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VALE – COMMANDER DONALD FREDERICK WEBB RAN (RTD)
The Submarines Association of Australia is saddened to advise of the passing of former member Don Webb on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
VALE CPOUCSM JEFFREY LANCE HARDING R108712
The Submarines Association of Australia is saddened to advise of the passing of South
Australian member Jeff Harding on the 11 th of September this year.
VALE – LSUCSM ANDREW “BUTCH” MACKINNON URQUHART R62806
The Submarines Association of Australia is saddened to advise of the passing of former
member and former Victorian Branch President, Andrew “Butch” Urquhart.
Leading Seaman Andrew Urquhart passed away in Victoria on 12 September 2026, aged
89. He was predeceased by his wife.
DVA Information has been moved to the DVA News Tab
DVA NEWS
Veterans who served Australia just scored a rare Senate win
Labor’s plan to slap a $5,000 annual threshold on allied health care (physio, psych, OT & more), banking $748 million in “savings” from those who already gave so much, got smashed 36–21. Coalition, Greens, One Nation and the crossbench united. Labor stood alone.
Over 25,000 veterans currently exceed that amount. The government rebranded the “limit,” added some exemptions and insists clinically necessary care continue yet the Budget still counts the big cut. Critics say it’s punishing the many for the few alleged rorts, and that consultation came too late.
A DVA Advocate has reached out to me for assistance in locating anyone who was serving on HMAS Otway in late 1983 or early 1984, when the submarine experienced an engine run-on in the Tasman Sea. (Note: This is not the HMAS Onslow incident of 1981.)
In particular, the Advocate would like to speak with any crew member who took part in the evacuation and treatment of personnel affected by exhaust fumes.
This information is needed to support a former member of Otway’s crew with their DVA claims, as they are currently dealing with ongoing medical issues that may be linked to the incident.
If you are willing to speak with the Advocate, please send me your contact details, via the email address below, and I will put you directly in touch with the Advocate.
Your discussions with them will be treated as private and confidential—my role is simply to act as a conduit to connect you.
Thank you for your consideration.
National Secretary Submarines Association of Australia national.saa.secretary@gmail.com 0418404937
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Dear SAA Members and Friends,
We are fast approaching the execution phase of SUBCON26 with 38 days until the event kicks off.
The aim of this update is to bring you up to speed with the latest SUBCON26 information. I have attached a spreadsheet with the latest Registration status, Bus Data and a Full list of attendees by name. For those who are unable to open the attachment on their device(s) the spreadsheets have been posted on the SAA Website as follows:
1. Host names V Functions attending https://www.submarinesaustralia.com/Names_V_Events.pdf
2. All attendee names including guests - not just Saturday night as the name suggests but total number registered. https://www.submarinesaustralia.com/saturday_night.pdf
3. Bus Data - all those who have signed up for the bus. https://www.submarinesaustralia.com/BUS_data_events.pdf
I ask that you please review your information on all three spreadsheets and let me know ASAP if you have any issues, such as name spelling, events that you are attending, bus info etc.
The Registration process will shut on Wed 16 Sep 26 So if you are still thinking about registering for SUBCON26 then time for thinking about it is about to expire. You can register here Canberra SUBCON 2026.
Seating Preference. The seating preference process will also close on 16 Sep 2026.
Most attendees have nominated their seat preference with over 200 seats allocated already. Seating Preference data is captured here:
https://www.submarinesaustralia.com/SUBCON%202026_main.html
If you have not chosen a seat/table, then please do so ASAP here: Form
Be advised that attendees don't need to register their seat preference. There is a seat for everyone, and we will find a good seat for you and your party.
for additional information go to the SUBCON 2026 page
SUBCON 2026 MERCHANDISE
Merchandise for the ACT SUBCON 2026 is now available for order at the following link:
please read the information about orders
SUBCON 2026 merchandise
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In September 2022 :
In September 2022, a fascinating moment in the history of HMAS Otama a Royal Australian Navy Oberon class submarine unfolded as the vessel was loaded onto the heavy-lift ship Rolldock Sun.
Given the submarine's massive size and distinctive shape, the transfer operation was an unusual sight in the maritime world.
HMAS Otama boasts a long history of service with the Australian Navy prior to its retirement. Today, any documentation regarding the submarine serves as a vital record of the journey of one of Australia's historic vessels
SAA Welfare Successor Foundation.
Dave Bryant OAM.
Has put many word down about the history and purpose for the SAA Welfare Successor Foundation.
The link is below.
This is a good read and it shows how the SAA is reveliant to all Submariners
SAA Welfare Successor Foundation
Our Notice board has additional Information
About NHS, Friends of Holbrook , and Naval uniforms
Notice board |
