An interesting query from Frank Edwards. He recently acquired his Army Pers records and came across an entry immediately post Staff College (1985) that read “awarded Graduate Diploma in Military Studies”. He does not recall any such award or even a suggestion of one.
This is quite separate from the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Studies awarded from JSSC and the BA (Mil) from UNSW.
Can anyone shed light on this?
49 Classmates and partners enjoyed a perfectly organised mid-mid-term reunion at Coffs Harbour. Well organised except for the weather that is, but John Mac has promised to fix that the next time.
One classmate emailed his thanks “….The location/facility was great, food good and connecting between class matés excellent. Well done to all concerned…” – and to add to that a special thanks to our main organiser, MC, and raconteur John Mac for a terrific occasion.
As you can see from the program, a lot was packed into the two days of the official functions – and a few other catchups were also made outside these dates.
The resort was especially helpful, even putting on a special cocktail.
Classmates came from near and afar. Murray and Judy Smith were the least travelled – being Coffs residents. From further away Tony and Mary Mcleod crossed the Tasman (2230 km) while Graham and Maxine Smith, Rod Allan, and Peter and Kerry Jenke came up from Melbourne (1400 km). The rest were from places a bit closer (Canberra 800 km, Sydney 530 km, Brisbane 400 km, Salamandar Bay 385 km, Byron Bay/Ballina 230 km). Worth mentioning that a few came despite health issues and/or other pressing commitments: special mention to John Price, who turned up with an arm in a sling and braces on a leg, the result of a fall. That is dedication!
Photograph below was taken on the second night – sadly, a few face are partly obscured! If anyone has a better shot of this – or indeed any others – taken from the many mobiles in use, please forward them to David Cran.
This is as we were….
And, a better shot that also adds some colour and style….
Roger (1971) and Rhonda Powell happened to be at the Pacific Bay Resort celebrating a wedding anniversary, and joined us for all events. Roger was offered honorary class membership but politely declined.
So, what next? Thoughts are already turning to options for the reunion in 2027. Watch this blog. There might also be a call shortly for volunteers to help organise it.
The September Duntroon Society Newsletter 2/25, is now available on the Society web site at: www.dunsoc.com.
A hardy group braved the 11 degree day to meet at the Kingo. Not the Kingo as most would remember it, but a dark, book-lined dining room like something out of a Jane Austin novel. And the novels lining the walls were fake!
Anyway, a great catch up.
And all in together……
Pat Cullinan was recently in contact with MAJ Damien Freeman, the Curator of the Duntroon Museum in relation to the status of the current Museum refurbishment and the ‘how to’ for donation of memorabilia to the Museum. Damien was most helpful and provided him with the two attachments below.
For info, Damien’s phone contact is (02) 5131 2194.
A post from Ross Eastgate on the 1YLI Old Mates FB page:
“I’ve had a message from Bob Beer in Canada that Bob Collins (69) has died.
He was admitted to hospital a few days ago when it was discovered he had multiple advanced cancers.
The decline and end were rapid.
I’ll make no comment, except his class recalled his “love of life, his friends and his faith”.
He and his wife endured the loss of their son Sam in 1984. No parents should have to endure that.
I’ll advise more when known.”
The next Class lunch for Canberra-based classmates will be held on Mon 17 Mar at 1200 at the Statesman Hotel, Curtin (https://www.statesmanhotel.com.au). As usual, spouses/partners and any visiting classmates are always very welcome.
Could Kym please have confirmation of attendance (or valid excuse!) by Wednesday of next week (12 March).
The Northern Chapter had a lunch last Wednesday and unfortunately we were so busy talking that we forgot to take a photo. The day had an international flavour with Denis Brennan visiting from Chiang Mai and Kevin Loughrey’s Brother ( Peter ) here from Portugal . We had Lindsay and Sue Rowlands from Pottsville and Don Muirhead and Kevin from The Northern Rivers . 15 in all and it was a great start to 2025 . The Coffs Gathering got a bit of a mention and we now have 21 couples indicating that they will be in Coffs Harbour on 19 and 20 Aug 25 which is a fabulous response.
Mates 4 ever ,
Regards,
JohnMc
The funeral arrangements for Mike Fairbrother are at this link: https://duntroon1973class.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fairo-funeral-notice.pdf
From RMC Class of 1973 website blog:
RMC Class of 1972 