Hi all,
A short note to wish all a MERRY XMAS from the committee of VETERANS RETREATS of WESTERN AUSTRALIA inc. And inform you that we will have good news early in the new year .Our secretary is preparing a flyer to flick around . We also hope to have the web page up and running soon. Please send this around to all the veterans you know and see you all at Meentheena this year.
Norman L. Whitburn
President
Veterans Retreats of Western Australia. Inc.
Ph / FAX(08) 9646 1021
Mob. 0428 4444 87
When I left the Fire and Rescue Services, I realised that there was a need for Veterans and Para-Military Veterans who are still suffering from their operational experiences and no Government authority has ever addressed their needs such as a respite for us to chill out. There are no exceptions regarding veterans of the Para-military, Police, Fire-fighters and Ambulance Officers (who in particular have probably had a “double dose”). I did some research on what would be the ideal situation for all veterans to chill out and to find somewhere in a remote situation where minimal outside interference would benefit them. I started a search when I left the Fire and Rescue Services in 2000 and came up with a disused cattle station called Carson River in the Kimberley and was welcomed by the owners at Kalumbaru with open arms, but was not welcomed by the Kimberley Land Council nor A.T.S.I.C . This disappointed the Kalumbaru people as they then felt that tourism would be good for them. It was quite a few years later when I asked a cousin of mine if they would be able to have a small area on Yarrie Station. He showed enthusiasm until realising the numbers that were expected to visit the site. He suggested another site at the neighbouring Meentheena Cattle Station that was a conservation reserve controlled by the Department of Conservation (D.E.C.) It was then that I started to make enquiries and begin negotiations with that department. Mr Brendon Grylls (Regional Development Minister and WA Nationals Leader) had been told by the Wheatbelt Veterans Group at Merredin what I was doing and he called me to a meeting to explain what my intentions were and for how long. He also invited the new Committee to Parliament House for lunch.
We have had approval and support from our State politicians, such as Grant Woodhams (our greatest supporter), Rob Johnston and Donna Farragh. At the current time a licence is being put together by the Department of Environment and Conservation, but until then we have our hands tied as we wish to remain transparent as a project this size has never been attempted in Australia and is quite unique. I have not yet had a response from the federal politicians and I think a trip to Canberra may be in order soon.
Meentheena Cattle Station is 75kms from Marble Bar, the hottest place in Australia and is situated on the Nullagine River. The Nullagine is a fresh water river that flows in the wet and flows underground in the dry, appearing in billabongs that have a permanent fish population. The whole 695,000 acres would have to be a photographer, artist, prospector, fisherman, conservationist, bushwalker and bird watcher’s dream (along with those who just want peace and quiet).
The structure on the station is very sound and needs minimal completion to be brought up to a standard for use . There is a camp kitchen that is in good condition and other structures and yards that can be used. Camping will be the main-stay there and the accommodation will be for the disabled and the frail with a R.A.P. (Regimental Aid Post or First Aid Post) for emergencies. The Department of Environment and Conservation is going to make sure it is accessible by conventional vehicles and caravans. The first camp from the bitumen is 3kms on the western side and to the eastern camp, a further 4kms. From Perth it is approximately 1450kms, with the shortest route going through Nullagine and a further 6 hours if visitors stick to the bitumen.
When the Department of Environment and Conservation give us a licence, we will be accepting membership per Veteran and Associate Members of $25. We already have some Honorary Members, (i.e. professionals who want to assist the veterans).
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the following:
Veterans Retreats of Western Australia. Inc. - Phone/Fax - 08) 9646 1021 and Mobile - 0428 444 487
President, Norm Whitburn - 08) 9646 1021
Vice President, Peter Fitzpatrick - 0419 931 627
Secretary, Derek Philips - 95864222
Treasurer, Les Hall - 0435 905 888
Committee, John Schnaars - 0417 955 914
