2RAR Association Inc

VALE:
Margaret GIBBONS, OAM

It is with deep sadness that we inform members of the passing of Margaret Gibbons, who passed away peacefully at midnight on 12 July 2026 at the Fairview Aged Care Facility in Pullenvale, Brisbane.

Margaret was a devoted, long-time supporter of the RAR National Memorial Walk. For nearly two decades, her total dedication to maintaining the "Trees" touched everyone in our community. From hand-watering plants during severe droughts to preparing Monday morning smokos and managing BBQs for association activities, Margarett’s tireless hard work and immense generosity defined the spirit of the Memorial Walk. She was also a prolific and talented poet, capturing the essence of the "Trees" and our community in her published works.

The 2 RAR Association and the wider RAR National Memorial Walk family extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to her son Ross, her family, and her friends. Her memory will live on in the quiet shade of the trees she so lovingly tended.
Lest we forget.

Thanks to Ray Payne for the kind words

For the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Regiment 1948-1998, Margaret published a short book of poems called Remember the Green Parrot? This is one such poem written about the National Memorial walk

‘Here Again’

Your name is here again-
Resting quietly in the trees,
With the flame trees and the brush box
And the tiny native bees.
With the grey-gum and the iron bark
And whispering Bribie pine –
The crow's ash and the black bean
Silky-oak and turpentine.

Magpies calling in the morning –
Butcher birds and curlew fly.
Lilly-pilly’s soft pink colours –
Bloodwood reaching to the sky.
The flagpole stands and watches,
May the trees grow straight and tall,
And the she-oaks murmur softly,
‘Thanks for answering the call.’

Margaret Gibbons, OAM was connected to 2RAR for more than half a century. Married to Marco “Kiwi” Gibbons, she was involved with 2RAR families and soldiers from her first connection.

This exposure to the Diggers of the Korean, Malayan and Vietnam conflicts saw her forge relationships with many of the wives and partners of the Battalion and she was always in a position to lend a compassionate ear to those women in their time of need.

Margaret occupies a unique position in the Association attending and assisting in every annual reunion since its inception. She was an "Ambassador" for the Association in attending reunions and commemorative functions around Australia and New Zealand with her husband.

Margaret authored a number of booklets containing anecdotes, poems and verses about the men from 2RAR she met and the stories they have told. Margaret was a regular contributor to the 2RAR Association newsletter for many years.

Margaret was an inaugural member of "Dads Army" which established The Royal Australian Regiment National Memorial Walk at Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera, Brisbane. From the initial tree planting in 1996, Margaret has attended the Walk on a weekly basis, watering, weeding and providing morning tea for the hungry group of workers known to all as “Dads Army”. Everyone acknowledged Margaret's presence and efforts as a representative of the 2nd Battalion Association.

Margaret’s dedication and perseverance to the project over an extended period of time was recognised by the Australian Government in 2007 when she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.

Many men and women have contributed over the years to our Association, but none more than Margaret who epitomises the Battalion’s motto "Nulli Secundus" – “Second to None”.

Once funeral details are known this will be passed on

RIP

60th Anniversary of RANHFV:

To mark the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the RANHFV, the 9 Squadron Detachment and the 135th AHC EMUs, a 460 X 460 centre piece paver in front of the monument at the Old Bar Public School in August 2027 for their reunion will be installed.

You are invited to purchase a personal paver with your name, Company/Unit and year/s in Vietnam which will be installed around the base of the monument with the centre piece as a lasting tribute to those who served.

This invitation is extended to all who served on the 135th AHC, both US Army and RAN, or the 9 Squadron Detachment as well as anybody who had an association with the 135th, eg Bill Wearne 2 RAR, Bruce Alaimo 335th AHC, RAAF 9 Sqn, etc.

This also open to the members of the RANHFV’s 5th Flight which formed and trained but was abandoned with the early return of the 4th Flight which saw the end of the RAN’s involvement with the 135th AHC. Eg Chris Brown, RANHFV, 1971.

The personal pavers are 230mm x 115mm and cost $50 Australian each which includes freight and the laying around our monument.

Information from the supplier:

In terms of the amount of information we can engrave on a single paver:

The rule is 3 lines of text with no more than 17 characters (including punctuation and spaces) per line. If a person's name is longer than 17 characters, then it might be initial and surname that is engraved.

If you would like a personal paver, please send your details and remittance to John Macartney by 1st May 2027. This cutoff date will allow me to place the order and have them engraved and laid in time for our 60th reunion in August.

Text Box: Name: (17 characters max.)
Company:
Year/s:

Payment can be by Cash, Bank Transfer or Money Order.

Payment Details will be provided on request

Please ensure you reference your surname with initials

If you know of the Next of Kin of any member who has passed, please forward this note onto them so they can purchase a paver in memory of their loved one if they so desire.

Also, please check with your mates to ensure that they are aware of this proposal.

Cheers

For more details, please reach out to John on 0427 787 296

DVA UPDATE:

Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency

The Agency is not a new service provider — it is designed to make it easier for veterans and families to find, understand and connect with the services that already exist, while strengthening access to wellbeing support over time.

As the Agency commences initial operations on 1 July, there will be an early focus on supporting transitioning members and families, in line with Royal Commission recommendations recognising that the first 12 months after service can shape long-term wellbeing.

At the same time, the Agency will provide a broader set of services and supports for all veterans and families — forming the foundation of a wellbeing offering that will expand over time. An initial suite of services and supports will be delivered across 4 key activity areas supporting veterans and families to:

1. Find trusted wellbeing information in one place on the Agency’s website: www.veteranwellbeing.gov.au - a centralised digital platform for information that supports veterans, families of veterans and those who support them to access information that supports their wellbeing. The website will not be limited to information about services delivered by the Agency or DVA. It will be progressively updated over time to include additional information as guided by the needs of the veteran community.

2. Search for local and national services via an online national service directory accessible via the website. The community will be able to search for wellbeing services using a guided pathway that assists with identifying services most relevant to an individual’s wellbeing needs. Alternatively, simple searches using postcode and key words can be used when the type of service or support is known.

3. Get help to understand options through a tiered service model. Veterans and families of veterans with more complex wellbeing needs to receive additional assistance to navigate to services and supports in their local communities. This means that those who have higher support needs will be allocated a case coordinator to help connect them with the right services.

4. Connect with support earlier, before things become harder by promoting early intervention, prevention initiatives and wellbeing. This means that information and support will be available from time of enlistment onwards to assist with navigating to relevant supports.

Most people will be able to self-navigate using the website and national online service directory by visiting www.veteranwellbeing.gov.au

Veterans and the families of veterans who have more complex needs can get support through the Agency helpline from Monday- Friday 8:30am-5pm in the time zone they are in by calling 1800 823 922.

The Agency will complement — rather than replace — existing services, and works alongside organisations that already support veterans and families:

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) remains responsible for delivering entitlements and services such as compensation, rehabilitation, income support and access to treatment.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides dedicated support for eligible veterans and the families of veteran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Joint Transition Authority (JTA) supports serving Australian Defence Force members as they prepare to move into civilian life.
Defence Member Family Service is a core support function within Defence that helps Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families manage the unique challenges of military life.

Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs continue to provide trusted, community-based, place‑based services and support.

2026:
The 76th Anniversary of Australian Service in the Korean War.
The 73rd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Please find the I N V I T A T I O N - I have attached

A memorial Service will be held at the Queensland Korean War Memorial, One of the eight Current Military Memorials of National Significance On the day of the Armistice - July 27 (Monday) 2026.

Meet and greet 10:30hrs and the ceremony 11:00hrs

The QLD Korean War Memorial is located within the Cascade Gardens at Broadbeach, Gold Coast sharing the garden with Rotary Kokoda Memorial.

Following the Memorial Service conducted by RSL Surfers Paradise, Peace Celebration organised by Korean Society of Gold Coast will follow with Students Award, light entertainments and lunch at the Garden - hopefully with kind winter sunlights over the tents and trees.

All Korea veterans, Families, Friends and Supporters including Veterans and Ex Service members and those with Korea Backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Please reply with details of your attendance:

The name of the main guest and accompanying guests:

If a guest will be using mobility aids (Wheelie Walker, Wheelchair, Cane etc):

If laying a wreath, Name and position / title and Representing association / Memory of (such as 77SQN, 3 RAR, HMAS Sydney, a Person etc.)

For those frail elderly with transportation difficulties, Association of QLD Korea will prepay or reimburse the travel costs such as cabs / maxi cabs with wheelchair access etc. (Northern NSW and SE QLD).
Please include the details in your reply.

Korea veterans would be very happy and proud to see more young students attending to remember 'The Forgotten War', the sacrifices and the Friendship rose from the ashes.

Our thoughts would be with the Home bound Veterans and Family.

Reply to:
[email protected]
phone / text to 0419 919 034

Vale:
Lt Colonel Patrick Forbes MC ED (Ret’d)

We advise with deep regret the sudden passing of our late member, 96 year old Lt Colonel Patrick Forbes MC ED (Ret’d) on Tuesday 23rd June, 2026. Lt Colonel Forbes was RARA-SA's and 2RAR-SA's oldest member and our last Korean War Veteran.

He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions leading up to and including the “Samichon” (“The Hook”) in Korea whilst serving as 2 RAR’s Assault Pioneer Officer.

WO1 John Craig, RSM Land Warfare Centre and former RSM of 10/27 RSAR and 7 RAR best embodies the legacy of the late Lt Colonel Forbes MC ED (Ret’d) and we are grateful to him for this.

“I have very fond memories of first meeting him in Korea in 2001 during the UN 50th Anniversary of the Armistice. It was always a privilege to spend time with him, and I valued the opportunities to catch up over the years in Adelaide at the RAR Association and at various events and ceremonies.

2 RAR and the actions at Samichon on the Hook have always been a significant part of my own connection to service, with my grandfather also serving there with B Coy. That generation were truly great soldiers and gentlemen, and Patrick embodied those qualities.

He was an outstanding officer and leader, and his service, particularly at Samichon, stands as a remarkable legacy. It was always evident how proud he was of his service and the Battalion, and equally how highly regarded he was by all who knew him. It was both a pleasure and an honour to have known Patrick”.

Lt Colonel Forbes described leaving his bunker in the post “Samichon” (“The Hook”) battle morning; as then literally walking on “carpets of Chinese dead”, further stating this to be a shocking waste of life all for the “vain glory” of the Chinese leadership seeking valuable territory ahead of the ceasefire the following day on the 27th July, 1953, this ceasefire being unknow to the combatants.

At his request there will be no funeral. A full Eulogy to follow as an attachment later. Condolences can be forwarded to his son Jon E: [email protected]

“Lest We Forget”

DVA Matters:

From 1 July 2026, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is reforming veterans' legislation to create a more accessible system for Defence personnel, veterans, and their families.

DVA is implementing legislative reforms through the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 (VETS Act).

These changes aim to simplify and harmonise veterans’ legislation, creating a more effective, single system that improves support for veterans and their families.

What is changing?

From 1 July 2026, all new compensation claims will be processed under an enhanced Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA).

The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) will close to new claims.

Will my current payments continue?

Existing payments under the VEA and DRCA – excluding DRCA incapacity and Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES) payments – will be grandfathered, continuing uninterrupted, and indexed as usual.

Veterans receiving DRCA incapacity payments will automatically transition to higher MRCA incapacity payments.

Children of DRCA veterans may become eligible under the MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS), with VCES recipients transitioning to MRCAETS from 1 July 2026.

Do I need to do anything right now?

Not necessarily. If you submitted a claim before the commencement date of 1 July 2026 that hasn’t been determined yet, it will be determined under the current tri-Act system. Only those claims received on or after the commencement date will be determined under the improved MRCA.

What other improvements are included?

The VETS Act will see the MRCA enhanced for various entitlements

· A new Additional Disablement Amount (ADA), similar to the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA), will also be introduced.

· Funeral-related improvements include retaining automatic VEA funeral benefits and increasing funeral allowances and reimbursement for all service-related deaths.

· The reforms expand access and entitlements in several areas.

· The Repatriation Commission will gain the ability to prescribe certain conditions under presumptive liability arrangements – or rules that make it easier for some conditions to be accepted as related to service.

· The definition of service injury has been broadened to include “medical events on duty,” such as heart attacks or strokes occurring while on duty.

· Posthumous permanent impairment provisions will allow age-based lump-sum payments (excluding lifestyle components) to be made to a veteran’s estate where a claim was lodged prior to death.

· The additional compensation for children of severely impaired veterans will be paid to the primary carer of the eligible child; or appropriately apportioned between primary carers.

Other improvements include empowering the Repatriation Commission to require financial advice for vulnerable veterans prior to compensation payments, and increasing travel reimbursement for treatment under MRCA rates, with removal of the 50 km minimum threshold.

Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit the DVA website for further details regarding the veterans’ legislation changes, with an information booklet now available.

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DVA Matters: Legislation Update

Information booklet explaining the legislative changes from 1 July 2026 is now available from the Veterans' Legislation Reform – Resources | Department of Veterans' Affairs page on the DVA website.
https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/inquiries-and-reviews/veterans-legislation-reform/veterans-legislation-reform-resources

It can also be read or printed out from this direct link:
https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-05/legislation-reform-booklet-2026.pdf

Veterans' Legislation Reform – Resources | Department of Veterans' Affairs This page brings together materials that have been prepared to assist you in understanding the new act

DVA - VETERANS CARD - Updated

Veterans' cards are set to be updated from 13 Jul.

All this means is that current card holders will receive a Veteran card with a refreshed design for both Veteran Gold and White card holders. Cards are also able to be utilized online with the My Gov digital card through the My gov app.

POLLIE PEDAL 22-29 Aug - Toowoomba QLD

This August, veterans and family members from across Australia will come together for Pollie Pedal 2026.

Some will ride the full journey. Others will ride for a few days, a single day, or simply what they are able to manage. What matters is that they are there.

Pollie Pedal is much more than a ride. It brings together veterans, community leaders, business leaders, volunteers and everyday Australians, all sharing the same road and the same experience.

As riders travel through regional communities, they meet people from all walks of life who come out to cheer them on, hear their stories and share in the journey. For many veterans and family members, these moments are a powerful reminder that their service is valued and that there is a wider community standing behind them.

For some veterans and family members, participating simply would not be possible without community support.

The funds raised through Pollie Pedal help make this experience possible, creating opportunities for veterans and families to be part of something built on shared purpose, connection and community.

If you wish to donate or learn more about this event, then please visit: https://wanderingwarriors.org/pollie-pedal/

Wandering Warriors is the beneficiary of the fundraising efforts of Pollie Pedal 2026.

This year’s ride will take place through the Toowoomba and Granite Belt regions, raising vital funds to support Australia’s Special Forces inclusive of Army, Navy and Air Force, and their families through education and transition programs, including The Krait Foundation.

Every kilometre, every dollar, contributes to real outcomes, helping veterans and families build what comes next.

Pollie Pedal - Wandering Warriors DONATE The Pollie Pedal Story Since its beginning in 1998, Pollie Pedal has grown into a proud and enduring tradition within Australia’s cycling and community landscape. Founded by The Honourable Tony Abbott AC and led by The Honourable Angus Taylor MP, Pollie Pedal brings together Members of Parl...