Firstly let me begin by saying once again how surprised I was to hear from you this morning. I often still think about my time as a JR and reflect heavily on past but not forgotten friendships.

I was in Walton Division and was discharged early 1970 due to personal problems at home (Sydney) with my parents and I still wonder how my life would of unfolded had I had the opportunity to serve out my time. I was fortunate to have good shipmates as Peter Mann and Ken Playford and many more.

I’ve read through the 28th web site and can only admire the careers of those who were part of my intake and totally congratulate each and every one of them on their accomplishments and service careers.

At this stage I’m unsure as to my availability for the 40th reunion and in some ways not sure if I deserve to be there as my time in the 28th was only short compared to others and the contribution that they have made.

I do know though that the time I did have at Leeuwin prepared me for life and its challenges at a very early age and has been an invaluable life tool throughout my entire life.

STEPHEN DUNCAN - NSW

I retired from Pussers on 12 July 1990 after spending 21 years and attaining the rank of WOSV.

Since then I've worked mainly in private enterprise in senior managerial roles but retired in July 2005 due to some ill health. It must have been all those runs "up Top" that finally did me in.

I currently live approx 55 klms north of Townsville on the beach and am living the life of ease as a retired citizen.  Looking forward to the big reunion and having a drink with all the boys.

JOHN OATEN - ACT

To update you briefly on my whereabouts since discharging from the PNF, I transferred to the Navy Reserve in Nov 1996 and worked with a Canberra based project as a Reservist until the end of 1998 at which point I became a Public Servant with the Defence Materiel Organisation. Even though I remain as a signed-up Reservist to this day, I haven't taken-up any other opportunities since 1998.
 
It came as quite a surprise when I received a call from Steve Houldsworth on Monday night to catch-up and discuss the prospect of holding a reunion. The intention of holding a 40th Anniversary Reunion in 2009 is a fantastic idea and one that I fully support and look forward to with immense interest. Given the lead time and the number of people still to be located, I'll keep my ear to the ground and see if I can sniff-out anyone that maybe living in and around the Canberra region.

WAYNE LENNON - NSW

I finally got registered and it was good to see the photo of the union team, shame I can't remember everyones names (old age may have something to do with it), trouble is we are all about the same.

It has been a long time since we all parted company. I left in 75 as LSQMG from Duchess, travelled around for a while, came back to Wagga and been married 29 years today 26/8/07.

We have our own business manufacturing fishing lures (Oar-Gee Lures) and life is pretty darn good. See you all at the reunion.

cheers one and all.

ALLEN RUTLEDGE - NSW

I have the fondest of memories from Leeuwin. For a young fellow from the small town of Coonamble in the west of NSW this was a great adventure for me. A train ride to the ‘Big Smoke’ where we were sworn in and we got to see some of the Fleet for the first time. Some of you will recall that our first introduction to the RAN was a visit on board the HMAS Melbourne, complete with a bloody big hole in its bow. I remember teaming up with Gary (Smiley) Oakley from Day One and later with Rory (Scotty) Robson and Joe Proffitt.  

After HMAS Leeuwin I was drafted to HMAS Sydney for my initial sea training and then to HMAS Watson for the Radar Operator Course and HMAS Penguin for the Seaman Course. Afterwards I enjoyed a brief stint at HMAS Creswell as part of the Search and Rescue Crew before I was drafted to the HMAS Brisbane. I loved the RAN until I got myself it a spot of bother with the authorities. As a result, my last six months were a blur of defaulters’ parades, cells and finally a lengthy stint at the 1st Military Corrective Establishment before I was discharged as being Unsuitable for the RAN.

 I left the Navy in 1972 with a one-way ticket to Coonamble and a few cents in my pocket. I spent the next two and a bit years working in Brisbane and New Zealand as a Builders’ Labourer/Rigger. I met Lola on my first day in NZ and after nearly a year there we returned back to Coonamble where we were married back in 1974.  

Shortly afterwards I enlisted into the Australian Regular Army and after basic training at the First Recruit Training Battalion at Wagga Wagga I was assigned to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps as a Gunner/Signaller on the Centurion Main Battle Tank. I went on to serve for two years in C Squadron of the First Armoured Regiment. 

After successfully completing a Special Air Service Regiment Selection Course in 1976 I was posted to 1st Squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment where I served for two years. Initially as a Trooper in C Troop (Vehicle Mounted) and then A Troop (Freefall). On 1^st June 1978 I entered the Officer Cadet School Portsea. I graduated into the Royal Australian Corps of Transport on 9^th June 1979. After a posting as the Troop Commander of 86th Transport Troop, 26th Transport Squadron he was posted to 176th Air Dispatch Squadron in 1981; initially, as the Operations Officer and then as the Second in Command. In 1983 I was posted to the Army School of Transport as an Instructor in Corps Training Wing before taking up a further posting as the Staff Officer Grade Three Logistics at Headquarters First Brigade (Mechanised) in 1986. On 1^st December 1987 I was posted as the Officer Commanding 176th Air Dispatch Squadron until 1^st December 1989. I then went on to serve in Army Office from 1^st January 1990 until my resignation on 15^th June 1992.  

After separating from the Army, Lola, my two sons and I moved back to Coonamble where we purchased a small farm. In addition to running the farm I worked as the Computer Manager for the Coonamble Shire Council as well as a Part-time Computer Studies Teacher for TAFE. During this time I was also the Local Controller of the Coonamble State Emergency Service unit. In 1994 I took up a job offer with the NSW State Emergency Service as the Divisional Executive Officer of the North West SES Division based in Moree.  

I transferred back to the Active Army Reserve In 1997 after securing a transfer to the Headquarters of the NSW State Emergency Service in Wollongong as the Planning and Intelligence Officer. My initial posting was as an Instructor in the Officer Training Section at the 2nd Training Group. I remained in this position during the transition to the Promotion Training Wing at the Regional Training Centre (New South Wales) in 1997 and continued to serve as an Instructor until 5^th January 2004 when I resigned from the position as the Assistant State Planning Coordinator of the New South Wales State Emergency Service after our youngest son Leon was killed in a car accident whilst travelling to work. 

Being a glutton for punishment, I took up took up Continuous Full Time Service in November 2004 and I am currently serving as the Executive Officer of Promotion Training Wing of the Land Warfare Centre (New South Wales). 

Lola and I live in Shell Cove Shellharbour on the beautiful South Coast of NSW.

PETE SYMONS - VIC

IAN RECTOR - Bangladesh 

What a welcome blast from the past this has been. I have driven past Leeuwin a few times over the decades that we have left and often wondered what people were up to these days. A bit saddened to read that a number of colleagues hare now deceased at what we all know is a young age. 

My navy days lasted about seven years during which time I served on Duchess, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane – finally paying off as an LSRP in June 1976. I started working with the WA State Emergency Service soon after and stayed with them for 14 years ending up as a regional director for the Pilbara and Kimberley Regions. I met my wife Jennifer in Derby (she is a Physiotherapist) and we will be married twenty years this year. Three great kids Luke (20), Ali (18) and Jake who is 14 this year. My goal is to be still married after the reunion. 

We moved to Vanuatu in 1991 where I took up a role as national disaster management advisor for the government. Stayed for 3 great years and then moved to Fiji where I worked with the United Nations as a regional advisor. Traveled the length and breadth of the South Pacific over 4 years which was just fantastic – and got paid to do it. In 1998 we returned to OZ and set up home in the Brisbane suburb of Bardon. I did some consultancy work for a year or two and then in 2000 became the Director of the Queensland State Emergency Service, a position I held for 4 years. Left there and rejoined the United Nations where I now serve in Bangladesh. Been here 3 years and enjoy it very much. Get to travel quite extensively and we get home every six months. What more could you ask for. Probably stay for another 2 years or so. 

Have been in pretty good health (touch wood) most of my life and am preparing my liver for 2009. I am on skype (address is Dhakadevil) for those who are inclined to make contact. John Hogg has my telephone and email contacts as well. 

Looking forward to the reunion and to getting a few beers off a couple of people who in those days had a reputation for having short hands and long pockets - but I am not naming anyone am I Neil Haines?

HOWDEN JENNINGS - SA 

I’ve been a bit busy at this end but I can give you a glimpse at what’s been happening in my life since I left pussers in 1978.

I paid off in Coonawarra and joined Department of Foreign Affairs where I was stationed in Canberra for some brief training then took a posting to Mexico City for two years.

I returned to Australia and came home to South Aussie where I joined the coppers in 1980. I’ve been a uniform foot patrol officer, patrol officer and was part of the Special Tasks and Rescue Force for twelve years. I then completed training for Detectives and joined the Criminal Investigation Branch. I have been working in metropolitan CIB units, Drug Squad and Organised Crime Squads. I’m anticipating a move soon to the Major Crime Investigation Branch, possibly next month.

I had been married for about twenty years before she shot through and took all my worldly belongings, but I do have two champion daughters, a new partner and a brighter future.

GRAHAM JOHNSON - NT

I was made aware of your site through an old chippie mate of mine who was tied up with the Vietnam vets. It was great to go on line and see the list of names of all the blokes that we joined up with all those centuries ago.

In your email you mentioned the likes of Quelhurst, Pettitt, Luck and Walters, all great blokes in the 60's and I am sure that they are still the same today. Well maybe the hair is a lot thinner and the six pack is more like a couple of slabs around the middle.

The pfes in my email address stands for Police, Fire & Emergency Services. I have been with the NT Fire & Rescue since leaving the navy in 79.

After leaving Leeuwin in mid 70 I went to Nirimba to do my apprenticeship as a chippie. Posted to Hobart in 73 till 76 then served a short stint at Kuttabul then on to the tough gig as the chippie at RANSA (next to the Cruising Yacht Club in Sydney) where I sailed Sydney harbour nearly every day for three years.

Married in 74 two kids now 28 & 26, separated in 2000 (unfortunately) but now a grandad.
Living and working in Nhulunbuy (Gove) as OIC of the fire district. Great place, sensational fishing, great people and a mighty little golf course. Could not ask for much more.

The 40th reunion sounds great and I will hopefully get there, wherever it is held. Please pass on my regards to all the boys of the 28th. 

MICHAEL RYE - NSW

After the navy I worked for a couple of years in shearing sheds and wool stores. I then was lucky enough to get a job with the Newcastle Gas Company. I worked on the Natural Gas Pipeline. I spent 20 years in that job then accepted an early voluntary seperation package.

I then started work with the Newcastle University mail and courier service. I have been there now for 11 years and have the position of supervisor.

I have been married for 33 years to my beautiful wife Sue and have one son who is a computer guru in Queensland.

It has been a tremendous thrill to see names and read words from guys I spent a great time with in my youth.

I now write lyrics for a local musician who has released a CD of our songs, I try to play the guitar, banjo and blues harp...........sometimes good, sometimes bad. I also enjoy a beer and a wine and a good joke, clean or dirty.

I look forward to meeting the names I see in the emails again.

BERNIE BOCK - NSW

Just a quick line to let you know what I have been up to. Since I left the Navy in 1976 I started working the building industry in Darwin and from there I went to the north coast (no not Nimbin) and worked there, mainly bricklaying and playing rugby. I had played for the zone representative side and also coached this side. I played first grade rugby until I retired in 1987 (got married).

Since about the same time I changed to working in the civil construction and took a major interest in health and safety at the same time. I have worked mostly on contract, and now work for Laing O”rourke.

I have two children 14 and 11. they keep me out of trouble when I am at home but trouble just seems to follow me everywhere else (sure is fun).

I live at Evans Head on the beautiful Far North Coast on NSW and am currently building an end grain balsa core boat. It is a 34footer. Sometimes I find it hard to get the time to put in, but such is life. I will try and keep out of the poo until reunion.