215637 John Henry Kalma – 1RAR – KIA 19th December 1968

Fifty-Six years ago tomorrow, I lost a very good mate, and the world lost someone truly special. His family lost a beloved son and brother, and I lost a friend who felt more like a brother to me. John was one of a kind—a bit of a rogue with a mischievous streak that could make anyone laugh. Whenever I think of him, a smile inevitably creeps across my face, often accompanied by a chuckle at the memories we shared.

John had a red Triumph Bonneville that he absolutely adored. That bike was more than just a machine to him; it was a part of who he was. He treasured it so much that he would ride it straight into our hut and keep it at the foot of his bed, despite always getting into trouble for it. That was John—unapologetically himself, with a spirit that couldn’t be tamed.

Together, we created so many unforgettable memories, moments that I carry with me to this day. Whether it was our daring escapades or just the way he could light up a room with his infectious laugh, John made life feel like an adventure. His time here was far too short, but in that time, he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

I often think about whether I’ve lived my life in a way that would make him proud. I hope I’ve honoured his memory by living fully, embracing the little joys, and finding laughter even in life’s challenges—just as he always did. John may be gone, but his spirit lives on in my heart and in the stories I share about him.

Here’s to you, John, my mate. You may be gone, but you’ll never be forgotten. ❤️

 

Bill Charlton wrote this poem about John.

JOHN H KALMA 1RAR

John was only 17 when he enlisted in ’64.

Born in The Hague he arrived here when he was 4.

The 6-foot 4 inch soldier did two tours of Viet Nam.

Nothing ever seemed to faze this young man.

 

His first tour with 1RAR was 1965-66.

On the second tour in ’68 promotion was in the mix.

He was appointed Lance Corporal in the line.

But on 19th December he was killed by a mine.

 

The young NCOs luck had finally run out.

He was headed for a fine career of that there is no doubt.

But tomorrow is not promised and to death we all are prone.

There were only 6 more weeks to go before he headed home.

Bill Charlton c 2019

How Much Worse Will It Get? Is Albanese Worse Than Whitlam?

Australia is teetering on the edge of an economic abyss, and everyday Aussies are feeling the pressure more than ever before. Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor government, the nation’s financial woes have deepened, raising the question: Is this government’s handling of the economy worse than the Whitlam era?

The cost of living crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with young Australians bearing the brunt. Housing affordability has plummeted, leaving many first-time buyers locked out of the market and renters facing skyrocketing lease agreements. Mortgage stress is at a historic high, with countless families struggling to meet repayments amid current interest rates. Meanwhile, small businesses, the backbone of the Australian economy, are collapsing under mounting financial pressures.

Labor’s big-spending policies are setting the stage for a monumental budget blowout. Experts warn that the government’s inability to rein in expenditure is putting Australia’s fiscal stability at risk. With an economic strategy reliant on unprecedented immigration to bolster GDP figures, Labor is papering over the cracks of an economy in decline.

High immigration rates might temporarily inflate economic activity, but they also exacerbate the housing crisis, drive up demand for limited resources, and strain infrastructure. This short-term fix does little to address the underlying issues, instead compounding the struggles of Australians already battling soaring costs.

Australia is enduring the longest per-capita recession in its history, and economists are now warning of a full-blown recession. Under Albanese’s leadership, households are barely managing to keep the lights on, as power prices climb ever higher. Grocery bills have spiralled out of control, making it harder for families to put food on the table. Labor’s policies, far from stabilizing the economy, are amplifying these pressures.

The parallels to the Whitlam era are striking an era infamous for economic mismanagement that plunged Australia into financial turmoil. However, many argue that Albanese’s government has surpassed Whitlam’s in terms of economic mismanagement, with no clear plan to reverse the nation’s fortunes.

The government’s policies are hitting everyday Australians the hardest. From tradies to teachers, retirees to recent graduates, the financial strain is universal. Rising energy costs and increasing taxation leave little disposable income for families, while stagnant wage growth fails to keep up with inflation.

Labor’s policies are failing to address these core issues. Instead, they seem focused on expanding government programs without the revenue to fund them sustainably. With a ballooning national debt and no coherent economic strategy, Australia’s future is at risk.

Australia cannot afford another Labor term. The nation’s economic survival depends on sound fiscal management and policies that prioritize Australians over short-term political gains. The next election will be a crucial turning point. Will Australians choose to continue down this perilous path, or will they demand a government capable of steering the country back to stability?

One thing is clear: Labor’s policies are not saving the economy they are pushing it over the edge. It’s time for a new direction before the damage becomes irreparable.

North Korean Troops Engage in Fatal “Friendly Fire” Incident with Russian Forces in Kursk Oblast

The Krakow Post

North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast killed eight members of a Russian unit in a “friendly fire” incident, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on Dec. 14.

Earlier that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a “significant number” of North Korean troops had joined Russia’s assault operations in the Kursk region.

The alleged incident occurred when North Korean troops opened fire on members of the Chechen Akhmat unit, a pro-Russian group, during combat operations. According to HUR’s statement on its Telegram channel, the attack resulted in the deaths of eight Russian soldiers.

The intelligence agency attributed the incident to a severe language barrier between Russian and North Korean forces, which it described as a persistent challenge on the battlefield.

As of Dec. 14, HUR estimates that approximately 200 servicemembers from both Russian and North Korean units have been killed. President Zelensky previously confirmed that North Korean troops had suffered “noticeable losses” but refrained from providing specific numbers.

In fall 2024, Ukrainian and Western officials warned of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers massed in Kursk Oblast, reportedly to bolster Russia’s offensive efforts in the region.

The Russian military has reportedly implemented special protocols in areas where North Korean personnel are stationed. These measures include inspections of Russian soldiers entering these zones and the confiscation of their phones and electronic devices.

The first direct engagements between North Korean and Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast were reported in early November. While North Korean personnel have not been deployed to other sections of the front line, Zelensky cautioned that this deployment strategy could shift in the future.

 

Ukraine Reports Over 2,000 Cases of Chemical Poisoning Among Servicemen Since Russian Invasion

Kyiv Independent

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been hospitalized due to chemical poisoning, with three fatalities reported, Ukrainian Colonel Artem Vlasiuk revealed during a Dec. 13 press briefing.

According to Vlasiuk, who serves with the Support Forces’ Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Command, Ukrainian forces have documented 4,800 incidents involving chemical weapons since the war began. These include the use of tear gas and chemical agents typically intended for riot control. Speaking in Kyiv, Vlasiuk highlighted how Russian forces disguise their deployment of such weapons under the cover of “intense artillery, rocket, and bomb attacks,” complicating efforts to collect samples and investigate these actions for potential prosecution.

In an October interview with the Kyiv Independent, Vlasiuk discussed the challenges posed by the lack of specialized equipment, which hampers the Ukrainian military’s ability to identify new or mixed types of chemical agents and develop adequate protective measures. Since the start of the invasion, servicemen showing symptoms of chemical poisoning have been treated in both military and civilian facilities for exposure to various known or unidentified substances.

“As for the deceased servicemen, unfortunately, we now have three such fatal cases,” Vlasiuk stated. He also noted that the use of K-51 tear gas grenades by Russian forces has recently decreased due to colder weather, which diminishes their effectiveness.

“These means are prohibited for use,” Vlasiuk emphasized. “Ukraine, as a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and its Armed Forces, which safeguard its independence and sovereignty, fully comply with international law and the requirements of the Convention.”

Vlasiuk’s remarks follow confirmation by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a United Nations watchdog, that riot control agents have been used on the battlefield in Ukraine. On Nov. 18, the OPCW reported that Russian drones deployed gas grenades into Ukrainian dugouts and trenches, forcing soldiers into open areas where they became vulnerable to artillery fire and drone strikes.

These developments underscore the ongoing violations of international law by Russian forces and the significant risks posed to Ukrainian servicemen in their defence of the nation’s sovereignty.

CSIRO patiently and methodically slaps down Peter Dutton’s nuclear nonsense

ED: From my inbox, Thanks Ralph Schwer

CSIRO patiently and methodically slaps down Peter Dutton’s nuclear nonsense

CSIRO patiently and methodically slaps down Peter Dutton’s nuclear nonsense

ED: Also from my inbox, Alan Medcalfe 

MONEY HAS A WAY OF GETTING RESULTS 

Bowen claims he did not put pressure on the CSIRO Gencost report … could funding gain a result?

In the 2024–25 federal budget, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was allocated $916.5 million in funding. This allocation underscores the Australian Government’s commitment to bolstering scientific research and innovation.

Beyond this direct funding, the government has introduced several initiatives that align with CSIRO’s mission:

  • National AI Centre Enhancement: The government has earmarked $39.9 million to support the adoption of safe and responsible artificial intelligence. This funding is directed towards revamping CSIRO’s National AI Centre, aiming to position Australia as a leader in AI innovation.
  • Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund: A $1.7 billion fund has been established to support innovation, commercialization, pilot programs, and early-stage development in priority sectors. Administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), this fund targets renewable hydrogen, green metals, low-carbon liquid fuels, and clean energy technology manufacturing, including batteries.
  • Hydrogen Industry Development: The government has allocated $17.1 million over four years to deliver the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy. This initiative focuses on building the enabling environment for industry growth, encompassing hydrogen infrastructure planning, social license, industry safety training, and regulation.

These initiatives complement CSIRO’s funding, providing additional resources and opportunities for the organization to advance its research and development efforts in critical areas of national interest.

This U.S. Attack could Change EVERYTHING – Here is Why

The US Air Force, on October 17, launched one of the deadliest assets in its arsenal against Houthis in the Red Sea. The reason behind this attack is believed to be in retaliation to a former attack on an American Oil tanker in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. Does this mean America has finally directly stepped into the Middle Eastern conflict? Or is this the start of something far larger and potentially apocalyptic? Let us answer this in a bit more detail.