Our Christmas - New Year Closure

From 30 January 26 we will be open most Fridays. Visit us from 5 pm at our "Hut" at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are always welcome. 

Like everyone else, our hard-working Committee volunteers and Members need a break so we're standing down during the Christmas-New Year period.

Our Hut will be closed from Friday, 12 December 25 until Friday, 30 January 26.

We may still be contacted during this period either by mail to our address shown below, or by email as some of our Management Committee members will be undertaking annual maintenance tasks.

Our ADF's Involvement in the Afghanistan War (Includes tribute to those who sacrificed their lives)

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Australia’s involvement in the Afghanistan War, particularly through Operation Slipper, marked one of the nation’s most significant overseas military commitments since Vietnam.

The Afghanistan War began in October 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The U.S. and its allies launched operations to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime that harbored them. Australia, invoking the ANZUS treaty, pledged support and deployed forces under Operation Slipper, the codename for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the war.

Operation Slipper ran from 2001 to 2014, involving combat operations in Afghanistan and maritime security missions in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The first Australian troops, including Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) personnel, arrived in late 2001. They conducted reconnaissance, combat missions, and worked alongside coalition forces. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also played a crucial role, providing transport, refueling, and surveillance capabilities.

Australia’s presence was most visible in Uruzgan Province, where ADF units were part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). They engaged in reconstruction, training Afghan National Army units, and counter-insurgency operations. Over the course of Operation Slipper, more than 34,000 Australian personnel served, with 41 killed and 261 wounded.

Beyond combat, Australia contributed to humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, helping to build infrastructure and support local governance. However, the mission was not without controversy. Critics questioned the long-term effectiveness of coalition strategies and the human cost of the war.

Operation Slipper formally ended in 2014, transitioning to Operation Highroad, which focused on training and advising Afghan forces until Australia’s final withdrawal in 2021. The legacy of Australia’s involvement remains complex—marked by sacrifice, service, and ongoing debates about the war’s outcomes.

In summary, Operation Slipper symbolized Australia’s commitment to global security and its alliance with the United States, while leaving a lasting impact on both the ADF and the nation’s understanding of modern warfare.

Click here to see a video of tribute to our 41 Afghanistan fallen - our heroes: https://youtu.be/GgrulJ_Q5BQ?si=bEna3y-0yQ4zYviG

Lest we forget

Content acknowledgement: Department of Veterans Affairs and Australian War Memorial

Inaugural Open Day

You may have seen the short article in The Leader about our Inaugural Open Day last Sunday, 23 November. It was a conjoint event by our sub-branch, the Barossa Historical Vehicle Club and the Barossa Motorcycle Club.

If you are a member who receives our Weekly Digest, you would also have read something about it in Wednesday's Digest.

There's not a lot more to say here other than that it was a success for an inaugural event but needs some fine tuning for future events.

We're planning on making our Open Day at least an annual event, probably once again in November.

We were very fortunate that The Clubhouse CEO Jack Ferrett donated 100 cooked chicken and pork ribs meals for the event. We added some salad, bread and refreshments and provided a nice meal for $15.

Everyone we spoke to said they had enjoyed the food, the company and the day. However, we believe we could have done better and will focus on doing just that in 2026.

Thank you to The Clubhouse  (Not forgetting the cooking team who cooked in situ), the Barossa Valley Historical Vehicle Club and the Barossa Motorcycle Club members for joining us and helping make our day special.

If you'd like to see some photos taken by Robin Henry at the event, you may do so here. 

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2025

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Our AGM is being held as follows:

Our Inaugural Open Day - 23 November 25

The Hut will be closed from Friday 12 December 25 until 30 Jaunary 26 but you can still contact us by email or by letter to our postal address PO Box 384 Tanunda SA 5352. 

We are holding a community Open Day and hope that if you are in the Barossa Area you will visit us.

At the RSL Tanunda Sub-Branch we're excited because this is the first event of this nature in the history of our sub-branch (club).

Not only that, the Tanunda Clubhouse is donating a number of chicken meals that will complement that of our club to provide a great lunch for visitors for a very reasonable price. $15 will get you a plate of chicken and a variety of accompanying salad.

The Barossa Valley Historical Vehicle Club is partnering with us and will have numerous of its vehicles at the Tanunda Recreation Park. 

It's going to be a great Sunday! Do come and join us.

Take a look at our memorabilia - see if there are any photographs or mentions of your ancestors - talk with members and ask us questions about the RSL. We look forward to seeing you.

Children are welcome under supervision.

Two Premier Organisations work Together

Legacy and the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) work together for the benefit of serving  and deceased Australian Defence Force (ADF) Personnel and their families.

We recently renewed our Memorandum of Understanding on how we would best do that.

Legacy Australia is a brand dedicated to giving back to the families of veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Since 1923, Legacy has been fulfilling their promise to support and assist the partners and children of veterans who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in the line of duty. With a focus on providing stability, guidance, and financial assistance, Legacy ensures that no dependent of a veteran suffers social or financial disadvantage.

Their work has a significant impact, supporting over 40,000 partners and children of veterans and helping to address the effects of post-traumatic stress and other psychological injuries. Legacy's commitment is evidenced by the millions of dollars spent on support services and the tireless efforts of over 3,400 dedicated Legatees. Through their long and rich history, Legacy has expanded to operate in local communities across Australia and even in London.

By donating, fundraising, volunteering, or becoming a Legatee, you can contribute to Legacy's mission of empowering the families of veterans to fully realize their potential. 

As a part of his role as a Legacy Legatee for the Barossa Valley Region your author Robin will be delivering dozens of Christmas Puddings to widows within the Kapunda, Nuriootpa and Tanunda townships within the next few weeks. Other Legatees will also be delivering these popular puddings.

The packages contain four tasty puddings and feedback suggests our beneficiaries look forward to this annual gift from Legacy.

During the year, numerous social coffee days and dinners are organised for our members either near their townships or at Adelaide.

If you are the widow or widower of an ADF member, you are entitled to apply for membership where you can receive advocacy, financial, legal and other support free of charge.

While Legacy Australia focuses on the families of veterans and serving ADF personnel, the RSL focuses on veterans and our communities with some, but limited assistance to families.

Our two roles are complemented by organisations such as the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans SA, and an increasing number of non-government authority (NGA) organisations.

You can read about the RSL in general and our sub-branch using the tabs on this site and the links therein. Our Relevant Links tab lists many of the NGA organisations, many of which are funded by government departments.

Conclusion

I hope this has been informative for you and that you develop an interest in either joining or supporting either of these organisations. Any questions about either may be directed to our sub-branch by mail or email.

Join us for Remembrance Day 2025

Are you sitting at home bored and looking for some social interaction? You could become a volunteer or member of our RSL Sub-Branch. Click on the Membership link above for membership details. 

If you'd like to download a copy of this poster to display at your church, school or workplace, please do so. Alternatively email us for a PNG or WEBP file copy.

Remember Remembrance Day!

 

Another Sausage Sizzle Success

Join us! Enquire about membership and what we do by clicking the tabs on this site. 

We run three sausage sizzles annually and invariably benefit from excellent community support.

Here are several photos of our Mitre 10 Sausage Sizzle on 25 October 25. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were predicted, but fortunately, they arrived half an hour after we had packed up.

In the photo at right from left to right are Andrew, Craig, Judi, and Dawn. Member volunteers usually have a fun time running our Sausage Sizzles and Foodland Memorabilia Days preceding ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. (We'll be at Foodland Tanunda on 4th and 5th November just before Remembrance Day) 

Click to increase the size of the photo in your browser

Our appreciation to Mitre 10 for allowing us to use their premises and providing sausages.

$108 Million Dollars for Redback Remote Weapons System Contract

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Photo by Andrew Green

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) has been awarded a contract to supply remote weapon systems (RWS) for the Australian Defence Force’s LAND 400 Phase 3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) program.

The multi-year contract, valued at $108 million, was awarded by Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA), the prime contractor to the ADF on LAND 400-3.

This order includes delivery of RWS, spare parts, training, and documentation.

Under the agreement, EOS will deliver an enhanced R400 RWS, purpose-built to meet the Australian Army’s operational requirements and fully integrated with the AS21 Redback IFV.

Manufacturing of the RWS will be undertaken at EOS’ facility in Canberra, drawing on a well-established national supply chain of more than 100 Australian companies.

EOS’ RWS are world leading, proven in operational service with militaries in Australia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

EOS has delivered more than 2500 systems globally, of which more than 700 have been delivered or are contracted for delivery to the Australian Army.

EOS CEO Andreas Schwer said this contract was a win for Australian industry, and EOS was delighted to be working with Hanwha Defence Australia on this critical project for Army.

“The work will be carried out here in Australia, supporting skilled jobs, strengthening our sovereign defence manufacturing base, and showcasing the capabilities of local suppliers on a national program of strategic importance,” Dr Schwer said.

Project LAND 400 Phase 3 will see 129 IFVs delivered to the Australian Army.

Article acknowledgement: Brian Hartigan, Contact Publishing.

Our Outstanding Pollie Pedal 25 Lunch

Our next Mitre 10 Sausage Sizzle is on 25 October 25 - Put it in your diary. 

After a great deal of organising, our Pollie Pedal Lunch went off without a hitch and seemed to be enjoyed by all those who attended.

Volunteers John and Colin at work

We'd been asked by the Barossa Council several weeks earlier if we would hold a lunch and breakfast for Pollie Pedal 25 about which few of us had ever heard (much to our embarrassment).

Each year, Wandering Warriors hosts significant events dedicated to raising funds and fostering unity among veterans. These gatherings are crucial for veterans and their families.

We agreed, as included in our aims is to give back to our community, a community that is habitually and invariably generous in supporting our ongoing fundraising efforts. 

We thought our association with Pollie Pedal riders and supporters would be interesting and fun, and it was.

Even our BBQ volunteers had smiles on their faces as they rolled corn cobs and sausages and flipped lovely scotch fillet steaks from Barossa Smokehouse Butchers at Angaston.

We'd gotten off to a shaky start after several rostered volunteers reported ill with influenza and we had to quickly arrange for some others to assist. Ultimately, we were able to pull in a couple of replacements and eventually we had more people than we needed. 

As the riders and their teams rolled in, we caught a glimpse of a few familiar faces: Ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbot (Patron), current Federal MPs Angus Taylor, who is Shadow Minister for Defence and Chair of Pollie Ride, and Andrew Wallace, Member for Fisher in Queensland, who weren't there in their official capacities, simply doing their bit for the Wandering Warriors and charity. Mr Quenton Masson, DSM Executive Director and CEO of Wandering Warriors was also in attendance and later, he and Angus Taylor addressed the crowd (see below).

The following photographs provide an overview of what our Hut looked like on the day:

Photos from left to right: Angus Taylor addressing the crowd, a table of riders, and Quenton Masson Addressing the crowd. (click on photos to increase size).

Both the riders, who came from a variety of places and occupations, and our sub-branch volunteers had ample opportunity to socialise. The Hut was abuzz with chatting as we exchanged details of our various military service, the immigrant history of our region, the vineyards, previous rides, and the experience of riding up Mengler Hill. Several riders had done it before.

Saturday was their easiest ride they said, and tomorrow after their breakfast and a 7 am start, they would ride closer to Adelaide to end their 831km ride. The whole group would then disperse as participants returned to their home states, towns, families and jobs. 

In another 12 months, it will all happen again at a different time and place and perhaps a combination of new and old faces will be involved.

We are most appreciative of being able to host the Pollie Riders at our humble Hut and will remember it as one of the key events of the year. 

Pollie Pedal 2025

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Our sub-branch is pleased to advise that we will be providing a lunch and breakfast for around 35 people riding in the Pollie Pedal 2025.

The event unites Members of Parliament, veterans, community leaders, and everyday Australians to ride with purpose, raising funds and awareness for those who’ve served our nation.

This year it runs from 21–27 September and does 831km from Adelaide through Regional SA including our beloved Barossa Valley.

Funds raised will be provided to the Special Services branches of our Army.

Our sub-branch was invited to provide a lunch for riders on Saturday 27 September and breakfast early on 28 September as a conjoint activity. 

As our role includes giving back to our community that is so generous to us, we jumped at the chance. Despite the early start for breakfast - the riders need to depart at 7 am - numerous members volunteered to help with a BBQ.

We're looking forward to meeting the riders while they are in Tanunda and the Barossa Valley.

Read more here.

Issue 18 of The Bugle has Landed

The Bugle is the official newsletter of the RSL Tanunda Sub-Branch Inc and is issued quarterly. This edition and previous editions may be downloaded from our Newsletters tab.

In this Issue

1. Remembering Our Heroes - Pte Sidney Gaskell WW1
2. DVA Claims Processing Snapshot - August 2025
3. Riverfire 2025
4. A Funny Thing Happened on 31 August 25
5. Our Military Prepared with Project Land 156
6. The White Mouse who Defeated the NAZIS
7. Did You Know?
8. New Sub-Branch Wear

Get Your Corporate Sub-Branch Wear

We will be holding an Open Day at Tanunda Recreation Park on 23 November 25 in conjunction with the Barossa Historical Vehicle Club Inc - Add it to your diary! To help promote our local brand, we're investing in a range of sub-branch (corporate) clothing to wear during Foodland Memorabilia Sales and Mitre 10 Sausage Sizzle Days (or any other time). 

David B will be asking for orders for various products in the near future so we can make a bulk purchase which is more practical for our provider. You'll hear more from David soon.

Click to enlarge.

In the meantime, you could visit Bandicoot on their internet site and review the wide range of suitable clothing available.

Fathers' Day Raffle Outcome

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Our Fathers' Day Raffle went off with a bang last night. Members waited expectedly to hear their name drawn from the ticket basket. Three members won prizes and other community members who supported us won most of the prizes.

Unfortunately, your editor (Robin) who had his fingers crossed and eyes on this lovely boxed wine from Langmeil didn't win anything.  Such is life. Knowing that my $20 tickets purchase helped make someone else happy is prize enough. I'll just  need to drive down to Langmeil now and buy a bottle.

Legacy Week is Coming and Families Need Your Support

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

RSL Tanunda is posting this on behalf of Legacy:

At the end of August until the 5 September our Legatees and volunteers will be out on the streets for Legacy Week. They’ll be posted at tables full of bears and little badges at various locations across South Australia and Broken Hill, sometimes kept company by a serving ADF member, a Cadet or a corporate volunteer. All these people give their time.

Do you know the big impact that those little badges make?

Legacy Week is more than a fundraiser, it's also a reminder that behind every veteran who's given their health or passed away, there's a family trying to navigate a new reality. Increasingly, these are young families one of whose parents have died as a result of their service.

When a veteran becomes unable to contribute to, or participate in family life due to injury or illness, the whole family feels the impact. Everything from medical appointments, paperwork battles, financial uncertainty, and often the heartbreak of watching someone you love struggle with their health. It's tough, and families shouldn't have to face it alone.

That's where The Legacy Club of South Australia and Broken Hill can assist. We don't just offer hope – we offer real world support. We made a promise that no child would be disadvantaged by their parent’s service, so we help with school fees and laptops; swimming and driving lessons; and sporting team registrations – and when families need it, utility bills, respite, emergency accommodation and access to legal and financial advice. All assistance needs are met on their own merit because there is no ‘one size fits all’ family.

Isn’t this the kind of support that you would want for your family?

We’re also proud to be part of many success stories as well. You may not know it, but former Deputy Premier of South Australia the Hon. Graham Ingerson AUA  MPS  JP FAICD was a “Legacy Kid” whose university schooling was supported by Legacy. There’s another thing we do. Our Youth Ambassador Scheme encourages and supports our young people, or future generations, to fulfil their potential in all endeavors.

The support we can give comes from people like you who understand that veterans’ families deserve our respect and help.

When you stop and chat with our Legatees and volunteers during Legacy Week, or if you donate online now, know that you're not just giving money – you're giving families the chance to thrive, not just survive.

Women's Health Week 2025

14% of serving ADF or Veterans in the 2021 Census were women. By 2035 it is estimated to be 35% Adding to the numbers above, are the partners and families who make up the wider Defence community, which highlights the need to discuss and promote women's health and wellbeing topics and initiatives.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is particularly keen to encourage women within the Defence community to engage with Women's Health Week 2025.

It runs from 1 - 5 September and the week includes free events that will cover topics such as health checks, pain, hormones and food.

Obviously any woman (Defence, veteran or otherwise) will benefit from this initiative being run by Jean Hailes and is funded partially by the Australian Government.

To receive your five days of health tips, recipes, resources or to attend one of the many events being held in September, head to Women's Health Week to sign up. Public events including in-person and online will be listed on Jean's website in the lead up to 1 September. Visit now by clicking on the link above and check out what is being offered.

If you sign up and get involved, please comment below and tell me (Ro6in) what you thought of the program and if there were any benefits for you. I'd love to hear.

Preparing for Fathers Day - 7 September 25

Hurry! Buy your tickets for our Fathers' Day Raffle. 

For the last few years we have been running Fathers' Day raffles as part of our fundraising program. This year we're running behind schedule, but we believe we'll make it on time thanks to our member volunteers, Kym M and Jan T who unfortunately had to hand over due to an accident.

The business owners and people of Barossa are extremely generous and we've received a rich harvest of stock items, vouchers etc, to support our annual effort. A few photos and a description of what we have raised appear below. If you are a recipient of the Weekly Digest, you will have seen most of this list.

It could be YOU waving!

We have had had donated a:

1. helicopter voucher (First prize)
2. top of the range Langmeil The Fifth Wave Grenache 2017 in a beautiful box
3. carton of three bottles of Charles Melton wines
4. Custom Hawaii shirt and a bucket hat (Barossa Rams Rugby Club)
5. vouchers from The Clubhouse (2 x $50)
6. Lyndavale Valley Butchers voucher for $50
7. vouchers from The Ministry of Wine (3 x $30)
8. Something to collect from Mitre 10 before Friday
9. half day Barossa wine tour including morning tea at the historic Annlaby Station
10. Lavendar Farm gift pack with a value over $100
11. Gibson wine pack
12. Tanunda Pines Golf Club one 18 hole voucher
13. voucher from Barossa Bowland for 4 people for 1 Game Bowling plus one Dinosaur Mini Golf Entry plus one Dino Maze and Walk  

Our organising sub-committee has already decided that the helicopter flight will be first prize. Shortly we will decide which items will be aggregated to make up several other prizes. When you buy a ticket, you'll know that whatever prize you get, it will be of good value. So buy up big, tickets are a tiny $2 per ticket.

Tickets are on sale at the sub-branch Hut when open and will be available at the Nuriootpa Kiosk outside Barossa Fresh on Wednesday, 27 August 25.

The draw will take place on Friday, 5 September immediately before Fathers' Day.

Our Management Committee and Members are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and are greatly appreciative.

Vietnam Veterans' Day 2025

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors including supervised children are welcome. 

Every year on 18 August we commemorate Vietnam Veterans' Day. It falls on the day of one of our most significant battles, the Battle of Long Tan. On that day, 18 brave men sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and democracy. Many more were injured and had their lives changed forever.

"Our Vietnam" an Exciting New Publication in time for Vietnam Veterans' Day

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome.

Click to view larger image

The author Guy Hall wrote to our sub-branch about this new publication that is timely for Vietnam Veterans' Day:

"I am a serving member of the ADF and the son of a Vietnam veteran. In 1999, as the child of a veteran of that long and difficult war, I published a short memoir of my experiences, titled Our Vietnam. 

I have now independently re-published that small (70-page) book as part of my One Night Read collection. This time, I am proud to say that I am doing so in collaboration with my own adult children. The official launch of the book will be conducted at the Norfolk Island RSL sub-branch on the 20th August 2025, the week of Vietnam Veterans Day. 

Through my words and my daughter’s moving illustrations, I hope to give a new generation of readers an insight into the impact the Vietnam War had on families and the veterans who returned home.

In doing so, I also hope to inspire a wider audience to reflect upon the consequences of war, any war. 

With Vietnam Veterans Day approaching, I hope that my little book might be of interest to your members and their families. I have attached a flyer about the book, including links to our Tiny Fish Publishing website, where your members can select their retailer of choice for purchasing the book online. (https://tinyfishpublishing.com/)"