Vale – 2/4932 CPL Matthew David RENNIE OAM – 3 RAR Korea

11 Jun 1933-13 Feb 2025

3rd Battalion RAR Korea 1952-1953

1st Com Div Battle School Japan 53-54

2nd RAR Malay 55-57

11th N. S Training BN Wacol58-61

Life Member of Ipswich RSL Subbranch and Meritorious Award Recipient

Life Member 2RAR Association.

Matt served in Korea with 3 RAR (4 Jul 1952 – 4 Jul 1953) (366 days), Japan with 1st Com Div Battle School (1953-54) in Malaya with 2 RAR (1955-57) and with 11th NS Training Bn Wacol Qld (1958-61).

Matthew, late of Springfield Qld passed away on 13 Feb 2025, age 91.

Matt was a Life Member of the 2 RAR Association and served as

Committee Member (2001-06), Vice President (2006-2010) and President (2009-11).

In the 1993 Australia Day Honours List Matthew was award an OAM for “Service to Veterans and their families”.

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of a living legend, Matthew Rennie OAM. A proud Korea Veteran, Matthew was a highly respected figure within RSL Queensland and a cherished member of both the Ipswich and Toowoomba communities.

Matthew’s unwavering dedication to veterans, his tireless efforts in research and advocacy, and his passion for ensuring those who served were never forgotten have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His wisdom, kindness, and commitment to honouring our veterans will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Matthew passed away last Thu 13 Feb 25, with a private family funeral to be held on 03 Mar 2025.

A memorial service will be held at CSI Club Services Ipswich, 5A Lowry Street, North Ipswich QLD 4305 and will be live streamed by the Ipswich RSL Subbranch. This will commence from 2pm on the 19th of Feb.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many who mourn his loss. Rest in peace, Matthew.

We Will Remember Him

Lest We Forget.

 

Treatment of Bankstown nurses labelled as “double standards” by Senator

Treatment of Bankstown nurses labelled as "double standards" by Senator

ED: My view

The comments and actions of Senator Fatima Payman are deeply concerning and highlight the dangerous reality of Islamist extremism infiltrating Australian politics. By sympathising with jihadist nurses who openly threatened to murder Jewish patients, she has demonstrated a shocking disregard for Australian values of tolerance, equality, and the rule of law. This is not just an issue of “public humiliation” but of outright incitement to violence, which has no place in our society. Attempting to shift blame onto so-called “Islamophobia” while downplaying Islamist threats of murder is not only disgraceful but also proves that even so-called moderates within this ideology will defend the indefensible. This moment exposes the deep fractures in Australian multiculturalism, as radical voices are given platforms to normalise extremism. There can be no place in Australia for those who enable or justify jihadist violence.

VALE: ROGER WICKHAM – 4 RAR

I have been advised by Roger’s family that he passed away after a short illness on Friday the 14th February 2025.

At this time, I have no funeral details, to be advised.  The family have asked if anyone has any photos of his time in the Battalion.  If you would like to them on so they may be used at his funeral, forward to me at [email protected] and I will forward to the family.

LEST WE FORGET

Sincerely

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM

Secretary/Membership Officer

4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’

Telephone:0417 715 979

Email:[email protected]

 

Inside Australia’s UH-60M Black Hawk Fleet: Upgrades, Strategy & Future

Australia’s acquisition of the UH-60M Black Hawk marks a major shift in the nation’s military aviation strategy. After years of operational challenges with the MRH-90 Taipan, the Australian Army is returning to a combat-proven, highly reliable platform. In this video, we take an in-depth look at the history, capabilities, and future of the UH-60M Black Hawk in Australia.

Zelenskyy Has Made It Clear: US-Russia Talks That Exclude Ukraine Are a Non-Starter

Kyiv Independent

While the Kremlin hails the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia as a step towards peace, Kyiv insists any agreements made without its participation are invalid. Understandable. If I were in Zelenskyy’s shoes, whose fate is likely being decided by a foreign nation, I would also be angry.

Zelenskyy is adamant that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its future.

On Monday, the Ukrainian president emphasized that “Ukraine regards any negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine as ones that have no result, and we cannot recognize… any agreements about us without us.”

He criticized the US for excluding Ukraine and its European allies from preliminary talks.

The hastily arranged meetings between Trump and Putin’s officials have set off alarm bells in Kyiv.

The US and Russia are scheduled for talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff, is set to meet the Russian delegation led by Sergei Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov.

The meeting was reportedly just postponed from Thursday to Friday.

The US aims to gauge Russia’s seriousness about ending the war, while Moscow frames the talks as a chance to end its diplomatic isolation.

European leaders believe this is giving Russia a platform, which they firmly oppose.

 

Death Notice – 24932 Matthew David Rennie OAM – 3 RAR Korea

11/06/1933 – 13/02/2025

Matt served in the Korean War with 3 RAR between the 4th of July 1952 and the 4th of July 1953.
RIP Matthew David Rennie OAM (WIA), Aged 91.

His funeral service will be a private family service.

A Memorial service is being organised by Ipswich RSL Sub Branch for the communities of the Veterans and of the Korean backgrounds for tomorrow – on Wed 19th Feb 2025, 2PM.

Message from Debbie Wadell, secretary of Ipswich RSL Sub:
 ‘ … the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch will be holding a Memorial Service for Korea War Veteran Matthew Rennie OAM on Wed 19th Feb 2025. This will be held at Club Services Ipswich, 5a Lowry st, Ipswich, commencing at 2pm.

We believe the funeral is family only, that is why it is important for us to hold a Memorial Service.
Any wreaths or flowers that are laid will be brought back to the Memorial Hall and placed in front of the Korea Memorial.
I welcome …  to attend in his Memory and Wreath Laying is encouraged.
………… say a few words also…….. they are most welcome.
It is a very sad day for the Veteran Community with the loss of Matthew.
We will Remember him
Lest We Forget
Regards
Debbie Wadwell
Secretary’

DroneShield Counter-Drone Defence Technology

DroneShield Release (PHOTO: DroneShield)

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone defence technology, has officially been registered with both the United States and Australian governments under AUKUS, enabling the export of most military and dual-use goods, technologies, and services to the United States and the United Kingdom without the need for an export license.

This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing defence trade and cooperation between AUKUS partners. By eliminating licensing requirements for qualifying products and technologies, the agreement streamlines trade, reduces administrative barriers, and accelerates the delivery of critical capabilities to allied defence forces.

The AUKUS trilateral export agreement, which took effect on September 1, 2024, represents a generational shift in defence industry collaboration. By creating a seamless trade environment between Australia, the US, and the UK, this initiative strengthens industrial partnerships, enhances interoperability, and supports the rapid deployment of cutting-edge defence technologies.

With registration now in place, DroneShield is positioned to leverage the full benefits of this agreement. The removal of export licensing requirements provides a competitive advantage by reducing lead times, simplifying regulatory processes, and expanding opportunities to engage with defence and security partners across the AUKUS nations. This streamlined approach allows for more efficient collaboration on joint projects, research initiatives, and advanced technological developments.

The Australian government has committed $28 million in the 2024-25 budget to support industry engagement and implementation of the new framework. This investment reflects the commitment of AUKUS nations to fostering deeper defence collaboration and ensuring that key capabilities are delivered swiftly and effectively.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Unveils ARBEL: Next-Generation Computerized Small Arms System

Israel Weapon Industries – Release

IWI has introduced ARBEL, an advanced computerized small arms system designed to enhance precision and lethality in modern combat. Building on its 2024 predecessor, the latest version integrates precision-guided suppression fire for light machine guns and rifle-based counter-drone capabilities.

The ARBEL system improves operator accuracy, lethality, and survivability by up to three times, compensating for fatigue and stress. It is particularly effective against fleeting enemy targets, which typically appear for only a few seconds.

For the NEGEV Light Machine Gun, the ARBEL-NEGEV model features an Enhanced Trigger System, adding 900g via grip replacement. This preserves full-auto functionality while introducing an ARBEL-assisted burst mode, improving ammunition conservation during prolonged engagements.

The ARBEL-ARAD variant, achieved through a simple lower receiver replacement, enhances precision and increases hit probability. Maintaining standard weapon controls, it enables operators to engage aerial threats effectively with their standard rifle, requiring minimal additional training.

Supporting engagement distances of up to 450 meters, ARBEL does not require extra equipment for drone interception. Operators can stabilise their weapon using bipods or available support. Compatible with IWI ARAD and any AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56mm, the system maintains full firearm functionality even if the battery is depleted.

With up to 50 hours of continuous operation, ARBEL is optic-agnostic and supports various mission configurations. It meets rigorous military standards, including MIL-STD-810 for harsh environments, ensuring reliability in combat scenarios. Undergoing extensive field testing, ARBEL is proving its effectiveness across diverse operational conditions, reinforcing its role in next-generation infantry warfare.

Vale – A 317083 William (Bill) Travis Colgrave – RAAF

I apologise for this very short notice, but I only saw this notice late last night in a Facebook page entitled “RAAF Deaths and Funeral Notices”.

The notice said that Bill passed away on Wednesday 12th February, and his funeral is to be held at the Warrill Park Crematorium, in Willowbank on Wednesday 19th February (yes – Tomorrow) at 9.00am.  Sadly, I am unable to attend due to other commitments, and it is about 100km from home.

Bill’s tour of Vietnam included both 2SQN and 9SQN.  Bill’s posting to 2SQN was from 14 APR 1971 to 02 JUN 1971, when the squadron left Vietnam and returned to Amberley.  Bill was then posted to 9SQN from 02 JUN 1971 until 09 DEC 1971.   Many of us will remember Bill as a fine Armourer and a good mate.  I served with Bill in 9SQN and we met much later at Amberley when I did an F111C Armourer’s course, and he was the instructor.

We extend our sincere condolences to Bill’s family and wish them well.

Kind Regards,

John Clarkson.