Engadine RSL Sub Branch

31/10/2026

Halloween always reminds me to remember a great moment of our history that happened 109 years ago today.
https://www.iancoate.com/

28/10/2026

Today we remember Corporal Ashley Birt, Captain Bryce Duffy, and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, who were killed during operations in Afghanistan on this day in 2011.
The three Australians were killed in an attack when a member of the Afghan National Army opened fire at Shah Wali Kot. An Afghan interpreter was also killed and seven Australian soldiers were wounded. Despite their own injuries, Australian soldiers returned fire and killed the attacker.

Ashley enlisted in 2007 as a Geospatial Technician and served with the 1st Topo Survey Sqn. Known for his natural leadership, hard work and easygoing humour, he was the kind of mate who was always smiling. A larrikin, sportsman and highly skilled sapper. Ashley left behind his parents and brother.

Bryce joined the ADFA in 2003 and graduated from the Royal Military College in 2006. He served with the 1st and 4th Field Regts, Royal Australian Artillery. Bryce was respected for his strength of character, professionalism and quiet determination. His dedication to his soldiers was evident when he volunteered for this, his second deployment, after a fellow officer was WIA. Bryce left behind his partner, parents and family.

Luke enlisted in 2004 as an infantryman and served with the 2RAR. A highly capable soldier, Luke completed specialist training as a combat first aider and Pashtu linguist. He was known for his loyalty, positivity and the respect he earned from those around him. Above all, Luke was a devoted husband and father. He left behind his wife and three children.

We also remember the Afghan interpreter who stood beside Australian soldiers and lost his life with them that day.

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.

28/10/2026

To mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan (2001-2021), DVA has released a commemorative coin. The coin recognises those who served and acknowledges the lasting impact of service on veterans and families of veterans.

The non-monetary commemorative coin is intended as a keepsake, similar to a Defence challenge coin.

Attendees at the national commemorative service, held on 11 October 2026, received a commemorative coin. You can now register to receive a free commemorative coin by post or collect one in person from 10 November from one of the locations listed on DVA’s website.

For more details, visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition-and-commemoration/commemoration-services/commemorative-services-in-australia/25th-anniversary-of-australian-service-in-the-afghanistan-war/commemorative-coin-marks-25-years-since-australian-service-in-afghanistan-began

26/10/2026

Commemoration shouldn’t simply be something the next generation watches. It should be something they’re invited to participate in.

For more than a decade, we’ve encouraged young people to take an active role in remembrance, helping them understand not just what we remember, but why.

It was a privilege to have the cadets of 213 ACU join us on Friday evening, each laying a poppy in honour of a fallen Australian.

Thank you to the cadets, their families and their staff for helping carry remembrance forward.

Lest We Forget.

26/10/2026

Draw to Remember | Engadine Public School

Today, we returned to Engadine Public School to see the wonderful artwork created by Year 3 students as part of the RSL NSW Draw to Remember program.

This is the first year Engadine RSL sub-Branch has participated in the program, which encourages young Australians to learn about Remembrance Day and express what remembrance means to them through art.

What impressed us most wasn’t just the artwork, but the students’ ability to explain the meaning behind their designs. Their understanding of service, sacrifice and remembrance was remarkable for their age.

Even their teachers commented on the depth of knowledge the students had developed and the research they had undertaken.

It was a pleasure to share the experience with sub-Branch member Paul Trudgon, who also works at the school.

Multi-generational remembrance is essential. By connecting veterans with young Australians, we help ensure the significance of remembrance is understood and carried forward by future generations.

Thank you to the students and teachers at Engadine Public School for embracing the program and sharing your work with us.

Lest We Forget.

24/10/2026

Today we remember Sergeant Matthew Locke MG, who was killed in action during combat operations in Afghanistan on this day in 2007.

Matthew was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire during an engagement with Taliban insurgents. At the time, Matthew was involved in Operation Spin Ghar, targeting and clearing Taliban insurgents from the area around Tarin Kot in Uruzgan Province.

Matthew was a member of the Special Air Service Regiment and had previously served with the 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. This was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. He had also deployed to Iraq on three occasions and to East Timor.

His courage in combat had already been recognised with the Medal for Gallantry, awarded in December 2006:

“For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as the second-in-command of a Special Air Service Regiment patrol in the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation Slipper, Afghanistan, in 2006.”

The citation went on to recognise Matthew’s courage under enemy fire in extremely hazardous circumstances as being of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Defence Force.

Matthew was an exceptionally experienced soldier, leader and Special Forces operator whose loss was deeply felt by his family, mates and the wider Special Operations community.

Our thoughts are with all those who knew, loved 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.

24/10/2026

23/10/2026

43 Australians.
Never forgotten.
We served.
We came home.
We still watch.
Lest We Forget.

23/10/2026

🎟️ FREE EVENT TONIGHT

FRED SMITH & BAND — UNFORGOTTEN: Songs of Australians at War

Songs. Stories. History. From Gallipoli to Afghanistan.

Join acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Fred Smith and his band for a special evening of music, storytelling and reflection at Club Engadine RSL.

Drawing on the experiences of Australians at war, including Fred’s firsthand experiences in Afghanistan, Unforgotten combines powerful songs, projected photographs, history and a distinctly Australian sense of humour.

A moving and sometimes confronting journey through service, sacrifice, mateship and the human cost of war.

📅 Friday 23 October 2026
🕢 7.30pm
📍 Everest Room, Club Engadine RSL

🎟️ FREE EVENT — TICKETS REQUIRED

Reserve your free tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DPCHG

23/10/2026

Afghanistan, Iraq & Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration Service
TODAY - 23 October 2026 | 5.45pm
Engadine War Memorial

Twenty-five years ago, Australians deployed to Afghanistan.

What followed was two decades of service across Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East Area of Operations.

On 23 October, we come together to remember those who served, those who never came home, and the families who carried the journey alongside them.

Twenty-five years of service.
Twenty-five years of sacrifice.
Twenty-five years of coming home.