The purposes

of the Association are:

• to provide fellowship for members and ex-members of the Ballarat based Army Reserve Unit presently known as the 8th/7th Battalion The Royal Victoria Regiment

• to provide administration structure necessary for the holding of reunions and other activities which the committee of the association may consider necessary

• to publish and distribute to members an association newsletter at least once each year

• to carry out any other activities which would support the Army Reserve and in particular The 8th/7th Battalion The Royal Victoria Regiment or its successor unit or units

• to further the preservation of the History of The 8th/7th Battalion and its successors

• to encourage pupils at local schools and cadet units to become involved in the Unit's history and the Association's current activities

• to undertake welfare activities on behalf of members of the association

• to instill in members sensitivity and care for the well-being of each and every member of the Association as a whole.

We have Committee Meetings once a month which members are welcome to attend. Usually held on the second Tuesday of the month, 1pm at Alfredton Recreation Reserve, off Cuthberts Rd, Ballarat. Confirmation of each Meeting will be in the Newsletters and the Coming Events Page. Usually the minutes will be published in the newsletters.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on 19th October 2025. Check on the Coming Events Page for timings. Voting for Executive positions will be on this day.

Executive Committee

President: Dick Wilkie

richardwilkie@outlook.com

Vice President: Chris Liston

Secretary: Jason County

secretary@87bn2rvr.asn.au

Treasurer: Barbara Birthisel

barbarabirthisel@bigpond.com

Editor: Neil Leckie 87th2rvrassoc@gmail.com

Committee Members 2024/25:

Greg Code

Bruce McKinnon

Ian Nunn

Les Taylor

Barry & Heather Harris

Robert Chatfield

Membership Fee $25 annually

Contact Secretary or Treasurer for Bank details.

The 8/7 Battalion - 2 RVR Association gives out two awards annually to soldiers of 8/7 RVR.

  • Junior Leader of the Year Award:

    This award recognizes a junior leader within the battalion who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributions.

  • Champion Soldier Award:

    This award is given to a soldier who has excelled in their duties and consistently demonstrates strong qualities of a good soldier.

The awards are presented at the annual Ballarat Dinner.

This week, OC C Coy, MAJ Robert Powell, RSM WO1 Matthew Vermey and Lance Corporal Daniel Ryan attended the 8/7 Battalion-2RVR Association's Annual 'Ballarat Dinner', held at Sebastopol Bowling Club.

At the event, members of the 8/7 Battalion-2RVR Association presented LCPL Daniel Ryan with the Junior Leader of the Year Award, and PTE St Ares Gillardi with the Champion Soldier Award. Both members have made significant contributions to growing 8/7 RVR's reconnaissance and sniper capability.

Champion Soldier of the year.

2017 Pte Matthew Kishy

2018 Pte Benjamin Schmidt

2019 Pte Benjamin Smith

2020 Pte Jessica May Russell

2021 Pte Peng Wang

2022 Nil award

2023 Nil award

2024 Pte St Ares Gillardi

Junior Leader of the year.

2002 Cpl P Baird

2003 Cpl P Baird

2004 Cpl P Baird

2005 Cpl D Logan

2006 Cpl P Baird

2007 Cpl C Hayden

2008 Cpl D Crowe

2009 Cpl B Wilson

2010 Not listed

2011 Not listed

2012 Not listed

2013 Not listed

2014 Not listed

2015 Not listed

2016 Not listed

2017 Cpl Robert Trewartha

2018 L/Cpl Justin Ludeman

2019 Lt Nicholas Kitchen

2020 Cpl Dale Vistarini

2021 Cpl W. Paffrath

2022 Nil award

2023 Nil award

2024 L/Cpl Daniel Ryan

On November the 25th, Dick, Barry and Heather attended a dog training day held by the “Young Diggers” Charity Dogs group at Melton. Fourteen dogs and trainers/handlers were present, as well as professional dog trainers. and a BBQ was also held. It takes 3 years to train a dog. Dick met an ex-naval officer that has a dog that our Association co-sponsored with the Sebastapol RSL club. She has had the dog for four years and spoke of how the dog has helped her.

Dogs are provided for ex service personnel only. The second dog that we have sponsored need to be tracked down by us, the owner was not there on the day. The dogs are sourced for the group from breeders and the Lost Dogs Home. This visit has opened an avenue for more continuity of information from the group to us. There is also the possibility of a future excursion to visit the group with a BBQ.

"Young Diggers" Assistance Dog Programs for Veterans

Big Thank You to Mazda Ballarat Dealership