This page highlights the social and other events, hosted by the Association or allied organisations in Victoria.
We expect 2/10 Bty will hold a Dawn Service. Details TBA Wilco's next Gunner Soiree will be held on 3rd Feb 2024. Put it in your diaries. Contact Wilco directly, or contact the Secretary (secretary@artilleryvic.org.au) and they will forward you his ... Read moreANZAC Day 2023
St Kilda,
VIC
Australia
Wilco’s Gunner Soiree 2024
The Events Calendar can be found here.
Notices about Upcoming Events
- New Photos Added to Site
I’ve just uploaded two sets of photos to the website. First is from the 2023 Gunner Luncheon from Paul Heron.
The next set are from Dave Mills and all look to be 2 Bty, mostly in the field. There’s some dodgy looking characters in there.
- Wilco’s Gunner Soiree
Tony Wilkins shared the following pic from a recent gunner gathering.
A few likely lads in there.
He’s asked that you SAVE THE DATE – Sat 3rd Feb 2024. For more details contact Wilco directly, or contact the Secretary (secretary@artilleryvic.org.au) and they will send you his contact details (I don’t want to post here).
- RAA Luncheon 2023 (1st March)
The annual RAA Luncheon will be held on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 1200 for 1230 hours. It will be held in the same location as last year – Highett RSL, 1 Station St. Highett.
Details in the attached flyer (link).
- 150th Anniversary – Events on 1 Aug
Good morning Victorian Gunners, friends and associates,
The 1st of August is the 150th Anniversary of Artillery in Australia. There are events being run around the country to celebrate our 150th birthday, commencing with a series of co-ordinated events on 1 Aug centred on a national Fireplan.
COVID-willing the 150th Anniversary events in Victoria will be going ahead on 1 Aug (two weeks time). This is a great opportunity to celebrate our 150 years of gunnery in Australia, and specifically in Victoria where we have some of the oldest artillery history and fired the first round of WWI.In summary there are three locations for the events:
- The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne – 1130-1300
- Fort Queenscliff (Fort and Museum) – 0930-1130
- South West Cannon Trail, Warrnambool – 0900-1500
Details below. These events will be in accordance with VIC State Govt Covid-19 restrictions, a QR Code has been created for the three events.
The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne – 1130-1300
The forecourt and firing point at the Shrine will host a number of activities including a static display (featuring 12lb Armstrong Gun for Werribee Half Bty, 2/4 Fd Regt 25lb gun) and firing by 2/10 Bty as part of the National Salute.
The timeline for the day is as follows:- 0900: Commence Set Up
- 1045: Arrival and set up 2/10 Bty
- 1115: VIP Arrival
- 1130: Ceremonial gunline established
- 1130 – 1145: Welcome Address COL Cooke, outline of events and brief history of Victorian Gunnery
- 1145 – 1215: 12 LB display – brief history of Gun no 370, Werribee and Chrinside Family FB Gun drill in period uniform
- 1215 – 1230: 25 LB display, and history of 2/4 Fd Regt – Syria, Lae, Ramu Valle FB Gun Drill
- 1230 – 1240: Set up for salute
- 1240 – 1245: Conduct of salute
- 1245: Final Address
- 1250: End of ceremony
If you would like to help setup we will be there from 9am, otherwise we will see you at ~1130.
A few 2/15 and 2/10 members will be meeting at the Botanical Hotel, Domain Rd, South Yarra for drinks at 11am.
The Bty has invited all back to Sargood Barracks for lunch and drinks following the activities at the Shrine. Timings TBA – will be after the activities but allowing for the Bty members to clean the guns. If you are thinking of attending the Bty after the Shrine, please RSVP so the Bty can plan for catering.Fort Queenscliff (Fort and Museum) – 0930-1130
SGT Helen Janner and the 10 Mdm Regt Assoc have arranged for the Fort Queenscliff fort and museum to be open on the day. There will be an address, a tour of the museum and morning tea.
The timeline for the day is as follows:- 0900: Open up Fort and prepare the Museum
- 0930: Commence with opening address
- 0940: Commence Tour of Museum
- 1045: Morning Tea
- 1100: Short Address – President 10 MDM REGT ASSOC
- 1130: End of event
Lunch at the local RSL has been organised following the events at the fort.
South West Cannon Trail – 0900-1500
The Warrnambool City Council has established the South West Cannon Trail (https://visitwarrnambool.com.au/itineraries-2/south-west-cannon-coastline-trail/) and is supporting the 150th Anniversary with a number of events. There are three gun emplacements, Warrnambool, Portland and Port Fairy, featuring 80lb rifled cannons dating back to 1860. There will be blank firings with re-enactment crews at each location across the day.
The timeline for the day is as follows:- 0900: One round salute – Portland
- 1200: One round salute – Port Fairy
- 1500: One round salute – Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool
The Flagstaff Hill location will be the main one and may host other activities.
This will be a great day for the gunner community in Victoria. All events will be supported by Army and local media. I encourage you to come out to one of the events and enjoy the history.
- 150th Anniversary of Australian Artillery in 2021 Announcements
There’s been a lot of communiques arriving this week for the planned 150th Anniversary activities. As per the attached flyer there are two major events planned; Sun 1 Aug in Canberra and Sat 6 Nov (weekend after Cup Day) in Sydney.
In addition the old Queens Banner will be laid up at the School of Artillery (Pucka) between 7-14 Nov. There are also local commemorations planned as well as commemorative items and books.
The Association hasn’t planned any activities yet. I expect the events will be discussed at the AGM and future committee meetings. Personally I can see a motorcycle trip to Cbr and maybe Sydney for events. I’m sure there are some members who would be interested.
