Return to Portsea

The "Return to Portsea" subject arises again. One, because of the interest shown and the questions asked about it - and two, because "we" are not getting any younger and its about time we got this done!
And, another most important consideration, now linked to the Re-Dedication of Badcoe Hall, is that the Pt Nepean Community Trust will help us arrange it!

The considerations are these:
1. At this stage, the Pt Nepean Community Trust will continue in its current form into 2009 but probably not beyond June 2009, when it will hand over to the State Government of Victoria. The old Portsea Quarantine Station and its environs will probably then be administered by Parks Victoria. Whilst the Trust is still administering, the likelihood of assistance to the OCS Portsea Alumni is very real. In fact, this is the reason why we are considering a "Return to Portsea" with such a short lead time.
2. The Trust would like to make a "special event" of the Re-Dedication of Badcoe Hall, and have suggested we look at a "Return" to coincide, using the Trust's expertise, management, and partial funding while we can. In this way, the Trust would like to express their gratitude to the assistance given by the Alumni and in recognition of the many valuable years the OCS has contributed to Australia's Defence.
3. However, numbers would have to be limited, as the old Alma Mater certainly could not cope with hordes of Alumni members at the one time. Besides, the cost would be horrendous (which would have to be passed on to the Alumni members).
4. Thoughts at the moment for invitees are:

• Peter Badcoe family representatives
• Certain very senior Army officers
• Senior Defence related Parliamentary members
• State Parliamentary leaders
• Local dignitaries, and ex-staff members living locally on the Peninsula, and
• Specially invited but paying* Representatives from OCS Classes (we have suggested current Class Orderlies) (*yet to be clarified)
• Army Health members to be determined.
• Remainder of numbers being made up of paying Alumni members, on a first-in basis.
  
• Unfortunately numbers will have to be limited. Booking dates will be advised - no prior bookings.

5. The format being considered is as follows:

• Beating of the Retreat (Band, Guards, Piper, etc)
• Followed by Dedication Ceremony of Badcoe Hall - These two aspects will be "Open to the Public" - after which the "Public" will be cleared from the area
• Guests (after changing) will reassemble in the area of the Cadets' Mess for twilight cocktails, and continue with a Dinner/Dinner Dance.
• The following Day will be once more "Open to the Public" - with food stalls, music, etc - and a Bar-B-Q lunch for guests.
• We hope to link Fort Queenscliff in with these activities as well - particularly for Alumni members who have also "experienced" Staff College at the Fort.

6. Suggested dates are:

• First weekend in February 2009 (weekend of 7/8 Feb) or weekend of 14/15 Feb
• Dates have been specifically determined based on the amount of infrastructure refurbishment that will be continuing at the time.

Do we have the interest? Will we have the numbers (or too many)? What are the costs involved? Will they be acceptable to members? Cast your vote in the Poll provided, and make a comment in this topic.

I would appreciate any members (Melbourne based) who would like to indicate an interest in assisting, emailing me, asap.

Your comments on this are not only most welcome, but are also very much required?