2 RAR 25 Years East Timor Reunion

In September 1999, Australia deployed a brigade-sized combat element to East Timor as part of the UN sanctioned International Force – East Timor (INTERFET) that was deployed in order to restore law and order and end the widespread violence and destruction that had broken out following a referendum in August that had shown overwhelming support for independence from Indonesia. As a part of this deployment, the Australian force was charged with restoring peace and security and facilitating the provision of humanitarian assistance.

2 RAR was one of the first units deployed once the airfield at Dili had been secured by elements of the Special Air Service Regiment. Arriving in Dili on 20 September 1999 having been flown in from Townsville, they immediately started the process of restoring order to the capital so that it could be used as an operational base from which further operations could be launched in the surrounding countryside.

In October 2001, 2 RAR returned to East Timor, known as AUSBATT V of UNTAET, taking over from 4 RAR and serving a relatively uneventful tour, handing over to 3 RAR(Para) in April 2002.

In May 2006, Timor Leste (as East Timor has since become) asked for Australian assistance once more. As social, political and ethnic differences threatened to divide the country amidst a resurgence of violence, a new UN mission, United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT) was established.

As a part of Australia's continued commitment to the fledgling nation, a battle group, known as Battle Group Samichon, based upon 2 RAR deployed to Timor Leste between September 2007 to April 2008.

The battalion deployed for a further tour in May 2009. Known as Timor Leste Battle Group-VI this ANZAC Battle Group conducted security and stability operations. All members who were attached to the battalion are also invited to all events.

Partners are invited.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

19 September
Meet and greet at 18:00 at The Australian Hotel, Palmer Street, Own pay. Please book so we can organise tables.

20 September
Bus leaving from Rydges Palmer Street, Townsville going to 2 RAR 10:00hrs $12 Return at 16:00
2 RAR 10:30hrs Back to Battalion Day $12.
The dress is casual minimum of enclosed shoes and a t-shirt. No thongs or singlets.
Dinner, Palmer Street for any organised groups that want to continue.

21 September
Townsville RSL 18:00hrs Formal dinner $72 (food only).
The dress is coat and tie with medals/RSL minimum.

22 September
Farewell Lunch 12 pm, The Australian Hotel, Palmer Street. Own Pay. Please book so we can organise tables.

CONTACTS:

For the reunion: 2rar.ass.social@gmail.com

For all other related information: 2rarassoc@gmail.com

0459214186 (Brendan Martin)
0428588431 (Mal Gray)
0404078797 (Robert Althofer)

TICKETS:
Meet and greet: https://www.trybooking.com/CRSTW
Bus leaving from Rydges Palmer Street Townsville going to 2 RAR and return: https://www.trybooking.com/CRSUR
Back to Battalion Day BBQ: https://www.trybooking.com/CRSUE
Dinner: https://www.trybooking.com/CRSSW
Farewell Lunch: https://www.trybooking.com/CRSVC

ACCOMMODATION:
Rydges Townsville https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/townsville-qld/townsville/
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites: https://www.oakshotels.com/en/oaks-gateway-suites
Allure Hotel: http://www.allurehotel.com.au/
Backpackers https://www.adventurersbackpackers.com/
Park Regis: https://www.parkregisanchorage.com.au/
Quest: https://www.questapartments.com.au/properties/qld/townsville/quest-townsville/overview
Grand Hotel and Apartments https://www.grandhoteltownsville.com.au/
The Casino (Right out on the point at the end of the strand): https://www.the-ville.com.au/
ARDO (next to the casino): https://ardohotel.au/drink-and-dine/ardo-rooftop/
BIG 4 Caravan Park with units on the Beach (At Rowes Bay, Pallaranda): https://tasmanholidayparks.com/au/rowes-bay/