2RAR Association Inc

Book Release:

Just Another Day in the Delta - Max Speedy

Australian Naval Pilots Flying US Combat Helicopters in Vietnam.

For those that may be interested to read about the RANHFV the following soon to be published book will be released from 19 Nov.

https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/just-another-day-in-the-delta/

DVA Matters:

Veteran Allied Health Discussion Paper - Update

From 1 July 2027 the new Allied health arrangements will come into effect.

Under the changes, the current 12-session treatment cycle will be removed. Veterans will still need initial GP referrals but will no longer need GP referrals after every 12 sessions to access allied health care.

The annual $5,000 review threshold will also be introduced. Veterans who require more than $5,000 in allied health care each year will still be able to receive clinically necessary treatment, the threshold will not apply to Veteran Card holders receiving the Special Rate Disability Pension or Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Pension, or those who have been determined to be catastrophically injured.

Veterans approaching the threshold will have their treatment reviewed with their health care team. They will be able to continue accessing treatment while DVA considers any request for additional care, so there is no unnecessary interruption to treatment.

Feedback will help make sure changes do not result in any gap in accessing service for veterans who have a clinical need for allied health treatment.

To review the discussion paper, get involved in a consultation session or submit your feedback, visit Changes for allied health from July 2027 | Department of Veterans' Affairs, consultation closes on 30 October 2026.

Changes for allied health from July 2027 | Department of Veterans' Affairs The Government will be investing $169.7 million to increase fees for allied health providers from 1 July 2027

DVA Matters:

Tinnitus treatment and support
DVA funds a range of treatment pathways to support veterans experiencing tinnitus, including options that may provide access to treatment before a claim has been assessed.

To help eligible veterans access treatment sooner, DVA has launched an Access to Treatment for Tinnitus pilot program.
https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-08/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Improved-Acces-to-Treatment-for-Tinnitus-Pilot.pdf

Delivered in partnership with Hearing Australia, the pilot provides a pathway for veterans under the age of 60, including serving members, with accepted service-related tinnitus who lodge a permanent impairment (PI) claim under the MRCA. Participants can access a clinical tinnitus assessment and treatment before their PI claim is determined.

If you submit a PI claim and are eligible to be part of the pilot, DVA will write to you directly with more information and advice.

www.dva.gov.au

Social Event:

Dear veterans and members,

My name is Debbie Locke; I am sister to Sgt Matthew Locke MG who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.

We will be holding a golf tournament at Cex Urunga, NSW on the 8th November 2026.

The Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity is part of the Grub Club which I
started shortly after Matt's death in early 2008. We raise funds for
educational projects in Timor Leste and specifically are working in the Ainaro Province. You can see more information about us at
https://matthewlockemg.org.au/

We are currently working on raising funds to provide our teachers with small laptops and building our fifth kindergarten, as well as continuing the support to the existing network and teachers.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the event organiser in the post below
Kindest Regards

Duty First New Edition:

duty first spring 2026 Printed quarterly, Duty First is the official magazine for The Royal Australian Regiment Association (RARA). Duty First covers the latest Army, RARA and ADF news. The Royal Australian Regiment has been the mainstay of the Australian Regular Army for over seventy years. With the formation of the regu...

VALE:
8242800 Pte Patrick John EASTHAM
09 Dec 1971 - 26 Aug 2026

2RAR (10 Jun 2002 - 11 Jan 2010)

It is with heavy hearts that we say a final farewell to Patrick Eastham, a much-loved resident of Warragul, who suddenly passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, 26 August at his home Drouin.

Patrick was passionate about Speedway, Hot Rod cars, and sending him off surrounded by people alike would be a great comfort to his family. Also you can wear your favourite Speedway / Hot Rod apparel to the service if you choose.

The funeral service for Patrick Eastham will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul on Thursday (September 17) at 2 p.m.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Patrick's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

Gillian Eastham is best point of contact if you are able to be part of this day - 0439 055 844 for Text

Gone Racing.
2 RAR Forever
Second to none
Lest We Forget.

VALE:

1202166 Sgt Michael “Mick” Stanley CONNOLLY
aka Rev. Michael John CONNOLLY
15 Apr 1951 – 13 Aug 2026

Anti-Tank/Tracker Pl, 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn South Vietnam 17 May 1970 – 01 Jun 1961

Sandy Wawa (Sandra), sister of Michael advised he passed away on 13 Aug 2026.

All family, relatives and friends of REV MICHAEL JOHN CONNOLLY are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service, which will be held on FRIDAY MORNING 4th September 2026, commencing at 10.00am in the Chapel of Heritage Brady Funeral Directors Crematorium 76 Maher Road, Gordonvale Qld.

https://www.heritagebradyfunerals.com.au to Live Stream.

May Mick now Rest in Peace.

Welfare Update:

Applications for the Long Tan Bursary are now open. Supporting eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans with up to $12,000 over 3 years for tertiary education costs.

For more information and further details on eligibility requirements, please visit:

Long Tan Bursary | Department of Veterans' Affairs Children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans could receive assistance with the cost of education.

Duntroon Memorial Frames:

A project to upgrade over 42 commemorative frames in the RMC Cadets Mess is now underway.

These frames honour each of the graduates from these places who have been killed in action or on operational service. The frames were made in 1998 and now need upgrading to accurately reflect the additional medal and citation entitlements of the deceased. These additional entitlements mostly arose from the introduction of the Australian honours and awards system and several honours and awards reviews. Most frames also need new photographs and backing mats to replace those faded from sun damage.

Significantly 30 of the 42 frames are for members of the Royal Australian Regiment at the time of their death.

Note that all up, the project is expected to cost up to $15,000.
If individuals would like to contribute to this project contributions can be made to the Duntroon Society, Bank details can be passed on via email on request.

The goal is to have the project completed in early 2027. If this is something you wish to support additional details can be sent to you via email including bank details to help with financial assistance with this project.