REUNIONS

REUNIONS and AGM

AABC Association

2026 Reunion / AGM Brisbane

The 2026 AABC Association AGM and Reunion will be held in Brisbane over the period 15-18 October 2026. Specific details of the event, and a registration form, will be forthcoming over the next few months.

The reunion will kick off with an impromptu ‘Roll Call’ on the evening of Thursday, 15 October 2026, commencing at 1730 hours. Venue TBA.

For those wishing to take caravans, campers or mobile homes, l have touched base with the Samford Showgrounds and highlighted those dates with the managers. The on-site manager is Terry Rowbottom and he can be contacted on: 0450 882 842.

Note: Please mention you are part of the AABC Association. A cost of $15 per person, per night was offered. The website link is as follows: https://samfordshowsociety.com.au/caravan-camping/

Former members of AABC units and Regimental Bands who are not financial members of the AABC Association are more than welcome to attend this event, however a non financial member cost will be incurred. It may well be an opportunity to join the Association before the reunion to avoid this cost.

This is all the information that is currently available. Please call back to this website for further updates.

John Franklin

2022 Reunion / AGM Townsville

2013 Army Apprentice School Commemoration

Balcombe Barracks Commemoration Report (Fri 3 May to Sun 5 May 2013)

by Frank Maloney

The Balcombe Barracks Commemoraration was always going to be an ambitious project that first saw the Australian Army Apprentice Association (AAAA) embark upon in 2010 when it turned its attention on the original home of the Army Apprentice School at Balcombe in Victoria. From those who had visited the campsite in recent times there was a feeling that more could be done so that the military significance of the area could be improved and preserved for future generations..

Much has been written about the history of the military area that lies just south of the town of Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula, a premier district of Victoria. Though in most instances it had been done very well but it didn’t have a sharp focus on the camp and it’s military tenants, that was easily available to the curious. Thus the project known as Balcombe Gates was borne.

The Australian Army Apprentice Association (AAAA) established a sub committee comprising Barry Teal, Geoff Allen and Jack Westernhagen and made contact with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (MPSC) and the other Associations of the Balcombe units to determine if they were interested in being a part of a heritage project. An enthusiatic reply was received from all. They also approached the 1^st Div USMC Association and their prompt response was to despatch their Association Secretary to come to Australia and check it out. The result was the establishment of a working committee mid 2010 chaired by Barry Teal with representatives of the MPSC and the School of Signals, School of Survey, School of Music (SOM) and the AAAA. Good planning work was done by this group until personal circumstances beset the AAAA group around mid 2011 and they found they were unable to continue. As AAAA was the driving force, the project failed to make headway because at this time AAAA was focussed with the Apprentice About reunion to occur in Canberra in October of that year.

With that successful event out of the way the President iniated reactivation of the Balcombe Gates project. With that a new AAAA Sub Committee was formed comprising Lucas McGann, Peter Muir and myself. What followed then was months of planning interspersed with meetings with MPSC and other interested parties. In essence Peter Muir (25^th) took on the engineering works component whilst I saw the opportunity for a reunion of Balcombe soldiers, male and female together with the civilian staff.

The Balcombe Barracks Commemoration 2013 event was created and rescheduled for 3 to 5 May 2013. The date selected was significant in that the Battle of the Coral Sea commenced on 4 May 1942, the US Marines arrived at Balcombe 70 years earlier in 1943 and Army Apprentice School (AAS) being the last of the four post WW2 training units departed Balcombe thirty years earlier in 1983. The question that was asked in the early stages by MPSC was how many would attend. Wanting to secure their maximum involvement I optimistically advised that we should cater for numbers in the range of 500 to 700. This raised a few eyebrows around the table but as it turned out it was almost right on the money. Peter Muir had very busy days in the final months or so with coordinating the works program. This involved almost constant liaison with MPSC engineers and their contractors. He gave of his own time and worked tirelessly at all hours to ensure the desired result was achieved. This was done whilst attending to his own daily professional chores. Peter also played a big role in the preparation, wording and layout of the story boards and plaques. Mention here is appropriate of Norm Wells for his wording of the Army Apprentice School story board, and collating of the School of Survey board. Together with Peter they prepared the general Balcombe units board, and this was no small task either. Bob Ludlow in keeping with his keen interest in the Pacific War undertook to prepare the USMC board assisted by Peter and Norm. So it was a case of many hands making light work.

The weekend was built around a Meet and Greet on Friday 3 May at the Mornington Racing Club (MRC), which was our principal reunion venue. It kicked off about 3 pm with an 8 pm conclusion. By that time all of the administration matters were attended to, refreshments were enjoyed, and blotting paper in the form of tasty and plentiful snacks were eagerly consumed. Saturday morning saw the return of the administration element of Jeff and Jan Heron for the late registrations, which were many. At the same time the Dinner tables were set up with an almost continual change of the seating plan and catering numbers as the late registrations came in.

Saturday afternoon had us all assembled out at Balcombe Grammar School (BGS) with many locals from the Mornington Peninsula. The Principal kindly offered the school facilities for the Commemoration ceremony considering many aspects of the gathering but mainly the unpredictable weather at that time of the year. We conducted a symbolic unveiling of the plaques and story boards indoors in the School gymnasium. The final address was given by the Principal and on completion of the ceremony invited the gathering to afternoon tea prepared by the domestic science students in the school assembly hall. We were hosted by the senior students throughout the day. It was most impressive the way the Principal Matthew Dodd, and the students, created such a welcoming atmosphere for we older graduates of the Balcombe precinct were delighted to receive.

The former AAS parade ground now boasts high quality story boards and unit plaques for the four major Australian training units, the 1^st Div USMC and the lesser known minor units of which over the years there were many.

On the evening of Saturday 4 May we were back at the Mornington Racing Club for the reunion dinner. From the start of the evening to the finish it was judged a roaring success. The highlight of the evening revolved around our Marine Corps veteran. Bob Ludlow recited a poem that he had written for the occasion entitled “The Old Breed” which is how the 1^st USMC Division describe themselves. Bob signed all one hundred copies that he prepared and which were snapped up by the audience. He then went on to introduce the Lt Col John Stevens 1^st Division USMC (Retd) together with his wife Jody who honoured us with their presence. When the elderly gentleman got to his feet the Marines Hymn was played. Now Marines wherever they are always stand to attention whilst the hymn is played, but within just a few seconds he was joined by everyone in the room, on their feet, singing and clapping time – it was an awesome response. The old veteran told me later that he was overwhelmed and had never experienced such a powerful reception.

Our prime speaker was Colonel David Lawrence, Royal Australian Armoured Corps and a former Commanding Officer of AAS at the time it was relocated from Balcombe to Bonegilla. His well chosen words resonated with all at the Dinner and particulary those who were apprentices at the time of his Command. He was warmly received and his presence added to the vigour and spontaneity of the evening. Colonel Lawrence is an Associate Member of AAAA. Throughout the evening our willing band of retailers continued plying their trade and conducted both the raffle and the retailing with great success. Bryan and Barbara Daley along with Val Bennett, Trish and Alf Richardson are the people to be thanked for the level of sales and profit return. All through the evening the dining room exuded strong goodwill and fellowship. Ron Jervis took on the task of creating a mild military theme for the décor. This was done over preceding weeks and the end result fitted the occasion perfectly.

Towards the end of the evening my thoughts turned the tidy up and what to do with Ron’s items. As they were far too good to be binned we announced that they were for sale and to see Barbara and helpers, make a selection and then an reasonable offer. The offers were very good, they all sold and a sizeable quantity of $$ was generated for the Commemoration funds. The MRC final bill to us for the Dinner was for 470 “plates”and we were delighted with the attendance of so many. A number of those making the pilgrimage travelled from WA, FNQ and all points in between. Such was the drawing power of one word, ‘BALCOMBE’.

But it was the Sunday activity when the boys really rallied. We assembled adjacent the Mornington football ground from about 8.30. The Army Band Melbourne took their place at 8.45 and the lads scrambled to form up.This was all staged by Kevin Noon a former Army Ceremonial guru so the Memorial Service and March Day commenced right on time.

Having gained the approval of Vicroads and MPSC we headed down Main St Mornington with drums beating and the band playing under cover of numerous flags and a huge Banner identifying us to the local community. 800 hundred metres on saw us at the Mornington Memorial Park for the Memorial Service conducted by our own Chaplains Bryan Nichols from Ballarat and Alan Kelb from Albury. The school cadets from Frankston provided the Catafalque Party and did themselves great credit and received vigorous applause at the conclusion of the event.

So ended a wonderful weekend of celebration, reflection and mateship. To all those who made the effort to attend I hope we did you proud. I am about to receive the final copy of the DVD that was made over the weekend so it should be available shortly, watch the AAAA website for details.

Finally I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the following people for their invaluable support: Peter Muir 25th, Owen Reynolds 13^th, Frank Poole 10^th, Ron Jervis 15^th, Bruce Keevers 16^th, Jeff Heron 21^st, Norm Wells 14^th, Kevin Noon 14^th, and Bob Ludlow 13^th. I must offer thanks to the ladies that also made a very big contribution to the success of the Commemoration event. They were Barbara Daley, Trisha Richardson, Val Bennett, Jan Heron and Tina Reynolds. 18 Jun 2013

2012 Reunion / AGM Melbourne

AABC Association Reunion – Melbourne 2012
Fri 19 Oct – Sun 21 Oct 2012

2011 Reunion / AGM Wagga Wagga

AABC Association Reunion – Wagga 2011

2010 Reunion / AGM Darwin

2010 AABC Association Reunion/AGM

Darwin – 25th to 27th June 2010

Reunion Summary

Dear Members
The 2010 AABC Association Reunion was held in Darwin this year and from all reports from those who attended it was an enormous success. Special thanks should go to Geoff Carter and his committee for organizing most of the weekend that all came together extremely well. Thanks goes out to Music Director of the Australian Army Band Darwin, Captain Matt Chilmaid and the Band Sergeant Major, WO2 Bland Holt for the support of the band for the Saturday afternoon concert, the reunion dinner and the use of the bandroom for the ‘guggenheimer’ and the BBQ on Sunday.

This brief will provide an interim report for members who attended the reunion including a report on the AGM.

Friday 25 June 2010

Association Golf Day
The Golf Day was held at the Palmerston Golf Club was again successful, although only 16 players that took on the course it didn’t deter from having a good morning’s golf. The group winners from the day were Ashley and Lindy Renton and Mick and Denise Avramovic.

Civic Reception
Our Association’s ‘Meet and Greet’ was held at the Darwin Council Chambers. Unfortunately the Mayor was away on other duties and our host for the reception was the Deputy Mayor, Alderman Fred Marrone. At 5.30pm Alderman Marrone was on hand to meet all the members and their guests as they arrived and gave a warm Darwin welcome speech to the Association. Beer and wine flowed and delicious canapés were served to a large gathering, which made a wonderful beginning to the weekend ahead.

Saturday 26 June 2010

Association AGM
The Annual General Meeting was held at the Darwin RSL commencing at 10.00am. Forty five members were in attendance. During this time partners of the members were taken on a city tour of Darwin which included the Darwin Museum, Art Gallery and sites relating to the bombing of Darwin during WWII.
The meeting was officially opened by the President Bob Keatch at 10.00am. This was followed by the list of the names of Association members that passed away during the year were read. Also the names of the seven Soldier Musicians who died on active service since World War 2 were also acknowledged. The meeting stood for a minutes silence followed by the Ode. Lest we Forget.

The apologies were received (total 44).

The Minutes from the previous AGM held in Townsville – Were read and accepted. The only business arising from the minutes was that the Director of Music, LTCOL Ian McLean suggested that the meeting consider that the 2011 Association Reunion be held in Canberra, ACT. This was due to the Royal Military College celebrating their centenary, HM the Queen would be in attendance and New Colours would be presented to the College. A proposal that a band made up of members of the Corps and Reserve members would be paraded. This was carried but later cancelled.

The President’s and Treasurers Reports were read and accepted.

Election of Office Bearers – The list of new office bearers are listed below:

President – Patrick Ainsworth Mansfield Steer
Vice President – Ivan Cocking

Secretary – Kevin Noon

Treasurer – Jim ‘Shad’ Harper

Committee – Neville Lloyd, Peter Guest, Grahame Johnson, Bill Honter, Bob Keatch (Immediate Past President)

Congratulations were passed onto the Bob Keatch for his excellent work and contribution to the association during his tenure of office as President.

Director of Music Brief – LTCOL McLean advised the meeting that under a proposal for the Remediation of Establishment Hollowness the AABC may be required to lose up to ninety positions, but with an election being called, the Chief of Army’s tenure ending and other factors being taken into account, this agenda would not be considered at this time. The upside of this was taken by the association as a positive and looked promising for the years ahead. The downside being that recruiting for the Band Corps had stopped and is of concern.

Brief by the new Honorary Colonel – Brigadier Mark Bornholt, AM addressed the meeting and stated he was extremely pleased with his appointment. He did advise that unlike the two previous Honorary Colonels he was not a musician, but during the weekend was seen playing Bass Drum and led the singing of The Minstrel Boy during a toast to the Corps at the Association Dinner. Brigadier Bornholt stressed that the Band Corps did not have a role and he was preparing a paper on this agenda.

Future Reunions – The meeting voted favorably on the next reunion being held in Wagga Wagga from Friday 21 October – Sunday 23 October 2011. This is currently being organised with a committee being formed and more information being distributed shortly.
This would be followed by reunions in Melbourne (2012), Tasmania (2013), Sydney (2014), Adelaide (2015) and Perth (2016). Other than Wagga Wagga, these venues are yet to be finalized and confirmed by the committee.

Update on Balcombe Plaques – A meeting was held at Balcombe on 29 April 2010 with representatives from the RA Survey Corps, Army Apprentices Association, Army Apprentices Heritage Officer, RA Signals Corps, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Mornington Historical Society, AABC representative and Neville Lloyd and Jim Harper from the AABC Association. This project which includes the history of the Balcombe Barracks (1886 until 1999), and those units that served there has again been delayed due to proposals to make the area around the U.S. Marine Gates, the old parade ground and Mace Oval an historical precinct. Other inclusions are to have proper information and signage work to be carried out by council and Dept of Roads. Our committee of two will update the association as details come to hand.

Facebook – A notice of motion was put by Geoff Carter “That the AABC Association establish a ‘private’ page on Facebook whereby members and authorized persons can access – and more importantly, post comments and pictures for all other authorized persons to see”. The motion was carried.

General Business

Association Flag – During the past year an investigation on having an Association Flag made was carried out. It was decided that Geoff Carter (AABC Darwin) would have a proper Association Flag made by the next reunion to be held in Wagga Wagga in late October 2011.

Fund Raising – As a result of the Association Memorial being build and fully paid for, plus other agenda in the pipeline the Treasurer requested the Association give some thought to raising funds to maintain our bank balance in the ‘black’. He suggested that we should consider raffles and other fund raising methods to help pay for items in the future.

AABC Association Memorial – This project to have two poems erected at the memorial site has been delayed due to the fact we are awaiting word from the Simpson Barracks Project Officer for permission to go ahead with the plan.

Meeting Closed at 11.45am.

Australian Army Band Darwin Recital
At 1.00pm the members and their partners gathered under shade to hear the Australian Army Band Darwin provide the City with a free concert in Raintree Park. The hour plus concert featured a broad spectrum of the Band’s repertoire which was highlighted with some instrumental soloists and vocalists performing.

Reunion Dinner
With 123 seated guests including our Principal Guests, the Honorary Colonel Brigadier and Mrs Bornholt, PMC of the Brigade Sergeants’ Mess, WO1 Kevin ‘Blue’ Ryan who was representing the Brigade Commander, WOFF David Toohey representing the Commander Northern Command and members of the Australian Army Band Darwin, we all sat back and enjoyed the excellent hospitality of the 1st Brigade Sergeants’ Mess at Robertson Barracks. Not only was the Mess extremely large and impressive, but the food and wine, the service, which was served by soldiers from the Brigade, and the way the association and their partners were made to feel welcome having being invited to share such a prestigious Mess. The band played during the dinner, in between joining the members at the table for veritable feast of fine food. After the Loyal Toast, our new Honorary Colonel made an impressive speech that included the role of the band Corps, some of which was passed on at the meeting earlier that day. It was arranged prior that Brigadier Bornholt would conclude his speech with proposing a toast to the AABC, but to the surprise of everybody present as the Mess stood for the singing of the Minstrel Boy he began to sing, leading us all in song. So much for advising us he couldn’t sing?

Sunday 27 June 2010

Googenheimer and BBQ
Those of us who had an early night arrived at the home of the Australian Army Band Darwin at Winnellie, broke open the locks to their instruments, which in most cases had not had a note escape since the last googenheimer in Townsville and joined in with the playing of a march, an overture and a selection of popular tunes. Some of the members of the band joined our members and I’m not sure if they were surprised or stunned by the sounds that emanated from the concert stage. Anyway all had a lot of fun and after the ‘blow’ again locked their instruments up for another day…. or year.

At 12.00noon the band social club had arranged a BBQ which topped off a great morning. Unfortunately many of us had to depart mid afternoon and couldn’t stay for the finale at Robertson Barracks.

Robertson Barracks Tour
Apparently during the dinner the evening prior it was arranged by the Brigade Commander that association members be invited to visit the barracks during Sunday afternoon and be taken on an informative excursion and getting ‘up close and personal’ with Army hardware the 1st Brigade has on hand. This included 155mm Artillery pieces, the new Abrams Tank, APC’s and Bushmaster Troop Carriers.

This was a great conclusion to a wonderful weekend.

Once again the association thanks all of those who were involved with the organisation of the entire reunion weekend, especially Geoff Carter and his committee, Captain Matt Chilmaid and WO2 Bland Holt.
Well done!

See you in Wagga Wagga in October 2011

Kevin Noon

Secretary
AABC Association

2009 Reunion / AGM Townsville

AABC Association Reunion – Townsville 2009