Lewis / Ruth Day-Lewis /Ian Foster 

Secretary:  Jerry Fossey         A/Secretary:    Dick Harrison

Treasurer:  Frank Horsch        Committee:     Ron Forrest / Bill Dalton