APRIL 25 – ANZAC DAY MARCHES
Reports and Photos are available here
July 25 – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM was held as close as possible to the 23 July. This was the date of the first offensive in Papua against the Japanese Army in 1942 and it was conducted by a PIB patrol led by Lt John Chalk of Qld.
Acting President Greg Ivey chaired the AGM at the Geebung-Zillmere RSL Club in the absence, through illness, of President Don Graham. The guest speaker was Peter Jesser who gave a detailed account of the PIB action on 23 July 1942.
The 80th anniversary cake was cut by John Stringfellow who had travelled the furthest distance to the AGM (from Perth).
Wishing you well Don.
The President’s report and further information is available in the Minutes .
AUGUST 8 – KOKODA DAY COMMEMORATION Broadbeach QLD
2022 is the 80th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign and other PNG Campaigns.
Our Association members and partners participate in this annual Commemoration Service usually held at Cascade Gardens in Broadbeach, Qld. We are not the Organiser of this event. The Commemoration Service commences at 10.30am and the guest speaker may be the Governor-General. Wreaths, including our Association wreath, will be laid and two National Anthems will be sung.
The Gold Coast Kokoda 80th Anniversary Commemoration Services were held successfully on 8 August in great weather at Broadbeach and Kokoda Barracks, Canungra. Both venues were attended by interstate visitors from our Association and those representing other Kokoda Battalions e.g. 2/14th Bn, 2/16th Bn.
The Southport School has provided this youtube video of their involvement in the ceremony. Plus here is a newspaper article including the key message of the Governor-General. The G-G generously spent time talking with Members at both events – and some photos were taken.
After the main Service, Secretary Kev Horton and Treasurer Mrs Frankie Maclean led a brief Ceremony to honour Frankie’s father, Lt Fred Lucas (PIB), whose Paver is installed now at the Broadbeach Wall.
I would also like to acknowledge that our retiring Victorian Representative, Tom Derham, will attend and Lay our Wreath at the Melbourne Kokoda Service at the Shrine of Remembrance this Sunday 14 August. In addition, our Assistant Secretary, Greg Farr, will attend and Lay a parcel of Books at the Brisbane Kokoda Service at Corinda on the same date.
Greg Ivey. Vice president.
Photos and Reports from all ceremony locations are available here.
11 NOVEMBER -REMEMBRANCE DAY
Association members and partners participate in Services across Australia.
Members living close to Brisbane participate in the Service conducted by Qld RSL at Anzac Square about 11am.
After the official Service, Association Members and partners moved to the Gallery below the Cenotaph to inspect the PIR Plaque where a brief poppy ceremony was conducted to honour the PIB, NGIB HQ personnel. Prior to adjourning for lunch a brief ceremony was held at the south Pacific Memorial in Anzac Square to present Kevin Smith with an Honourary Life Membership of the Association. Photos from this and other locations are available in the Association Newsletters of November and December
Greg Ivey – Hon Vice President iveygj@gmail.com and
Kev Horton- Hon Sec kevhorton49@gmail.com
PIB-NGIB-HQ-PIR Assoc