Yearly Archives: 2026

Revitalization of Our 31st Battalion Colours

31st Battalion Association (Ingham Branch) President Felix Reitano OAM has arranged to restore the 31st Battalion Colours – originally presented in 1967 to pristine condition.
Felix sent us a picture of the restored Colours with fellow member and Ingham stalwart Rick Butler.
Rick and Felix with 31 Battalion Colours
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Brief Note from Felix: Please see attached the Bn Colors which were presented to the Unit in 1967.

They have been Sanatized  & cleaned .

Rick & I delivered them back to the Kennedy Museum this afternoon. (3rd Mar 2026)

Congratulatory messages from Townsville and Brisbane:

Hi Felix and Rick,
They look great! What a well done job.
Best Regards,
Paul Ellems
Well done Felix, they look fantastic. – The Brisbane Branch members, would like to pass on our appreciation to you, for successfully organising this project. 
Keep your powder dry up there. It looks like your going to cop a bit more rain. 
Warmest regards to all,
Tony Wadeson
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AGM – 31st Battalion Association (Brisbrane Branch)

The AGM of the 31st Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch) was held at the Meeting Room  of the Caboolture Sports Central Club at 11am, 3rd March 2026.

President Tony Wadeson welcomed all members and guests.

The Meeting  was attended by 13 members. Apologies were received from a further 10.

President Tony gave a brief on the passing of Member Warren Gunder

Vale:- (1) Warren Gunder – 31st Bn from 1956 – Thru Pentropic Years then 31st Bn to Nov 1967

51st Bn as ADJT Permanent CMF. – Transferred to Regular Army 1969

Served with AATTV in Vietnam April 1970 to April 1971 then 2RAR & other postings

until Retired 1st Nov. 1983 as a MAJ

Chris Hamilton also mentioned the most recent passing of Brig (Rtd) George “Warry George” Mansford the highly respected Comd 11 Brigade from the 1980s who made such a big impact on all who served with him.

Chairman to request all Members to be upstanding, – In Honour of:-

MAJ Warren Gunder Brig George Mansford and all former Members of the:- 31stBn, – 42ndBn, – 31/42Bn and

31st Bn Assoc who passed away during the past year.

Chris Hamilton – RECITED THE ODE – ONE MINUTES SILENCE

AGM was now opened and the Agenda as distributed Via email was followed

Presidents Report (Included Below, also Distributed via email with copies available at the Meeting)

Secretary’s Report (Included Below, also Distributed via email with copies available at the Meeting)

Treasurers Report (Distributed via email with copies available at the Meeting)

Election of Brisbane Branch Officers – All office holders remained unchanged

President: Tony Wadeson

Deputy President: Chris Pyke

Secretary: Mick James

Treasurer: Martin O’Sullivan

Committee Member: Doug Hastie

Committee Member: Tim Lewis

Other Positions

  • Co Ordinator – Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service. –MICK JAMES
  • WEB Page – 31st Inf. Bn Assoc. – “Whispering Boomerang” – Martin O’Sullivan
  • Representative – Battle for Australia Committee. – Mick James
  • Represenative – Anzac Day Parade Committee – Tony Wadeson

Banking remains with the Qld Country Bank and Signatories Remain Unchanged.

AGM closed and was followed by a General Meeting to discuss matters relating to Anzac Day, Battle of Fromelles Commemoration, and the ongoing need to contact new members.

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31st Infantry Battalion Assoc.(Brisbane Branch)

President’s Annual Report – Year 2025

This past year has been a busy one for an old President, such as myself.

We started the Year with our AGM in March in this very Room. Due to its convenient, central position between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and very close to the Railway Station, I think we should consider “Sports Central Club” to be our future Main Meeting Venue. As has been done in the past, I can picture myself, travelling home by train, falling asleep, & waking up in Ipswich.

Immediately after the AGM, it was finalising the planning for Anzac Day. Planning, starts not long after the previous Anzac Day, with me having to attend three meetings, at the RSL- S.E. Districts Sub Branch at New Farm. I have been doing this for about twenty years or so now, and experience has indicated it pays to attend, to discuss issues as things change from meeting to meeting. However, they are now enabling us to join the meeting on line – “Microsoft Teams” which will save me a three Quarter Hour Drive at night, each way, each meeting. My main problem this year was that it looked like at one stage, I was the only one going to March with our three Banners. However, as usual the Hastie family came to the rescue a week before the event. Doug’s son LTCOL Marc Hastie, regular soldier, recently retired. Marc, had recently moved up to Caboolture, contacted me to advise, that he intended to march with the 31st Bn, and hoped to bring three more old associates with him. Doug Hastie, on the other hand, had only just been discharged from hospital. Well on the Day, one of Marc’s associates turned out to be an ex 51Bn and a Journalist. She organised a fantastic write up about the 31Bn, and the Hastie family with the ABC people covering the march.

Doug, unfortunately, couldn’t march on the day, but was immediately behind us in a Jeep. As we were waiting to March off, the President of the National Serviceman’s Assoc asked if he could March with us, as he couldn’t find his Group. Minutes later another four Natsho’s turned up and joined us. We ended up with about eleven in the group. – Marc Hastie led us, Doug Hastie was, “Tail end Charlie” in the Jeep, & there was Brook Hastie on the Saluting Dias with The Governor, taking the Salute, – with the ABC telling everyone in the crowd as well as, “on air listening”, what a great Unit the 31st Bn had been, and were now the 31st/42 Bn, the pride of the north. Couldn’t, have been a better result.

Shortly after Anzac Day, in May I received the sad news of the Passing of my mate, and brother PL Commander of the early sixties, – Warren Gunder. Warren was a foundation member of the Brisbane Branch of the 31st Bn Assoc. and a very close friend of Ray Fogg. Warren hadn’t been well for some time, and as he lived in Nambucca Heads, I never heard of his Death until after the Funeral. Warren, joined the 31st Bn in 1956 and transferred to the Regular Army in 1969. He served with the AATTV in Vietnam, from April 1970 to April 1971. He retired from the Army in 1983 with the Rank of MAJ. He was a good Soldier, and a good friend. May you RIP “Wazza.”

Our Next big project for the Year was The Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service at Ipswich RSL. Mick & I had been meeting with RSL Ipswich Secretary, Debbie Wadwell, since January. It had been decided to contact the Governor General to be our Principal Guest of Honour. We then had to organise a principal Speaker. We had planned on having Chris Hamilton, but unfortunately Chris was going to be in France at the time of the Service. We decided on the person best fitted for the Job, our very own Association President Greg Stokie. We didn’t end up with the Governor General, so we asked BRIG Bill Date ADC to be our Special Guest. Everything went smoothly. We had Three BRIG’s – two COL’s – an Air Vice Marshall, – The French Consul General, and the Mayor, in attendance.

I was greatly surprised, at the end of the Ceremony, to be presented with a Tribute – “Life Membership of the 31stBn Assoc.” by BRIG Bill Date ADC. I was greatly honoured, and thank my fellow Association Members for the award.

In August, I attended the 31/42RQR and Association Annual Church Service in Townsville. The Service was well attended. Much to my surprise at the end of the Service I was called up to the front of the Church by President Greg Stokie, to be presented a Second Life Membership Tribute, this time by the Governor of Queensland – Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM. That was a real surprise. I’m again, deeply honoured.

The afternoon finished well, by spending a couple of hours with BRIG Richard Pearce discussing Rugby in great detail, whilst awaiting our respective return flights to Brisbane. Whilst waiting in line to board my flight the Governor who had attended the Cowboys NRL game came along, recognised me & said “Hello we meet again.” She then went to the front end of the Plane & I went to the rear with Cattle, feeling very chuffed indeed.

Unfortunately, the last couple of months of the year, proved to be a time of illness for both my wife and I.

So I was out of action for over a month. All is now well.

I would like to pass on my appreciation to all members of our Branch, for doing their best, to attend and support our various events and services. We are all ageing, knees, hips and backs, playing up to hamper our movements. But thank you all, for your support. Thank you Deputy President Chris for being the shoulder I can lean on to get good advice and reliable support.

Special thanks to Mick James, as Secretary, and putting so much work into the “Battle of Fromelles” and the “Battle for Australia Committee”. Mick is still suffering from some after effects from his Stroke, but he soldiers on without complaint.

Thanks to Marty O’Sullivan, who is learning the ropes of accountancy and protecting our Funds efficiently.

Our Committee members Doug Hastie, Tim Lewis, and Jack Sunner, thank you for doing things that keep us moving.

Special thanks to you Pierre Sellier OAM for doing so much for us here in Australia, and representing the 31st Bn Assoc. in Fromelles, and France.

Bring – on – 2026

Tony Wadeson

President

 

 

REPORT FOR THE 31ST BATTALION ASSOCIATION (BRISBANE BRANCH) AGM 3RD MARCH 2026

We again conducted our annual Commemoration of the Battle of Fromelles at Ipswich in conjunction with the Ipswich RSL on 19th July 2025. Our member & Great Nephew of Col Fred Toll, Col Mark Plath (Retd), acted as host. Apart from the Commemoration, at the conclusion President Tony was presented with Life Membership of our Association by Brig Bill Date ADC.

Highlights were the increased number of Descendants attending and the outstanding speech of student, Caela Segon. Full details including speeches & photos are on our website at –

July, 2025 – 31st Infantry Battalion Association . We again thank the Ipswich RSL and President Paul & Secretary Debbie in particular, for their great assistance.

I remain on the Committee of the Battle for Australia Commemoration (Qld) Ltd and we were represented at the Commemoration on 3rd Sept 2025 by President Tony & Tim Lewis who laid Wreaths on behalf of 31st Bn Assn & 2/31st Bn. This was the 83rd Commemoration of the Battle (1942-45) and was attended by the Qld Governor, Service Chiefs, PNG Consul, various RSL Clubs, veterans & students. The Committee has the ongoing financial & material support from the Qld RSL. One point of note, the Governor’s ADC on the day, was our own Maj Brook Hastie. President of our Committee is Col Mark Plath (Retd) who was a CO of 9RQR.

Tony, Evan myself & Mark Plath also attended the unveiling of the 3rd batch of 800 plaques at Lutwyche Cemetery in Sept 2025, finally identifying WW1 Diggers who died in the 1940s,50s,& 60s. This is the great & extended work of 2 women, Cate Walker & Katrina Trevethan who are The Australian Remembrance Army. They received a grant from the Australian Govt of approx. $700,000 for the plaques in 2020 & completed them in Sept 2025. There were 4 31st Bn diggers who had plaques unveiled that day & we met the family of one- Pte Peter Heenan. Read the story on our website for the details – September, 2025 – 31st Infantry Battalion Association

Mick James

Secretary

 

 

Lambis Englezos Lecture – The Missing 250 – Battle of Fromelles

A very interesting & informative Lecture by Lambis Englezos AM on the Lost Diggers of Fromelles today (19 Feb 2026) at Gaythorne RSL.Approx 100 people attended including a number of relatives of Diggers who were in the Battle. One highlight was former Governor General, Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, reading a letter to Military Authorities by Mrs J Alice Goulding, seeking information of her missing (for 3 yrs) son, John Joseph Goulding of 31st Battalion. See photo with image of Grieving Mother statue.

 

Lambis Englezos AM Delivering Lecture on the Search for The Missing Diggers

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Many of the approximately 100 people present in the room, plus roughly 40 others connected via Zoom streaming sessions, were aware of the immense amount of work done by Lambis. His efforts in the search for the missing bodies of Australian Diggers are legendary. It has been an ongoing work over many decades to restore dignity to the men who fought and died in the WW1 battle of Fromelles which took place on 19th July 1916. Fromelles is in Northern France (approx 15km south of the Belgian Border).

Lambis was invited by the Military Historical Society of Australia (Queensland Division) who arranged for the Lecture to take place at the Gaythorne RSL Lecture Theatre. After the introductory comments by the local Acting President of the Military Historical Society Lambis was introduced by Military History Professor Vic Nurcombe who has also done considerable research on the Australian participation in WW1.

In an early part of his Lecture Lambis stressed that his background was not in the Military but rather as a Teacher of Art in Melbourne. However he became interested in the battle of Fromelles, known as the, “worst 24 hours in Australian history”, because of its horrendous 5,000 casualties.

The battle was the first commitment of Australian units on the western front after the reorganization, retraining, in Egypt subsequent to the withdrawal from Gallipoli at the end of 1915.  It was poorly planned by British General Hacking who threw the Australian 5th Div (Comd by Gen Mackay) into  the line in less than a week against German defences that had been constructed and consolidated over many months. Involved were the 8th, 14th and 15 Brigades. Of specific interest to members of the 31st Battalion Association our Bn was part of the 8th Bde. The CO 31st Bn was LTCOL Frederick Toll.

The search by Lambis started as a result of his connection with veterans of the Battle of Fromelles. They refered to themselves at the “19th July Men” The story of his discussion with veteran Bill Boyce in Sept 1992 including an aerial photo of the battlefield is recorded on this website.     Link To Discussion With Bill Boyce.

Lambis provided a timeline of events that took place from the time of his research of the battle, his analysis of the air photos at the time and the identification of the mass grave trenches. His subsequent questioning as to why this site had never been investigated by the Commonwealth Graves Commission led to increased publicity and interest by descendents of families of these diggers.

Ongoing battles with officialdom both in Australia and in Britain slowed down the process, however continued research with German authorities in 2007 led to the discovery of a German burial Order in Munich dated July 1916 referring to the burial of soldiers adjacent to Pheasant Wood. In an initial ground survey of the site a medal (Alberton Shire (Victoria) Medal) was found which belonged to  Harry Willis of the 31st Battalion. (A picture of the Alberton Shire Medal and a brief mention of Harry Willis can be found here. Link To Picture of Alberton Shire Medal).This was the clincher that convinced authorities that indeed Australian Diggers were buried there. Finally digging was approved and got underway in 2007 continuing through to 2009.

Lambis referred to the generosity of Mme Marie Paule Demassiet the owner of the land on which the bodies of the diggers had been buried and who had also lost one of her ancestors in WW1. Not only did she allow the investigatory dig to begin but subsequently donated the section of land to Australia. Sadly Mme Demassiet passed away and in one of the strange co-incidences which occurred during this search she was buried on 19th July 2021, the anniversary of the battle.

Link To The Story of Mme Demassiet

An ongoing, highly successful, effort to identify the missing diggers and the establishment of the new Pheasant Wood Cemetery took place in 2010, just six years prior to the centenary of the Battle. The bodies missing 250 bodies were re-interred in the new cemetery and gravestones are marked as identifications are made. Some of this has been previously covered in articles on this website. Many members of the 31st Battalion Association visited the Battlefield for the 19th Jul 2016 centenary

Link to Previous Article on the Search for the Missing 250 Diggers

 

 

Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, reading a letter to Military Authorities by Mrs J Alice Goulding,

seeking information of her missing (for 3 yrs after Battle of Fromelles) son, 

John Joseph Goulding of 31st Battalion.

Link To Letter from Grieving Mother on This website

Lambis finished his lecture by referring to people and groups such as the Military Historical Society and the Australian Remembrance Army who are continuing to do fine work in ensuring that Our Diggers in Cemeteries all over Australia are finally getting the recognition that they deserve. He specifically named the late LTCOL Jim Bourke MG AM Phd who did so much for the repatriation of the missing diggers from the Vietnam War. Many 31Bn Association Members still remember Jim’s excellent efforts as Adjutant of 31 Battalion in the early 1970s.

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Lest We Forget

Lambis opening remarks – Picture showing Original Cemetery At VC Corner where 411 diggers were

Buried After The Battle

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Pheasant Wood Cemetery – Re-interment of the Missing 250

 

Lambis with Descendents of Battle of Fromelles Diggers

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Lambis with Audience – Asking Questions At Conclusion of Lecture

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Foot Note:

Of all the Battalions in the Battle of Fromelles the 31st Battalion is the only Battalion which is still in existence.

It is currently serving as The 31st/42nd Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment  

Part of 11th Australian Infantry Brigade.

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Vale – Brig (Rtd) George Mansford AM

The following information about the sad passing of Brigadier (Rtd) George “Warry George” Mansford AM (1934 – 19th Feb 2026) was passed on by Brig (Rtd) Chris Hamilton. George was 11Bde Comd in the late 1980. As recently as Oct 2025 we posted a report on this website from John Caligari AO DSC who visited George at the time of his 91st Birthday.

Link to Post – Visit To Brig George Mansford AM

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Notice of Commemoration Service for George is Shown Below

Note the fact that it is to be Live Streamed

Chris Hamilton goes on to say:

The Australian Army has lost one of its most authentic and formidable leaders. George Mansford passed away this morning, (Thursday 19th Feb 2026) aged 91.

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A veteran of Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam, George was a soldier’s soldier. He was the visionary founder of the Jungle Training Centre (Battle School) at Tully, where he instilled a standard of realism and discipline that has saved countless lives.

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His philosophy was simple but profound: “knowing your people, understanding people, valuing people”. Whether through his book Leadership on the Battlefield, his novel about the ‘Mad Gallahs’, or his work raising the profile of 11th Brigade and Northern Surveillance units, he remained a relentless advocate for the quintessential Australian soldier.

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To the world, he was a Brigadier; to those in the trenches, he was a legend who understood that mateship is the most powerful weapon an army has.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to George’s family.

Lest We Forget.

RIP George

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George’s None too Subtle Message for All Defence Force Members

Erected during his time at the Battle School at Tully

Vale – WO1 (Rtd) Jon “JD” Daniels

The following message was received from the Paul Ellems, President (Townsville Branch) of the
31st Battalion Association:

VALE 8257512 WO1 JON “JD” DANIELS (Rtd)

It is with profound sadness that I advise of the passing of Jon “JD” Daniels (WO1 RTD) who left us at 1145hrs this morning after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. JD was discharged from hospital yesterday so he could spend his remaining time at home with family and friends. Both the 1 RAR Padre and myself were with JD during his final moments.

Deepest condolences to JD’s wife Helen and his extended family and friends.

Rest in Peace mate it has been a privilege

Funeral details will be advised once known (See Below)

LEST WE FORGET

Best regards,

Paul Ellems

31st Battalion (The Kennedy Battalion) RQR Assoc. Inc.

In a further message Paul added the following:

Jon was posted to 31 RQR for lengthy periods. He was highly respected across the RQR and the RAR and the Vietnam Veterans. He was a gentleman with the highest integrity.
He was someone I have always admired and been proud to say he was a friend.

Jon touched the lives of countless people and all were impressed with his integrity, conscientiousness and his gentleman’s behaviour.
Helen is understandably devastated.

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His funeral is to be on Thursday 19th Feb 2026 at 13:30.
Townsville Funerals and Cremations Chapel, 3 Railway Avenue, Railway Estate, QLD. 4810

WO1 (RTD) Jon “JD” Daniels

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Link to Notice
Townsville Funerals Cremations and Crematorium

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Presentation of Award to Capt (Retd) Felix Reitano OAM RFD

Members, please find the attached great Photo, of Felix Reitano OAM with the Governor. Felix was awarded his OAM, last year (Kings Birthday Honours List 2025). The Governor made a special trip to Ingham to present it to Felix on Australia Day.

The photo shows the Governor & her Husband, receiving a 31st Bn Assoc Badge & a Cap from Felix, with a group of Ingham Branch Members in the Background.

Regards To all,

Tony

Felix. – Congratulations from all of us Brisbane Branch members.

               Tony

Below are a few brief notes from Felix regarding the photo.

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Our Association here presented our State Governor with a 31 Cap & Badge.

She came to Ingham up to present me with my OAM.

It was pleasing that some of my local Assoc members were able to attend

After the formal part we adjoined to the RSL for some drinks.

I am a bit slow today.

Regards,
Felix Reitano O.A.M.

Link To Previous Post Re OAM for Felix/

 

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM Presents Felix Reitano with his OAM Award and
In return is presented with a 31st Battalion Cap and Badge by Felix, surrounded by 31st Bn Assoc Members
Beside Her Excellency is her Husband LTCOL (Retd) Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD

OAM Award to LTCOL (Retd) Patrick Nunan

The following message was sent by Tony Wadeson, (President, Brisbane Branch, 31st Battalion Association)   to Associate Member Patrick Nunan following his Australia Day OAM Award:

Dear Patrick, On behalf of all members of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association, I congratulate  you, on your OAM award, “For Service to the community through a range of Organisations.”

When one is honoured for service to the Community through a “Range of Organisations” , that means a lot of devoted work on your part, to help others. A well deserved Honour to you. 
Patrick, we of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association, are very proud to have the the Honour to congratulate you.
Warmest Regards.
Tony Wadeson
31st Inf. Bn Assoc.
Tony has added the following notes:
Members, – For YOUR INFO:-  Mick James has passed on the undermentioned Official Information from the Govt. Files concerning Patrick NUNAN’s OAM award.
It is very impressive. – Patrick’s Service to the Toowoomba Community is an Understatement if ever there was!!! – 

Further Info, that some members may be unaware off.

Patrick Nunan OAM is an Associate Member of the 31st Bn Assoc. (Brisbane Branch). Patrick, is  a direct descendant of the 31st Battalion’s WW1 – VC Winner – PTE. Paddy BUGDEN VC who won his VC at the “Battle of Polygon Wood”. (Paddy’s story is available on this website.)

Paddy Bugden VC came from Alstonville, his parents owned the The Alstonville Hotel (Which still Stands in the Heart of Alstonville)

Alstonville is a beautiful Village on the Lismore – Ballina Rd. & there is a Monument to Paddy,  in the Centre of town. 

I emailed Patrick this morning congratulating him on behalf of the Association. 

Read on below, of Patrick NUNAN’s service to the Toowoomba Community.

Regards, Tony

LTCOL (Retd) Patrick Nunan OAM

Photo taken in 2017 at the Centenary Commemoration for his Uncle – Patrick Bugden VC

 

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

Mr Patrick Thomas Nunan RFD, Mount Lofty QLD 4350 For service to the community through a range of organisations.

 

Government

  • Vice President, Queensland Parole Board, 2003-2008.
  • Chairman, Southern Inland Queensland Area Consultative Committee Inc, 1994-2001.
  • Treasurer, Southern Inland Queensland Area Consultative Committee Inc, 2001-2002.
  • Chair, Work for the Dole National Selection Advisory Committee, 1997-2000.
  • Chair and Member, Toowoomba and Regional Employment and Training Network lnc, 1994-1998. Roman Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba
  • Member, Diocesan Safeguarding Ministry, since 2019.
  • Guest Lecturer, Legal Issues, Occupational Health and Safety and Public Liability, since 1998.
  • Member, Advisory Board, Catholic Care Social Services, 2019-2023.
  • Member, Appeals Committee, 1990-1998. • Treasurer, St Thomas Moore’s Parish Council, 1982-1985.
  • Director and Chairman, Diocese Family Bookstore, 1982-1999. Downlands Sacred Heart College, Toowoomba
  • Chair, 2000-2004. • Board Member, 1995-1997. • Deputy Chairman, 1997-2000.
  • Honorary Solicitor, Past Students Union Inc, since 1974. Concannon College Board, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba • Chair, 2007.
  • Committee Member, 2005-2006. Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Inc
  • President, 1982-1984, and 1996-1997. • Committee Member, 1975-2002.
  • Chair, Centenary Presidents Sub-Committee – 100th Anniversary, 1998. • Life Member, since 1995.

 

Australian Army

  • Stand-by Reserve, 2003.
  • Lieutenant Colonel, 1998-2003.
  • Major, 1991-1998.
  • Guest Lecturer, Regional Training Centre South Queensland, 1998-2001.
  • Guest Lecturer, Advanced Legal Officers Course, ADFA, 2001.
  • Counsel Assisting, Board of Inquiry (801), 2000-2001
  • Commissioned Captain, Australian Army Legal Corps, 1980.

Darling Downs Committee of Employer Support for Reserve Forces and Darling Downs Defence Reserves Support Committee

  • Chair, 1983-1995.
  • Committee Member, 1995-2004.

 

Darling Downs Rugby Union Inc

  • Chairman, 1977-1979 and 1981-1984.
  • Committee Member, 1974-1976.
  • Manager, Darling Downs Rugby Union 1st XV, 1976.
  • Life Member, Darling Downs Junior Rugby Union (DDJRU), 1993. 358 of 522

 

Honours list: Australia Day 2026 Honours List

  • President, DDJRU, 1990-1993.
  • Management Committee Member, DDJRU, 1982-1983.
  • Co-Founder and Committee Member, Aubigny Rugby Club (now Toowoomba City Rugby Club), 1981.
  • Co-Founder, Life Member and Past President, South Toowoomba Junior Rugby Union.
  • Coach, Past Grammars Rugby Union 1st XV, 1976. Sport – Other
  • Honorary Solicitor, Rockville Rovers Soccer Club Inc, 2000-2007.
  • Past Chairman, Toowoomba Indoor Ball Sports Association, 1996-1997.
  • Trustee, Toowoomba Soccer Federation, 1978-1980.
  • President, Gold Park Sports Promotions Inc (West Indies v Wanderers World Series Cricket match, Gold Park, Toowoomba), 1977-1978.
  • Vice President, Toowoomba Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament Inc, 1993-1994.

 

Community – Other

  • Treasurer, Aboriginal and Islander’s Health Service, Brisbane, 1972-1974. Downs and South Western Law Association
  • Convenor, Accident Compensation Sub-Committee, 1991-1994.
  • President, 1987-1989. • Secretary, 1976-1978.
  • Member, since 1974.

 

The Law – Other

  • Honorary Solicitor, Darling Downs Historical Rail Society Ltd (DownsSteam), 2000-2022.
  • Honorary Solicitor, Milne Bay Military Museum Inc, 1990-2009.
  • Honorary Solicitor, Australian Army Flying Museum, 1990-2009.
  • Guest Speaker, Legal, ABC Regional Radio, Toowoomba, 1997-2009.
  • Member, Queensland Law Society Accident Compensation Committee, 1992-1994.
  • Chairman, Regional Review Committee Legal Aid Queensland, 1987-1989.
  • Member, Toowoomba Community Legal Service, 1982-1990.
  • Guest Lecturer, Legal, School of Nursing, the University of Southern Queensland, 1994-1998.

 

Professional

  • Manager, Aviation Department, Shine Lawyers, since 2013.
  • Executive Partner, Cleary and Lee Pty Ltd, 1974-2012.
  • Member, Australian Insurance Law Association, 1980-2016.
  • Member, Australian Aviation Law Institute, 2000-2016

 

Awards and Recognition include:

  • Honorary Life Member, Darling Downs Historical Rail Society Ltd, 2011.
  • Reserve Force Decoration, 1996, and Clasp, 2001.

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