 Rededication of 2/2nd Plaque at Puckapunyal Army Base - 5 November:The Association has been working tirelessly with the Puckapunyal Army Base to coordinate a rededication of our Plaque laid on Blamey Avenue 60 years ago on 6 November 1966. |
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Today is National Flag Day and the 125th anniversary of when our national flag was first flown over the dome of Melbourne’s Exhibition Building that was the site of our first Commonwealth Parliament.
Our national flag embodies our history, story, geography, institutions, traditions, values, people, deeds and achievements. The Southern Cross is a reminder of our place in the world.
The Union Jack is a reminder of our British heritage and the Christian ethos that forged a modern nation and democracy. The seven-pointed Federation Star – six points for our six states and a seventh point for our territories – is a reminder of our unity.
When we look at our national flag, we’re reminded of our common citizenship and shared values that transcend our differences. We feel gratitude for our forebears – Indigenous Australians, migrants who came here and made Australia their home, and generations born here – who built our nation, strengthened it in times of peace and defended it in times of war.
We feel appreciation for being Australian. And as citizens, we feel a responsibility to pass on to future generations of Australians a better country than the one gifted to us.
I will always stand in front of our one national flag because I love this country, because our nation is worth celebrating, because unity matters, and because Australia is worth fighting for, now more than ever.
""Flowers of Rethymnon" film doco.
A pleasant afternoon was had by attendees who journeyed to The Shrine on Sunday 30 August to view the documentary film "Flowers of Rethymnon".
The film was shown as part of the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and partnered by The Shrine and the Pancretan Assn of Melbourne, the Battle of Crete & Greek Campaign Commemorative Council & Cretan Brotherhood Melbourne.
Approx. 150 people attended the viewing with the film makers also attending to provide an overview of the film making and to answer audience questions even though the film was made 40 years ago.
It was also also a good opportunity for catching up with new and old members of our Association (10 members represented us) and to further support and strengthen our relationships with the Cretan and Greek communities. A pleasant afternoon tea followed with traditional Cretan cookies provided.
It was also another opportunity to again view the "Spartans & ANZACs" exhibition (my 9th visit so far!).
The Association will keep you advised of upcoming special interest events etc and also recommend using The Shrine website to stay informed.
87th AGM & Annual Luncheon Update
Please check the "Events" section for the latest information regarding date & new location for the 2026, 87th AGM and luncheon. Put the date in your diary now to be sure you don't miss this important day.
Do You Own A Flagpole?
Do you own a flagpole or have often thought you'd like to have one?
Or, maybe you would just like to have a special flag?
Well, I have sought a quote from Australia's most reputable flag makers who produce their flags in Australia.
The flag is of knitted polyester, digital print, mirror finish and full size 1800mm x 900mm AND it looks like this!
The price quoted for 1, includes artwork, GST @$252.50 + postage.
For 2 flags it drops to $220.50 and if there was interest, I'm sure the price would keep dropping. It would make sense to make a bulk order.
So, is there any interest in pursuing this idea? I would love to hear from you.
I am also looking at the idea of producing desk size with a wooden/aluminium stand but haven't asked for quote for them as of yet. What a great gift it would make.
Contact me if you are interested.
Malcolm Fallon
[email protected]
0417 326 970
Thank you to Harri Ristell (clever grandson for producing the above image for me, it cost me 2 Mars bars!!!)
Action Front Becomes Digital
We are pleased to share with you all that a long-term project of the 2/2nd Field Regiment Association has been completed!
After many, many, many hours of scanning, all known copies of ACTION FRONT have been digitised.
And while we don't have every edition of ACTION FRONT, we are thrilled to be able to offer you free access to download and read all the editions we have. These range from the very first edition in January 1940 to the very latest edition printed in April of this year.
So, grab a cuppa, find a comfy chair and enjoy reading through ACTION FRONT, the news of the 2/2nd in continuous print for 86 years!!
Click here to go to the ACTION FRONT page.
We are excited to reach this milestone, but we still have so many gaps to fill, so once again we ask you to please get in touch with us if you have copies of ACTION FRONT.
We would love to scan them to add to our digital collection for all to enjoy and reflect on. We promise to take meticulous care of them and return them to you in good time.
After many, many, many hours of scanning, all known copies of ACTION FRONT have been digitised.
And while we don't have every edition of ACTION FRONT, we are thrilled to be able to offer you free access to download and read all the editions we have. These range from the very first edition in January 1940 to the very latest edition printed in April of this year.
So, grab a cuppa, find a comfy chair and enjoy reading through ACTION FRONT, the news of the 2/2nd in continuous print for 86 years!!
Click here to go to the ACTION FRONT page.
We are excited to reach this milestone, but we still have so many gaps to fill, so once again we ask you to please get in touch with us if you have copies of ACTION FRONT.
We would love to scan them to add to our digital collection for all to enjoy and reflect on. We promise to take meticulous care of them and return them to you in good time.
Battle of Crete - 85th Anniversary Commemoration
The Battle of Crete 85th commemoration was held at the Eternal Flame at The Shrine, Melbourne on Saturday 23 May 2026.
The attendance of many from the Cretan, Greek and Australian communities as well as many onlookers took in the ceremonial aspect and the guest speakers address.
The 2/2nd Field Regiment Association laid a wreath in memory of the Battle of Crete and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice from the Regiment.
A further small ceremony followed at the Hellenic Memorial.
The event was again well organised by the Cretan Society President Ms Natasha Spanos and her committee of helpers.
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Top: The 2/2nd wreath laid by President Malcolm Fallon & Students in traditional Cretan and Greek dress.
Bottom: Greek Consulate General, (Vic) Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou after laying the Greek Government wreath and the Australian Army band.
Bottom: Greek Consulate General, (Vic) Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou after laying the Greek Government wreath and the Australian Army band.
Ultimate Blitzkrieg: WWII Battle of Crete
An interesting documentary can be found on the SBS channel and their streaming platform: SBS On Demand about the Battle of Crete.
Described as "an exploration of the battlefields of Crete, sharing the story of the WWII Battle of Crete and its aftermath."
If you have some time, I encourage you to check it out. You can click on the link below to go to the SBS On Demand website.
Described as "an exploration of the battlefields of Crete, sharing the story of the WWII Battle of Crete and its aftermath."
If you have some time, I encourage you to check it out. You can click on the link below to go to the SBS On Demand website.
Or you can check your local guide for broadcast times.
Cranbourne Star Salvo's story follow up.
The Cranbourne Star Community newspaper who published the story of the Salvo's 2/2nd Flag find last November, has now published a follow up story of the flag now on display at The Shrine, Melbourne as part of the "SPARTANS & ANZACS" Exhibition. Read the story below.
WWII relic found in Clyde North displayed at Shrine
The Australian flag containing up to 28 signatures that belong to soldiers from the 2/2nd Field Regiment during World War II was discovered at a Clyde North November of 2025.
It is now on display at The Shrine in Melbourne as part of its ‘SPARTANS & ANZACS’ Exhibition which opened on 15 April.
The relic was unearthed by the store’s staff member, Kylie Baker who later sought the assistance of her parents Denis Holland and Sue Holland, long time Springvale RSL members.
The investigation led to locating the President of the 2/2nd Field Regiment Association. Mr. Malcom Fallon,
Citing the images of the flag that Denis and Sue had sent him, Mr Fallon began his own research.
The president looked into each name that was signed on the flag, many began with ‘VX’, meaning most enlisted in Victoria.
Cross referencing each name through the National archives, he was able to confirm their deployment history, indicating that the relic was likely signed in 1940 or 1941 — making the flag nearly 85 years old.
On Saturday 25 April, as thousands of Victorians visited The Shrine to commemorate Anzac Day, Mr Fallon told Star News that being able to see the flag on display was “very special”.
“I can say there were quite a few tears and quite a bit of nostalgia associated with it all,” he said.
“It was amazing to be honest with you and we will be forever grateful to whoever dropped that flag in instead of it just being thrown in a rubbish bin and being lost forever.”
“For it to come up now is just amazing, we’re just thrilled with everything that’s transpired and how it’s all worked out.”
And while the jury’s still out on the original owner and donator; the flag and its extensive history is now up for display at the Shrine for the next 12 months until April 2027.
It is now on display at The Shrine in Melbourne as part of its ‘SPARTANS & ANZACS’ Exhibition which opened on 15 April.
The relic was unearthed by the store’s staff member, Kylie Baker who later sought the assistance of her parents Denis Holland and Sue Holland, long time Springvale RSL members.
The investigation led to locating the President of the 2/2nd Field Regiment Association. Mr. Malcom Fallon,
Citing the images of the flag that Denis and Sue had sent him, Mr Fallon began his own research.
The president looked into each name that was signed on the flag, many began with ‘VX’, meaning most enlisted in Victoria.
Cross referencing each name through the National archives, he was able to confirm their deployment history, indicating that the relic was likely signed in 1940 or 1941 — making the flag nearly 85 years old.
On Saturday 25 April, as thousands of Victorians visited The Shrine to commemorate Anzac Day, Mr Fallon told Star News that being able to see the flag on display was “very special”.
“I can say there were quite a few tears and quite a bit of nostalgia associated with it all,” he said.
“It was amazing to be honest with you and we will be forever grateful to whoever dropped that flag in instead of it just being thrown in a rubbish bin and being lost forever.”
“For it to come up now is just amazing, we’re just thrilled with everything that’s transpired and how it’s all worked out.”
And while the jury’s still out on the original owner and donator; the flag and its extensive history is now up for display at the Shrine for the next 12 months until April 2027.
Lining up pre march in Collins Street, Melbourne the Trewarne family were well represented.
L-R: Simon & Tina Trewarne, Mia Rolina-Trewarne, Joanne & James Trewarne & Vice President Derek Trewarne.
L-R: Simon & Tina Trewarne, Mia Rolina-Trewarne, Joanne & James Trewarne & Vice President Derek Trewarne.
2/2nd Association President Malcolm Fallon met up prior to the march in Collins Street with 39th Infantry Battalion Committeeman Tim Fitzgerald. Both were long serving but now retired Country Fire Authority Officers.
Luncheon photos will be posted when converted to correct files as they won't load in present format.