ANZAC DAY 2026

ANZAC DAY BRISBANE.
Inclement weather did not deter an excellent roll-up of members, family and friends from attending the day. A total of 23 members made it to the march and reunion.
This being the last time that the Association will actually march a number of people made the effort to travel long distances to attend. These included Michael White and Trevor Connell from Canberra, Jes Hansford from Kempsey and Martin O’Sullivan and Kerry Glover from the Sunshine Coast.
31 members and family marched, and 6 members travelled in jeeps and buggies. Association President Phil Ainsworth led the march and Peter Rogers and Les McAndrew carried the banner. Gerry McGrade aged 93 marched and Jess Hansford aged 92 went around in a buggy.
Whilst it is the last time that the Association will actually march it is intended that, in future years, we will assemble at a designated point to watch the march and then adjourn to the normal place for a post march get-together.
For those who would like to continue marching our kindred Association, PIB-NGIB-HQ-PIR Association has graciously offered to have our members march with them—a very generous offer.
Unfortunately several showers of rain occurred during he march but not heavy enough for anyone to fall out.
Following the march a group of 62 attended the reception at the Stock Exchange Hotel. As usual the venue was very crowded but everyone managed to find a spot.
Unfortunately the venue let us down with the catering. Finger food for 50 had been ordered but, due to the Hotel receiving a larger then usual number of orders for meals, they cut down on our servings and not everyone received the food that had been originally ordered.
The usual toasts were proposed. Our thanks to Colin Gould and Paul Brown for their organization of the reception venue and Peter Rogers and Mik Griffin for heir usual service on the door collecting entrance and annual Association fees.
Overall it was a great day with a number attending that exceeded the numbers of the past 5/6 years. Everyone had a great time catching up and exchanging past memories of service in PNGVR.
Don’t forget that, even though we will not be marching as an Association next year, we will be getting together on the day to watch the march and adjourn for the usual reunion after the march.

Before the March. Simon Hui, Peter Rogers (younger), Gerry McGrade, Ian Thompson, Michael White, Jesse Chee, Bob Collins Phil Ainsworth, Jes Hansford, Gil Harvey-Hall, Trevor Connell, Kerry Glover, Les McAndrew

Waiting for the Jeeps. Paul Brown, Rowena Batze, John Batze, Colin Gould, Doug Ng. The schoolgirl was from St. Margarets school and was collecting information on those waiting for jeeps, Unit, Where served etc. She was one of many St Margarets pupils doing the same on the day.

Ian Thompson, Simon Hui, Gerry and Joyce McGrade at the forming up place.

The march commences.
President Phil Ainsworth leading, Peter Rogers (younger) and Les McAndrew carrying banner. Mike Griffin on left.

NGVR/PNGVR nears the Cenotaph.

Doug Ng and daughters in Jeep near Anzac Square

Paul Brown in Steyr-Puch Halfinger

Bob Collins and Jes Hansford in buggy

John Batze and Colin Gould in buggy.

At the reception. From L. Front. John McGrath, Phil Ainsworth, Kerry Glover, Jesse Chee, Ian Thompson, John Batze, Simon Hui, Gerry McGrade. Rear. Trevor Connell, Gil Harvey-Hall, Paul Brown, Gordon Robertson, Les McAndrew, Bob Collins, Michael White, Barry Beaman, Jes Hansford, Doug Ng, Colin Gould, Glen O’Brien, Bernie Gough, Martin O’Sullivan, Simon Hui, Gerry McGrade.

Fran & Doug Ng, Kerry Glover, Burnie Gough.

Simon Hui and Phil Ainsworth

John McGrath, Colin Gould, Doug Ng.

Webmaster Trevor Connell, up for the march from Canberra, ready to enjoy a cooling drink.

ANZAC DAY SYDNEY

Before the Sydney March.
Andrea Williams, Roger and Louise Newsome, Tim Baracz, Nephew of Peter Leyden (holding flag), Warren Martin, Bill Greer, Mike Leask, Jason Harvey, Peter Leyden's nephew, Peter Leyden.