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Collapse Issue 458 - 19 Nov 2018Issue 458 - 19 Nov 2018
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Ferry service should be back to normal this week
Group calls for resident feedback on tree policy
Ettalong intersection to get $7 million roundabout
Former Gosford Council solicitor dies
Bi-plane fly-past featured in Ettalong commemoration
New Umina skate park and BMX track could cost $3.5M
Woy Woy to be a parking 'key focus area'
Parking issues exist outside Woy Woy, says Holstein
Council fails to improve abandoned vehicle response
Online survey for climate change policy
One lane of Ross St to close for Kathleen St upgrade
Council to develop disability tourism precinct
More dredging required at Lobster Beach
Minister questions formal dredging agreement
Minister suggests ferry could run in high tides
Arboretum wins Tidy Towns Award
Umina CWA seeks new members
Lions to sell cakes at Christmas lights display
Salvation Army plans Christmas Cheer operation
More than $138,000 distributed in sponsorship and grants
CWA receives $14,000 for drought relief
Flag stolen for second time
Woy Woy CWA takes out awards
Donation drive for Backpacks for the Homeless
New festival venue 'a success', says Chamber
Hotel opens after renovation
Deck chairs at Umina park
Brides vote for Woy Woy club
Whole foods grocery officially opens
Hold My Hand campaign during the holidays
Hearing on water and sewerage pricing
Interest sought for tourism committee
Collapse  FORUM FORUM
We need planning regulations we can rely on
If non-compliance is not a basis for rejection, what is?
Are dead pigeons an advanced warning?
Mangrove Mountain landfill affects our drinking water
Proposed mine will affect our water too
A fitting Remembrance Day service at Ettalong
Moving ceremony at Ocean Beach
Thanks for Remembrance Day support
Thanks for the ceremony
Pet killed by unaccompanied dogs
Is a roundabout worth more than 14 homes?
A tunnel to the Northern Beaches?
A tow truck for the ferry?
Buy pothole-mending truck
Forest logging debate at South Woy Woy in 1981
Refugee policy is obsolete, inhumane and a disgrace
Collapse  HEALTH HEALTH
Aged care nurse wins national award
Woy Woy doctor named Registrar of the Year
Lions provide special chair for Ettalong boy
New practice opens in Woy Woy
Collapse  ARTS ARTS
New art gallery at Koolewong
Annual exhibition sale held at community centre
Fiddle player to appear at folk club
Donation for Children's Portrait Prize
Musical director gives final performance
Surf club to hold annual art fundraiser
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
Politicians hear of need for footpath
Parents reminded staff carparks are off bounds
Qualified for national carnival
Remembrance Day ceremony held
Special commemorative assembly
Students return from Canberra immersion excursion
School holds Cook for my Parents evening
Parents' group starts social media page
Kindergarten students visit college farm
Grandparents Day planned
Health and wellness celebrated
Busy weeks at Pretty Beach
Talent quest auditions start
Kindergarten transition program finishes
Former student acknowledges sporting achievements
Collapse  SPORT SPORT
Umina boxers compete in world championships
Busy season expected by Woy Woy Wombats
Ocean Beach performs strongly in Nippers Carnival
Surf club members gain medallions in time for season
Association to hold Smiles on Dials day
Young Eagles players in Mariners' half time game
Peninsula lifesavers to join interbranch team
Ladies' Luncheon planned for Christmas

Bi-plane fly-past featured in Ettalong commemoration

A fly-past of three bi-planes was the highlight of a huge Remembrance Day Commemoration at Ettalong Beach on November 11, honouring the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One.

The commemoration was conducted by the Gosford Sub-Branch of the Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association and attracted more than 1000 people.

At 11am, a flight of three bi-planes, similar to those used in World War One, flew over the gathering and were greeted with waves and cheers from the crowd.

The guest speakers were Mr David Myers and Ms Marjorie Hines.

Mr Myers, who commands the National Service 1951-72 Re-enactment Unit, spoke of his great uncle Private William Alexander Jamieson's service in the 31st BN Australian Infantry 8th Infantry Brigade 5th Division.

At 18-years-old, he travelled to Sydney with his mother and joined the Australian Armed Forces fighting his first major battle at Fromelles, France, on July 19, 1916, just three days after they arrived.

The unit suffered 572 casualties, over half its strength.

Mr Myers told the gathering that it was reported in records that William Alexander Jamieson suffered wounds on the first day.

"He was said to be not too badly wounded and walked to the Fleurbiax Dressing Station, Fromelles, from where he was taken away by ambulance, Mr Myers said.

"Conflicting reports state that on July 19, Private Jamieson, was rumoured to have been killed.

"Other reports state that on July 21, he was still with his company.

"He was deemed MIA on July 12, 1916.

"German Prison of War records show he died of wounds on July 21, 1916," Mr Myers told the audience.

"He said Australian records state that William Alexander Jamieson was killed in action on July 21, 1916, aged 19, which was only 10 months after he enlisted and was buried in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood with over 400 bodies.

Private Jamieson's story took a new twist in 2013.

Bodies in the mass grave were exhumed and 124 Australian soldiers killed during the Battle of Fromelles were identified by name through the use of family DNA technology, forensic science and historical data.

William Alexander Jamieson was one of these.

In July 2014, he was reinterred in Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery with full military honours in an individual grave with his own headstone, at the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery.

Mr Myers said his son, Paul, his wife and two cousins attended that very moving ceremony.

"For a very short time, William Alexander Jamieson served his country with honour, courage and in the spirit of ANZAC," Mr Myers said.

Majorie Hines of the Wyong Toastmasters Club gave an impassioned call for peace.

Ms Hines was a little girl living in Birmingham, England, during the early part of World War Two.

She barely escaped with her life when German bombers attacked the city destroying her home.

When her house was engulfed in fire, she was forced onto the roof from where she was luckily rescued.

Ms Hines told the gathering that she hated war but always supported soldiers who she said were only doing what their country demanded of them.

While the Commemoration Service was organised by the Sub-Branch, there was considerable support form community organisations and individuals.

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch, Cr Chris Holstein, who is patron of the sub-branch, and Federal Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks and Senator Deborah O'Neill all attended.

They lay wreaths during the ceremony along with representatives of defence and ex-service organisations and local members of the community.

Retired Uniting Church Minister, the Rev Arthur Pearce conducted the service and the Brisbane Waters Brass Band provided the music and the Last Post.

Radio 50Plus, Woy Woy Rotary Club, Wyong Toastmasters Group and Umina Surf Life Saving Club all contributed. Army and Navy cadets units were also involved.

The National Service 1951-72 Re-enactment Unit, kitted out in World War One replica uniforms, provided the catafalque party and honour guard.





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