31st Battalion Association members and other visitors were invited by the CO of 31/42 RQR, LTCOL Merrick Lalor to a day at the Townsville Field Training Area in July 2026 to witness the skills, activities and training of the Battalion in the field.

Merv Dicton fills in some of the details for us:

Top day with Mark Allen Chris Cummings and myself invited as 31st Association. Thanks to CO, RSM and all

Today’s Visitor Day was held at the Townsville Field Training Area to say thanks to employers and family who support Army Reservists.

31/42 Royal Queensland Regiment (31/42 RQR) members demonstrated live fire attacks ably supported by the mortar experts from 9th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment (9RQR) as well as capability briefs from the 11th Engineer Regiment (11ER).

The contribution of ADF reservists is only possible with the support of their employers and families.

We thank these key enablers for helping Defence generate the forces we need.

Group of visitors Including 31st Bn Association Members With 31/42 RQR Members

–

31/42 RQR Key Members – RSM WO1 Glenn Herbert with CO LTCOL Merrick Lalor

–

Association Members Merv Dicton, Mark Allen and Chris Cummings 

–

Demo Firing of the 81mm Mortar

–

Family Member Trying out the Kit

–

Safety Briefing

–

Ready For An ADF Field Adventure 

–