Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day 80th Anniversary
On 15 August, it was 80 years since Victory in the Pacific was announced as World War II began to finally come to an end after six years of global conflict. We have many residents at our aged care homes who still remember that day like it was yesterday, and we thank them for their service and the peace we enjoy today. This very special anniversary was commemorated by our residents and staff.
At Brighton East, Harold and Marjorie were interviewed by The Australian – and made front page news!
Harold to feature Online
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be featuring Vasey RSL Care Brighton East resident, Harold Ristrom, on their website. In June this year, the department sent out their film crew to interview Harold about his life and his care here at Vasey RSL Care.
Harold served in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II from August 1942 until July 1946. Harold talks in the video about how he came to move to Brighton East and how he finds living there. The video will be online on the Department’s website some time soon.
Joan shares her secrets on Channel 7
Joan Turnour, a resident at Vasey RSL Care Brighton, was recently interviewed for a Channel 7 documentary highlighting the contributions of Australians during World War II.
Joan served in the Navy as a codebreaker, helping to track the movements of Japanese ships − a remarkable and historically significant role that remained classified for many years. Her insights and experiences will form part of this important documentary, honouring those who served behind the scenes.
Joan enlisted on her 18th birthday in 1944 and worked in Albert Park as a codebreaker until 1947. Signing the Official Secrets Act when she signed up, Joan (pictured here then and now) never spoke
about her work, not even to either her first or second husband.
“In 2011 she received a parcel from the British Government containing a letter of gratitude from Prime Minister David Cameron, and a medal from Bletchley Park,” her daughter Jill tells us. “We were all stunned and full of admiration for her war work”.
Vietnam Veterans Day
Commemorations for Vietnam Veterans Day on 18 August were held at our aged care homes to remember the fallen and to acknowledge all who fought in this War, particularly those in our own aged care community.
Regular Visits from HMAS Cerberus Trainees
Residents at Vasey RSL Care Frankston South are delighted to have new regular visitors. A group of trainees from HMAS Cerberus visit once a month to meet and chat with our veterans over afternoon tea.
This is a great opportunity for new recruits to hear from those who served our country in times past. A big thank you to all the recruits.
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