Proposed Reunion for Long Hai Day (LHD) 2026.
Peter Rock (Rocky) is a 6 Platoon veteran of the 8RAR Tour of SVN in 1969/70 and lives in Port Macquarie. Rocky established and owns Rock Motorcycles a famous landmark at Port Macquarie.
Rocky, together with a mate of his, Paul Teong, are organising a Long Hai Day Commemorative Service and Reunion for 2026, and invites all members of B Company to attend. Anyone from 8 RAR who would like to attend is more than welcome.
For your information, Paul is a 20-year veteran of the ADF. He was awarded the DSM as a Section Commander with 2 RAR in Timor, served as a Platoon Sergeant with 1 RAR in Timor and Iraq, and served as a WO2 with 8/9 RAR in Afghanistan. Paul is on the committee of the Port Macquarie RSL.
The proposed events for the Long High Day (LHD) details are:
1. Meet and Greet
Thursday 26th February at 5:00 pm
Venue: Port Macquarie RSL Club (pay as you go)
1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie
Tel 02 6583 2748
2. Social Activity – Lunch
Friday, 27th February, from noon (pay as you go).
Winery or other location TBA
3. LHD Commemorative Service followed by lunch at the Port Macquarie RSL
3.1 LHD Commemorative Service
Saturday 28th February
Commences at 11:00 am
Venue: McInernay Park (situated approximately 800 metres from the RSL)
Transport: We anticipate we will be able to bus people from the RSL to the service, and back for lunch.
3.2 Lunch (Immediately following the LHD Commemorative Service)
Saturday 28th February
Commences at 12:00 noon
Venue: Port Macquarie RSL Club. 1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie (pay as you go)
4. Accommodation
Port Macquarie has a large range of accommodation at various prices available to suit everyone.
As usual, getting your accommodation settled early will ensure the best rates and allow you to get what you want.
The following options may assist you:
4.1 Rotary Lodge (10 minutes out of town). Tel: 02 8527 5089
The manager (Phil Perry) is a friend of Paul’s and ex 8 RAR – D Company Vietnam veteran.
Phil has set a special rate of $110 per night for those attending the reunion – this is very competitive.
You should get in quick if this suits. Make sure you ask for Phil.
4.2 Break Wall caravan park. Tel: 1300414448
Powered sites for $55 per night
Cabins for $692 for 4 nights
nrmaparksandresorts.com.au and follow the prompts
4.3 Rydges Port Macquarie
rydges.com and follow the prompts
4.4 Ibis Styles
ibisstylespm.com.au and follow the prompts
4.5 Palm Court Motor Inn
palmcourtmotorinn.com.au and follow the prompts
5. Other events.
We anticipate that many people may drive to Port Macquarie and may stay on a bit longer.
Closer to the time, we will let people know about optional events we plan for Sunday and Monday.
6. Please let us know by return email if you are interested in attending, even if you cannot commit fully at this stage, as it will help us with our planning.
Contacts:
Peter Rock <prock153@gmail.com>, Paul Teong <p.teong@hotmail.com>
JOHN BETTS <johnbetts001@gmail.com>
We will get further communications out between now and February to keep you posted.
It will be a terrific event, and we would love to see as many people as possible attend.
Other options : https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=port%20macquarie%20accommodation&g2lb=4965990%2C4969803%2C72277293%2C72302247%2C72317059%2C72414906%2C72471280%2C72472051%2C72485658%2C72560029%2C72573224%2C72616120%2C72647020%2C72648289%2C72686036%2C72760082%2C72803964%2C72832976%2C72882230%2C72958594%2C72958624%2C72959983%2C72990342%2C73033549&hl=en-AU&gl=au&ssta=1&ts=CAESCgoCCAMKAggDEAAaHBIaEhQKBwjpDxAHGBESBwjpDxAHGBIYATICEAAqBwoFOgNBVUQ&qs=CAE4Bg&ap=SAFoAQ&ictx=111&ved=0CAAQ5JsGahcKEwio1IX9scCOAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBw
Interim Proposal for the2027 Reunion – Tweed Heads
The Qld Branch has begun preparation for the 2027 Reunion on the Gold Coast. A committee has been formed, and a preliminary booking has been made at Twin Towns RSL Club for 25th to 28th February.
Planning is obviously in its early stages, but the proposed outline itinerary is as follows:
• 25th February: Registration and Meet & Greet
• 26th February: AGM and Company Functions
• 27th February: visit to either:
Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, visiting 8/9 RAR weapons display and Historical Collection, and the RAR National Memorial Walk; or
Land Warfare Centre, Canungra, visiting the Vietnam Memorial and the old JTC.
• 28th February: Long Hai Day Commemoration and Luncheon.
My request is for ALL 8RAR guys to send a photo of then and now.
Email.
Email. way8rar@gmail.com
Phone 0456 777 707
Postal: Wayne Maschette 19 Moorings Place Corinella VIC 3984
To View The Example Photographs
Anyone who has photos not digitized can go to a local Officeworks or give me a call and I will walk you through it. Or bring your hard copy photos to the reunion and I will scan them for you. Many of the current photos are Support Company oriented, Time for the Rifle company boys to step up.
Wayne’s efforts are commended by the National Committee: Wayne Maschette’s sterling efforts of putting together videos of our operations in SVN for display at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum ( NVVM ) at Phillip Island, he is also aiming to put together a “ Then versus Now “ Photographic Gallery on video for the dinner and the long-term legacy of 8 RAR members.