2RAR Association Inc

03/03/2026

WELFARE SUPPORT NETWORKS:

Remember you are never alone, reach out to a mate or call any number of the following support networks:

OPEN ARMS
Veterans and Families Counselling - 1800 011 046, or www.openarms.gov.au

BEYOND BLUE SUPPORT SERVICES-1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au

SU***DE CALL BACK SERVICE/LIFELINE -1300 659 467

HOMELESS HOTLINE QLD -1800 474 753

ADF – All-hours Support Line - 1800 628 036
Defence Members & family Helpline - 1800 624 608

CRISIS SUPPORT - Wounded Heroes - 1300 532 112

2RAR Association - 0404 078 797
Secretary@2rar-association.net.au

02/03/2026

Welfare Matters:

To keep up to date on DVA news and welfare matters you can visit their website at; https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/news/latest-news or subscribe to get a copy of the electronic version to be sent to your mailbox

Read the latest news and stories from DVA.

02/03/2026

Book release:

Ex 2RAR Veteran Daniel O'Neil (1998-2000) C Coy, Surveillance and Mortar Pl.

Daniel has written a book about all the dumb things he has done as a Paramedic, Soldier, high risk security Contractor and Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

Pre orders are now available, if interested you can check it out at www.allthedumbthingsbook.com or follow along on socials on Instagram or All The Dumb Things Book page on Facebook.

02/03/2026

Book Release:

A history of National Service in Australia. If you would like a copy of this forthcoming book on National Service pls follow the info in the below photo

02/03/2026

VALE:
8551468 Adam Patrick SIMPSON
28 December 1989 - 26 February 2026
2RAR (2009-2017)

It is with sadness that we inform our members and friends that Adam passed away on 26 Feb 2026.

Sadly, missed by Lyanna his daughter, friends and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a remembrance and farewell service to be held at The Lakes Chapel, Morley's Funeral Services, Townsville, QLD, on Wednesday 11th March 2026, from 10am.

Adam served in 2 RAR from 2009-2017

Rest in Peace Adam.

21/02/2026

Duty First Autumn Edition

Printed quarterly, Duty First is the official magazine for The Royal Australian Regiment Association (RARA). Duty First covers the latest Army, RARA and ADF news. The Royal Australian Regiment has been the mainstay of the Australian Regular Army for over seventy years. With the formation of the regu...

20/02/2026

WELFARE: Revisit Korea 2026

Revisit Korea, this year 230 participants including carers from 22 Nations will revisit Korea over four schedules.

1) 22 - 27 April - 6 participants, which includes carers from Australia

2) 8 - 13 November - 2 participants, which includes carers from Australia

April Schedule has theme of 'Brotherhood'.
Invitees are ' Veterans and families of the four Commonwealth Countries'.
Major activities include 'Battle of Gapyeong Commemoration, Battle of Imjin Commemoration' - The battle area is close to the path of RAR in their 'Push to the North' before the Chinese intervention and later, Battle of MaRyang San, Battle of Hook and the area RAN and RAAF fought along.


November Schedule coincides with the Remembrance Day and the day 'Turn Toward Busan' initiated by Korea veterans - Busan (Pusan) UNMCK - United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea which contains 2,300 graves of the Korean War and is the only United Nations cemetery in the world.

Application returns are required NLT 6 March. If you would like to know more of this event and a copy of the application form, then please email the Association at:

Secretary@2rar-association.net.au

19/02/2026

VALE:
5714188 Pte David Neil Campbell SCOTT
23 May 1945 – 04 Feb 2026

7 Pl C Coy 2 RAR
South Vietnam 10 May – 28 Nov 1967

Col Becker advised that David passed away, 4 February 2026.

Rest in Peace David

19/02/2026

VALE
1202271 WO2 Donald (Don) William DAVEY OAM
07 Dec 1946 – 12 Feb 2026

Support Coy, 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn
South Vietnam 28 May 1970 – 01 Jun 1971

Dave Kissick advised that Don passed away yesterday, 12 February 2026 at Greenslopes Hospital, Qld.

Don’s funeral service, including Poppy Service will be held at
Virgo’s Funeral Home Crematorium Chapel, 24 Pioneer Avenue KINGAROY Qld on Friday 6 March 2026 at 11.00am (QLD Time)

Livestream will be available via the “livestream” tab on the Virgo Funerals website - www.virgofunerals.com.au

After the Service Don’s wake will be held the Kingaroy RSL Club, Short St & Markwell St, Kingaroy QLD

19/02/2026

VALE:
52028 Brigadier George "Warry" MANSFORD AM
19 Aug1934 - 19 Feb 2026

Served in 1,2,3, and 6RAR Korea, Malaya, Malaysia, Vietnam

Georgina Mansford has advised that her dad, Brigadier George "Warry" Mansford had passed away yesterday morning.

The Australian Army has lost a giant. George passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy forged in courage, discipline and an unwavering belief in his people. A veteran of the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War, he was, in every sense, a soldier’s soldier.

As the visionary founder of the Jungle Training Centre (Battle School) at Tully, George set a benchmark for realism and professionalism in jungle warfare training that has saved countless Australian lives. His insistence on high standards was never about bravado — it was about preparation, survival and bringing our people home.

His philosophy was simple yet profound: “knowing your people, understanding people, valuing people.” It was a principle he lived by. Whether through his influential book Leadership on the Battlefield, his novel of the ‘Mad Gallahs’, or his instrumental role in raising the 11th Brigade and strengthening Northern surveillance capabilities, George remained a relentless advocate for the quintessential Australian soldier.

To the wider world he was a Brigadier. To those who served under him, he was “Warry” — a leader who understood that mateship is the most powerful weapon an army possesses. He embodied the spirit of service before self and led from the front in both war and peace.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to George’s family and loved ones. His life of service will not be forgotten, and his legacy will endure in the soldiers he trained, the leaders he shaped, and the lives he helped protect.

Another great warrior gone to the final RV. A champion defender of the Citizen soldier and one who made 11 Brigade what it is.

Thanks to Cairns RSL and Georgina Mansford

FUNERAL NOTICE: Please note the in lieu of flowers please donate to Legacy.

Condolences can be forward via email to info@heritagebradyfunerals.com.au or gmansford@bigpond.net.au

Condolences can also be left on at the tribute centre on heritage funeral site https://www.heritagebradyfunerals.com.au/

Rest in peace Sir.

06/02/2026

Veterans' Health Event - Townsville QLD

THRIVE 365 - Connect-Move-Nourish

As part of the Veterans Health theme of THRIVE 365 the 2RAR Association will be hosting a free event for veterans and family of 2 RAR.

Walk for a Mate will take place on Sunday 22 February 2026.

Location: The Strand Townsville, QLD - Starting from the Rockpool on the strand and walking with a mate up to the Watermark for a free Breakfast and coffee hosted by the 2 RAR Association.

Time: Depart the Rockpool at 9am with the aim to finish at the Watermark Hotel by 9.30am for a sit-down breakfast.

Date: Sunday 22 Feb 2026

If the distance is too great, feel free to join in with the walk at a point along the way such as from Strand Park.

The aim of the event is to keep moving every day (365) and to bring a mate.

If interested in attending, please advise in the comments section. Hope to see you then

02/02/2026

VALE:

36746 SSgt Ian William George ROSE
??? - 23 Jan 2026

Ian, a LCpl, served in Malaya at Terendak Camp, with C Coy 2 RAR 1961-63. Ian departed Singapore on 22 Aug 1963 and deplaned in Brisbane on 23 Aug 1963.

Ian returned to Malaysia as a Cpl with 4 RAR and deployed from Singapore for Kuching on Special Service to Sarawak on 14 April 1966 returning to Singapore on 4 Sep 1966.

Ian also served in RAAOC retiring as a SSgt.

Ian, late of Kirwan Qld passed away in Townsville on 23 Jan 2026, aged 85.

As per Ian's family's wishes a private service was held at Woongarra Crematorium Chapel on Fri 30 Jan 2026.

Ian was a member of the 2RAR Association

Thanks to Jim Pollard and the 4RAR Association