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ED: This YouTube video came in my inbox – my comment is below.

Kerry Packer’s Political Philosophy

Kerry Packer, the ultimate Australian. He was an Australian who stood up, had a go, and succeeded! We need more Australians like him.

ED: I think we need stronger leaders like Kerry Packer guiding the industry here in Australia today. His no-nonsense approach, business acumen, and willingness to call out government overreach were qualities that are sorely lacking in many of our current industry figures. Having re-watched the memorable footage of Packer fronting a parliamentary committee, firmly and eloquently telling our Federal Government members exactly what he thought about proposed legislative changes he believed were unfair. It was a masterclass in speaking truth to power, something we could use a lot more of in today’s political and business landscape.

With Anzac Day fast approaching, members of Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) are preparing to take part in one of the most significant and solemn occasions in the Australian commemorative calendar.

This year, the AFG will play a central ceremonial role at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux in northern France – a sacred site that stands as a powerful symbol of the Australian sacrifice during the First World War.

For many members of the contingent, this will be their first time supporting Anzac Day commemorations on foreign soil, adding a deeply personal and emotional dimension to their service. They will stand where thousands of Australians once fought and fell more than a century ago, and where the echoes of their bravery still resound through the gently rolling fields of the Somme.

Private Daniel Barlow, who is experiencing his first Anzac Day in France, described the experience as both humbling and profound – made all the more meaningful by his own family’s wartime history.

“My great-great-uncle, Private John William Barlow, fought and died at the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 1916,” Private Barlow said.
“He was just 25 years old when he was sent over. He’s buried at Blighty Valley Cemetery, near Authuille Wood.
“To be selected to represent our armed forces overseas, paying tribute to the fallen who fought and died here – and to possibly visit my family member’s grave – it’s incredibly special.”

Able Seaman Joshua Bishenden, another first-time participant in the Villers-Bretonneux service, also shares a strong personal connection to the region and its wartime legacy. His great-grandfather served on the Western Front and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in operations south of the Somme.

“Service runs deep in my family,” he said.
“My father served in the Army for 25 years, I’m now serving, and my great-grandfather also served.
“It’s an incredible honour to wear the uniform and represent the military overseas. To be chosen for such a solemn and wholesome duty – it’s surreal, and something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

In preparation for the ceremony, members of the AFG have undergone months of intense drill training to ensure every movement – every salute, every step – is carried out with precision and reverence. Their role is not only ceremonial but symbolic, standing as representatives of all Australians in remembering the sacrifices of the past.

The Anzac Day dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux is expected to draw hundreds of Australians, as well as local residents who have long held a deep respect for Australia’s role in their liberation.

The town was famously freed by Australian troops on 25 April 1918 – exactly three years after the Gallipoli landings – a date now etched into both nations’ histories. To this day, the legacy of that liberation is visible throughout the area. School buildings and street signs still bear the words “N’oublions jamais l’Australie” – “Never forget Australia.”

Australian Ambassador to France, H.E. Gillian Bird, will lead the official proceedings, paying tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations and the sacrifice that forged it.

As the sun rises over the misty fields of northern France, the silence will be broken only by the haunting notes of the bugle and the rustle of flags in the breeze – a timeless tribute to courage, sacrifice, and mateship.

For Private Barlow, Able Seaman Bishenden, and the rest of the Federation Guard, Anzac Day 2025 will not only be a moment of duty – it will be a moment of deep connection to the past, and a promise to never forget.

The Battle of Coral–Balmoral was one of the most intense and prolonged engagements fought by Australian forces during the Vietnam War. Taking place between May and June 1968, it involved troops from the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) defending a series of Fire Support Bases against repeated and determined assaults by well-equipped North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces. Occurring in the aftermath of the Tet Offensive, the battle unfolded approximately 40 kilometres north of Saigon and spanned nearly a month. While it remains overshadowed in the public consciousness by the earlier Battle of Long Tan, Coral–Balmoral was, in fact, the largest and most costly battle fought by Australian troops in the Vietnam War.

The Australians faced nightly mortar attacks, ground assaults, and close-quarters combat, yet held their ground with extraordinary resilience. Their actions demonstrated exceptional bravery, tactical skill, and determination under fire. In recognition of their service, the units involved received a Unit Citation for Gallantry, and individual acts of valour were honoured with various medals, including a posthumous Victoria Cross awarded to Richard Norden. Sources consulted include the Australian Online War Memorial, ArtilleryHistory.org, the Army Museum of Western Australia, and the Australian Military History Podcast.

On November 1, 1970, soldiers from Charlie Company, the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), stepped foot in Malaysia to support the inaugural rotation of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB).

On February 21 this year, soldiers from Charlie Company, 1RAR, deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth, continuing the legacy of the rifleman who preceded them.

Rotations were first established to provide security for the Butterworth Air Base, a vital installation for the Royal Australian Air Force and other friendly forces.

Over the years, the three-month rotation has evolved to highlight infantry foundational skills and foster international collaboration.

Officer Commanding Charlie Company Major Lindsay Pritchard said the rotation was important exposure for his soldiers.

“The initial deployment of Charlie Company 55 years ago was in the operational environment, and since then we’ve transitioned to a training and partner engagement-focused activity,” Major Pritchard said.

“We build the team from the bottom up; individual soldier skills, up to company level operations. Incorporating everything from small arms, rifles and machine guns up to high-explosive anti-tank weapons.”

The company spent more than two weeks at PULADA Combat Training Centre, progressing from section to platoon live-fire activities in dense vegetation, developing into combat team exercises, integrating with high explosives.

RCB 147 was a new experience for Lance Corporal James Windsor, Section Commander of 9 Platoon, who said PULADA was a tough challenge, but a highlight for many.

“Compared to Townsville, the jungle in Malaysia is unforgiving, from insects to torrential rainfall,” Lance Corporal Windsor said.

“The section attacks can be chaotic, trying to keep the section in line and all situated while everyone’s blood is pumping and hearts are racing; it requires a lot of awareness on the ground to get the job done.

“A lot of these boys are very new to the battalion, so it has been a highlight for their career so far, a great experience to get away from home and operate in a new environment.”

For the remainder of the rotation, training will transition to the urban environment, including engagement with military partners from the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“It’s a privilege to carry the torch for Charlie Company and continue the commitment that the Australian Army has established here in Malaysia,” Major Pritchard said.

ED: Stay Loose fellow lepers

274 Stafford Rd, Stafford Queensland 4053 – (07) 3130 8800

From today, veterans and their families will benefit from greater access to healthcare with the launch of the Total Veteran Healthcare Outpost at RSL Queensland’s Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Stafford, Brisbane.

Total Veteran Healthcare is a national network of veteran-centric primary, allied and specialist care providers, offering tailored medical support through collaboration with leading clinicians and facilities. The new Outpost serves as a dedicated point of contact for veterans seeking health education, continuity of care, and support throughout their medical journey.

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services, Troy Watson, said the partnership reflects RSL Queensland’s commitment to expanding services for veterans. “Since the Centre’s opening in late 2023, we’ve grown our support network significantly. This Outpost strengthens our ability to offer holistic, timely care under one roof,” Mr Watson said.

He highlighted the Centre’s evolving role in supporting veterans at all life stages, whether adjusting to civilian life, dealing with injury, or relocating with family.

Open Monday to Friday, the Outpost features a nurse-led medical team and service-aware GP, providing health assessments, specialist referrals, and support for DVA claims and Coordinated Veteran Care plans.

Total Veteran Healthcare CEO, Josh Hall, welcomed the collaboration. “This partnership brings care to veterans, not the other way around. We’re proud to work alongside RSL Queensland, removing barriers to access and delivering the high-quality, veteran-focused care that’s so badly needed,” Mr Hall said.

The Stafford-based Centre also provides services across physical rehab, mental health, employment, advocacy, and social connection—further enhancing support for Australia’s veteran community.

Australian Army soldiers have begun transitioning to a next-generation sidearm, marking a significant advancement under the LAND 300 Lethality System Program. The Brisbane-based 7th Brigade is the first operational unit to be issued the new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS), following a successful testing and evaluation program.

The new system features the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, enhanced with a Romeo 2 red dot sight, integrated white light torch, holster, and a retractable lanyard. It replaces the long-serving Browning Mk3 pistol, with the new firearm now designated as the F9 pistol within Army service.

Complementing the F9 is a suite of training and simulation tools, including a simulation pistol compatible with the Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS), a paint marking round conversion kit, and a red-coloured weighted replica for use in the Army Combative Program.

The components of the new sidearm system are sourced from a range of Australian suppliers, with the prime contractor successfully integrating and delivering the capability as a fully certified mission system ahead of schedule. The initial rollout to the Army School of Infantry in late 2024 enabled the broader distribution to operational units beginning in early 2025.

Conversion training is now under way, involving a combination of classroom instruction, dry drills, simulation-based training, and live-fire exercises. Specialist support personnel were embedded during the initial fielding to deliver armourer familiarisation and ensure training outcomes aligned with previously established requirements.

The distribution process has been coordinated between Defence and industry partners, with equipment delivered directly to units in the field. The rollout is being hailed as a major success, with planning already in motion to equip units across the country. The majority of Army units are expected to receive the new F9 pistols by the end of the year.

“This is a very interesting YouTube story about the Artesian Basin. While not the main purpose of the story, it does demonstrate natural climate change over the years.”

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE CNN article

Why new Chinese maritime tech is spooking defense watchers | CNN

ED: An email from Bob Buick on the subject prompted me to put together my thoughts as to why the Chinese ship were in our waters.

Why Did PLA Navy Ships Circumnavigate Australia?

By Ray Payne OAM

Recently, warships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) completed a circumnavigation of Australia. On the surface, it might appear as a routine “freedom of navigation” operation or a training exercise. But when viewed through a broader strategic lens, I believe there’s a more pointed reason behind this Southern Hemisphere cruise.

The Chinese, I suspect, are conducting a form of strategic reconnaissance — not for geography or naval exercise alone, but to map the undersea communications cable network that wraps around our continent.

In the modern world, over 95% of global data — including internet traffic, financial transactions, and military communications — travels through undersea fibre-optic cables. These cables are the silent arteries of the global information network. They’re largely unprotected, and their locations are well-documented in civilian mapping data.

Should conflict erupt over Taiwan — and drag in the US, Japan, Australia, and other allies — one of the first moves in a broader information and cyber war would likely be the severing of these cables. This would effectively isolate countries like Australia from real-time coordination with allies. It would be a strategic masterstroke: cripple communication, sow confusion, and delay any unified military or political response.

Satellites would also be prime targets in such a conflict. Communication, navigation (including GPS), and surveillance satellites are all vulnerable to anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) — and China has demonstrated capabilities in this area. In a matter of hours, the digital lattice that underpins modern defence and civilian life could collapse.

In such a scenario, we would see a rapid reversion to legacy communication systems. HF radio, encrypted Morse code, and even physically couriered messages could once again play a vital role in military coordination. Civilian and military infrastructure would need to fall back on systems many believed were obsolete — though, ironically, some have kept these systems alive precisely because of this risk.

Those PLAN vessels weren’t just stretching their sea legs. I believe they were scanning, mapping, and perhaps even deploying remote sensing equipment or underwater drones to mark key data choke points.

We ignore this at our peril. Australia must assume that our undersea cable infrastructure is already marked and mapped by potential adversaries. Hardening these systems, establishing redundancies, and investing in secure, alternative communication channels should be seen as vital national security priorities.

We’re not just talking about the internet going down — we’re talking about digital isolation in the opening hours of a modern war.

• Choked on a carrot this morning, and all I could think of was, “I’ll bet a doughnut wouldn’t have done this to me.”
• Nothing spoils a good story more than the arrival of an eyewitness. (Mark Twain)
• It only takes one slow-walking person in the grocery store to destroy the illusion that I’m a nice person.
• It turns out that when asked who your favourite child is, you’re supposed to pick out one of your own. I know that now.
• It’s fine to eat a test grape in the produce section, but you take one bite of rotisserie chicken and it’s all, “Sir, you need to leave!”
• One thing no one ever talks about, when it comes to being an older adult, is how much time we devote to keeping a cardboard box because it is, you know, a really good box.
• I can’t believe I forgot to go to the gym today. That’s seven years in a row, now.
• If you dropped something when you were younger, you just picked it up. When you’re older and you drop something, you stare at it for just a bit contemplating if you need it anymore.
• I like to make lists. I also like to leave them lying on the kitchen counter and then guess what’s on the list when I am at the store.
• Ask your doctor if a drug with 32 pages of side effects is bad for you.
• I relabelled all of the jars in my wife’s spice rack. I’m not in trouble yet, but the thyme is cumin.
• I just read a book about marriage that says treat your wife like you treated her on your first date. So, tonight after dinner I’m dropping her off at her parent’s house.
• The best way to get back on your feet is to miss two car payments.
• I love bacon. Sometimes I eat it twice a day. It takes my mind off the terrible chest pains I keep getting.
• As I watch this generation try to rewrite history, one thing I am sure of is that it will be misspelled and have no punctuation.
• Driver: “What am I supposed to do with this speeding ticket?”  Officer: “Keep it. When you collect four of them, you get a bicycle.”
• I asked a supermarket employee where they kept the canned peaches. He said, “I’ll see,” and walked away.  I asked another and he also said, “I’ll see,” and walked away. In the end, I gave up and found them myself, in Aisle C.
• I told my physical therapist that I broke my arm in two (2) places. He told me to stop going to those places.
• I put our scale in the bathroom corner and that’s where the little liar will stay until it apologizes.
• When I was a kid, I used to watch the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and wonder how someone could talk if they didn’t have a brain. Then I got Facebook.
• Do you ever get up in the morning, look in the mirror & think, “That can’t be accurate!”
• I want to be 14 again and ruin my life differently. I have new ideas.
• Apparently RSVP’ing to a wedding invitation with “Maybe next time” isn’t the correct response.
• A guy walks into a lumberyard & asks for some 2x4s. The clerk asks, “How long do you need them?” The guy answers, “A long time. We’re gonna build a house.”
• I just burned 1,200 calories. I forgot the pizza in the oven.
• Who knew that the hardest thing about being an adult is figuring out what to fix for dinner and doing it every single night for the rest of your life until you die?
• I hate it when people act all intellectual and talk about Mozart when they’ve never even seen one of his paintings.
• Never trust an electrician with no eyebrows.
• So, my neighbour knocked on my front door at 3 a.m. 3AM!!! Luckily, I was already up playing the bagpipes.
• Instead of cleaning my house, I just watch an episode of “The Hoarders,” and think, “Wow! My house looks great.”

ED: While I was digging up stories for today’s newsletter, I was shocked when I saw the headline “Denmark is sending soldiers to Ukraine.” But as I read on, I realized I might’ve jumped the gun a bit.

• They won’t be armed.
• They’re heading in to get hands-on experience with drone warfare tactics.

Danish troops are set to attend short-term military courses in western Ukraine, well away from the active front lines. The training will focus on skills such as reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and executing targeted attacks using drones. Major General Peter Boysen clarified that Danish soldiers are not being deployed to fight but to learn from Ukraine’s frontline experiences, particularly in modern warfare tactics.

Ukraine’s pioneering use of drones has become a defining feature of its defence strategy and is widely regarded as having reshaped contemporary combat. Both Ukraine and Russia have heavily relied on unmanned aerial systems for surveillance, targeting, and offensive operations. Denmark views this deployment as an opportunity to observe a “live testbed” for the development of advanced drone technologies and associated battlefield tactics.

The decision has sparked a strong response from Moscow. Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin condemned the move as a provocation, warning Denmark against increasing its involvement in the conflict. Barbin also cautioned that any military facility within Ukraine, regardless of its distance from the front lines, could be considered a legitimate target by Russian forces.

Denmark’s initiative forms part of its broader and long-standing support for Ukraine. In 2024, Copenhagen signed a 10-year security agreement with Kyiv, underlining its commitment to long-term defence cooperation. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Denmark has remained one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies.

ED: My concern: You can easily picture a situation where, God forbid, a Russian strike hits them. NATO would then face a tough call—whether to enter the war or brush it off as a tragic accident.