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.
Then President, Colin Adam presided over the dedication attended by a large number of ex servicemen from the 2/2nd Field Regiment and their families.
For most, this was the starting point of their military service in 1939 when the 2/2nd was formed.
The Association thought it appropriate to revisit this important landmark in our many family history's and pause to remember.
As such, we have gained unique permission for Thursday 5 November 2026 to visit the site and also present the base with a small remembrance 60 years on.
This event is open to all descendants of the 2/2nd Field Regiment.
To gain entry to this restricted base there are conditions applicable.
The Association needs to supply in advance names of those attending no later than 28 September.
The name supplied by us must be identical to your licence/passport that has photo ID and must be produced on the day at the guardhouse.
The canteen will be open to us as will the museum for us to visit.
If you would like to attend this unique occasion, the Association will make you warmly welcome.
The details are;
Function:  Rededication of 2/2nd Plaque at Puckapunyal Army Base
                    Seymour-Tooberac Road
                    Puckapunyal.
Date:          Thursday 5 November 2026
Time:         Meet at entrance guardhouse no later than 1045hrs   
Catering:  Puckapunyal canteen will be available to purchase food & drink.
RSVP:        [email protected] or 0417 326 970 by
                  28 September 2026.               

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.