The impressive Kokoda Monument at Cascade Gardens, Gold Coast
The Kokoda Service for all Kokoda Battalions was conducted successfully at the magnificent Memorial Wall at Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach on 8 August in sunny weather. Members of our Association from Qld and NSW joined with the Surfers paradise RSL Club, sponsors of this commemorative event.
The Keynote Address was presented by Colonel David Hafner CSC – Commandant Land Warfare Centre Canungra.
TSS Cadets Historical Guard Party
Prominent again this year was the support by members of The Southport School. Their Historical Guard Party ably executed the duties of the Catafalque Party and their music ensemble supported the hymn and the anthem.
A significant balance to the ceremony was made by the presence of a number of PNG national students from the School who participated by reading the Honour Rolls of the 39th BTN and the PIB. This was complemented by some poignant comments by our vice-president Greg Ivey and his reading of the poem “The Crosses on the Track”.
 PNG Students at Kokoda Day 2016 |
 Greg Ivey (Vice-President) reads a poem |
Following the ceremony, 33 people enjoyed the conversations over Lunch at the RSL Club. Our current Patron (Maj. Gen. Brian Howard AO,MC) and former Patron (Lt. Col Mauri Pears MC) renewed their PIR connection and memories
On behalf of our absent President Donald Graham, Greg Ivey (Assistant Secretary) expressed our appreciation (with small gifts) during the Lunch to Surfers RSL Club Organiser Alan Whelan and his wife, and to the Guest Speaker. Brian Howard (and Mauri Pears) entertained those at Lunch with several, humorous PIR stories.
We also took this opportunity to present our Patron with the Association’s highest honour – a Certificate of Honorary Life Membership, organised by Secretary/Treasurer Kev Horton.
Further interesting viewing:
More Photos of the occasion will appear when available.
The Program of the Day
The Keynote Address by Col David Hafner.
See also:
Kokoda Day Sherwood RSL
VP Day Sydney
Lance Sgt Ben Moide CBE-Backed by PIB comrades sculptured in the Memorial Wall, Broadbeach.