Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2003/Naval Association
by CDRE Bob Trotter RANR FEIAust CPEng GAICD National President, Naval Association of Australia
The Naval Association of Australia (NAA) is the longest standing Australian organisation dedicated to the well being of naval personnel. The Association's membership is open to all serving and former members of the RAN and other Commonwealth Navies, regardless of rank. Membership is also open to Merchant Naval personnel with operational service, Naval Cadet Officers, Instructors and Cadets (over the age of 18) and there is also provision for Associate, Club and Social membership.
The NAA's origins go back to shortly after World War 1, when a group of matelots met in the vicinity of Young and Jackson's in Melbourne, and subsequently at the old Manchester Unity Hall in Swanston Street, to form the 'Ex-Navalmen's Association', inaugurated in November, 1920. Through an early affiliation with the Boxer Rebellion's China Naval Contingent Association, its heritage goes back to 1900!
In 1960 the name was changed to the' Naval Association of Australia' to better recognise the national nature and wider scope of activity, with membership open to all ranks. The NAA is an egalitarian organisation; all have an equal say in its governance and informality is encouraged.
From the very beginning, the Association's proud motto has been' EACH FOR ALL - ALL FOR EACH', reflecting the historic ethos of the Naval Service that we are all of one company; and that 'those who go down to the sea in ships' will always respond to the needs of others, regardless of whom they may be.
Through its 62 Sub Sections scattered throughout Australia, the NAA provides for social interaction between shipmates. But, more importantly it does a considerable amount of work in promoting the interests of all naval personnel, serving and retired, by representation to Government on pay, conditions of service, rehabilitation benefits and advocacy in support of claims for compensation under the Veterans' Entitlements Act or the Military Compensation Scheme.
It also provides:
Protection to naval heritage by maintaining collections of memorabilia and historical items
- active support for the disadvantaged
- mentoring career advice to younger naval personnel, be they members or not
- assisting former and serving members to obtain civilian employment
- providing for the entertainment of ships personnel during port visits and
- practical and financial assistance to members and their immediate families in times of crisis.
Readers may remember the very substantial and practical support provided to the wife and family of Leading Seaman John Hammond, when he died as a result of a street attack in Sydney. On that occasion the NAA organised a Trust Fund which eventually rose to $224,000.
In recent years, the NAA proved its mettle with the final recognition by Government of naval service in the Far East Strategic Reserve during the Malay Emergency of the 1950's & 60's.
This was not done alone. Many other naval organisations were involved, but in the final analysis it was the Naval Association that coordinated the primary submissions to the Independent Inquiry which righted a wrong of some 45 years. Not least, this showed the value of strength in numbers.
The NAA's brief is to look after all naval personnel, although many of its members are also members of Ship or other Associations. The NAA sees no conflict in this and encourages all of these other naval organisations to affiliate with it. Many have done so and the numbers are increasing.
Indeed, in 2001 the NAA sponsored the Federation Naval Congress that brought together the multitude of ex-navy organisations to develop closer relationships between them so that the ex-navy community could speak with one powerful voice when needed. The result is that many more will now affiliate with a view to improving support for the welfare of naval personnel, serving and retired; generating a better understanding of our nation's maritime history and the role played by the Royal Australian Navy; and providing a stronger voice in the public debate on defence policy, particularly in relation to the maritime environment.
Often, the thought of joining an ex-service association such as the NAA does not occur to many Naval personnel until their health or personal circumstances change.So, the NAA sees much of its value in providing a connection between the well being of ex-navy people and knowledge of entitlements; something seasoned ex-navy types know a fair bit about having confronted the issues that arise when stepping out of the information and support rich zone that is the Navy's Divisional System.
The NAA is a means of staying in touch so that personnel can gain contact later with experts even if they are not inclined to do so on the day they become an 'ex'.
The NAA's objectives are ambitious and rely on the energy and experience of its members. To serve its members, it needs a continuous inflow of new talent and contemporary ideas. It therefore relies on those paying off to join up early rather than later.
The NAA has a basic Web Page (www.navalassoc.org.au) that can be accessed for details of its offices in the various States and Territories, or leave a message on the Visitor's Page.
Alternatively, more information can be gained by writing to the Federal Secretary, GPO Box 711, Canberra ACT 2601.
