2RAR Association Inc

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.

Commemoration:

On 18 Aug we commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day and remember the service and sacrifice of all those who served in the Vietnam War.

As we gather tomorrow, we remember not only the battles and sacrifices, but also the mateship that bound those who served together. We pause as one to remember the bravery, teamwork and endurance that was displayed by the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, and the members who made it throughout the war.

The Battalion served two tours to Vietnam in 1967-1968 and 1970-1971.

We remember both the Victor and Whiskey Companies that came under command of the Battalion and formed 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC).

There were many from the Battalion that did not return home, many from the Battalion that were physically wounded from their service and there were even more that have lived with and endured the mental trauma of that service. Their courage and sacrifice are worthy of our highest regard.

Second to None

VALE:
214436 SGT Leo William WALSH, OAM, JP
19 Jun 1936 - 08 Aug 2026

Service:
Korea (RAN), Malaya (2RAR Australian component), Borneo
3rd SAS Sqn (15 Jun 1966-14 Nov 1966)
6RAR South Vietnam (15 Nov 1966-14 Jun 1967 and 7 May 1969-16 May 1970)

Leo passed away peacefully at home on 8 Aug 2026.

Leo’s funeral is being held on Thursday 20 August 2026 at Mt Thompson Crematorium, East Chapel, 329 Nursery Road, Holland Park at 11 a.m.

The service will be live streamed for anyone who is unable to attend in person.

The Association wishes to thank Kim Dwyer, the wife of Leo Walsh, for the information and send our deepest sympathies to Kim, her family and Leo's veteran mates at this time.

WELFARE UPDATE:

The QLD Govt has just released their Veteran Strategy for those veterans residing in QLD. This strategy will be implemented by Veterans QLD. You can read more on this strategy at https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/veterans

The website provides a central site for information to support QLD veterans and their families, including those transitioning out of service.

To locate support services in your area/region, the following website may be helpful to you

https://engage.forcenet.gov.au/

Home Meta description

VALE:

210031 LCpl Leon “Birdcage” Terrance AVERY
09 Jul 1943 – 29 July 2026

V2 Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn South Vietnam 01 Mar 1967 – 13 May 1968
2 Pl V5 Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn South Vietnam 15 May 1970 – 07 May 1971

Gavin McKenzie, Secretary, Mt Morgan RSL Sub Branch (Qld) advised:

210031 Pte Leon Avery, sadly, passed on the 29 July 2026 at the age of 83 years young.

A Commemorative Service for Vietnam Veterans Day is to be held
on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 commencing at 11.00am at the Mt Morgan RSL Subbranch, 1 Cornes Street, MT MORGAN QLD
Followed by an RSL Poppy Service for Leon at 11.30am.

Lest We Forget

VALE:

12040 Capt Kevin Geoffrey “Skinny” GRAYSON
27 Mar 1933 – 07 Aug 2026

1 RAR, Korea: 03 Apr 1952 – 18 Mar 1953
1 RAR Malayan Emergency: 08 Oct 1955 – 31 Oct 1957
3 RAR Borneo (Sarawak): 1965
2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn South Vietnam – 2IC A Coy: 07 May 1967 – 13 Jun 1968
HQ AFV, South Vietnam: 04 Jun 1970 – 02 Jun 1971

Irene O’Doherty advised “Skinny” Grayson got his final posting during last night. He is now at Peace.

Funeral for Kevin “Skinny” Grayson funeral is to be held on Thursday, 20th August 2026 at 1.30 pm, at Great Northern Gardens, Tallowood Drive, Deception Bay QLD.

Livestreaming details:
Please find following the link to Kevin Grayson's service on Thursday 20th August at 1:30pm.

This link will be live 5 mins prior to the service start time and the recording will be available for 90 days after the date of service for those who cannot watch at the time.

use this LINK: https://www.gngor.com.au/live-streaming/client/?nid=de4e8dc2-ec1a-46c4-85ec-07b80918c519

This is a private event which will require the following PIN number to access: 3730

May Skinny now Rest in Peace

VALE:
12856 Pte Kevin Robert “Dasher” DEAN OAM
17 Dec 1933 – 29 Jul 2026

Service: 2 RAR, Korea 14 Jul 1953 – 31 Mar 1954, 1 RAR, Korea 01 Apr 1954 – 26 Jun 1954, 2 RAR Malayan Emergency 08 Oct 1955 – 31 Oct 1957

Kevin Robert “Dasher” Dean OAM and 2 RAR Association Life Member passed away on 29 July 2026, aged 92.

Dasher was a dedicated member of the Sandgate RSL Sub-Branch Committee from 2000. He served as Vice President from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015 before transferring to the Sherwood-Indooroopilly Sub-Branch. He also proudly served as President of the 2RAR Association.

REST IN PEACE “Dasher”

The funeral details are as follows:

Friday 14 August, 11 am at Albany Creek Crematorium, Lakeview Chapel followed by wake at Sandgate RSL Sub-Branch, 12 Burnett Place, Sandgate.

Funeral directors are George Hartnett Sandgate.