Wide Bay Training Area Range Tour

Ross Carruthers TCB RSL

The 2021 Wide Bay Training Area Range tour is scheduled for Wednesday 8 December and will kick off from the Tin Can Bay RSL at 9am with a safety brief. All are welcome to join in the guided tour of the training area and its various ranges.

Meet at the RSL at 9am for a safety briefing from Warrant Officer Gordon Duffy, Range Manager. Then join the convoy to the Wide Bay Training Area for the tour including a sausage sizzle lunch, concluding back at the RSL at around 2pm.

Only four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles are permitted on the range, however there is sure to be a ride available for those without these vehicles. Everyone on the tour is required to wear enclosed footwear.

It’s sure to be a great day so put your names down on the list at the RSL.

I have fond memories of the time I spent at the Wide Bay Training Area when I was an infantry soldier with the 49th Battalion Army Reserve unit, also known as the Bushman’s Rifles.

My first visit to the training area in 1984 stands out in my memory. I was a fresh-faced private soldier in those days, in my third year with the Battalion, and on a mortar training course.

The practical component of the course, including live firing, was held at the Wide Bay Training Area. The day of our first live firing exercise was a shocker with rain teeming down all day. I recall waiting for lunch to show up – cold, wet, still enthusiastic, but very hungry.

I had visions of lunch being a droopy salad, however, I was very thankful to line up and be served a tremendous meal of curried sausages and rice accompanied by a cup canteen of hot, sweet tea. It still ranks as one of my best meals ever.

I’ll be on the tour, as will RSL Sub-Branch President, Don Holland, who was himself Range Manager at the Wide Bay Training Area for a number of years.

Why not come along and prompt him for stories of his time managing the range. It won’t take much to get him going – believe me, especially after a couple of beverages back at the RSL after the tour!

See you all there.

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