Tony Stepney 2781795, first intake National Service 1965-1967, served with 6 RAR D Company at the Battle of Long Tan.
Tony went to Vietnam on the 8th June 1966 and returned to Australia on the 14th June 1967. Tony laid the first wreath at the Cockscomb Veterans Camp Vietnam Veterans Day on behalf of his mates and 6 RAR D Company.

Numbers grew as cars filled the parking areas, buses rolled up and a general buzz of Veterans meeting old buddies and mates grew louder and louder, an estimated 180 – 200 Veterans and families took part in this years service at Cockscomb.
Calling together the service Tony Dawes Ex 104 Sig Sqn., took control of the morning. The Catafalque party mounted the Memorial at 1055 and at 1100 the sound of a helicopter could be heard. Not just a coincidence, but a special flyover by Lieutenant Ryan Marr of 162 Recce Sqn Townsville. The Kiowa made several circling passes over Cockscomb and brought back some incredible memories for those on the ground. Hairs raised on the neck, tears in the eyes and incredible smiles on the faces of Vietnam War Veterans. No doubt the highlight of the morning and something our Veterans will remember for weeks to come.

Our thanks to Range Control Shoalwater Bay, Task Force Head Quarters 1 Brigade Darwin, 162 Recce Sqn Townsville and pilot Lieutenant Ryan Marr - mission accomplished

Phil Aplin, Dan Connerly, Nick Quigley, Des Soley

After the service

As the Service unfolded, Tony Dawes spoke of Australia’s involvement and of the ongoing 10year war, of the casualties and the cost in human life. Why we recognise the 18th August as our Day of Remembrance and then he read out the names of the ten new plaques for the Cockscomb Memorial
Chaplin Kaye Ronalds, a Major with 11th Brigade and a serving member of the Uniting Church told us that she was at primary school while the Vietnam War unfolded and that a member of her family was drafted for National Service.

Tony recited the Ode to the Fallen, a chilling reminder that has sent many a man to remember his mates at war.

The last post echoed though the campsite and surrounding bush; played by Graham Ivers Salvation Army. A minute of eerie silence and then Rouse.

Piper Lester Soblusky played the Lament and our service was ended with the National Anthem.

Ron Robertson Ex 8 RAR and Councillor Rose Swadling

Left to Right - Graham Ivers Salvation Army, Piper Lester Soblusky, Tony Dawes Ex 104 Sig Sqn and Chaplin Kaye Ronalds

Our thanks to 42 Battalion for providing the Catafalque party and tents and chairs. 42nds efforts on the day make our day more enjoyable and provide some comfort for our older visitors.


Visitors to Cockscomb, Don Sutherland & Rosie (Peter) Thorne both Ex 104 Sig Sqn enjoyed an overnight stay on their way home from Pandanus Park

Ron Wenitong Ex 7 RAR and Rocky Wallace Ex 2 SAS

Thank you Ladies with your assistance our BBQ lunches have become well known in the Veteran world. You all work well together and we can’t thank you enough for the quality and quantity

NEW GENSET FOR COCKSCOMB
Robroy MacGregor Ex 104 Sig Sqn and now Generator Management Systems Mt Gravatt Brisbane has donated a 6KVA Onan Genset to Cockscomb. Rob drove up from Brisbane especially to install the Genset. Not only that, but he took away for repairs our 3KVA Genset and the Meadows.
Our heartiest thanks to Rob and Generator Management Systems. This new Genset means that we can now weld, have a variety of lights at night, charge the batteries and pump water all at once. With push button Start and Stop, Cockscomb has moved ahead to a new era.

A Service at Kershaw Gardens Vietnam Memorial on Friday the 15th August

Left Phil Aplin Ex 1 RAR, Robert Busch Ex 1 Fld Regt, Des Soley Ex 42 RQR, and not in the photo Rockhampton City Councillor Rose Swadling and Nick Quigley Ex 104 Sig Sqn planted an Australian native Harpulia tree at the Kershaw Gardens Vietnam Memorial. The new tree is well established and in a prominent position. Our thanks to the Parks & Gardens Staff for their assistance.