Taskforce Veteran (TFV) have advised the following details for the opening of the refurbished OTU facilities at Scheyville.

Date: Saturday 22 February 2025

Time: Commencing 1000 hrs

Car Parking: The former Staff Car Park on the left side of the main road through the camp.

Entry and Visitor’s Book: enter via the side-door of the gymnasium where a Visitor’s Book will be positioned. Please sign the book!

Main Activity: The main activity will be undertaken in the garden between the former Gymnasium and the formers Cadets Mess.

Dress: While the event is given as neat casual, the association requests that Scheyvillians come attired as you would for ANZAC Day – jacket, tie and medals! ie – Put on a show (and make it easier to identify Scheyvillians!!)

Lunch: A light lunch will be provided in the gymnasium after the official activities.

Photo opportunity: it is hoped that we can get a group photo of all the Scheyvillians who attend!

There are currently some 30 Scheyvillians and family members who had indicated that they will attend. For catering purposes, if you have not already booked, please email Brett Wild (TFV & HAML) at chairman@hunteranzacmemorial.org.au and advise me at nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au

With invited VIPs, OTU-A visitors and their own members, TFV is expecting around 100 people to attend.

Neil Leckie

Editor

0400 573 802

Victorian Scheyvillians

The NSAA has rebranded NSAA Day to National Servicemen’s Day and has invited all Nashos to attend the annual event. This now includes NSAA Members, OTU-A Members, Nasho Fair Go Members and Non-aligned Nashos and Nasho Vietnam Veterans. Indications are that there could be over 100 Nashos in attendance.

Date:               Sunday 9 February 2025

Place:              Assemble below the steps halfway along The Shrine main pathway.

Time:              1045 hrs for a briefing. Step Off at 1100 hrs.

Dress:             As for ANZAC Day: coat, tie, full-size medals, hat etc. Note that the NSAA ‘uniform’ is a blue beret, reefer jacket, tie and full-size medals.

March:           The march will take place in two parts: Part 1, march up the steps onto the main forecourt. Part 2 will be a march past the ‘Eternal Flame’ (with an eyes right – eyes front). After a left wheel, the march will halt at the main steps. The parade will be fallen out to form up on the lower steps for a photograph. After the photo, Scheyvillians are requested to meet on the flagpole side of the steps for a further photo.

Service:         After the photograph, a service will be held in The Shrine.

After the service:     The Salvation Army will provide drinks and nibbles. Please bring a small amount of cash for a donation to the Salvos.

About a dozen Scheyvillians, who would not normally attend, have indicated that they will attend on 9 February.

If you haven’t already done so, please advise your attendance to me.

Neil Leckie

Editor, The Scheyvillian

nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au

0400 573 802

OTU Members and Friends

As previously advised, Brett Wild, CEO of the Hunter ANZAC Memorial Limited or HAML (rebranded as TaskForce Veteran) has extended an invitation to all Scheyvillians to attend the opening of the Scheyville Veterans, Families and Community Centre on Saturday 22 February 2025 – details are below. As Brett Wild is currently ‘out of action’ if you can attend, please RSVP to the Scheyville Site Museum Curator, Craig Robinson at craigr@taskforceveteran.org.au with a CC to myself.

Brett wishes to thank those Scheyvillians who have contacted him offering memorabilia from their time at OTU and to those Scheyvillians who have made a financial donation to the TaskForce Veteran charity.

Date:                  Saturday, 22 February 2025.

Place:                 Scheyville National Park HQ, Scheyville Road, Scheyville (the former OTU site)

Time:                 10am for the official opening followed by Morning Tea.

Dress:                Although this is a somewhat informal event, it is suggested that Scheyvillians ‘put on a show’ and wear what you would normally wear for ANZAC Day – coat, tie, large medals and a hat/cap. A nametag would also be handy.

Photo:              After the opening it is hoped that we can gather all the Scheyvillians together for a group photograph.

The OTU Association looks forward to a good roll up.

Neil Leckie, Editor, The Scheyvillian

nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au

0400 573 802