The 73rd Annual Gunner Dinner was held at the Willoughby Legion Club on Saturday 5 August in the presence of the Hon Gordon Samuels, AC CVO, Governor of NSW and Patron of the RAA Association (NSW) Inc. A total of 106 gunners, ex gunners and friends enjoyed a memorable evening.
Also present were LTGEN Peter Cosgrove, AC MC, Chief of Army and Guest Speaker, BRIG George Salmon, AM Representative Colonel Commandant, Mr Rusty Priest, AM State President of the RSL, MAJ Bob Corbett, RFD, President RAA Association (NSW) Inc., COL Don Tait, Hon Vice President RAA Association (NSW) Inc., and Mr Barney Flanagan EM, President Willoughby Legion Club. The Dining President was LTCOL Ken Broadhead RFD and Mr Vice was CAPT Phil Easton, Vice President (Operations).
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Welcoming the Guests (L-R) LTGEN Peter Cosgrove AC MC, Chief of Army and Guest Speaker, Mr Rusty Priest AM, State President of the RSL, LTCOL Ray Brennan, BRIG George Salmon AM, Representative Colonel Commandant, and CAPT Phil Easton, Vice President (Operations) RAA Assn NSW. |
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The Governor’s Entrance –Hon Gordon Samuels, AC CVO, Governor of NSW and Patron of the RAA Association (NSW) Inc In background L-R LTCOL John Smith, LTCOL Ken Broadhead, LTGEN Peter Cosgrove and Mr Bevan Lennie. |
RAAF trumpeters played a fanfare to welcome the Governor and a group from the Sydney Wind Ensemble entertained the members with excellent music.
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During the dinner, Mr Max Falconer OBE was presented with an association plaque in appreciation of his long and outstanding contribution to the association. (Left) MAJ Carl Christie was awarded life membership for his long and dedicated service to the Newcastle Branch of the Association. |
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The Queen’s Banner was paraded by members of 23 Fd Regt RAA – LT Andrew McGrath was the Banner Ensign and the Escorts were: WO2 Wayne Friend and SGT Jeff Richards. |
General Cosgrove spoke of his experience as Commander, Interfet in East Timor and of the expertise, dedication and professionalism of those under his command. He provided instances of their courage and determination when faced with daunting circumstances. He added that support generated from Australia and other countries who had contributed troops was a major morale boost to the soldiers on the ground.
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A happy Group of Gunners |
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Dining President, LTCOL Ken Broadhead, thanks John Buckland, Music Director, Sydney Wind Ensemble |
Memorabillia from the evening can be viewed by clicking on the items opposite. Report, memorabillia and photographs provided by Phil Easton |