Historical information

The 150 years of Defence Forces in Bendigo Anniversary Dinner was held on Saturday 30th August 2008 - 7.00pm. It was Hosted by the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc. The theme was “Marching forward, Looking Back”.

Page 2 has details of the 3 course meal, tea & coffee.
The Bugler on the night was Mr Kevin Finn.

Page 3. The program listing;
Master of ceremonies Mr Murray Poustie.
Silent Tribute Mr Cliff Richards President BDRSL.
Loyal Toast Major John Balsillie MBE (RL)
Toast to 150 years Cr David Jones Mayor CoGB
Response Captain Geoffrey Hatcher, Officer Commanding (Acting) 15th Transport Sqd.
Guest Speaker Brigadier Michael Arnold Commander 4th Brigade.
Reply Cr David Jones Mayor CoGB.
Closing remarks Mr Peter Polwarth, Chairman Organizing Committee.

The back page listing 1858 - 2008 is an abbreviated one of 29 major Military events in the Sandhurst/Bendigo region.

This event came about with Passchendaele Barracks Military Historical Society approaching the Bendigo District RSL regarding an event. Murray Poustie who was Chairman Commemorative Sub Committee BDRSLINC took on the role of researching the background military history and organizing with Passchendaele Barracks.

Physical description

Program A4 folded to make 4 pages, the front has a sepia tone photo at the top followed by red & black text, at the bottom are two gold images of badges. Inside page 2 has the menu, page 3 program laid out, the rear has a background image with a military chronology over of Bendigo Military from 1858 - 2008.

Inscriptions & markings

Under the front page photo, “1878, Hospital Sunday Parade at the Orderly room, View Street - Source Bendigo Advertiser”