Battle For Australia – 2024 Commemoration

The Battle For Australia Commemoration was held on Wednesday 4th Septemberis. This year the Commemorative address was given by Group Captain Denis Tan on behalf of the Chief of the Air Force.

Our Association executive Member Mick James has submitted a copy of this excellent address which is reproduced -below.

Also mentioned at the Commemoration is that Pat O’Keeffe OAM (pictured at the head of this page) is stepping down as President of the Battle for Australia Commemoration Committee after being the founding and only President since 2000. His successor is former CO of 9 RQR Col. Mark Plath (Retd). Mark is also a member of 31st Battalion Association & a Descendant of 31st Bn WW1 CO Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD.

31st Battalion Association Brisbane members Tim Lewis and Sec Tony Wadeson

laying a Wreath at the Battle for Australia Commemoration on Wed 4th Sept 2024 at Chermside.

Tim’s father, Lt Aub Lewis served in the 2/31st Battalion in the Battle of Balikpapan

Borneo in July/August 1945.

Group Captain Dennis Tan – Battle for Australia 2024 Speech

Below is the link to the Video of the Battle for Australia Commemoration for 2024