Naval commander headlines fundraiser

THE small Limestone Coast group which forms part of the SA Priory of St John Of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller recently held a very successful fundraiser in Mount Gambier to raise money, in the main, for the work of the In Home Hospice Care Group Mount Gambier.

A highlight of the lunch was a presentation followed by a lively question and answer session with guest speaker Commander Ian Bray RAN Rtd.

Commander Bray commanded four RAN submarines during his 44-year career in the Navy.

These were two UK built Oberon Class submarines and two of the Adelaide constructed COLLINS CLASS boats.

He spoke about what makes submarines work including dive and surface, their role in the Navy and life onboard a submarine, particularly as the Commanding Officer responsible for the lives and well being of 50 other people.

His final command HMAS FARNCOMB included a crew of women as well as men. He said the presence of woman onboard the submarine had a very positive effect on the atmosphere onboard.

Guests enjoyed a two-course meal provided by the Blue Lake Bar and Bistro as well as a free drink on arrival.

A successful raffle was held with tickets sold previously in Adelaide to members and guests of the SA Priory of St John, at sites in the Mount Gambier CBD and at the function.

Raffle proceeds and the days profits of $4528 will be presented to In Home Hospice Care.

A silent auction was also held to raise money following recent bushfire in Victoria and the Fleurieu Peninsula.

A highlight of the auction was a croc of port laid down in 1988 in honour of HMAONSLOWs recommissioning, a submarine commanded by Commander Bray. Local identity Mr John Woodland had been one of HMAS ONSLOWs builders in Greenock Scotland. The silent auction raised $985.

The Limestone Coast organising Group of Grant District Mayor Kylie Boston, Sandy Coulson CSM, Tim Frost and Maureen Andrews were delighted with the result.

Group spokesperson Sandy Coulson CSM said she hoped this first successful fundraiser will be the start of. many, particularly as the group grows in numbers.

The Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller exists to help in the community where there is a need. Both groups who will receive donations are certainly meeting a need, however different that need might be.