the raac corporation (acn 156 250 958)

THE RAAC CORPORATION
(ACN 156 250 958)
Gentlemen of Armour,
I am pleased to present to the Corporation, my Annual Report for the period 6 October 2013 to 5 October 2014.
GENERAL
Since the 2013 AGM, the Corporation has achieved a number of significant milestones.
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ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
1.1
Funds Transfer.
The matter of transfer of funds for the now-defunct RAACA Federal has been concluded to the satisfaction of all
parties.
1.2
Website
The Corporation now has its own website at http://www.raaccorpltd.org.au/ and I commend it to all. All credit for its
design and launch go to John Brooker and Graeme Brown. Well done gentlemen and congratulations on the result.
1.3
Licensing Agreement
Work commenced on obtaining this straight after the 2013 AGM and the Deed was executed on 28/1/14 for a period of
3 years from 10/12/13, enabling the Corporation to hold an annual function at the SOA Officers and Sgts Mess.
1.4
Welcome
We welcomed the 4/19 PWLH Association to the membership of the Corporation earlier this year. Both they and 2/14
LHR (QMI) Assn now complete the whole of RAAC ESO coverage by the Corporation.
1.5
RAAC Corporation Advisory Board
The Board has been in action since early 2013 under the stewardship of Maj Gen Mike Krause AM (Ret’d).
Issues surrounding the possible loss of accoutrements and unit badges affecting the independent Squadrons: 10LH,
3/9 SAMR and potentially B Sqn 3/4 Cav were addressed. The Board was able to commence action within two days
of being tasked by the Executive Council. A very successful outcome was achieved in that that no changes to this
status quo would be implemented which is a huge relief for the units affected. This was followed up by written
confirmation from the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence.
Colour patches to be worn will however, be those of the senior formation in which the Squadrons are based. While
not an ideal solution, it could be argued that this is a win-win situation and from a personal point I believe the beret
badges of all three units are absolutely sacrosanct. They carry a tremendous amount of history behind them.
The decision by DG-PERS to reduce the Honorary Colonels from 9 to 6 was as one which caused some heartache.
Since that decision, I have been informed by the Advisory Board Chairman that the abolition of some of these
appointments has been stayed for the time being. Let us hope the stay becomes permanent.
I thank Mike Krause and his Board members for their excellent support throughout the year.
1.6
ADSO Membership/Affiliation
All addressees will by now have read the brief and ADSO manifesto in order that they make an informed decision
based on members’ views on whether join ADSO or not. The decision to include Unit commanders and their members
in this was considered to be essential to this particular consultation process due to the significance of the matter under
consideration.
Engaging in direct consultation with serving RAAC members is on any measure, a major paradigm shift for the
Corporation in its evolution and is a matter of great pride to me.
For the first time in over 60 years, RAAC units have been directly involved in a consultative process on a matter of
some importance in order that all soldiers regardless of rank, have their say through their Member Associations. It
augurs well for the future.
OTHER MATTTERS
Great jubilation in late November, following the announcement by the Chief of the Army that the beret was back, albeit
with some caveats attached. Regardless, the news was greeted in a very positive manner and is in my view, a
massive morale boost to all serving members. To be reunited with that sacred black cloth is a very special moment
indeed.
Attendances
On 23 November 2013, I attended the RAACA NSW Cambrai Dinner in Sydney and was privileged to meet many of
the Old and Bold and not so old including one WW2 veteran who was 92 years of age. The speech delivered by the
HOC Brig John Mackenzie was very informative and entertaining and made for an excellent evening.
In early December 2013, I was again privileged, this time to attend the RMC Cadets Mess to witness the presentation
of lanyards and plumes to our newest RAAC Young Officers which included 2 female officers. They are a delightful
and highly intelligent cohort and the Corps is indeed very fortunate to have them as Black Hats.
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While at RMC, it was also very pleasing to see Bruce Cameron MC awarded Life Membership of the 1 Armoured
regiment association in recognition of his published and definitive history of the Regiment’s service in Vietnam. In an
act of extraordinary generosity, Bruce has donated all proceeds form the sale of his book to the Association. A very
decent act for a genuinely humble man.
7-8 March 2014 – attendance at the Corps Conference.
The briefings presented by Unit Commanders were comprehensive and detailed the challenges facing the Corps right
across the board as it undergoes major restructuring. The main theme emerging from the briefing is, “this is a
challenge and we are up to it.” The Corps is on any measure in very good hands.
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4-5 July 2014 – attendance at the 1AR 65 birthday dinner and 1AR Assn AGM.
As always, I am humbled by the hospitality and generosity extended to me by the members of this Assn and its
members.
Member Associations’ Autonomy
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Whilst at the 1 Armd Regt Assn’s AGM, the President Tony Crook addressed the meeting regarding concerns
expressed by some members, that their Association would lose its independence under the umbrella of the
Corporation. Both the President and I were able to reinforce the Corporation’s non-interference policy stance in that
regard. I again restate the Corporation’s position, which is this.
1. Each and every Member Association stands alone and stands outside the Corporation in respect of its own
daily operation and corporate governance.
2. That is mandated in the Corporation’s Constitution vide Rule 4.2(4).
3. The Corporation has no involvement in the day-to-day running of a Member Association, including
involvement in managing and moderating any and all Discussion Fora operated by Member Associations.
4. The Corporation as the umbrella entity, stands alone and acts on behalf of each Member Association and
currently serving RAAC personnel, consistent with the Constitution.
5. The Corporation is not and will not be seen to be a de facto arm or reincarnation under a different guise, of the
former RAACA Federal. It is important to draw that distinction. The Corporation is a completely different
entity.
PATRON
Background
The Constitution is silent on the issue of a Patron and deliberately so. During the development of the Corporation, I
acted on instructions from the Corporator, the late Brig Ian ‘Luigi’ Bryant AM (Ret’d) in the drafting of the Constitution.
Telecons regarding the issue of Patron were held and it was agreed between us that the proposed structure of the
Corporation would eliminate any need for a Patron.
Additionally, the Corporations Law does not address the matter of Patron as does relevant State/Territory
Incorporations legislation.
Facts
The RAAC Corporation as the lobby group for all Member Associations and serving RAAC members, has a unique
and very effective multi-tiered system of representation.
This is enshrined through Association Patrons, Unit Honorary Colonels, the Representative Honorary Colonel RAAC
and the talents and expertise of the Corporation’s Advisory Board. Patrons and Honorary Colonels are as is their
brief, able to make own-motion representations on behalf of their constituents.
The added firepower of the Advisory Board acting on instructions from the Executive Council, greatly enhances that
representational process and to a higher level of Government.
In addition, the level of advice and guidance of the HOC as and when required, is also sought and has in the past
proven to be extraordinarily invaluable. As it stands, the Corporation is extraordinarily well served by this multi-tiered
high-powered level of representation. We are hugely fortunate to have such talent and also a very supportive HOC
and his senior team, from SOA.
Contention
The Representative Honorary Colonel RAAC is in effect, albeit under a different title, the Patron for all intents and
purposes and I remain confident that any successor who is appointed to undertake the role and function of that
appointment, will discharge their duty in the same exemplary manner as the current incumbent.
Conclusion
It follows that, on reflection and having regard to those conversations, my instructions taken and acted upon, the
material facts and what has been stated, that position remains unchanged.
The facts as set out, put the issue of not requiring a Patron, beyond doubt.
VALĖ
Very sadly, we lost some of our people and their loved ones, during the reporting period.
We remember their service to the Corps and the nation with pride and gratitude and their passing with sadness.
Those members who lost loved ones have our deepest sympathies also. We all know and acknowledge their support
to us was critical in enabling us to make our careers in the Corps. They were our strong right arms.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It is with great pleasure I acknowledge with deep gratitude the contributions of the following persons:
The Representative Honorary Colonel RAAC.
Again, Roger Powell has continued to be a Godsend to me as a mentor and spiritual adviser. We still have our
monthly working which continue to be a wonderful source of advice and learning for me, and I am deeply indebted to
him for being there for me.
The Directors, Mike Phillips, Graeme Brown and Tony Crook
My sincerest thanks to my fellow Directors for their expertise in managing the affairs of the Corporation throughout the
year and to Tony Crook also for his deep corporate memory on many issues that have arisen over the past 12
months. His input has been extremely valuable.
Special thanks also to Mike Phillips for his judicious use of contacts within his former unit 4/19 PWLH to help progress
the admission of the 4/19 PWLH Assn to the Corporation. Mike has elected to resign as the Corporation’s Inaugural
Secretary to pursue other things in life. I wish him well for the future and thank him on behalf of the Corporation and
Member Associations, for his work.
To Graeme Brown, our Treasurer, my undying thanks for maintaining the Exchequer in such an impeccable manner.
The kitty is looking healthy - what more can I say?
The Executive Council
My sincere thanks to all Council members for their forbearance and patience during the past12 months.
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The 3 & 4 Cavalry Regiments Association
Special mention is made here with great pleasure, to recognise and issue a huge thank you to Association President
John Winter and his members for a particular activity that occupied their time and efforts for quite a while.
During B Sqn 3/4 Cav’s deployment to Afghanistan, John and his members, with the assistance of a small group of Air
League Cadets put together innumerable comfort packs for the Sqn members throughout the Unit’s deployment in
country. There is no doubt at all that the efforts which presented a significant challenge to the Association in
undertaking this task were hugely appreciated by all.
Not to be outdone on the Sqn’s RTA, they then turned their hand to doing exactly the same thing for each of the Sabre
Sqns of 2/14 LH Regt during the Regiment’s rotation in Afghanistan until the withdrawal of troops from that country.
To undertake such a major activity with only a small group of dedicated volunteers for three solid years, is an act of
unparalleled generosity in the true spirit of Armour, good fellowship and Black Hat comradeship for a very
distinguished unit that did not at that time, have its own Regimental Association.
Such commitment and selfless dedication augurs well for the new B Sqn 3/4Cav Regt when it is reconstituted as a
Reserve Squadron. John and his members will continue to support that unit and ensure the torch and the traditions
behind that torch are passed on to the new Unit. An outstanding achievement on any measure and one which the
respective Unit members will remember with deep gratitude for a long time.
The 8/18 VMR (Albury Sqn) Ex-members
To Niel Russell, Graham Garvie and John Bauerle, my sincere thanks on behalf of the Corporation and Member
Associations for the work you did in organising all logistic aspects of the 2013 AGM at the Albury SSA Club and for the
dining setup that night. Your willingness to assist with any and all aspects of ensuring the AGM ran smoothly was
truly first-class. Your unfailing generosity in giving of yourselves to transport attendees to and from the airport is
greatly appreciate by all who attended. The efforts of all three of you leading up to and during the AGM, were
outstanding and it is heartening to know your team will be available again for the 2014 AGM.
Serving Members of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps
1. Thank you for your service to the nation and for your drive to uphold the many traditions and values of the
RAAC.
2. Thank you for allowing myself, Directors and Executive Council through the Corporation, to be able to serve
you.
3. Given the draw-down of combat forces from Afghanistan our thoughts and prayers are for their safe return of
your colleagues still in country.
4. To all of you who have now RTA’d, I would like to just add a very personal and heartfelt WELCOME HOME!
5. Every one of you can hold your heads up with pride. Your service, courage under fire and overall Aussie
soldiering style reflect great credit upon yourselves, your senior Corps Leadership Group, instructors/leaders,
CO/OCs and the Corps and brings great credit to your families as well.
Hails and farewells
1. Congratulations to Maj Gen Mike Krause AM (Ret’d) on his appointment as Honorary Colonel 2
Regiment.
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Cavalry
2. Congratulations toWO1 Peter Swinfield on his appointment as the new Corps RSM
3. My sincere thanks to WO 1 Peter (PJ) Mc Neill for his sound advice during his tenure as Corps RSM. We
wish you all the very best in your next posting.
In conclusion, I would like to make the following point.
The Corporation jointly and severally, brings an enormous wealth of knowledge, experience and history with us. We
have learned from that history and need to be cognisant of the fact that although we may be greybeards and not-sogreybeards, we must think and plan young - our serving members fully expect that of us, if we are to remain relevant,
viable respected and relevant to the RAAC soldiers of today
That concludes my report. I commend it you all.
Noel Mc Laughlin
Chairman
RAAC Corporation
5 October, 2014

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