Association History

The Inaugural General Meeting, was held at Enoggera on 17 August 1986. The concept commenced with discussions between David Butler and Jim Cruickshank (the 2nd CO and RSM respectively, sometime in 1985. In August that year there was a dinner conducted in the 6RAR SGT'S Mess and with support of CO's LtCol Adrian D'Hage and LtCol Bill Studley, plus a number of ex SNC's who pushed the concept of an association, Jim Cruickshank was 'volunteered' to be interim president. It seems that an interim committee was formed and that Butch Buttigieg, Bob Bettaney, Kev Jacket and Jim Cruickshank were the 'bunnies' for the steering committee. At the 1986 meeting a number of things were passed, among them the formulation of the committee. Jim Cruickshank became President; Jock Rutherford, Vice-President; Phil Buttigieg, Secretary/Treasurer; Bob Bettany, Asst Secretary/Treasurer; Tex Howarth, Liaison Officer and Barry Vassella, Publicity Officer. A number of representatives were suggested for outlying areas (inter and intra State).. The first Patron until his death in 2006 was Colonel Colin Townsend DSO

The aim of the Association is ......

"To perpetuate the camaraderie generated amongst our members when they served."

Initially, to be eligible, you only needed to have served in 6 RAR at any time, or in any capacity, or 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion, including New Zealand personnel. Since then, we have broadened eligibility to include those who served with the 6th Battalion Group in East Timor, regardless of corps and those next of kin of any ex 6 RAR deceased members.

Within each state and in Far North Queensland, we have 6 RAR Association representatives and within the Association, we also have company reps. The contact details of all those members are shown elsewhere on this web site.

In broad outline, we have a Brisbane-based committee that takes care of the day-to-day running of the association and we have a quarterly newsletter called "Stand To" which keeps our members abreast of matters of interest. You can subscribe to Stand To for the very reasonable cost of $60 for five years.

We have a strong connection with 6 RAR, especially during high profile events such as the Battalion Birthday celebrations and Long Tan Day activities.

The "big event" of our social calendar is our five-yearly reunion in Brisbane. Every five years, on the years ending in five or zero, we gather in Brisbane on the weekend closest to the battalion’s birthday (6th June).

These reunions officially start on the Friday night and usually finish sometime during the following week. They may include individual company functions, platoon functions, an official dinner, a General Meeting, a B-B-Q with the battalion’s soldiers and anything else you want to fit in.

At the General Meeting, new office bearers are elected for the next five years and any items of general interest are discussed.

For the first time in 2007, we will conduct a mid term reunion.  This will be held in Melbourne and if attendance warrants, mid term reunions will become normal.  The mid term reunion will be held in a city other than Brisbane and will rotate.

We welcome new members who are eligible according to the criteria mentioned above.  Please click here to print an application form.

We look forward to seeing you in the near future.

Graham Smith
President
6 RAR Association
 grahamrsmith@aapt.net.au