2RAR Association Inc

Today we remember the tragic peacetime Black Hawk accident, which 30 years ago, claimed the lives of 18 Australian Defence Force members in the service of their country.

We honour all who were directly and indirectly impacted by the Black Hawk crash in the High Range Training Area near Townsville, QLD.

Lest we forget.

VALE:
14458 Lt Col Bryan Walter PANNELL
16 Mar 1936 - 01 Jun 2026

Platoon Commander, 5 Pl B Coy 2 RAR, Malaya 1961 – 1963 Adjutant, 2 RAR - 1965 (Enoggera).

Bryan, late of Forde ACT, passed away, after a long illness on 01 Jun 2026, aged 90.

A private Funeral will be conducted in Canberra ACT.

Bryan was previously an Association member (Number 402)

75th Anniversary of National Service - Memorial Service

Location: Rowes Bay, Townsville QLD
Date: 30th June 2026
Time: From 10am

The National Servicemen's Association cordially invite 2RAR veterans to attend the 75th Anniversary of National Service - Memorial service.

A memorial service to commemorate the Anniversary of National Servicemen will be held at the memorial at Rowes Bay (opposite the caravan park) at 10am on Tuesday the 30th of June.

Dress is neat with medals if you wish.

In remembrance of the 21 x 2RAR NASHOs who lost their lives during their NASHO commitment.

Those wishing to attend please RSVP to this post ASAP.

Vale – 329441 Pte Andrew Scott PATTERSON

It is with sadness that I advise the passing of Andrew Patterson. Andrew served with 2/4RAR then 2RAR from 1988 to 1996, and saw operational service in Rwanda (2/4RAR ASLT PNR section - ASC UNAMIR II)

On behalf of the 2RAR family, we extend our sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and friends during this difficult time.

The family have advised that a funeral will occur at 11am, 18th June at the Inverloch Cemetery, this is open only to his service mates to attend and there will be no live stream.

Rest easy, mate. Your duty is done.

Thanks to 2RARA Vic State Rep Shaun Hughes for the information

Second To None.

Welfare: DVA Matters

DVA’s Community questions answered page covers common topics where there has been confusion or misinformation. You can read and share it here: www.dva.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/community-questions-answered

Information to questions may not provide full details to your particular question so a general enquiry can be made here https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/general-enquiries

General enquiries | Department of Veterans' Affairs If you have a MyService account, you can make an enquiry through MyService. Please log into your account and send us a message by selecting the help button. This will ensure we receive your authenticated contact information, and your enquiry will be streamlined. To make an enquiry about accessing su...

Welfare:
Recognising Families Sculpture - AWM

A major sculpture is being commissioned for installation in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial.

The Recognising Families Sculpture will recognise the families of Australia's Defence members and veterans and their silent strength, sacrifice and unseen service which has gone unrecognised for more than a century.

The sculpture will be the first public tribute built anywhere in Australia to honour the more than one million families who stood behind the one million Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions since 1899, including the 103,000 who died as a result of service.

The sculpture will be installed and live outside Poppy’s Café at the Australian War Memorial

The Recognising Families Sculpture Committee is seeking to raise $500,000 to commission, create and install the sculpture at the Australian War Memorial.

To make a donation towards the Recognising Families Sculpture, visit https://www.recognisingfamilies.org.au/

Duty First Magazine - Latest Issue

Duty First - Duty First Duty First is the offical magazine for the Royal Australian Regiment Association. Duty First covers Battalion, Army, Defence & Veterans news.

Warning Order:

SEQLD 2026 - 2RAR Association Reunion gathering

Date - 29-31 Oct 2026

Sequence of Events:

Friday 30th October
- 1200 hrs lunch at Greenmount Surf Club for the boys. Own costs (informal gathering – no reservations)

- 1200 hrs lunch for the ladies at Twin Towns Resort. Own costs (informal gathering – no reservations)

- 1630 hrs Meet and Greet at Harbour Bar Balcony. Own costs

Saturday 31st October
- 0930 hrs - Commemorative Service in Cunningham Park.

- 1030hrs – Move to the allocated function room – Visions Room. Commence reunion

-1100 hrs – Participate in 2RAR Association AGM by Zoom (or similar platform)

- 1200 hrs – Gathering continues – Visions Room. Lunch own arrangements and expense.

Afternoon - depart

Note: All times are QLD times

Accommodation Flyer attached for Mantra or Sebel Twin Towns -10% discount.

The 2RAR Association AGM will be held in Townsville QLD with the AGM broadcast to the SEQLD Reunion. Details of the AGM will be provided in due course.

Welfare Matters:

Budget 2026-27 - Info Sheet related to DVA and veteran support can be viewed here:
https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/publications/budgets/budget-2026-27

VALE:
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS TWO LACHLAN MUDDLE
THE 2 RAR Association send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of WO2 Lachlan Muddle who sadly lost his life in a training accident.

LEST WE FORGET

Australian paratrooper killed after mid-air collision during training Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle, a highly qualified special forces sniper and military free-fall parachutist, has died after a mid-air collision with another paratrooper during an army training exercise.