Australians for Better Government Update #17
ANZAC Weekend 2026
Celebrating Australia's Distinguished Military History
In the times we live in, it feels as though Australians and our culture are being viewed through a negative lens. We contend with 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day. We are guilted into feeling ashamed of our history, while completely ignoring the many positives that have made this country great. Abhorrently, we even have politicians who refuse to stand in front of the Australian flag.
One of the pillars of ABG is to instill pride back in Australia and to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments that we have made as a nation.
Perhaps one of the things we should be most proud of is our distinguished military history, which we celebrate on ANZAC Day.
The Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force have a long history of service in conflicts from the Boer War through to modern operations.
Our Diggers have earned a fierce reputation for resilience, tactical innovation and adaptability in harsh environments. We have much to celebrate as our soldiers routinely fight bravely and punch above their weight, relative to our population size.
Here are some of the Australian military's most historic achievements:
World War I (1914–1918)
Gallipoli Campaign (1915): The landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 became a foundational moment in Australian national identity. Despite the overall challenges, Australian troops showed remarkable endurance and courage, earning multiple Victoria Crosses (including several at Lone Pine). The campaign helped forge the "Anzac legend" of mateship and tenacity.
Battle of Beersheba (1917): In the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, the Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade executed a famous mounted charge over open ground to capture the town and its vital water wells from Ottoman forces. This was a key success in the advance toward Jerusalem and contributed to the eventual collapse of Ottoman resistance in the region.
Western Front successes under Lt Gen Sir John Monash:
Battle of Hamel (1918): A meticulously planned combined-arms operation (infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft) that achieved its objectives in 93 minutes with minimal casualties. It became a model for modern warfare.
Battles like Amiens, Mont St Quentin/Péronne: Contributions to breaking the Hindenburg Line demonstrated Australian Corps' effectiveness, capturing significant territory, prisoners, and equipment at a high rate compared to other Allied forces.
Australia raised over 400,000 personnel from a small population and suffered heavy losses, with 64 Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians across the war.
World War II (1939–1945)
North Africa:
Battle of Bardia (1941): Australian forces achieved the first Allied victory against an Axis power (Italian troops), capturing the fortified position.
Siege of Tobruk (1941): The "Rats of Tobruk" (primarily Australian 9th Division) held the port against German and Italian assaults, denying Axis supply lines and boosting Allied morale.
Pacific Theatre:
Battle of Milne Bay (1942): First Allied defeat of a Japanese land offensive in the Pacific, with Australian troops playing a central role.
Kokoda Track Campaign (1942): Australian forces halted the Japanese advance over the Owen Stanley Ranges toward Port Moresby in grueling jungle conditions, marking a decisive defensive victory. This was followed by further successes in New Guinea (e.g., Wau, Huon Peninsula).
Korean War (1950–1953)
Battle of Kapyong (1951): Australian (and other Commonwealth) troops helped repel a major Chinese offensive, earning a US Presidential Unit Citation for their stand.
Vietnam War (1962–1973)
Battle of Long Tan (1966): D Company, 6 RAR (about 108 Australians and New Zealanders), fought off a much larger Viet Cong force (estimated 2,000+) in pouring rain, using artillery support effectively. It is celebrated for courage under extreme odds and helped secure the Australian area of operations in Phuoc Tuy Province.
Battles of Coral and Balmoral (1968): Intense engagements against North Vietnamese forces, recognised with battle honours for sustained combat performance.
Modern Era
East Timor (INTERFET, 1999–2000): Australia led a multinational peacekeeping/ intervention force that restored stability after violence, marking a major independent ADF operation and testing modern joint capabilities. It is viewed as a successful humanitarian and regional stability mission.
Afghanistan (2001–2021, Operation Slipper): Australian special forces and other units conducted numerous operations against the Taliban and al-Qaeda, earning multiple Victoria Cross awards for extraordinary bravery (e.g. actions by Trooper Mark Donaldson and others).
Australian forces have frequently been among the first to achieve certain milestones, such as stopping specific Axis or Japanese advances, and have excelled in innovative tactics (e.g. Monash's combined arms).
The military has produced highly decorated individuals, with Victoria Cross recipients symbolising the highest standards of gallantry.
While wars involve immense cost and tragedy (over 100,000 Australian deaths across conflicts), the celebrated aspects highlight our nation's ingenuity, endurance, grit and determination.
We should never forget the sacrifice of our Diggers, but more importantly their heroics and fortitude in the most brutal of environments. It proves that there is nothing Australians cannot accomplish and that we are a special group of people, especially when we are tested on the World stage.
We must keep this in mind when contemplating the task of reforming our Government. It may seem to be an uphill battle, but there is no challenge that Australians cannot overcome.
Lest we forget.
For a better Australia,
Steven Tripp
ABG President
ABG is holding two important community events next weekend, where all of us can come together, be heard, and demand better governance:
Central Coast – Saturday 2 May at 2pm
Lusso Estate Function Room - 195 Johns Road, Wadalba NSW
Cessnock – Sunday 3 May at 2pm
East Cessnock Bowling Club - Neath Street, Cessnock NSW 2325
Full details, times, and venue information are available now on our website: www.australiansforbetter.com.
We encourage you to check us out and bring family and friends. The more voices we have, the stronger our message becomes.
Australia deserves better government — government that puts the security and prosperity of its own people first. If you’re tired of the failures, the excuses, and the weakness, then join us at these upcoming 'We The People' events.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Don't Miss These Incredible Speakers
Both 'We The People' events will bring together visionaries, policymakers, Constitutional experts, and engaged citizens to explore bold ideas for transforming our governmental structure and constitution.
We are blessed with wonderful and impactful speakers, including Dr. Christopher Reynolds who is Australia's most researched and influential historian and political philosopher, and also the only Australia to have worked in the US Congress.
See more from Dr. Reynolds here:
We will also have Katy McCallum, the President of Let's Rethink Renewables coming down from Kilkivan in Queensland to give her perspective on how Governments, both State and Federal, treat our local communities.
Katy is fast becoming one of Australia's most well-known speakers, with many of her heartfelt videos going viral in recent months. To see more from Katy McCallum, see here:
At our Central Coast event, we will have Martin Stevenson, who is a local business owner and grassroots campaigner, who will give a unique insight into the pressures business owners and local candidates face when dealing with big Government.
At our Cessnock event, we will have Stuart Bonds, who is one of the most prominent One Nation candidates in New South Wales and who has amassed a huge following and mainstream media attention. Stuart always speaks with candor and brutal honesty about the way Australia is headed and you will not want to miss the opportunity to meet him and hear him speak.
Don't miss these important events.
ABG WE THE PEOPLE Central Coast – Saturday 2 May at 2pm
Lusso Estate Function Room - 195 Johns Road, Wadalba NSW
ABG WE THE PEOPLE Cessnock – Sunday 3 May at 2pm
East Cessnock Bowling Club - Neath Street, Cessnock NSW 2325
Beyond the Campaign: The Constitutional Questions Behind South Australia’s 2026 Election - click to read
As South Australians approached the March 2026 state election, public debate narrowed around leadership, polling momentum, and cost-of-living pressures.
Of course those matter, but this election unfolded under altered constitutional conditions, and that deserves closer attention.
For the first time in the state’s history, South Australia operated with a legislated First Nations Voice to Parliament, elected separately and structured on the basis of Aboriginal ancestry.
Bill’s Alert Episode 1 – Overview of SA Parliament Operation with Alex Wiengand - click to watch
Join ABG Vice-President Mark Neugebauer, who sits down with fellow South Australian Alex Wiengand for a timely conversation on how the South Australian Parliament operates as the state heads into a new term following the March 2026 State Election.
History of Australia’s Constitution with Dr Christopher Reynolds - Click to watch
Mark Neugebauer, Vice President of Australians for Better Government, catches up with Historian and Author Dr Christopher Reynolds to discuss Australia’s Constitution, it’s founding, its usefulness in todays Australia, why and how it should be improved, and his encouragement for everyday Australians…WE the People.
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