Photo supplied by Nova Systems

Nova Systems has taken a significant step forward in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for landmine detection by integrating it with drones. The advanced image recognition technology enables Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to accurately identify and distinguish between real landmines and other objects such as rocks or debris. This innovation holds the potential to greatly reduce the risks faced by Defence personnel and civilians in mine-affected areas.

Developed by Nova Systems’ engineers, this AI tool is currently undergoing rigorous testing in Latrobe Valley at the company’s deployable UAV Testing Range. This testing is part of the company’s ongoing efforts in capability development and system enhancement.

“The integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into the Australian Defence Force is not just a strategic choice, but an imperative,” said Nova Systems CEO Dean Rosenfield.

As part of its Test and Evaluation (T&E) Centre of Excellence initiative—a collaborative effort with academia, industry, and government—Nova Systems has been investing in both physical and synthetic methods for performing T&E on autonomous and uncrewed systems-of-systems. This initiative aims to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability for these advanced technologies.

8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

Concluding Sukanaivalu VC Infantry Week was a joint ceremony that saw soldiers, NCOs and Officers from the RFMF, ADF, and NZDF come together to commemorate the sacrifices of CPL Sukanaivalu himself as well as the war dead of all three nations

The gallant deeds of CPL Sukanaivalu read as follows:

“On June, 23rd, 1944 at Mawaraka, Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands, CPL Sefanaia Sukanaivalu crawled forward to rescue some men wounded when their platoon was ambushed. After recovering two men this N.C.O. volunteered to go alone through heavy fire to try and rescue another – but on the way back was seriously wounded and fell to the ground unable to move further. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to rescue him; and realising that his men would not withdraw while he was still alive CPL Sukanaivalu raised himself up in front of the Japanese machine gun and was riddled with bullets. This brave Fiji soldier, after rescuing two wounded men with the greatest heroism and being gravely wounded himself, deliberately sacrificed his own life knowing that in no other way could his men be induced to retire from a situation in which they must have been annihilated.”

-London Gazette, 2 Nov 1944.

The joint ceremony was a sombre occasion, and our contingent was honoured to take part in the ceremonial traditions of our Pacific partners.

How low Australia has fallen – our once-great BHP now has a “Vice President for Climate”, the number of Australian students choosing physics at high school is collapsing, and our government opposes nuclear energy while pretending we can build and operate nuclear submarines.

Our Green politicians want: “No Coal, No Gas, No Nuclear” while Our ABC, Our CSIRO and Our Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) are telling us that wind and solar energy plus a bit of standby gas, plus heaps of batteries and new power lines can power our homes, industries AND the mass electrification of our vehicle fleet. This sounds like Australia’s very own great leap backwards?

There are two troublesome Green Energy Unions – the Solar Workers down tools every night and cloudy day, and the Turbine Crews stop work if winds are too weak or too strong. And wind droughts can last for days. The reliable Coal and Gas Crews spend sunny days playing cards, but are expected to keep their turbines revving up and down to keep stable power in the lines.

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Battery Baloney, Hydrogen Hype and Green Fairy Tales – The Saltbush Club

In the strategic geography of the Western Pacific, the “Second Island Chain” is a pivotal area for American and Allied forces to establish staging areas, bases, and generate capabilities to deter or defeat any potential Chinese overt invasion of Taiwan or the seizure of Philippine territory. This Second Island Chain begins with the Republic of Palau at the southwestern end, followed by the Federated States of Micronesia, and includes the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Communist China appears to be employing a Clausewitzian strategy of “Double Envelopment” against this chain of islands, engaging in subversive activities at both ends. At the northern end of the Second Island Chain, Chinese nationals have taken advantage of a visa-free entry process, a tactic highlighted by Pacific Islands expert Cleo Paskal.

Even more concerning is China’s manoeuvring around the southern end of the Second Island Chain. Beginning with Palau, the Chinese regime seems to be actively undermining the internal governance of the country, creating instability. Extending a line almost perpendicular from Palau, China has strategically advanced its influence much like Japan did during the Second World War. This has led to the consolidation and isolation of the Solomon Islands under Chinese influence. In addition, regions that Japan failed to secure during World War II, such as French New Caledonia, are now experiencing violent unrest, further suggesting China’s strategic manoeuvring in the area.

Overall, the Second Island Chain is not only a critical defensive line for the United States and its allies but also a focal point of Chinese strategic efforts to weaken and outmanoeuvre the Western Pacific’s established power structures.

Just under 3 years ago, retired Major Guy Mewburn set up Sailing On – an association to help former and current ADF personnel improve their mental health by teaching them how to fix boats and sail. 

Guy was motivated to fund the not-for-profit because he was shocked by the high veteran suicide rate. Sailing On gets members bonding through teamwork and sailing education. Sailing On was first set up in Western Australia and boasts 64 members with 6 keelboat yachts. 

‘With 25 years in the Regular Army as a Major, I knew only too well the stresses on service people and the terrible suicide rate,’ Guy says. ‘I wanted to do something to help ease those stresses and came up with the idea by combining the two ingredients of teamwork and mateship through sailing. I got together with a bunch of like-minded mates and we formed Sailing On WA Inc. to help improve mental health.’ 

As of 1 July, Sailing On is setting up base in New South Wales at the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association at Darling Point in the heart of Sydney. They have bought the yacht Gun Runner from the Army. She has previously sailed as the Army entrant in 3 Sydney to Hobart races. Gun Runner will now be available to all services and all veterans to sail.

Sailing On is a tri-service organisation for veterans and serving members of any service, with any level of sailing experience. ‘We have a range of members from beginner sailors to the very experienced,’ says Guy. ‘Gun Runner now gives us the opportunity to start up in NSW as well as provide competitive ocean sailing for our more advanced members. Watch this space for a future Sailing On Sydney to Hobart entry. 

‘We sail every Wednesday afternoon and twilight, as well as Saturdays when skippers are available, and qualified people can sail any time of the week. For only $65 a year for membership, where else could you learn boat repairs, get free training, all the safety gear and a yacht to sail any time you want?’

Guy adds that if you don’t want to get your feet wet, there are plenty of skills to learn on dry land, including boat maintenance, fibre-glassing and rigging. 

Look them up at www.sailingonwa.org.au to join or for more information. Or you can email 

This year marks the 82nd anniversary of the Kokoda Track campaign, a pivotal series of battles during World War II that tested the resolve and bravery of Australian soldiers. The campaign, which saw fierce fighting between Australian and Japanese forces, played a crucial role in halting the Japanese advance in the Pacific and remains a significant chapter in Australia’s military history.

The Battle Begins

In 1942, the Japanese forces aimed to capture Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, which would have given them a strategic advantage in the Pacific theatre. Their advance began along the Kokoda Track, a rugged and treacherous path that winds through the dense jungles and steep mountains of the Owen Stanley Range. Australian troops, many of them young and inexperienced, were tasked with defending this critical route.

Appalling Conditions

The conditions on the Kokoda Track were among the most challenging faced by any soldiers during the war. The combination of dense jungle, steep terrain, and torrential rain created a hellish environment. Malaria and other tropical diseases were rampant, and the soldiers had to contend with limited supplies and harsh weather conditions.

Despite these challenges, the Australians displayed remarkable resilience and determination. They engaged in continuous fighting and skirmishes with the Japanese forces, enduring extreme physical and mental hardships. The fighting continued for over four months from July, with the Australians finally reaching the Kumusi River on November 18, 1942.

Sacrifice and Bravery

The cost of the Kokoda campaign was high. More than 600 Australian soldiers lost their lives, and a further 1,680 were wounded. These numbers reflect the intense and brutal nature of the conflict, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. The campaign also highlighted the importance of the bond between the Australian soldiers and the Papua New Guinean locals, who played a vital role in supporting the troops and are fondly remembered as the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.”

Honouring the Heroes

As we commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Kokoda Track, it is essential to honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed. Their courage and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds remain an inspiration to us all. The Kokoda Track campaign is not just a story of military strategy and battlefield tactics; it is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring bonds forged in times of adversity.

Today, the Kokoda Track serves as a living memorial, with many people trekking the path to pay homage to the soldiers who fought there. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations.

In remembering Kokoda, we honour the past and reaffirm our commitment to the values of courage, mateship, and resilience that define the Australian spirit.

AWM Picture: 25-pounder guns of B Troop, 14th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, being pulled through the dense jungle on the Kokoda trail. Members of the regiment are being assisted by the 2/1st Australian Pioneer Battalion. 

Today, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh will introduce legislation to the lower house aimed at consolidating three existing laws into one, simplifying the claims process for veterans and their families.

This overhaul of the complex laws governing military veterans’ compensation is seen as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to rectify the system. The primary recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s interim report was to streamline these rules and implement new legislation by July 2025. The commission found that the convoluted compensation claims process negatively impacted veterans’ mental health.

However, the proposed bill will take effect a year later than recommended, coming into force in July 2026. Mr. Keogh will describe the “mammoth task” of reform as the most significant change in veterans’ entitlements in nearly four decades.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get the system right for veterans and families,” he will say. “A system that for too long has caused much unnecessary anxiety for the veteran community. This legislation is a significant step in ensuring a better future for defence personnel, veterans, and families.”

Under the proposed changes, benefits from current schemes will remain unaffected, while new claims will be processed under the new legislation. The Labor government delayed the implementation to gather feedback from veterans and allow time for learning the new framework and upgrading the system.

According to projections from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the 2024 federal budget, payments for rehabilitation and compensation claims are expected to increase by $6.5 billion over the next five years. To address a significant backlog, which peaked at 45,000 cases in late 2022, more than 500 additional staff were hired. Now, new claims are being processed within two weeks, and some veterans are receiving support within two months of lodging their claims.

The royal commission’s final report is due in early.

Australia’s minimal participation in the crucial US-led maritime exercise, RIMPAC, highlights significant shortcomings in the nation’s military preparedness. Despite the Albanese government’s warnings about rising threats from China, Australia is sending just one ship, one plane, and 320 personnel to this year’s exercise, compared to a much larger contingent at the last RIMPAC in 2022, we sent 1600 personnel, three warships, a Collins-class submarine, two P-8A Poseidon aircraft and an army amphibious combat group, together with mine warfare and clearance diving teams.

This stark reduction reflects broader issues, including inadequate funding, delayed decisions, and recruitment challenges, leaving Australia with insufficient warships, submarines, and personnel. With aging equipment and ambitious plans for new submarines and frigates unlikely to materialize this decade, Australia’s defence capabilities remain critically underprepared.

Former Australian SAS soldier Oliver Jordan Schulz, 43, stands accused of war crimes for allegedly killing an Afghan farmer in 2012. Schulz is charged with shooting Dad Mohammad three times in a wheat field in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province while the 25- or 26-year-old man lay on his back.

During a local court hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre on Tuesday, prosecutors announced plans to file an application for witnesses to be called during the case’s committal stage. These proceedings, held before a local court magistrate, determine if there is sufficient evidence for the case to advance to a higher court trial.

A five-day hearing has been scheduled for April 2025, marking over two years since Schulz’s arrest in March 2023. Schulz’s Perth-based lawyer, Karen Espiner, stated via video link that she has yet to learn the identities of the proposed witnesses, but there could be up to 10.

Barrister Philip Strickland SC, representing commonwealth prosecutors, emphasized the urgency of the committal application, given the lengthy duration of the case in the lower court. “We are very concerned … it’s been in this court for a long time,” he remarked. “Whatever is quickest is what we’ll do.”

Schulz was apprehended in March 2023 following a complaint from the alleged victim’s father to the Australian Defence Force. He was released on bail a week later after a magistrate determined he faced a high risk of Taliban attack if kept in custody. Schulz is the first former or serving Australian Defence Force member to be charged with a war crime-related murder.