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• Ben Hirsh Retires From Board
  Written on November 16, 2014
  

  Awarded VAJEX Australia Meritorious Award
  For Decades of Service

  Due to his outstanding service, at this year's luncheon we paid homage to Ben Hirsh. Our 1st Vice President, Immediate Past President and Life Member tendered his intention to retire from the committee taking effect from the close of the Luncheon. With decades of service to VAJEX Australia, Ben gave his all and more, at times burning himself out and going beyond his limits for the sake of VAJEX. To say “thank you” is completely inadequate but there are not enough words to tell Ben of the esteem and respect he has earned from myself, VAJEX and the wider community. It was Ben who began the process of bringing VAJEX out of what he termed the “horse and cart era”. It was a brave step to take when some of the members were against embracing the new ways. At our last committee meeting, I tabled a vote of thanks to Ben for his devotion and dedication, the like of which is rarely seen.

  Ben already had all the awards that VAJEX had to offer, so I had to create another one just for him. It is called the VAJEX Meritorious Award. The definition being: deserving reward & praise for a life time of meritorious service & conduct; exemplary & deserving; having worth of merit & value; being honourable & admirable; virtuous & commendable; a worthy fellow.

  In Ben's response he said, "Thank you, Judy, for this beautiful award. When the returned Diggers of WWI formed the Jewish Returned Soldiers’ Circle in 1929 and were later joined by returning members of the armed forces who served in World War II, this Association peaked in membership. Sadly, with the passage of time, our ranks have been reduced; but we still meet to honour the fallen and those who pass away. After 85 years we are still here. I am confident that we will continue in this way for many years to come. It was a great privilege for me to do whatever I could during those 24 years. Thank you for this award, I feel very humbled.

  We all wish Ben a well earned rest.

  Please direct all VAJEX matters to 1300 824 000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  as these contact details will always be directed to a VAJEX representative.
• 2015 Glen Eira Volunteer Awards
  Written on May 14, 2014
  

  VAJEX Australia was well represented at the Glen Eira Volunteer Awards for 2015.

  Leading off with 20 years service was our Immediate Past President and Life Member Ben Hirsh.

  For recognition of 10 years service was Ian Mansfield and Judy Landau.

  Julie Leder was awarded for 500 hours of continuous service.

  Kol HaKavod!

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• Commemorative Service for Sir John Monash
  Written on October 9, 2011
  

  by Ryan Erskine CUO Scotch College Army Cadet Unit

  As the CUO of the Scotch College Army Cadet Unit I was given the privilege of attending the commemorative service held to mark the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the passing of one of this nation’s finest, Sir John Monash.

  On a cold, wet and windy Sunday morning a large group of people braved the Melbourne weather to honour the memory of General Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD. Monash had been a former student of Scotch College, having attended the school in 1880, where he excelled as dux of the school. As students we are humbled by this connection; indeed the famous gates that mark entry to the school, along with one of the school’s twelve houses, are named in his honour.

  As cadets we take pride in the fact that one of the greatest Australian soldiers came from our ranks.  The accounts of Monash’s bravery, leadership, loyalty and tactical ability in the face of great adversity are still to this day acknowledged as being a clinical display of strategy, and have helped shape modern day warfare. Indeed hearing Major General McLachlen AO’s account of how Monash, at the end of the First World War, refused to leave Europe until all of the men under his command had been repatriated home to Australia, reinforced to me the outstanding and selfless character of Sir John Monash.  

  Not only was Sir John a great scholar and soldier, he also enjoyed a rich and successful career following the war.  Many of his legacies in planning and architecture are proudly on display throughout Melbourne.  We heard at the commemorative service how, during his time at the State Electricity Commission, Monash’s vision brought electricity to rural Victoria.  It is no wonder, given his significant contributions to our nation, that major freeways and universities today carry his name.

  As I finish my final years of secondary schooling and prepare for my Year 12 examinations, I take with me that much of Monash’s success was due to his meticulous planning of each day and his attention to detail, accepting nothing but giving his best.