Page 9 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 63

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

graduating from Food Services Training Wing
he has achieved his Apprenticeship and so much
more. Additionally, he takes initiative to arrange
JAMES training sessions for individuals requiring
extra support. In his role as unit PTI, he orches-
trates customized PT sessions for chefs outside of
the unit’s regular PT schedules. Pte van der Vaart
consistently exhibits utmost professionalism, con-
sistently surpassing expectations. This dedication
was highlighted in his AAPTI course report,
where despite being the most junior member, he
achieved a distinction. His exemplary performance
extends to deployments, garnering commendable
feedback, notably during a recent MAB tasking
to support SF selection. Furthermore, he readily
volunteers for additional tasks and trawls, often at Left Pte Van Der Vaart also awarded a brand-new knife, the Mackenzie
short notice, prioritising the needs of others, over 2023, right Allan Award Trophy and certificate as a celebration of
Mackenzie
his own personal life. this fantastic achievement.
In the short list for the award, Pte Van Der The Head of Trade WO1 (SSM) Martin Foulds
Vaart was boarded against a plethora of Chefs said: With passion, dedication and the desire to
ranging from Private to Corporal from across ‘win’ and get better each day, now selected LCpl
the Army. Despite being the most junior-ranking Olivia Elliott and Pte Andrew Van der Vaart both
nomination, he scored unanimously higher with his embody the essence of what it is to be an RLC
citation than anyone else who was entered. Chef. This award goes far beyond just being able to
The Army Catering Training Trust and the cook; it celebrates those that go above and beyond
Family of Wally Mackenzie, Allan Mackenzie and their call of duty and both winners epitomise this.
his partner Barbara presented the award to Pte Van I’m proud of their efforts and proud to get to serve
der Vaart in Food Services Training Wing. He was alongside them.

From our Friends Down Under

ANZAC Day Services

ANZAC Day 25th April 2024. By Brian Kay

Lt Col (Retd) Brian C. Kay AACC
l Colonel Commandant AACC 1995-2003
l Director of Catering Army 1983-1986, 1991
l CO/DCatr Army School Of Catering 1991
l ACC 1957-1968
I finally managed to build up enough strength to join the
ANZAC Day Dawn March for 2024, but still needed a
‘wheelie walker’ to make the short distance to the Service
at our resort. I have finished my cancer treatment and am
recovering slowly and will get rid of the nasal gastric tube this
week. It’s been a long slow journey which I have only managed
to survive with the help of my wife Jan, family members and
very helpful neighbours.
The photos to the left are of me prior to the Dawn Service
and my Daughter Alison’s father-in-law, Joffre Bell, a 104 year
old WW2 RAAF veteran who served in the UK and Europe
in Bomber Command, and still manages to attend ANZAC
Day services which have become an important generational
ceremony in Australia over the last 100 years. Thousands
attend local and State Dawn Services and marches throughout
the Country, as well as at Gallipoli and the War Cemetries in
France and Belgium and New Guinea.
SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG PAGE 9