About Us
The Australian Army Band Corps Association
about
The Australian Army Band Corps (AABC) Association originated from an idea expressed by Mr Bruce Pinney at a function held at the official opening of the J.J. Shelton Band Centre at Kapooka Military Training Centre, NSW in March 1987
This idea was realised by Mr Robert Butcher and a group of retired former band members in Melbourne. This group organised a meeting held on 10 June 1989 when the AABC Association was formally established.
Noting the large representation of former musicians and the obvious enjoyment they gained from reunion, he felt that an association which could foster the bonds between former Army bands personnel would be a worthy goal.
Since then the Association has held reunions throughout Australia each year and is slowly becoming known to former musicians, many who have not been in touch with their former colleagues for many years. There has also been a surge of interest from current serving musicians, including our Reserve Members, of which many have joined and many have shown interest in joining.
The aims of the Association have evolved over the years and are now as follows:
- To encourage communication between all former members of Army bands by means of personal contact, reunions and periodic newsletters.
- To foster the development and enhancement of contact between former and current serving members of the Australian Army Band Corps.
- To support and where appropriate contribute to, the achievement of the goals of the AABC.
- To contribute to the collection, research and publication of the history of Army bands and personnel.
- To contribute to the maintenance and support of the traditions of the AABC and Army bands generally.
- To offer advice on welfare matters affecting fellow members and their dependants.
- To foster links with similar associations of Australian and international military music organisations.
The AABC Association was incorporated in Victoria on 5 October 2004.
AABC Association - Executive Committee
President - Dave Oakley
Dave Oakley was born in Peterborough South Australia and enlisted in the Australian Army in June 1972. After Basic Training and Corps Training at Balcombe, Victoria Dave was posted to Southern Command Band in October 1972.
- In 1974 Dave was posted to North Queensland Army Band (NQAB) in Townsville where he was one of the first woodwind players posted to that unit. During that posting Dave was promoted to Corporal and travelled with the band all over Queensland and Thursday Island.
- In June 1982 Dave was posted to 4th Military District Band in Adelaide.
- Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 1983 and Staff Sergeant QMS in 1986. During the Adelaide posting Dave travelled to the UK, Greece, Crete and New Guinea.
- In 1993 Dave retired and joined the Australian Army Band Adelaide (AABA) as a Reservist until 2000.
- In 1996 Dave was awarded the Australia Day Medallion for outstanding contribution to the AAB Adelaide.
- Since retiring from the ADF Dave has worked as a Sheriff’s Officer and in various ICT roles travelling all around Australia and East Timor.
- At present Dave works in PC Support for the South Australian State Government and is the Data Base Manager for the AABC Association.
Executive Committee
President: Dave Oakley
Vice President: Kevin Noon CSM
Secretary: Bruce Munchenberg
Treasurer – Greg Beavis
