Notice Board
Change of Command 20th Regiment
ANZAC Day Brisbane 2026
ANZAC DAY Brisbane 2026
All Locators, families and friends of the Regiment are invited to 20th Regiment’s RAA traditional 5.00am Dawn Service to be held in the Regiment’s hanger, Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera.Visitors must register for entry with madeline.lynch@defence.gov.au, which will be confirmed by 20th Regiment’s representative at the front gate entry. If the base security status remains unchanged, entry will be via the main gate from 3.30am .Visitors will be directed where to park, with special consideration given to older veterans. After the dawn service the traditional gunfire breakfast will be served by the Regiment at the hanger.
As usual on ANZAC Day, there is free public travel for veterans on QR trains and BCC council buses. The LSTAAA banner will be located in George St, between Charlotte & Mary St, from about 9.00am and this will be the rallying point for Locators.
The Brisbane march starts at 10am and we, as part of Group Army 5, are requested to form up at 10.30am in George St in position 27, behind 2/10th Field Regiment Assoc and ahead of Royal Australian Artillery Assoc.
The march follows the traditional route, down George St, right turn into Adelaide St past the saluting dais on the left at King George Square, past ANZAC Square, then turn right into Creek St and to fallout at the corner of Eagle St and Elizabeth St.
After fallout, there will be the usual Locator’s group photo on the steps of St.Stephen Church, then an easy short walk to the Stock Exchange Hotel, [https://www.stockexchangehotel.com.au/] at the corner of Edward & Charlotte St.
For early entry to the “Stockie”, Locator’s, family & friends need entry tickets obtained from the RSM John Berger or SGT Rod Alchin. So join your mates at the “Stockie” for a few convivial drinks, and meals may be ordered from the bar.
"Centenary of Locating"
1st of July 2025 marks 100 years of Locating Artillery in the Australian Army. To commemorate this historic event, LSTAA & 20th Regiment RAA held a very successful weekend of activities on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd of June 2025. The weekend of Centenary celebrations began Friday night with a well-attended Cocktail party at Kedron Wavell RSL. A key highlight of the night was the presentation of Life Membership in the LSTAA to Keith Ayliffe, author of “Tracks of the Dragon”. Keith’s meticulous historical research established the official start date of Australian Locating Artillery as 1 July 1925, marked by the formation of the 1st and 2nd Artillery Survey Companies in Sydney and Melbourne. These original units were comprised of many highly qualified professionals, including licensed civil land surveyors, who not only contributed their expertise but also supplied their own equipment. The event’s atmosphere was enriched by decorations in traditional Artillery colours. Special thanks go to Russ Hamsey and Rod Alchin for the impressive array of memorabilia displayed throughout the “Long Tan” room.
Throughout the evening, Keith Ayliffe’s History of Locating was shown on the big screen. [To obtain a USB copy of the Locating history video and photos from the Centenary weekend, please request via email—cost is $10 plus postage.
Saturday morning saw us arriving at the front gate of Gallipoli Barracks around 10:00 am, joining a steady stream of vehicles entering the base. While the Menz Club was unfortunately closed, the coffee van on the main oval proved a popular alternative, doing brisk business right up until the formal parade began at 11:00 am.
Invited LSTAA guests—Russ Hamsey, Terry Erbs, Keith Ayliffe, and Allan Harrison—were given front-row seats under cover, protected from the light showers. Many other guests and family members were also seated in covered areas, enjoying a clear and comfortable view of the formal proceeding.
20th Regiment RAA, comprising, 131,132,133 and CSS Batteries, paraded before the reviewing officer Major General David Hafner AM, CSC. During the ceremony Major General Hafner formally presented the Iraq Theatre Honour (2003–2011) in recognition of the Regiment’s outstanding service during Operation Catalyst
The occasion also marked two significant milestones: the centenary of Locating Artillery and the official re-raising of 133 Battery, now restored as part of the Regiment’s order of battle. A particularly poignant moment came when Allan Harrison, the last Battery Commander of 133 Battery prior to its disbandment in 1987, presented the unit pennant to Major Andrew Penhaligon, current Battery Commander of the newly re-raised 133 Battery—symbolically linking the past with the future.
During his address, Major General David Hafner AM, CSC officially named the Regiment’s lines “Terendak,” in honour of those who served at Tallil Airbase in Dhi Qar Province, Iraq, between 2006 and 2009. Camp Terendak holds deep sentimental value for both contemporary veterans and current members of the Locating community. It was there that the unit first developed and implemented the tactics, techniques, and procedures that would form the foundation for operating uncrewed systems—capabilities that remain central to the Regiment’s role today.
Following the parade, the Regiment hosted a well-attended Family Day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Guests were treated to a generous spread of food provided by the Regiment, along with plenty of cold refreshments.
During the festivities, the LSTAA took the opportunity to honor Harry Lynas with Life Membership, recognising his long and distinguished service as both a Locator and dedicated committee member. We extend our sincere thanks to Harry for his contributions and wish him all the very best in his retirement.
Former members of 133 Bty…..Left to Right Wayne Thompson, Jenni Jiear OAM, Allan Harrison (Ret) (Major – Former BC 0f 133 DLB), Zita Thompson, Ken Broadhead OAM (ret) (Lt.Col. – Former BC of 133 DLB), Harry Lynas OAM (Ret), Keith Ayliffe BEM BA (Ret) & James Bushel.
Former members of 130 GLB…. Left to Right Allan Harrison (Ret) (Major – Former BC 0f 133 DLB), James Bushel, David Doyle (Ret) OAM & Peter Pioro OAM
Former members of 131 Bty….Left to Right- Phil Swinsburg [Ret] [Lt. Col. 20th Regiment’s 1st CO], Phil Riordan, Mick Horne, Harry Lynas OAM, Keith Ayliffe BEM, Kevin Browning OAM, Sean Voss, Darryl Crumblin, Terry Erbs, Martin Shirley, Gerry O’Connell, Barry Winsor, Dave Doyle OAM, Peter Pioro OAM & Willis Wight.
Saturday also saw the presence of many other Locators, including Joe Losiak, Geoff Blackwell, Tony Turner, Ian Board, and Struan Robertson, among others—highlighting the strong turnout and camaraderie that defined the weekend.
On Sunday, a few hardy members gathered for brunch at the Ship Inn, where they reflected on the weekend’s events and shared their appreciation for the successful and meaningful Centenary Commemorations
of
LSTAA AGM 2025 minutes –
to read use link below………
Yet to ratified LSTAA Constitution Draft Version 1.0 {QLD} 22/05/2025- to read use the link below
LSTAA RulLSTAA Constitution and By-Laws QLD Edition 2025-1es of the Assn (Constitution) V08(1)
Notice all Vietnam Veterans - please read the following.........
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm unit Citation (VCGPU)
To all Locators, the Department of Defence has advised the following:-
In September 2018 an application was made to Defence Honours and Awards that those members of the Army who served at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral should be awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (the VCGPU or Citation).
After much correspondence the application was eventually denied by Army and was then appealed to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal. On 31 May 2022 the Tribunal advised that it had;
- Decided to recommend that all units and elements of the 1stAustralian Task Force – Vietnam be awarded the VCGPU: and
- Also recommend to the Minister that the Department of Defence be directed to consider whether there are any other units of the Australian Defence Force that should similarly be recommended to be awarded the VCGPU.
Advice has been received in a letter from the Hon Matt Keogh MP, the Minister for Defence Personnel, that the Department of Defence has recently completed the necessary research required to identify the relevant units, and consequently individuals, who are eligible to apply for and receive the Citation. Your attention is drawn to this welcome decision and to the following webpage on the Directorate of Honours and Awards website,
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation | ADF Members and Families | Defence.
The link below specifies that service with Detachment 131 Div. Loc. Bty. 01 April 1966 – 19 August 1971 qualifies for the award Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
List-of-Army-Units-eligible-for-the-Vietnam-Cross-of-Gallantry-with-Palm-Unit-Citation-1
Information on making an application for the Citation, including those made by family members of deceased Vietnam veterans who may be eligible, can be found at
Defence Medals Application Form | ADF Members and Families | Defence.”
Keith is asking for someone willing to pursue having this citation awarded on a heritage basis to current members of 131 Bty. Meanwhile you are encouraged to apply using the above link.
Aviation capability combined- Army newspaper
“From little things big things grow”
With permission from the UAV Group on Facebook, follows is brief story of LSTAA members and younger veterans that are now involved in Australia’s Civil UAS Industry.
“Last week was the AAUS annual RPAS in Australian Skies Conference in Canberra. This event is the main industry event for RPAS vendors, SMEs and business to come together and discuss and share experience on RPAS current and future operations and opportunity (civilian space).
We took the opportunity to get a picture of all current and past 20th Regiment RAA members in attendance at the Gala dinner.
I hope everyone sees this image as an example of “there is life outside” Defence, and our skills and knowledge are very valuable.”
Sue Osborne
From left to right…Andrew Crowe, Dave Hickey, Keirin Joyce, Phil Grieve, Sue Osborne, Daniel Jachimowicz, James Finch, Phil Swinsburg & Carly Maritnez
Posted by Phil Swinsberg….. ”Great post Sue. Was humbling to think where this all started and the lives that have been touched and new careers created. Awesome work.”
Captain-General of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery
Head of Regiment Order of the Day By Brigadier D.J. Hill, AM
I have today received a message from The Master Gunner St James’s Park informing me that His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to become Captain-General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, succeeding in the role from his Mother, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
His Majesty will also fulfil this role for the Regiments of Royal Australian, Royal Canadian and Royal New Zealand Artillery. This is a great honour and continues a tradition established by His Majesty’s Grandfather, King George VI, who at a dinner at Woolwich in 1950 expressed his desire to be Captain-General Royal Artillery rather than Colonel-in-Chief, a change in title that was effected in January, 1951. This also revived a rank originally dating from the 15th Century.
The Royal Regiment looks forward to establishing a close relationship with our new Captain- General as the Gunners look to a brave and exciting future.
Ubique,