Vetaffairs Noticeboard

Did you serve beneath the waves? The SAA welcomes all serving and former submariners. We exist to promote the unique camaraderie and fellowship forged in the silent service. With active branches in every state and territory (except the NT), you can reconnect with your buddies from boats close to home. The Association is committed to the welfare of our members and has a network of DVA Advocates with submarine experience to assist you. To find your local branch and to join our community, visit the website or email Tony. DOLPHIN 35 – Deep down you know it makes sense!

Robina Literary Club and Panda Entertainment Networks will be co-producing a play based on actual events about veterans battling PTSD called 'It's Time', to be staged at HOTA, Home of the Arts at 7pm Thurs 19 - Sat 21 February 2026. The Play is written and directed by Chamkaur Gill, who interviewed several Vietnam-war veterans residing on the Gold Coast. https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/theatre/its-time

Seeking to catch up with Sharon Wilton, Orderly Room Clerk, Fairburn and Kevin Horn, Darwin.

The July 66 intake of HMAS Nirimba is celebrating their 60 years in July 2026. We are still looking for the following from that intake - Denis Ballam, Graham (Boots) Dagg, Chris Ellis, Alan Donovan, Geoffrey Hadley, Enzo Costa, Phil Menere, Keith Knott and Keith Plain. Please make contact if you know of their whereabouts or have any contact details.

Wanting to speak to anyone who served between 1975 and 1995 (including Peace Keeping operations and the Gulf War) who were born or resided in the following Victorian towns BEFORE (not after) their time in the services - Wonga Park, Lilydale, Coldstream, Yering, Gruyere, Wandin, Seville, Silvan, Monbulk, Olinda, Kalorama, Mt Dandenong, Montrose, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, Mt Evelyn.

Seeking to buy this out-of-print book.

Preparations are well underway. This year we will leave the Hawkesbury showground, opposite RAAF Richmond, on Saturday 14 March and after travelling via and overnighting at Bong Bong, Moruya, Queanbeyan, Young, Cowra, Parkes, Orange and Bathurst, we will return to the Showground on Tuesday 31st March. This year we have arranged to have Mt Panorama closed on Sunday morning 29 March where we'll hold the "Walk for Veterans" event.
www.scootaville.org.au/NSW2026.pdf
https://radschool.org.au/Scootaville/Participants/ScootavilleParticipants.htm
https://scootaville.org.au/WalkForVets/

Seeking 'Snoopy'. Last known posting as WO2 Tobruk.

Seeking information/stories/photos from members of the ADF who wore the Defence Pattern Desert Uniforms (DPDU) overseas. Specifically looking for uniform and load carriage equipment modifications and any unique uniform accoutrements or items for inclusion in a new book on the subject.

14 - 30 March 2026. The event will commence at the Macquarie Showgrounds opposite RAAF Richmond on the 14th and end at Bathurst on the 27th. On the 29th, from 7.30 am, we will hold a 'Walk for Veterans' around the Mt Panorama circuit. We suggest you walk in fancy dress and there will be prizes awarded. On the 30th, we will ride down the hill and finish back at the Showgrounds.

Any members who are returned veterans and were members of the Young Christian Workers (YCW) back in the 60s and 70s, are invited to join the Veterans Support Group. The group’s objective is to help revive the YCW Camp at Phillip Island in conjunction with Vasey RSL Care. We are keen to hear from any member, who had holidayed at the Camp or is interested in helping get it back to its former glory, so that it can be used for returned veterans and families for short stays.

Lt Patchot was the platoon Commander of 5 Platoon A Company, 1 RTB Kapooka from July to September 1965.

HERstory: Remembering Australia’s Military Women is seeking women veterans, especially those aged 80 years and over, currently living in Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, who would like to have their portrait and service story included in this national photographic and oral-history project. The project honours the experiences, achievements and sacrifices of Australia’s military women across all eras and services. Participation involves a relaxed portrait session and a guided conversation about your service.

I am hoping to reach any servicemen that served at 2AO Depot in Vietnam in 1971. My father, Rodney John Murn, also served there and I would like to reach out.

Trying to get into contact with ex-serviceman Paul ‘pour habit’ Brandt. We are due for a beers. Retired 2023. Last know whereabouts: 5th Engineer Support Regiment.

Join the 'One Million Australians for Anzac Day' Facebook group. Anzac Day is A-OK.

This Anzac Day, we’re calling on Australians everywhere to stand together in remembrance. From the largest city dawn services to the smallest country cenotaphs, more than a million of us gather each year to honour the courage, sacrifice, and mateship that define our story.

The Australian Flag Society has set up a new Facebook community: “One Million Australians for Anzac Day.”

It’s a space to:

• Share your local service details and photos
• Honour family members who served
• Connect with others who will be at dawn services and marches
• Keep alive the spirit of remembrance for future generations

👉 Join us here: www.facebook.com/groups/remembertheglorious25th

Together, let’s make sure the one million voices of Anzac Day are heard, remembered, and carried forward.

Please like and share to show that you are a proud Australian and proud of the one true Australian flag!

The Royal Australian Artillery National Memorial is to be extended. This will enable the incorporation of the service and sacrifice of Gunners over the last 50 years. To achieve this, we need your help. For more information, please visit www.raanm2027.com or www.australianartilleryassociation.org

I am putting together my fourth book (rough title) "Proud to be a Pogo-Aussie Diggers Supporting the Combat Force" and I would like to hear your stories.

Seeking any information re the following who served with 131 Div Loc Bty RAA in SVN - Edward Bruce Cooper b.1950; Frederick Brian Markwick b.1948; Terry Leslie Welsh b.1949; Robert Andrew Bruce b.1945; Eric Raymond Thompson b.1948; John Creighton Martin b. 1941; 131 Locators Association Inc. - Member.

In 1949, 3,000 troops were sent to the Hunter Valley to break a miners' strike. All services were involved in Operation Excavate. Seeking anyone with memories, material or information about this operation.