History of the Down-Under Reunions
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The idea for
Down-Under Reunions happened when Terry Hales (NSW) and Bill Davis
(QLD) met at a restaurant on the Gold Coast to celebrate Christmas and
also meet for the first time with other Queensland Vindi Members (also
present was Wilf Downs on holiday from NZ). Terry and Bill both
newsletter editors had been in contact with each other for some time on
mutual Vindi matters and had introduced each others family into the
conversations so when meeting for the first time was quite a reunion.
Sitting down together after lunch and enjoying a coldie both said
together at the same time how about a real get together with all
branches invited. Sadly Terry crossed the bar on 2nd September 2013 but
not before he had been to and indeed hosted many reunions.
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Well that’s how
the Down-under Reunions started 8 months later in 2001, the first being
in Coffs Harbour organised by Terry Hales with just 26 Vindi lads and
partners attending, from mostly NSW, QLD and NZ. With little lead up
time it was a great event, even with just a few with their partners.
New friendships were bonded with the same interests and backgrounds and
talk went into the wee hours and was resolved to do it again next year
with a bit more organisation.
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Photos of the
Coffs Harbour Reunion
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Photos of the
Nambucca Reunion
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Between
Queensland’s Rob Lynde, Brian Hunt, Bill Davis and Terry Hales,
Nambucca Heads (NSW) 2002 was selected and joint initial planning took
place, unfortunately with the vast distance to travel from Terry’s home
QLD took over. The reunion was based in a caravan park on the edge of
the river with events held in marquees supplied and erected by the
Army, many other sponsors coming to our aid including Rotary who cooked
a steak lunch on the last day. Nambucca Bowls Club being the venue for
Fridays “getting to know-you” and the Saturday formal. With an
estimated 160 present for the formal dinner and dancing into the early
morning this reunion was hailed as one never to be bettered only
equalled.
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Soon after
Nambucca with Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) reunions on a roll
Queensland opted to hold a reunion in Tweed Heads 2003 with basically
the same team organising the event. Seagulls Sports Club was selected
as the venue for the 3 day event and Vindi lads staying at various
accommodation in the area. Many new ideas were put in place such as a
horse race afternoon like we had at sea and fancy dress for the last
night. Much entertainment was organised, so much so it was hard to
attend all. Another great success, though poor transport and breakdowns
to the lift dampened it a tad. An estimated 180 Vindi lads and partners
attending at one time
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Photos of the
Tweed Heads Reunion
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Photos of the
Napier Reunion
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At a meeting in
Tweed Heads, New Zealand took up the cudgel and Napier was declared to
be the next venue for Down-Under Reunion 2004. The venue Napier RSL and
most Vindi lads staying at the Kennedy Holiday Park made it a winner.
Another great success due to the hard work put in by Alex Bailey, Tony
Scott, Trevor Castleton and many others. This reunion brought together
220 Vindi lads and partners, many Australians coming over to take a
holiday as well and see New Zealand, for many the first time.
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South Australia
took up the challenge to host the 2005 Down Under Reunion. The venue
for that year’s reunion was Tanunda in the Barossa valley, a wine
growing area with beautiful unmatched scenery. Once again the reunion
was a huge success with thanks going to the organising committee.
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Photos of the
Tanunda Reunion
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Photos of the
Umina Reunion
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In 2006 it was
the turn of New South Wales to host the Reunion. The venue was Umina,
on the Central Coast region of NSW.
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The 2007 reunion
was in Fremantle, Western Australia. The WA branch is a very small
branch but they did a wonderful job of hosting a very successful
reunion.
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Photos of the
Fremantle Reunion
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Photos of Christchurch
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The 2008
reunion in Christchurch in New Zealand was a huge success despite some
initial setbacks. The organising team are to be congratulated on a
magnificent effort. For photos click on the photo of Christchurch
Cathedral. |
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Queensland hosted
the next reunion at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. To see the photos
click on the photo on the right.
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Caloundra Photos
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Western
Australia hosted the 2010 reunion. Click the photo on the left to go to
the photos of this magnificent event. Click on the bus for photos |
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South Australia is
the venue for the 2011 reunion. It was held at West Beach which is a
beautiful Adelaide suburb. Click on the photo for photos |
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Queensland hosted
the reunion, on the Gold Coast in 2012. Click on image for photos |
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Hawkes Bay
Branch hosted the Reunion in Napier in 2013. Click on image for photos.
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This year it
was Western Australia's turn to once again host the reunion in
Fremantle. Click on the photo of Fremantle Prison for the all the
photos of this year's reunion. |
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Great
friendships have been bonded and many over a swinging the lamp session
found they were at school together or sailed together, the camaraderie
forged all because they were once institutionalised on a cockroach
invested hulk of a ship and trained under very strict discipline.
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