4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Sep 25 Newsletter

July 2025 In the 1990s I spent plenty of time travelling around this marvellous country in my 4WD and recently decided to retrace some of my steps, albeit in only an X trail. Left Sydney in mid May and headed up the coast to the Gold Coast before heading west to Birdsville. An overnight stop was at Charleville and during a walk around the town found their War Memorial. Stopped and had a look and found a recent addition to the memorial (see photo) for Vietnam Veterans. It included the name of T.C.L. Curley who was Terry Curley and a member of HQ Bty, 4 Fr Regt. Took the photo and stopped for a moment of quiet reflection. Next day moved on towards Birdsville. After all the recent rain in Central Queensland in March/April the Channel Country was awash and picturesque with water and wildlife (mainly birds) everywhere. In fact, had to take the long way from Windorah to Birdsville via Lake Machattie as the direct road through Betoota was still closed due to flooding, a 200km detour. Had Sundowners drinks on top of Big Red, a sand dune about 30kms from Birdsville. Back on the road travelled up through Bedourie to Cloncurry and then onto Karumba and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Then across through Croydon and stopped at Cobbold Gorge and Undara Lave Tubes, both unique natural attractions and well worth the visit. Then headed south and had an unexpected stop. About 30kms south of Belyando Crossing and midway between Charters Towers and Clarmont hit a kangaroo at about 1000hrs. It came out of nowhere, went under the car and never seen again. Damaged the front right hand side of car but after some bush repairs got going again and drove back to Sydney and the panel beaters. Drove about 800o kms in 3 weeks which might not be some peoples cup of tea, had a good time and now thinking of my next road trip. From Eric Williams on 29 July 2025 First of all, thank you for all you do for the old boys. It is very much appreciated. Sending you a little something of my life over the past few years – you can either print or ignore (or even edit) at your leisure. I did have a bit of a health scare around 8 years ago, spent nearly three months in hospital with pancreatitis (8 days of which were in ICU in Bali). Anyway, as you can see I’ve managed to overcome that and am now as healthy as can be expected. Colleen and I have done a little bit of travelling (but she remains adamant no caravaning/camping for her) so we have been to Japan twice on a couple of cruises. Can highly recommend it – was amazing and went to places we would never think of visiting – one being Taiwan – wonderful people and places. Also managed to see my beloved Lions win a grand final – didn’t think I would ever see it but so glad I did. I manage my time by volunteering twice a week – firstly with Animal Aid where I keep the dishes, towels and blankets clean for all those poor unfortunate dogs that don’t have a good home for various reasons. Quite rewarding I must say. I also volunteer a place called EERN (Eastern Emergency Response Network) which is a community aid centre which collects furniture and other household goods for people who have fallen on hard times and require assistance with setting up a home for them and their families – once again I find it very rewarding. Other than that, not a lot on the radar, Colleen is still working full time (although having a hip replacement this week which may slow her down a bit)!!!! Looking forward to some more travelling if and when she ever retires.