Welcome
Welcome to this edition of The Bear News.
The 17 Construction Squadron Association is guided by a two-fold purpose.
- We perpetuate close bonds of comradeship.
- We guard the good name and interests of the Squadron.
The Objective of the Association is:
17 Construction Squadron Association ‘A Little Bear Will Support you’ is for all members, ex-serving members & families who have served with the Squadron, in any Corps. This Association is a support mechanism for the Squadron and Regiment and ensures support is there for one and all.
Message From The President
It has been a while since the last newsletter has been published. In 2019 the associated celebrated 10 years and we are still going strong.
The Squadron has since relocated to Amberly QLD to be with our sister Squadron 21 Const Sqn and the Regiment, 6 Engineer Support Regiment.
We celebrated our 70th Birthday in 2019 at Kedron-Wavell RSL Club. It was a fantastic weekend for the Association where we had over 300 people travel for the weekend to meet up with mate which some have not seen since Vietnam. It was great to see so many smiling faces.
The Squadron held an open day for the Association where us old crusty members could see the new kit being used by our Squadron known. It was great to see so many young Sappers in the Squadron. The Regiment held the official opening of the memorial to coincide with our Birthday which was simply amazing as well as a lunch for the Association.
During January 2020, the Squadron deployed on Defence Aid to the Civilian Community as a whole of Government approach to assist with the devastating bushfires. The work that the Squadron and the Regiment did during this time was extraordinary, and they need to be congratulated for this work in helping so many people in such a short period of time. Thank you to the families for the support that they give during deployments and of cause missing birthdays, anniversaries is not easy but Thank you.
COVID 19 hit and hit hard and affected many of us in different ways, by members deploying to assist with closures of boarders, again being separated from families and loved ones, not being able to travel to see families etc. While this has been hard on everyone, it has been worthwhile to help stop the spread.
2021 is hopping to be a better year for us all. In September 2021 we again will be having our Reunion in Adelaide South Australia. It will be great to see everyone attend and continue what was started in 2019 in Brisbane.
On behalf of the Patron and the Executive, I wish you and your loved ones a Joyous Christmas and Happy New Year.
UBIQUE
Michael Borg
President
Condolences
It is extremely hard to keep track of members who have pasted away, but my sincere thanks to the Queensland RAE Association for keeping us up to date on those members who have passed.
LEST WE FORGET
Open Arms (VVCS)
VVCS provides free and confidential, nation-wide counselling and support for war and service-mental health conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and anger.
I urge anyone who needs assistance to call them on 1800 011 046.
S provides free and confidential, nation-wide counselling and support for war and service-related mental health conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and anger.
Other News
Membership
Membership forms are available on the website or on Facebook. If possible, we would like fees to be paid online. This will make it easier for everyone. Membership is in two categories Ordinary and Associate. An ordinary member is a member who has served in the Squadron, regardless of time and Corps’. An associate member is anyone who has not served in the Squadron.
Joining fee and 1st year of membership is $10.00 for Ordinary and Associate members. Each member will be issued with a badge. Please remember that membership goes on financial years.
Current Fee Structure
| Ordinary Members | $ | Associate Members | $ | |
| Annual Fee | 20.00 | Annual Fee | 15.00 | |
| 5 Years | 90.00 | 5 Years | 60.00 | |
| 10 Years | 170.00 | 10 Years | 110.00 | |
| Life Subscriber | 350.00 | Life Subscriber | 250.00 |
N.B. Once Life subscriptions are paid, no further cost will be incurred
Please remember to vote at the AGM you must be a financial member of the Association.
To explain why the motto of the Association is not the same as the Squadron ‘A little bear will fix it’.
When looking at what the Association is about, it was decided that the Association will not fix it, but we will support you. So this was decided that the motto for the Association will be ‘A little bear will support you’.
As an Association we will support the Squadron and its members and we will always be there for any member who requires the support of the Association.
RAE Foundation
In war and peace, Sappers of the Royal Australian Engineers have served this country with dedication and distinction – a tradition that continues today and into the future.
Preserving this rich heritage, promoting the role of military engineering, and providing support to fellow Sappers, is the charter of the Royal Australian Engineers Foundation, established in 1999.
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