Kokoda Day Remembrance Service 2024.
Kokoda Day Memorial Service, Gold Coast. 8 Aug 2024.
On 8 Aug 2024, Broadwater Southport Rotary Club hosted the annual Kokoda Day Memorial Service at Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast.
Of particular relevance to our Association was the Keynote Speaker, His Excellency, John Ma'o Kali CMG OBE, PNG High Commissioner to Australia, whose inspiring speech added great significance to the event. Also present was the PNG Consul General, Qld Mr Retau Rau, whose father was a ‘fuzzy wuzzy angel’, and his uncle served in in the PIB during WW11.
A particular highlight of the ceremony was the involvement of The Southport School (TSS). The TSS Choir’s renditions of both the Papua New Guinea National Anthem, "O Arise All You Sons," and the Australian National Anthem were deeply moving. The Catafalque Party, flag bearers, and students who read the 39th Battalion Honour Roll and PIB Honour Roll performed their duties with the utmost precision. Additionally, TSS Bugler, Ethan Standbridge, delivered a poignant performance, deepening the solemnity of the event.
Association Vice President, Bob Collins, represented the Association and laid a wreath on our behalf.
The Kokoda Memorial at Cascade Gardens is an impressive one and the Kokoda Memorial Service is held annually to mark the landing of the Japanese at Buna which was the commencement of the Kokoda Campaign during WW11.
On 8 Aug 2024, Broadwater Southport Rotary Club hosted the annual Kokoda Day Memorial Service at Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast.
Of particular relevance to our Association was the Keynote Speaker, His Excellency, John Ma'o Kali CMG OBE, PNG High Commissioner to Australia, whose inspiring speech added great significance to the event. Also present was the PNG Consul General, Qld Mr Retau Rau, whose father was a ‘fuzzy wuzzy angel’, and his uncle served in in the PIB during WW11.
A particular highlight of the ceremony was the involvement of The Southport School (TSS). The TSS Choir’s renditions of both the Papua New Guinea National Anthem, "O Arise All You Sons," and the Australian National Anthem were deeply moving. The Catafalque Party, flag bearers, and students who read the 39th Battalion Honour Roll and PIB Honour Roll performed their duties with the utmost precision. Additionally, TSS Bugler, Ethan Standbridge, delivered a poignant performance, deepening the solemnity of the event.
Association Vice President, Bob Collins, represented the Association and laid a wreath on our behalf.
The Kokoda Memorial at Cascade Gardens is an impressive one and the Kokoda Memorial Service is held annually to mark the landing of the Japanese at Buna which was the commencement of the Kokoda Campaign during WW11.
MC George Friend, OAM, a trustee of the Kokoda Memorial, opening the ceremony.
PNG High Commissioner, John Ma’s Kali CMG. OBE, giving the keynote address.
Cadets from The Southport School set the Honour Guard.
Association representative, Vice President, Bob Collins after laying wreath.
After the Service. Chaplain, Bob Collins, NGVR/PNGVR, Angie Bell. Federal Member for Mondcrief, PNG High Commissioner, John Ma’s Kali CMG. OBE. and Consul General for PNG, Qld., Mr Retau Rau
