1. Greetings from President Frank
“A very warm Welcome to 2010. May you all welcome it with joy. I hope the New Year brings you success and happiness.
Our Association experienced a very active 2009 with services in Sydney and Townsville as well as the March and AGM in Brisbane. I wish you all a very good 2010 as we look forward to what this year brings.”

2. AGM in April
With the AGM in mind, I would like members to start thinking about taking some positions on the Committee.
–I would welcome the participation of the families of our WW11 soldiers. Among our members are sons and daughters of these soldiers. The next AGM provides an opportunity for interested family to join the Committee. With Email available, the distance from Brisbane will not disadvantage you.
–I believe also that our members who served in the PIR after WW11 have much to offer our Association. Their skills and experience are needed to carry out new projects.
It is time to share the journey forward. I invite family members and PIR members to come on board at the April AGM.

3. Ben Moide CBE
Almost the last surviving PNG member of the PIB, Sgt Ben Moide, has commissioned a PNG writer to commence his autobiography. Ben, now 83, signed on at the age of 16 and provided distinguished service. The autobiography will be, probably, the first extended account of the War by a PNG member of the PIB. The book launch is aimed for 23 July.

4. Assistance to Marchers in Brisbane
The March Committee will assist Members, on request:
–Golf Buggy or Jeep transport for duration of the March only OR
–Taxi from your home, for whole March, and home again. A Carer is welcome to sit in the taxi also.
Please contact Greg Ivey if you want assistance by 14 April.

5. Advice to Brisbane Marchers from the Organisers
–Form up behind our Banner (light blue colour, “Papuan & New Guinea Infantry Battalions”) in George Street, between Adelaide & Queen Streets, before 10am. March commences at 10 o’clock sharp.
–Our position is about No 39. Ask a Marshall to help you find our Banner.
–Servicemen march in front while family walk proudly behind Servicemen.
–Servicemen are asked to wear full-size Medals and long pants. Servicemen are encouraged to wear a Jacket or a Tie or both; a hat or beret is optional.
–Servicemen wear (full) medals on the left chest; family of dead Servicemen may wear his medals on the right chest.
–The number of family members must be limited. As a rule of thumb, if a Soldier has 4 living children, then the number of family walking behind the Servicemen should not be more than 4.
–Children are not to be carried or pushed in strollers. Clothing should be neat & tidy and no “military type” uniforms or flag waving.
–Our Unit Leader (Frank) is responsible for dress standard and number of family marching. He recommends long pants & comfortable shoes.

6. Action on ANZAC Day
8.30 Free buses run from Central Station to Queens Park (to be confirmed).
9.15 Wreath Laying by our Members at Kokoda Statue in ANZAC Square
ALL WELCOME
9.45 Form up in George Street
10.00 March
1:00 Anniversary Lunch at Geebung RSL, Cnr Newman Rd & Collings St
Geebung. This RSL is only 100 metres from Geebung Station.
We will meet upstairs in the Bistro & bar; prices are reasonable.
During Lunch we will cut the 70th Anniversary Cake.
AGM will follow Lunch in the Bistro.

7. TV Documentaries
ABC TV will telecast a new documentary called “Kokoda” during April so it will be interesting to watch and assess its worth. Channel 7 will telecast a new mini series next week called “The Pacific”.

8. AGM during Reunion Lunch
Our AGM will be opened by President Frank during Lunch on ANZAC Day. All positions will be declared vacant and nominations called for: President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Interstate Representative, Brisbane Representative, History Officer and Newsletter Editor.
I urge Members to nominate for one of these positions by sending me a Note in the post or an Email before ANZAC Day. Our Association is running smoothly so your duties will not be demanding but the need for more office bearers is urgent. (I intend to stand down as Secretary/Treasurer.) Positions are for 12 months only so why not give it a go. You will have the support of the “old hands”.
Please ask Frank or myself about the tasks involved with any of these positions (Ph 07 5476 6971 or Email: greg_ivey @msn.com )

Cheers to everyone,
Greg Ivey

2009 ANZAC Day March in Sydney
Former members of the “PIR Association of Australia” assemble in front of their traditional Banner after the March. (photo courtesy of Peter Porteous)

1998(?) ANZAC Day March, Brisbane
(Left to right) WO Peter Jesser, Maj Don Graham (behind), Lt. John Chalk, Hank Dawson, Capt Alan Hooper (behind), Bill Allan, Col Goodman, Sgt. Frank Wust

2009 Remembrance Day, Townsville
(Left to right): Capt. Vic Svenson MBE, Sgt Frank Wust, Lt. Jack McIntosh MID

(Left to right): Greg Ivey (obscured) Frank Wust, Vic Svenson, Jack McIntosh, Noel Usher (obscured)