Engadine RSL Sub Branch

30/08/2026

29/08/2026

Today we remember Private Nathanael Galagher (23) and Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald (30), who were killed during operations in Afghanistan on 30 August 2012.
Nathanael and Scott were serving with the Special Operations Task Group when the helicopter in which they were travelling crashed in Helmand Province.

Private Nathanael Galagher, born in Wee Waa, New South Wales, enlisted in the Australian Army in 2007 and initially served with 1 RAR before joining the 2nd Commando Regiment in 2011. On his second deployment to Afghanistan, Nathanael was remembered for his determination, professionalism and “can-do” attitude. His mates described a soldier who gave everything to whatever task was placed before him. Nathanael left behind his partner Jessie, his parents Wayne and Sally, and his sister Elanor.

Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald, from Carnarvon, Western Australia, enlisted in 1999 and also served with 1 RAR before joining 4 RAR (Commando), now the 2nd Commando Regiment. An exceptionally experienced operational soldier, Scott had deployed three times to East Timor and was on his sixth deployment to Afghanistan.
Scott was remembered for his quick wit, humility and positive nature. A highly professional soldier and dedicated mate, he was known for giving credit to his team rather than seeking it for himself. Scott left behind his fiancée Rachael, his mother Myrna, stepfather Bernie, and brothers Percy, Roger and Gary.

Their deaths came just one day after Australia lost Sapper James Martin, Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic and Private Robert Poate at Patrol Base Wahab — five Australian soldiers lost within approximately 24 hours.

Our thoughts are with their families, mates and all those who served alongside them.

Every name has a story. By sharing them, we honour not only their sacrifice, but the lives they lived and the legacy they left behind.
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

28/08/2026

Today we remember Sapper James Martin (21), Lance Corporal Stjepan “Milo” Milosevic (40) and Private Robert Poate (23), who were killed during operations in Afghanistan on 29 August 2012.

The three Australians were serving with the 3 RAR Task Group at Patrol Base Wahab in the Baluchi Valley when they were killed in a green-on-blue attack by a member of the Afghan National Army.

Sapper James Martin served with the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment. An intelligent and quick learner, James adapted readily to Army life and was remembered for his loyalty, friendship and dedication to his mates. He left behind his mother Suzanne and siblings Angus and Holly.

Lance Corporal Stjepan “Milo” Milosevic served with the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment and was an ASLAV crew commander. A natural leader, Milo was respected for his professionalism, leadership and friendship. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father of two.

Private Robert Poate served with 6 RAR and was trained as a Protected Mobility Vehicle driver. A proud Canberran with clear leadership potential, Robert was remembered by his mates as both a larrikin and a consummate professional. He left behind his parents Hugh and Janny and sister Nicola.

Three soldiers from different units and different backgrounds, serving together in Afghanistan. Their deaths had a profound impact on their families, their mates and the Australian soldiers who served alongside them.

Every name has a story. By sharing them, we honour not only their sacrifice, but the lives they lived and the legacy they left behind.

We will remember them.
Lest we forget.

26/08/2026

Veteran Forum with the Hon. Simon Kennedy MP – “Scrap the Cap”

As you are aware, the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch as well as the Engadine RSL Sub Branch, with the steadfast support of the Hon. Simon Kennedy MP, has been leading the charge in pressuring the government to “Scrap the Cap.”

The proposed $5,000 annual threshold on allied health expenditure for Veteran Card holders poses a significant threat to the wellbeing of our community, potentially limiting access to essential rehabilitation and health services.

To ensure your voices are heard at the highest levels, we are hosting a forum to discuss these concerns directly with Simon Kennedy. We want you there to share your perspective and stand with us in this vital campaign.

Light refreshments will be available during the evening.

This is a critical moment for our veteran community to get behind this campaign and ensure that our health and welfare are not compromised. We look forward to seeing a strong turnout to support this cause.

We hope you can join us.

Click the link to register: https://www.simonkennedymp.com.au/veteransforum

25/08/2026

Building stronger veteran support across our communities.

Today, members from Cronulla RSL Sub Branch, Heathcote, Miranda, Penshurst and Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-Branches joined members of Engadine for RSL NSW Wellbeing Support Officer training.

The training was conducted by our President alongside Leanne from RSL NSW, helping equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills to provide practical wellbeing support to veterans and their families.

It was great to bring together volunteers from across the region with a shared purpose — looking after veterans, their families and each other.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time to attend, and to Leanne and RSL NSW for supporting the training.

24/08/2026

Veterans know that service doesn’t necessarily end when you take off the uniform.

Engadine Rural Fire Brigade is currently recruiting new members, including people who are available during the working week.

There are opportunities to train as a firefighter, as well as other roles supporting the brigade and our local community. No previous firefighting experience is required; training is provided.

There is already a strong connection between our veteran community and the RFS. Our sub-Branch President is also Engadine Rural Fire Brigade’s Membership Coordinator & a firefighter trainer; and a number of veterans continue to serve their community through the NSW RFS.

The skills developed through military service, teamwork, leadership, discipline, adaptability and looking after your mates; transfer naturally into emergency service volunteering.

If you’re a veteran looking for another way to contribute, learn new skills and be part of a team, consider continuing your service with the RFS.

Contact Engadine Rural Fire Brigade directly to register your interest. 🚒 or reach out to Brad.

Service takes many forms.



RSL NSW NSW Rural Fire Service RSL Australia

23/08/2026

Today we remember Lance Corporal Jared “Crash” MacKinney, who was killed in action during the Battle of Derapet in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, on this day in 2010.

Crash was 28 years old and serving with the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR).

Born in Canberra in 1982, Crash joined the Australian Army in 2002. After completing recruit and infantry training, he was posted to 6 RAR in 2003.

Crash was an experienced infantry soldier who had previously deployed to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. This was his third deployment to the Middle East.
He was remembered by those who served alongside him as a dedicated and professional soldier, a natural leader and a much-loved mate. His loss was deeply felt throughout 6 RAR and by those who fought alongside him at Derapet.

Crash left behind his wife Beckie and their daughter Annabell. At the time of his death, Beckie was expecting their second child, Noah, who would never have the opportunity to meet his father.

Our thoughts are with Crash’s family, friends, mates and all those who served alongside him.

Every name has a story. By sharing them, we honour not only their sacrifice, but the lives they lived and the legacy they left behind.

We will remember him.
We will remember them — all of them.

Lest we forget.

22/08/2026

Today we remember Private Matthew Lambert (26), who was killed in action during operations in Afghanistan on this day in 2011.

Matthew was serving with Mentoring Task Force Three (MTF-3) and was from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR).

Born in Kogarah, New South Wales, in 1985, Matthew enlisted in the Army Reserve with the 9th Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment in August 2005. In February 2007, he transferred to the Australian Regular Army and was posted to 2 RAR in Townsville.

Matthew had previously deployed to East Timor before deploying to Afghanistan. He was remembered as a well-respected and highly capable infantry soldier who excelled at whatever task he was given. He was proud of his service and had looked forward to the opportunity to serve his country in Afghanistan.

Matthew's loss was deeply felt by his family, his mates, and throughout 2 RAR. Our thoughts are with all those who knew and served alongside him.

Every name has a story. By sharing them, we honour not only their sacrifice, but the lives they lived and the legacy they left behind.

We will remember him.
We will remember them — all of them.

Lest we forget.

20/08/2026

Today we remember Private Tomas James Dale (21) and Private Grant Kirby (35), who were killed in action during operations in Afghanistan on this day in 2010.
Both soldiers were serving with the 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) when they were tragically killed by an improvised explosive device.

Tomas was born in Lancashire, United Kingdom, in 1989 and migrated to Australia with his family in 2003, settling in Adelaide, South Australia. He joined the Australian Army in 2007 and, after completing recruit and infantry training, was posted to the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR).

Tomas was just 21 years old. Afghanistan was his first operational deployment.
Grant was born in Nambour, Queensland, in 1975. He joined the Australian Army in 2006 and, following recruit and infantry training, was also posted to 6 RAR. He subsequently deployed to East Timor and Iraq before deploying to Afghanistan with MTF-1.

Grant left behind his two daughters, Isabella, then aged 10, and Madeleine, then aged eight.

The loss of Tomas and Grant was deeply felt throughout 6 RAR and by the soldiers of MTF-1 who served alongside them. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and mates today.

Every name has a story. By sharing them, we honour not only their sacrifice, but the lives they lived and the legacy they left behind.

We will remember them — all of them.
Lest we forget.

19/08/2026

Following yesterday’s Vietnam Veterans Day service, two local RSL Presidents were presented with Quilts of Valour — Engadine RSL Sub-Branch President Brad Copelin and Cronulla RSL Sub Branch President Cory Rinaldi.

Quilts of Valour are handmade and presented to Australian veterans as an expression of gratitude for their service, sacrifice and valour.

Both were humbled by the recognition, particularly on a day dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.

We congratulate Brad and Cory and thank Quilts of Valour Australia and its volunteers for the extraordinary care, time and meaning stitched into every quilt.

Two veterans, two sub-Branches, and a shared commitment to continuing to serve the veteran community.