SUBCON 2026 Canberra ACT
Dear SAA Members and Friends,
The SAA ACT branch will host this year's SUBCON on the weekend 23-25 Oct. We have sought sponsorship from several organisations and have had some success with generous sponsorship from Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems (JEDS).
The aim of SUBCON is to provide a forum for a national gathering of SAA members, their guests and friends. This event celebrates the work of the SAA in areas of Advocacy, Mateship and Wellness. We want to attract as many attendees as possible to SUBCON26 and limiting the out of pocket expenses is one way to help us achieve that aim..
The highlight for SUBCON26 will be a Saturday night gala dinner to be held at the Australian War Memorial's new Anzac Atrium. This is a spectacular space located between the old building and the newly constructed Anzac Hall. Attendance at this event will be at least 120 SAA members, guests and friends. The Chief of Navy has been invited to attend as guest speaker. Other senior officers from the Australian Submarine Agency are expected to attend.
The EOI form is complete when you press "SUBMIT" you will then be given you a "THANK YOU" when it has been posted.
If you fail to get a "THANK YOU" you must complete the form again or you may miss out
SUBCON 2026 Promo #2 EOI SUBCON 2026 page
SUBCON 2026 EOI Booking form
SAA NSW
Will be marching in the Sydney Anzac Parade.
March - muter in Castlereagh St from 0845, approx 100m from Hunter St.
(Just behind the WRANS)
All submariners welcome. Step off after 0900.
Reunion - Meet at City of Sydney RSL, George St just down from Liverpool St from 1100 approx. .Free drinks, food and Tot until Kity rums out.
Looking for Flag Bearers if we can't pre arrange with RSL.
Geoff Anderson
Victoria
Victoria will be mustering 0830 hrs Flinders St East (Next to Federation Square) - banner will be flying.
On completion of march transport provided back to St Kilda RSL (freebie).
Anyone wishing to commemorate Anzac Day but not available on the particular day, the St Kilda RSL will be holding a Commemoration march, full information from Ian Tanner - president@skanc.com.au - the Sunday previous to Anzac Day (Sunday 19th April).
On completion, muster St Kilda RSL (Entertainment provided).
Keith J. Hatfield
President SAA (Vic. Inc.)
Walk for Kids with Cancer 2026
This 'Walk' is now in its 18th year and with the first walk taking place in 2008, Coolangatta to Canberra.
The Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation continues to conduct this event in Bob's Memory and raise money for The Cancer Centre for Children at Westmead and Randwick.
Any money I raise goes to The Children's Hospital at Westmead where I have been Volunteering 3 days a week for 16 years. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Carnival Cruises have most generously given $50,000 to TRIPLE MATCH any donation from 9.00am, Thursday 12th March (today) I can't thank the SCHF and the Children's Hospital at Westmead to keep Bob's Legacy alive for the Children stricken with Cancer, His mantra, ' I have lived a good life, and theirs is just beginning'. Anything you can give, is very much appreciated, as always, thanks to those who have supported since 2008.
Link to fund raising page
for additional information:
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A Collins Submarine in Sydney this week 09 March 2026
    
Submarine Images above by Haig Gilcrest
2025 Image Review
2026 Image Review
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The Value of Membership: Why Every Submariner Should Join the SAA
Some submariners have rightly questioned what are the benefits of joining the Submarines
Association of Australia (SAA)? In responding to that question, I should start by
summarising the core objectives of the SAA and then elaborate on what goes on behind the
scenes. The SAA exists to:
Maintain the unique ‘esprit de corps’ of the Submarine Service.
Promote the interests and welfare of all submariners, past and present.
Foster social connection within the submarine community.
Advocate fiercely to Defence, DVA, and Government on health and welfare matters.
Provide direct support through a network of Pension and Wellbeing Advocates.
Operate a charitable Welfare Fund for members in need.
These are not just ideals; they are active commitments delivered through the following key
areas:
1. Unbroken Camaraderie: The SAA is the backbone of our community. We organize and
participate in national commemorations like ANZAC Day parades, where serving and former
submariners march as one. We host events like SUBCON and the AGM, ensuring our
unique bond transcends generations and geographies.
2. Tangible Welfare : Support: Our structured network of Branch Welfare Officers and a
national database allows us to proactively identify and support members. This past year
alone, we have provided crucial non-financial support to members facing mental health
challenges, bereavement, or other personal crises. This generally happens behind the
scenes, to maintain privacy and respect for the affected member.
3. Expert Advocacy: Our dedicated DVA Advocates assist any submariner, member or not.
However, as members of a coordinated network, they share knowledge and strategies,
ensuring fewer claims fall through the cracks. Furthermore, the SAA acts as a powerful
collective voice to government and defence agencies, achieving tangible results—from
securing historical recognition to protecting vital naval heritage.
4. Direct Financial Aid: The Submarine Welfare Fund: This independent charity, operating
under the SAA umbrella, provides direct financial assistance to members in need. Support
ranges from helping with essential household costs to covering urgent, significant medical
expenses. Access to this fund is a key member benefit. The work of David Bryant and his
fellow trustees happen quietly in the background, and they all work with the utmost
discretion. They must however work strictly within the rules of the trust, in particular that the
beneficiary is Ordinary, Associate, and Life Members of the Association, or other eligible
persons in accordance with the Trust Deed
5. Commemoration : Continuity: We honour our history and our departed shipmates by,
obituarising the deceased and by presenting "Poppy Dolphin" pins to their families and, if
asked, assisting with funeral arrangements, ensuring their service legacy is respected.
This vital work has a cost. Maintaining our national infrastructure—website, software,
insurance, and advocacy efforts—requires sustained funding. While State Branches raise
their own operational funds, the National body coordinates and resources the core services
that benefit all submariners.
We have meticulously managed these costs; membership fees have not increased in over a
decade, and National Office Bearers almost universally volunteer their time and travel
expenses.
In summary, the SAA is more than an association; it is the sustained, organized
manifestation of the submarine ethos: "We look after our own."" Whilst we will never refuse
help to a submariner in need, our capacity to provide that help is directly tied to our
membership.
Sponsorship has dwindled, and the assumption that "I will never need support" is often
flawed. By becoming a financial member, you are not just paying a fee—you are investing in
the resilience of the entire submarine community, ensuring this critical safety net and
collective voice remain strong for every submariner, including yourself.
Join us. Strengthen the service that strengthens our community.
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