With the ‘Wind Up’ of the National Committee on 30 June 2026, and the State and ACT Chapters becoming ‘stand alone’ organisations from 1 July 2026, the attached summary is forwarded to all on the OTU Website email distribution list to ensure that all Scheyvillians are aware of the rationale and the procedure involved in ‘Winding Up’ the National Committee.
Note that the OTU-A website and The Scheyvillian newsletter will continue with the Victorian Chapter remaining the contact point for these valuable assets.
In The Scheyvillian 1 of 2026, I had been given the date of 8 April 2026 as the day that Kerry Rinkin will be featured on the Last Post Ceremony at the AWM in Canberra. I have received notification from Alistair Pope that the date is the 7 April 2026. The 5 RAR Association message advises:
An AWM Last Post Ceremony is scheduled to remember 2LT Kerry Rinkin on 7 April, the 59th anniversary of him being Killed-In-Action (KIA). Kerry was OC 4 Platoon and the last member of 5 RAR’s 1st tour of Vietnam to be KIA. He was a graduate of the 1st class of the Officer Training Unit (OTU) Scheyville and on 18 September 1966 he transferred to the ARA. Family members will be in attendance. About 17 veterans of 5 RAR have indicated attendance. Timings. Assemble at the AWM Pool of Remembrance by 4.20 pm for a 4.30 pm commencement. It will conclude at 5.00 pm. Wreath Laying. A wreath will be laid by the OTU Class (Terry O’Hanlon). Two wreathes will be laid by 5 RAR, one on behalf of the 5 RAR Association (Harry Neesham and Roger Wainwright) and the other on behalf of Kerry’s platoon, 4 Platoon Bravo Company (Joe McAlister). Post Ceremony. OTU and 5 RAR members have agreed to join forces at Olim’s Bar and Bistro in the Mercure Hotel to reflect on Kerry’s service. All are welcome and may wish to stay for a meal in the bistro. Other Matters. President 5 RAR Association has invited current serving, former 5 RAR members in the Canberra region to attend. Out of town attendees may wish to arrive early at the AWM to view the new and continuing $550M developments at the AWM.
In addition, the attached article on the Duntroon Museum was missed in The Scheyvillian 1 of 2026. Apologies to the Museum Manager!
I am writing to give you notice that, once more, we will be marching behind the OTU Banner in this year’s ANZAC Day Commemorative Parade to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
This is to be followed by our usual mixed luncheon in the RACV Club Bistro.
Could you please put this in your diaries.
Further details will be made known once they come to hand.
Frank Miller Chairman, Victorian Chapter OTU Association
