Tasmanian Veterans Association

11/06/2026

Trigger alert for those who responded to the incident at High Range, 30 years ago.

We see you as much as we see those who died that night.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyhsH6spt/

10/06/2026

TVA has deliberately used Wikipedia article in respect of the non emotive recount of the Offensive and aftermath.
We know several of our members were there.

Modern battles deserve recognition and remembrance, not political expediency.

The Shah Wali Kot Offensive was a five-day joint operation during the War in Afghanistan, conducted by Australian special forces and the Afghan National Army with US air support, between 10 and 14 June 2010. The operation took place in the Shah Wali Kot District of Kandahar Province, occurring in preparation for the coalition clearance of the province and resulting in heavy insurgent casualties.

Alpha Company Group from 2nd Commando Regiment made the initial attack on 10 June, and was later reinforced by a troop from the 2nd Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) when it was discovered that the insurgents were preparing a counter-attack.
Fighting was particularly intense on the second day of the operation when Australian and Afghan soldiers were fired upon by insurgents shortly after they disembarked from their helicopters during an assault into Tizak, with the engagement lasting for 13 hours.
After five days of fighting the surviving insurgents withdrew from the area.

Following the operation the ISAF stated that an insurgent force numbering over 100 strong had been defeated.

The commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell claimed that the operation had "dealt a major blow to the insurgent forces and their commanders and made a major and direct contribution to ISAF security operations focused on Kandahar province and its nearby districts" and would also improve security in Oruzgan province.
The Australian troops also captured large numbers of weapons during the operation.

The Australian Department of Defence claimed that the operation resulted in the deaths of "'a significant number of insurgents" but did not provide a figure for the number killed.

One Australian soldier and an Afghan soldier were wounded by gunfire during the operation and several helicopters were damaged.

An Afghan civilian also approached the coalition troops seeking medical assistance for a wound in his hand, but the Australian Department of Defence stated that it was not clear how he had received this injury.
The ISAF stated that no civilians were injured in the operation.
As many as 100 insurgents were believed to have been killed.

On 23 January 2011, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia at Campbell Barracks in Perth, for his actions on 11 June 2010.

Roberts-Smith's patrol commander, identified only as Sergeant P, was awarded the Star of Gallantry for his role in the engagement.

In total 13 individual awards for bravery were made, while the Special Air Service Regiment and 2nd Commando Regiment were awarded the battle honour "Eastern Shah Wali Kot" for their actions.

10/06/2026

Not quite modern (see next post!) but essentially, enduringly and endearingly characteristic of every one I've served with from the Meander municipality - "ratbags" the lot of them, but damn fine soldiers, aviators and sailors!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1NbF4cXP9k/

09/06/2026

borrowed from another veteran page with gratitude.

10% off your Telstra bill

For any DVA Gold Card holders with Telstra services, Telstra has changed its concession policy.

Previously, the concession discount only applied to the lowest-priced plan. Telstra now offers a 10% discount on your bill across all eligible plans.

If you’re a Gold Card holder and haven’t checked your account recently, it may be worth contacting Telstra to ensure the concession has been applied and to see whether you’re receiving the updated discount.

Thought I’d share this in case it helps other veterans save a few dollars.

From Telstra:
Eligible veterans can receive a 10% discount on any Telstra Upfront postpaid mobile plan, as well as discounts on home internet and voice plans.
To qualify, you must hold a valid Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Gold Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Health Care Card.
How the Veteran Discounts WorkMobile Plans: You get a 10% discount on any Upfront postpaid mobile plan (excluding Data-Only and Mobile Access plans).
Voice Plans (Home Phone): Eligible concession holders receive a $10 per month discount on eligible home voice plans.
How to Claim Your DiscountGather your details: Have your DVA card or Pensioner Concession card and your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) ready.

Contact Telstra: You can add your concession details by logging into your account online, using the My Telstra app, or by calling Telstra at 13 22 00.
Verification: Telstra will verify your card electronically with Centrelink, and the discount will be automatically applied to your eligible bills.Visit the Telstra Concession Offers page to view full terms and conditions or to update your account details.

08/06/2026

Be the light!

03/06/2026

It takes a village but, in our case, its an interwoven network of contacts, support services and good will that brings you the gouge (a nod to Retropilot).

This from the incredible crew The Veterans' & Families' Centre and Kookaburra Kids for the your ankle biters 😀

01/06/2026

Thank you to the generous donation of two celestial telescopes, guests can now capture the beauty of our constellations and auroras.

29/05/2026

TVA are investing, improving and upgrading our facilities to make every stay dedicated to veterans, their families and support networks wellbeing.

Many hands (and four paws) made light work of this bespoke storage shed.

Kudos to the dream team of volunteer veterans who made this happen: Snail, Ruth, Peta, Jon, Gemma, Keith (Jon's Dad), Daniel and site supervisor, Badger.

29/05/2026

Shout out to those who have proudly worn the 'blue berets of peace' on today's International Peacekeepers Day.

Your collective service in some of the most horrifying conditions honours the ANZAC tradition and has made a lasting contribution to hundreds of thousands of people.

BZ!

28/05/2026

Shout out and safe sailing to RAAF veteran, honorary Tasmanian and veteran fund-raising machine, Kev Le Poidevin (back row, second from the right) on board Roaring 40 as he sets off on his third solo Trans Tasman yacht race on Saturday.

Kev is a genuine supporter of The Veterans Retreat (possibly because Lake Sorrell is too shallow to sail on) and a dedicated fund-raiser for several crucial veteran, children and medical support organisations.

The Met Man has not rolled out great solo sailing conditions for the race, either and a drifting 'ghost ship' adds further drama.

You can follow Kev for any of his adventures.

Get ready for the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge 2026 with crucial weather updates and forecasts for a successful journey.