The Shoalhaven NASHO’s sub-branch will hold its last parade this month in Ulladulla.
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A remembrance service will be held at the Ulladulla memorial on February 14, National Servicemen’s Day, to honour the five members who have passed away in the last 12 months.
Sadly, there is no longer enough member to sustain a committee.
All NASHOs are encouraged to attend and full uniform would be appreciated. Light refreshments will follow.
History
The Association is a non profit organisation and known as the National Servicemen's Association of Australia (N.S.A.A.) and was originally formed in Queensland towards the end of 1980s, to promote and increase public awareness of the welfare of all Ex-National Servicemen who served within Australia or overseas from 1951 to 1972.
In 1995 a small group of former National Servicemen in New South Wales took up the challenge and the NSW State Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia was founded.
Former Nashos in the Illawarra and South Coast held a meeting in the Woonona-Bulli RSL.Club on June 1st 1997, and all being members of the State Branch, answered that call and were successful in forming a sub branch.
Due to the long distance South Coast members had to travel to Illawarra, it was decided that a venue for meetings be found in the Shoalhaven area.
A meeting was held November 2, 1997 at with 79 in attendance in the Bomaderry RSL Club Ltd.
The main topic on the agenda was to ascertain if it was possible for a unit of the Illawarra Sub-Branch to be established in the Shoalhaven.
A meeting in the Sussex Inlet RSL Club Ltd was organised for January 20 1998 by the Illawarra Sub-Branch Executive to ascertain if there were enough Nashos to create another Sub-Branch in the Shoalhaven.
A member was nominated as Unit leader, who accepted the position and started recruiting immediately, with the much needed help from his wife Anita who assisted by raising funds.
Also with the assistance of Anthony Williams, the Milton Ulladulla Times, the South Coast Register, 2ST, and fliers in shop windows asking 'NASHOS; where are they now?’, former servicemen in the Shoalhaven began to enquire and monthly meetings were held in the Sussex Inlet RSL. Club Ltd. until July 1998.
On August 15th 1998 a unit meeting was held in the Ulladulla Ex Servicemen's Club with 42 in attendance.
On August 31st, 1998 a letter was sent to NSW State Branch requesting a Provisional Charter be issued to the Shoalhaven Unit of the Illawarra Sub-Branch of the NSAA. Approval was granted in September and presented on October 1998.
An invitation was then extended to the state presidenr John Walsh or his representative, to address the meeting on October 18, in the Sussex Inlet RSL Club Ltd at 1000hrs.
The Charter was presented by Snr V.P. Mr John McKechnie, and so the Shoalhaven Sub Branch of the National Servicemen's Association of Australia was formed.
A proposal from the members to build a memorial to the National Servicemen was discussed, followed with motions being carried.
Permission was then sought from Shoalhaven City Council to find a suitable position. After much debate, a site was located and allotted in Rotary Park Ulladulla and, with the assistance of the council, approval was given to build the memorial.
Local businesses donated material and with volunteer labour from members the memorial was erected and dedicated on March 26, 2000 by the Sub-Branch's Padre, the Rev. Alice De Rover.
February 14 is National Servicemen's Day, when services are conducted to commemorate those NASHO’s who paid the supreme sacrifice while on active service, for those who died while training and through sickness, and for those members who have passed away since they served their country.