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Norman ‘Smokie’ Dawson, 2 December 1957 to 16 September 2026, aged 68. Smokie’s wife, Jeannie, has advised of his passing peacefully at home. Initially a RAN band boy, Smokie was a long time AABC percussionist who served in 1 RTB Band, 1 RAR Band, AAB-Sydney and RMC Band. Smokie loved the military, as much as […]

It is with sadness we advise the passing of Jack Pascal on Saturday 23 August. 2026. A former member of the Mauritius Police Band who emigrated to Australia in 1969, joining Southern Command Band under Colin Fischer. Jack is remembered as a valued member of the band playing first clarinet and entertaining many audiences as

Bill Norris passed away on 4 August 2026 at Berrigan hospital where he was struggling with deteriorating health issues. Bill was a former Army Apprentice Musician 28A Class and had served in 3MD Band. RIP Bill

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.George was the

Doug Williams passed away on 2 July 2026 from a heart attack. Doug was a former member of 1MD Band / AAB-Brisbane where he played bassoon and was also an accompanist with the AMEB examination board. Doug Williams Memorial Service will be on the 3.30pm, 7th August at East Leagues Club, 30 Main Avenue, Coorparoo.

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