2026 Australia Day Awards, Berri/Barmera Council (BBC)

This year, the Riverland Vietnam Veterans Association (RVVA) was awarded the Community Event of the Year Award for the “Brother in Arms Commemmorative Service”, conducted on the 29^th of March, 2025.

RVVA member, David Langdon (who is also an American Vietnam Veteran) co-ordinated the day. David was able to bring together veterans from Australia, America, and more importantly, former members of the South Vietnam Army and their families.

The service was followed by a lunchtime river cruise on the Murray River.

Congratulations to the RVVA for organising an amazing day.

 

 

2025 Vietnam Veterans Day - Berri, SA, 18th August

This year RVVA conducted their annual Vietnam Veterans Day commerative ceremony. 
The Renmark Paringa Mayor, Hon. Peter Hunter addressed the sizeable crowd.

Local Air Force Cadet Unit, 603SQN provided the catafalque party. 
Thankyou to all those who braved the weather and attended the ceremony and lunch afterwards.

2024 Remembrance Day - Cross of Sacrifice

This year Renmark RSL in conjunction with the Renmark Paringa Council, conducted the annual Remembrance Day commerative ceremony. 
The Renmark Paringa Mayor, Hon. Peter Hunter addressed the sizeable crowd.

Local Army Cadet Unit, 410ACU, provided the catafalque party. From all accounts, their drill, dress and bearing was superb.
Thankyou to local renowned photographer Grant Schwartzkopff for allowing us to use his imagery.

 

2024 Veterans Health Week - Keeping connected

This year Renmark RSL in conjunction with the Riverland Vietnam Veterans Assn, conducted a social activity at the Lock 5 Picnic Area. This year's theme was all about staying connected.
The Hon. Nicola Centofanti, who is currently the Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs attended. Nicola had time to mingle socially and talk with local veterans and their families.
Thanks to all those who attended, and a reminder for everyone to put this into their calendars for 2025.

 

Anzac Essays.

Renmark RSL Sub Branch members Tony Guster and Ray Hartigan meet the students of Renmark Primary School Grade 5 and 6 in the Cross of Sacrifice Memorial Garden. The students were on an information gathering process to help them write their ANZAC Essays, “If I was sent to war”.

 

Pacestick presentation by Mr Ray Hartigan, OAM, to the 410 Army Cadet Unit.

Ray Hartigan presented his own RSM pacestick to the CDT Warrant Officer at 410ACU on the night of the 6th December, 2021.
This pacestick was presented to Ray in 1975 upon his promotion to WO1 by his father, who at the time was also a serving WO1 in the Australian Regular Army. 
The 410ACU CDT WO is now the official custodian, and has been charged with its upkeep and correct use.

 

Virtual War Memorial Visit by Megan Spencer

On the 20th of October, our sub branch had a visit from Megan Spencer. Megan is making four podcast episodes for the Virtual War Memorial for their Schools Education Program. Megan addressed the executive committee and briefed them on her task. Megan was given a tour of the honour boards at the entry of the Renmark Institute Hall, and then to the Renmark cemetery to see the cast number of veteran graves.
 A big thanks to Jason and Sue for arranging this.

Megan Spencer (left), with Renmark RSL member, Sue Schubert, pictured in front one of the many pictorial boards in the Institiute