APRIL 25 – ANZAC Day Marches ** CANCELLED **
It is with regret that we have to accept the decision that, due to the threats of the COVID-19 virus, marches for ANZAC day have been cancelled.
In the past, the Association Anzac Day activities (Wreath Laying, March, Lunch) have been a central part of our annual events. We have placed a high priority on member participation and keeping a record of Services held across Australia and in Port Moresby (as can be seen in our past Newsletters and the archives on our Website).
JULY 30 – Annual Reunion 2/14 Battalion
The Annual Reunion of our Kokoda colleagues in the 2nd/14th Battalion. Everyone is invited to Riverside Receptions, New Farm Brisbane, from 10am to 3pm (registration & Lunch payment in advance).
AUGUST 7,9 – Kokoda Commemorations
AUGUST 7 – Due to COVID restriction, the Annual Kokoda Commemoration Service was held at the Southport School rather than at the Kokoda memorial Wall site at Broadbeach, Qld. By courtesy of the organiser, George Friend –
A You-tube video of the ceremony allows everyone to view this years commemoration.
AUGUST 9 – Annual Kokoda Commemoration Service at Corinda, Brisbane for all Kokoda Battalions and the public. Service about 1100 outside the Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub-Branch followed by Lunch inside the Club (Lunch donation requested).
AUGUST 9 – Annual Kokoda Commemoration Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne for all Kokoda Battalions. Service about Mid-day.
AUGUST 12 – Association AGM –
The Association AGM in Brisbane celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Formation of the Papuan Infantry Battalion on 1st June 1940. The venue was the board room of the Geebung-Zillmere RSL Club, Qld. The AGM report is available here.
SEPTEMBER 2 – Battle For Australia Commemoration
The Annual Battle for Australia Commemoration Service in various cities. Brisbane Service at Chermside Historical Precinct about 1100 hrs.
NOVEMBER 11 – Remembrance Day
Brisbane 2020
Association members and wives gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance for the official Remembrance Day Ceremony. It was also great to see 4 Ladies present, and one grandchild. Graham Carnes travelled the furthest (Townsville) and we appreciated the company of Trevor Pryor from 2nd/14th Battalion Association (our War comrades on Kokoda).
Everyone paid their private respects to deceased Servicemen at 11 o’clock – as it should be. (RSL Qld discouraged public attendance but we turned up for a purpose.) President Don laid a wreath on behalf of the Association.
 President Don Graham reflects after laying the Association’s wreath. Seated is His Excellency Paul de Jersey Governor of QLD. |
 At the Cenotaph : (At the back) Kevin Smith and Kev Horton. ( Front Row L->R) Terry O’Neill, Treasurer Frankie Maclean with grandson Rome, Graham Carney, Greg Ivey, Don Graham and wife Barbara, Lindy Horton, Terry Edwinsmith, Greg Farr and Trevor Pryor (2/14th Bn Assoc) |
Our photo opportunity after the service attracted the media attention and we were well represented on TV News later with sober, reflective comments on War Sacrifice and Casualties from President Don (Ch. 10 at 5pm), Kev Horton, Kevin Smith and Terry Edwinsmith (Ch. 7 at 4pm). ABC TV at 7pm showed quick flashes of Don laying our PIB-NGIB Wreath and a respectful trio of Graham C., Kevin S. and Peter D observing the Service.
We extended our activities to visit the PIR Plaque (identical to one in a Sydney Church at Circular Quay) and to enjoy conversations over lunch. President Don proposed the Toast to the PIB 80th Anniversary during lunch and everyone responded with applause.
Member, Terry O’Neill then spoke briefly – Terry was a Lt at Taurama Barracks 1968-69, a Major at Igam Barracks 1978-80 and a Lt. Col. at Murray Barracks 1989-91. He advocates for an Education Project called “Teacher in a Box” which has worked in Cambodia and is being introduced to PNG remote villages. His Email address is: terry.oneill@y7mail.com if you are interested in knowing more.
Perth WA.
State War Memorial at Kings Park, Perth (with the Swan River and Darling
Range in the background). Photo Courtesy Graeme Johnson.
Click here for more photos of the event.