The RSL Mackay sub-branch has donated $4,000 to The Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association.
The Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association applied for a grant for $4000 from the RSL to assist with the costs of their annual reunion dinner, coming up in August.
“That’ll go towards our dinner, keep our costs down, pay for our room rent,” said Association President Garry Edwards.
“That’ll help us probably for a couple years, I should imagine, and it should be a really good year with another good turnout this year.”
The Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association was first formed in 1946 immediately following the end of WWII.
While the 42nd Battalion was originally a Central Queensland unit, the amalgamation of units and the drawing of reinforcements from all states in WWII resulted in the formation of branches of the Association in cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Mackay.
Due to the dwindling numbers of veterans in the other states, the Rockhampton and Mackay Branches are the only two which hold formal annual reunions.
“We’re just keeping the memory of the 42nd Infantry Battalion going,” said Garry.
Following the amalgamation of 31 RQR and 42 RQR in January 2008, membership has been extended to members of the new joint battalion.
The only personnel entitled to join the Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association are those who have given service in the 42nd Battalion or those who are currently serving members of 31/42 RQR.
Those interested in learning more about the Association are asked to contact Garry on 0400 242 779.
L-R Shane Edge, Garry Edwards, David Ward, Ken Higgins, Nichole Hood, and Liz Ward
