2018 CORAL INFO

• Recent meetings with the CO and his key staff have taken preparations for the CORAL50 Celebrations a step closer. 
  • It has been confirmed by Army HQ that 1RAR will receive NEW COLOURS at the CORAL50 Parade in 2018. CO has provided letters and briefs up the chain of command to the Chief of Army. There are apparently new Battle Honours under consideration too and these may very well make it onto our new colours. We would be the first if they do! The BIG PARADE is on Wednesday 16 May.
  • A big set of tiered seating has been ordered for the Parade Ground for group photos. We might even bring 'Arch' Frayley (long time photographer along with his father before that) along for old times sake!
  • The BIG all-in-dinner on Wednesday evening is shaping up to be a great event. Looks like we can keep costs for attendees to $25 a head. Numbers will be required for access to the base and catering. Make sure you register. Serious fireworks too. 
  • Funds have been set aside for a free shuttle for movement between Townsville hotels and Lavarack Barracks. As the numbers registering grows we're getting increasing traction with hotels taking an interest in the numbers. 
  • There is a diarama of the Battle for Coral being built and will be on display in BHQ before the end of the year. It will remain there for 2018 and then move to the Museum for posterity
  • 1RAR is arranging for a painting and sculpture to be commissioned especially for the event. If anyone has a concept they think would be good, please let us know. Use the CONTACT button to let us know. We are looking for something more substantial than a lone soldier in a uniform figurine that has become the staple. Let's get imaginative!
  • Pre-Registration is open on the Event Page. No obligation to come by Pre-registering but it'll give us an idea of the size of the reunion and how much 'pull' we'll have to negotiate hotel deals etc. And you can see who else has warned-in for the big event!
• 15-18 May 2018 is Coral Week at 1RAR and this year is big as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Battle for FSB Coral. We will enhance the week with a presentation of new colours by the Governor General and host a number of other Reunions. The Somalia Reunion is shaping up to be big also. We have been notified of a few other reunions for groups, tours of duty etc and encourage these too. Thursday night has been set aside for all reunions. Have a look at the outline program to see how it all fits together. We'd appreciate a Point of Contact for each of the reunion groups so we can help de-conflict venues and offer support.