It’s a big year. Our first year as an official War Veterans Retreat. A time to reflect on the long campaign, on the personal growth and friendships that Pandanus sparks; to reflect on the layers of the Pandanus impact, personally and as a community. A time to be proud of what we have achieved together, for the veterans of the present and future and for their families. Pandanus will be here when all our names have disappeared into the mists of time, and that is exactly as it should be. Pandanus is about veterans and their families.
Pandanus is veteran sanctuary.

Wet season permitting, Pandanus Park reopens on ANZAC Day. We’ve already had phone calls and emails from vets who are planning everything from a long retreat to a reunion trip and you can see on the Forum that new friendships are forming. Once you get settled into camp, have a look and see what needs doing around the place. As always, teamwork makes the difference with such things as clearing the grass at Base Camp and repainting the memorial

Yes, it’s a big year. 18 August 2006. The 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War. The Dawn Service starts at 0730 at the Pandanus Park Veterans Memorial, followed by the traditional gunfire breakfast stew made by The Wives Of Many Camps and with extra sausages n tomatoes donated by Rick (again). There’ll be a fire for your billy. Bring everything you need till lunchtime and plan on giving yourself some Normanby Banks time in the arvo. Best not to travel that day

During the week leading up to the 18th, there’ll be some concerts by the memorial, and a return of Pandanus Panoramavision. In 2005 the dvd’s from previous years were screened on an as required basis and new folk said it made a huge difference to their understanding of the place. You’ll be able to get your own copies from Rick and order the 2006 dvd. Cost is and will be $20 plus $5 postage and handling. If you want one beforehand, call Rick on (07)4091 6547 or email him by clicking here Rick also needs more photos and movies from your combat days, for inclusion in the 2006 dvd.