VIC Branch, National Malaya-Borneo Veterans Association of Australia Inc

26/07/2026

**Vale – Mr. John O'Regan**

It is with deep sadness that the Victoria Branch of the National Malaya Borneo Veterans Association of Australia (NMBVAA) announces the passing of Mr. John O'Regan, one of the founding members of our Association.

John's dedication, friendship, and lifelong commitment to supporting our veteran community have left a lasting legacy. His contributions to the Association will always be remembered with gratitude and respect.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to John's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the many lives he touched and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Funeral Service Details
📅 Date: Friday, 31 July
🕚 Time: 11:00 am
📍 St. Peter Apostle Catholic Church
38 Guinane Avenue, Hoppers Crossing, VIC
📞 (03) 9749 4300

Members and friends who are able to attend are warmly encouraged to join us in paying our final respects to a valued founding member of our Association.

Lest We Forget.

26/07/2026

🕊️ We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved parishioner, John O’Regan.

John was a dedicated and active member of the Knights of the Southern Cross, generously giving his time to the ministry. He and his wife, Loretta, an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary and St Vincent de Paul, have been parishioners since the church’s inception and raised their children at St Peter’s.

🤍 We invite all who knew John to join us in celebrating his life.

Funeral Mass
📅 Friday 31 July
🕚 10:30 am – Rosary
⛪ 11:00 am – Requiem Mass

💐 Our heartfelt condolences go to his beloved wife, Loretta, and the entire O’Regan family.

🕊️ Eternal rest grant unto John, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

26/04/2026

🇦🇺 ANZAC DAY 2026 – MELBOURNE 🇦🇺

Yesterday, we walked in honour.
From Melbourne City to the Shrine of Remembrance, the National Malaya Borneo Veterans Association of Australia – Victoria Branch stood united in solemn remembrance of those who served, sacrificed, and never returned. Their courage is etched into history, and their legacy lives on through all of us.

Led with dignity, strength, and unwavering commitment by Mr Owen Marshall, President of the Victoria Branch, this march stands as a testament to his distinguished leadership from 2012 to 2026. While the National Malaya Borneo Veterans Association of Australia has a long-standing history of participation in ANZAC Day commemorations, it is under Mr Owen Marshall’s stewardship that this tradition has been strengthened, preserved, and carried forward with renewed purpose, ensuring its continuity for generations to come.

Marching alongside were the proud students of Thomas Carr College, carrying the flags and banner with honour. Their presence symbolises the passing of truth from one generation to the next, remembering those who fought in Borneo during World War II (1942–1945), and those who served during the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1962–1966). In the jungles of Borneo, Australian forces stood side by side with local communities, defending freedom, preserving dignity, and shaping the peace we live in today.

We also honour the enduring and deeply rooted connection between Borneo and Australia, represented by Emily Elvera Edward, Cultural Ambassador of Australia for the Dayak International Organization, Goodwill Ambassador of Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia & New Zealand Inc, and President of Sabah Sarawak Borneo Natives Organisation Inc. Since 2014, from Perth, Western Australia, to the ANZAC Day commemorations in Melbourne in 2026, she has remained steadfast in strengthening the bond between Borneo communities and Australian veterans. Through her dedication, the shared history of sacrifice, courage, and unity is not only remembered, but carried forward with purpose, ensuring that this legacy lives on across nations and generations.

Following the ANZAC Day March, the ceremony was marked with heartfelt appreciation:

🎖️ Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the students of Thomas Carr College by Mr Owen Marshall, recognising their dedication to remembrance and service.

🎖️ Certificates were also presented to Mr Owen Marshall and Thomas Carr College by Borneo Representative Emily Elvera Edward, honouring their continued commitment to preserving Borneo history and veteran legacy.

Together we stood as one, united in remembrance, bound by history, and strengthened by respect.

We remember their courage.
We honour their sacrifice.
We carry their legacy forward.

LEST WE FORGET.

Thomas Carr College
Sabah Sarawak Borneo Natives Organisation Inc Australia
Australian High Commission in Malaysia
STF - Sarawak Tourism Federation
Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak

29/01/2026

Vale John Lynch, OAM, KSJ, JP

We honour the life and service of John Lynch, a proud Royal Australian Navy veteran who served during the Far East Strategic Reserve and the Malayan Emergency. John served with distinction in the RAN Fleet Air Arm from 1952–1957 as an Electrical Mechanic (Aviation).

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the Romsey community, John was also a dedicated veteran advocate, former Vice-President of the Australian Malayan Borneo Veterans Association, and a respected leader within the RSL and broader veteran community.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Carline, family, friends, and all who served alongside him.

Lest We Forget.

Owen Marshall
President

29/11/2025

We proudly share a special moment from our 2024 ANZAC Service, captured with the dedicated students of Thomas Carr College and members of the Sabah Sarawak Borneo community.

We were honoured by the presence of the Cultural Ambassador of the Dayak International Organization of Borneo, who joined us in paying respect to our veterans and strengthening the ties between Australia and Borneo.

In the spirit of partnership, we also recently had the opportunity to hold a video meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah Borneo, Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan, discussing future plans for the NMBVAA Victoria Branch team to visit Sabah for a historical journey, including:

* the Sandakan–Ranau Death March remembrance,
* significant wartime heritage sites,
* and a collaborative plan for historical education and restoration.

This initiative seeks to honour and preserve the true history of Sabah and Sarawak Borneo — from the era of British colonisation, to the Japanese occupation, and through the Malay–Indonesian Confrontation — providing a deeper reflection on how these chapters continue to shape our communities today.

Together, we continue to build a foundation of good friendship, mutual respect, and positive workmanship.
And as we serve our communities, our veterans, and our shared history, we stand firm in the justice we seek - justice for truth, justice for recognition, and justice for the stories of Borneo that deserve to be remembered and understood.

Lest We Forget.

27/11/2025

The Listening Post 2025.

29/08/2025

30/08/2024

LIVE Streaming of the Remembrance Service on Friday, 30th August 2024, at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA.

The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association of Australia was established in June 1995 and has branches in all states and territories. They honour the...

28/08/2024

🇦🇺🌺 Join us for the Victorian Branch Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day Commemorative Service as we honor courage, mateship, and pride. 🇦🇺🌺

🗓️ Date: Friday, August 30th, 2024.
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM (Assembly at 11:45 AM) - 1:00 PM.
🏛️ Venue: Post 45 Memorial, Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.

🌦🌧In case of bad weather, veterans, musicians, choir, flag bearers, and guests are kindly requested to gather inside The Shrine at the Eastern Entrance. 🌦🌧

🕊Let's come together to remember and pay our respects. 🕊️

🙏🏼LEST WE FORGET.🙏🏼

02/06/2024

ANZAC Day Thursday, 25th April 2024.

Tour around the Shrine of Remembrance after the ANZAC March with the students of Thomas Carr College.