The bugle is sounding for all veterans in the Valley to come together in Iluka from April 2 for five days of fun and games as well as a few drinks as part of the inaugural Jamboree.

This initiative is being hosted by a very vibrant group of ex-servicemen led by Bruce McIntosh and John Barriball. They have already had success with a number of raffles and BBQ’s in the town and people are impressed with their energy and goals.

They are keen to see that as a follow up to the recent Royal Commission veterans are not forgotten and have people they can talk to when things get tough or just a bit lonely. It is independent of the RSL group which has had a low profile in the area since the club in Maclean closed down.

While numbers are always impressive on Anzac Day many veterans need to be acknowledged throughout the rest of the year. This Jamboree will go a long way to achieving this.

As well as games of golf, bowls, darts and croquet there will be tours of local attractions and the museum which is in the Soldiers Memorial Hall built over a hundred years ago and has some significant veterans’ artifacts.

The event is sponsored by Club Iluka where most of the functions will be held. A full program of events is on the website of Iluka veterans. Families of veterans are invited to all the gatherings to make it a family event as well as it is families who suffer at the worst of times.

It is a wonderful opportunity for veterans of all rank, experiences and history to come together and enjoy the camaraderie and mateship that is part of the DNA of our armed services.

For more information call Bruce (0426 828 621) or John (0411 708 096) ilukaveterans.com.au