ASSOCIATION STRUCTURE
Patron Brigadier Chris Appleton CSC Retd
Immediate Past Patron Col Paul Greenhalgh Retd
National President/Secretary Ross Langford
NSW President Matthew Travis
NSW Vice President Bob Harris
NSW Secretary Shaun Ryan
NSW Treasurer Barry Denton
Victorian President Mark Mann
QLD President Ross Langford
QLD Secretary/Editor Bill Rasmussen
Q Store Merchandise Contact Ross Langford
THERE STILL IS ONE, 5/7 RAR Association
HISTORY
THERE STILL IS ONE, this section is to inform soldiers of 5/7 RAR
that they have an association that recognises the 33 years of service
5/7 RAR has given to its country, we have branches in Sydney and Brisbane
and Melbourne who march for the 5/7 RAR association on ANZAC day,
we also have members in every state a territory in Australia, our
membership is growing and we look forward to a large association in
the future.
The national association was formed in NSW in 2003; it currently has approximately
170 members and growing steadily. There is a progressive committee that is looking
continuously to enhance the experience and rewards of being a member of the
association. The Queensland branch was formed in 2006. Current membership is
20, and rapidly growing due to huge efforts of the newly elected committee.
The Victorian branch was formed in 2008.
The National association and subsequent state bodies view themselves as the
custodians of the 33 years of history of the Battalion. With the unit de-linking,
it provides a unique opportunity to honour the people who have died whilst serving
within our unit on operations and training. Being the only Mechanised Infantry
battalion, much of the operational doctrine utilising mounted vehicles that
we see in use today, can clearly be identified as emerging from the battalion
and its soldiers, in its early years of learning the skill of mechanised combat,
through the years the lessons learnt were passed on and we see the results of
this in the skill of the 5/7 RAR soldier of today. This level of commitment,
focus and determination, is worthy of much praise and is no doubt saving lives
and preventing injuries in all areas of operations.
Aims of the Associations:
- To preserve and continue the memory of those who gave their lives
within the Battalion. And the Battalions of 5 RAR and 7 RAR
- To encourage and keep the close bonds of comradeship and esprit
de corps to past and current members.
- To provide welfare to the sick and needy of members past and present
and their families both in welfare direction and financial support
if necessary
- To assist the 5 RAR and 7 RAR Associations with support to keep
both associations active until they can support themselves in the
future
- To provide pictorial and journalistic historical memorabilia of
the Battalion.
- To keep the memory and spirit of ANZAC Day.
- To provide a work party twice a year to the National Memorial
Walk to help with the up keep of the Walk
- To provide financial assistance to NMW
- Assist the RAR Qld Branch with any assistance in keeping the RAR
continuing with its endeavors and its aims.
Ross Langford is the National President and Secretary for 5/7 RAR National
and is the President of the 5/7 RAR Queensland Association. Ross offers a pivot
point for liaison with all members both national and in the new association
in Qld. Ross is currently trained in the DVA TIPS system and is the TIP Representative
for the RAR Association QLD. Ross also volunteers every Monday at the NMW.
The battalion being a member of the The Royal Australian Regiment, it is an
obvious aim that the 5/7 RAR Association desires a close affiliation with the
RAR Association. This is even more significant as the RAR Association Qld Branch
(Inc) is now recognised as a member of the RSL’s Kindred Organisation
Committee. Visit the RAR website at www.rar.org.au.
Membership is open to anyone who has served with 5/7 RAR regardless of their
Corps. If you wish to join, contact Ross Langford at the email address
below.
Ross Langford, National President and Secretary 5/7 RAR Association
President 5/7 RAR Association QLD
15 Caulfield Street. Bracken Ridge QLD 4017
Ph: (07) 3261-7830 Email:
