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Greetings OLD CONTEMPTIBLES. Some sad news. George Franklin passed away last week. He was surrounded by family and at peace. A fall recently saw him in hospital with broken bones and some complications. A sad end after a brilliant life very well lived. George was well regarded, much admired and deeply loved far and wide. […]

Calling all ex-Army musicians in WA.Our next get-together is coming up at the Herdsman Lake Tavern (The Herdy) on the Saturday before 2nd August – AABC Birthday – from 1130 hrs onwards on Saturday 1st August 2026. 33 Herdsman Parade, Perth, Western Australia 6014  The usual glassed-off function room is available and booked.Remember to order and pay for your

The 2026 AABC Association AGM and Reunion will be held in Brisbane over the period 15-18 October 2026.  The reunion will kick off with an impromptu ‘Roll Call’ on the evening of Thursday, 15 October 2026, commencing at 1730 hours. For those wishing to take caravans, campers or mobile homes, l have touched base with the

News that Colin Fischer is currently in Yass hospital with pneumonia. He has been there for 2 weeks and is recovering very slowly. We have been advised it’s hard for Colin to receive phone calls as someone has to physically be there to help him. Update Colin is in the RSL LifeCare – Fred Ward

2 May 2026 Patrick ‘Sammy’ Steer passed away on 30 April 2026. Pat had been diagnosed with throat cancer and chose to use the services of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) with his family present. A member of 14th intake of the Army Apprentices School, Pat was a trombone player who served in many bands including

Malcolm has had some health issues with Vascular Dementia and is now residing at Cooinda House, George Street, Kippa Ring. His partner of almost 30 years has given permission to pass on news of his condition. Malcolm was a national serviceman who was posted to the RAA Band, Singleton in 1970 as a drummer and

Hughie Offermans, a former member of Northern Command Band  passed away 17 March 2026. Johannes Hubertus “Hughie” Offermans was born in The Netherlands on 18 June 1938. He arrived with his mother and siblings at Fremantle on 30 July 1953, his father having arrived the year before. They settled in Nambour, Queensland and he was

25 March 2026 Pat Thompson passed away in Townsville Hospital on Tuesday, 17th March 2026. For those able to attend, a small service will be held 10:30am, 1st April at Townsville Funerals, 3 Railway Avenue, Railway Estate. Pat served in many bands including the RASIGs Band and RAE Bands at Kapooka, North Queensland Army Band

Hi all Old Contemptibles, ex-Australian Army Reserve and Regular Soldier Musicians in WA. The March get-together is now as follows: Individuals are to make their own arrangements to visit Karrakatta on 14th March for the Army Open Day.  ARMY OPEN DAY PERTH 2026 Tickets, Saturday, Mar 14, 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm |

News from Peter Arnold’s family is Pete passed away on 10 February 2026. Pete was a great friend to many of us, loved his life as an Army bandsman, and then life after Army in the beautiful community of Echuca. Bands Pete served in include 4MD Band and Defence Force School of Music. Condolences to