ANZAC Day 2025
ANZAC Day Brisbane 2025
After a lot of shuffling positions beforehand , about 20 members and friends marched off followed by several members in jeeps and a Pipe Band around 10.35 am.
Conditions for the march were cloudy and sultry. It was wonderful to see brothers, sons, daughters and grand - children of members taking part, and proudly marching with their fathers and grand-fathers.
The rain threatening and blustery conditions made it difficult for our banner bearers, Peter Rogers ( the younger ) and Ken Duus, and the slow beat of the Pipe Band did not assist keeping in step. None-the -less, it was great to march as NGVR & PNGVR, commemorating the service of all who served in these unique and remarkable units.
The marchers included Gil Harvey-Hall, Barry Beaman, Glen O’Brien, Ian Thompson, Burnie Gough, Gerry McGrade, Peter Rogers (the younger) Ken Duss, John McGrath and Phil Ainsworth.
The jeep riders included Paul Brown, Doug Ng and Roy Edward.
Due to the declining number of members marching, no flags were carried, only our banner. Ian Thompson, who had an injured leg travelled from Moreton Island, and completed the march in a wheel chair pushed by his son.
Ken Duus, whose grand-father, Sgt (later Lt) Gil Robertson, served in NGVR and ANGAU spoke proudly of the book he was preparing about his Grand-father, and he was interviewed by Chanel 7 for the evening news.
Gerry McGrade marched with his children and grand-children, some I understand were visiting from Western Australia. Chanel 9 evening news, showed a long segment with Paul Brown and Roy Edward conversing near the jeeps.
Following the march, all adjourned to the Stock Exchange Hotel for the reunion. The reunion was attended by about 50, members with their families, and friends of the Association. It was a happy occasion with thanks to Paul Brown, Colin Gould and Peter Rogers ( the younger) for organising such an enjoyable function. Peter managed the entrance table and Paul was MC and handled the sale of merchandise. The usual toasts were proposed and made. Unfortunately, Vice-president Bob Collins and Secretary Colin Gould could not attend either for the March or the reunion due to mobility issues. Our Patron was speaking at another Anzac event and Peter Rogers DFC marched with his Recce Squadron. Whatever Colin and Paul arranged, the catering was well done with the food served hot with some left over. This year’s reunion ran smoothly, there being no mix-ups or issue with gate-crashers. Thank you again Paul, Colin and Peter.
Phil Ainsworth.
L-R. Barry Beaman's son, Ken Duus, Ian Thompson, Gil Harvey-Hall, Barry Beaman, Phil Ainsworth, John McGrath,
Gerry McGrade, Burnie Gough, Tarquin Blake, Peter Rogers, Charles Blake.
Gerry McGrade, Burnie Gough, Tarquin Blake, Peter Rogers, Charles Blake.
Phil Ainsworth, Ian Thompson, Burnie Gough.
Ian Thompson, Gil Harvey Hall. L.Rear - Glen O'Brien, Burnie Gough.
Barry Beaman and son.
Glen O'Brien and grand-daughter.
Ian Thompson with family.
Above and Below. Preparing to set off.
The group turning from Adelaide Street.
Approaching the Cenotaph.
Salute and eyes left.
John McGrath and Charles Blake
L-R. Gerry McGrade, ? . Ian Thompson,
Glen O'Brien, Barry Beaman's son, Barry Beaman.
McGrade family during march. Gerry (92 years old) with great grandchildren and Joyce in left of photo.
Doug Ng with daughters Wendi and Terri
Roy Edward with son and grandson.
At the Reception. L-R. Barry Beaman, Glen O'Brien, Ian Thompson, Paul Brown, Roy Edward, Peter Rogers, Doug Ng,
Gil Harvey-Hall, Phil Ainsworth, Burnie Gough, John McGrath, Gerry McGrade.
Gil Harvey-Hall, Phil Ainsworth, Burnie Gough, John McGrath, Gerry McGrade.
Paul Brown about to propose toast to
"Absent friends and departed comrades"
Tarquin Blake, Tina Vetata, Yeshua Blake, Charles Blake.
Ian Thompson and family with Phil Ainsworth
Doug Ng, Glen O'Brien
Below. ANZAC Day in other centres.
Michael White, Association Treasurer, and son Andrew, who was born in Port Moresby in 1971, at the AWM, Canberra.
Above - Dawn Service Rabaul PNG
Below. After the service - Susie McGrade centre.
Below. After the service - Susie McGrade centre.
After the Dawn Service Bomana Cemetery, Port Moresby, PNG.
A group ready to walk the Kokoda Trail.
A group ready to walk the Kokoda Trail.
Dawn Service Sandaken.
