Camp Gregory Veteran Retreat

20/08/2026

WA seagulls the size of chooks

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

🇦🇺 KEEPING THEIR STORIES ALIVE 🇦🇺

As Vietnam Veterans Day draws to a close, we wanted to share another special part of Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat — the Lysaght.

Within its walls is a growing collection of military memorabilia, books, photographs and displays honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans.

Today, surrounded by veterans, families and friends, these displays felt particularly significant.

Among them is “Against All Odds – The Battle of Long Tan”, a poignant reminder of the events we commemorate on Vietnam Veterans Day and the Australians who served during the Vietnam War.

These pieces are more than items on a shelf or behind glass.

They preserve history.
They spark conversations.
They bring back memories.
And most importantly, they help ensure the stories of those who served are not forgotten.

To everyone who has donated memorabilia, shared their history, contributed to the displays or helped care for the Lysaght — thank you.

Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat is proud to provide a place where our military history can be preserved, shared and remembered for generations to come.

As Vietnam Veterans Day 2026 comes to an end, we remember all who served, those who returned, and those who never came home.

Lest We Forget. 🇦🇺

18/08/2026

🇺🇸 A VIETNAM VETERAN’S STORY 🇦🇺

Today, on Vietnam Veterans Day, Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat had the privilege of welcoming US Army Vietnam Veteran Steve Jennings to our service.

Steve deployed to Vietnam in September 1970, aged just 19 years old.

He served with the 174th Assault Helicopter Company, becoming a door gunner with the 2nd Flight Platoon.

During one of those flights, Steve and his crew came under fire from ground forces.

More than five decades later, Steve still carries an extraordinary piece of his service history, his lighter, engraved:

“DUC PHO
VIET NAM
70–71”

The damage it bears remains a very visible reminder of what Steve experienced as a young man serving in Vietnam.

Steve has recently celebrated his 76th birthday, and today we were honoured to have him standing alongside us at Camp Gregory as we remembered all those who served.

Thank you, Steve, for sharing a little of your story with us, and most importantly

Thank you for your service.

From everyone at Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat, it was an absolute privilege to have you with us today.

Lest We Forget. 🇦🇺🇺🇸



http://www.174ahc.org/jenn-00.htm

18/08/2026

🇦🇺 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY 2026 – CAMP GREGORY VETERANS RETREAT 🇦🇺

Today, Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat came together to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day, remembering and honouring all Australians who served during the Vietnam War, and those who never returned home.

Committee Member Darron Cameron conducted today’s service, with veterans, families, members, caretakers and guests gathering at the Retreat to pay their respects. James, one of our caretakers, laid a wreath on behalf of all of our caretakers and also helped set up, along with Dave. One of our newest caretakers.

A particularly special moment was the presentation to Raelee and Tony Simpson of a canvas depicting the Camp Gregory boat ramp named in honour of their husband and son, Brian ‘Simmo’ Simpson.

Following the service, another very special part of Camp Gregory was officially opened The Coral Balmoral Bar in the Lysaght.

The bar was put together by Alex and Norm and erected in memory of all Vietnam Veterans who served, including Brian ‘Simmo’ Simpson.

Darron and Norm had the honour of officially opening the bar today, a fitting occasion for something that will remain part of Camp Gregory for years to come.

Of course, no gathering at Camp Gregory would be complete without a feed! A sausage sizzle followed the service, with Captain Eric cooking up a storm and everyone having the opportunity to sit together, share stories and enjoy some good old-fashioned mateship.

And behind the camera capturing the day for us was Alex, which is precisely why he seems to have conveniently avoided appearing in most of the photos! 📸😂

To everyone who helped organise, prepare, cook, photograph, set up and make today what it was, thank you.

Days like today are what Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat is all about: remembrance, respect, mateship and ensuring the stories of those who served are never forgotten.

Lest We Forget. 🇦🇺

17/08/2026

🎣 A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR FISHING COMPETITION SUPPORTERS! 🎣

Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat would like to extend a very sincere thank you to the wonderful local businesses who generously supported our Camp Gregory Fishing Competition.

Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without businesses willing to get behind our veterans, our families and our Camp Gregory community. ❤️

A huge thank you to:

👏 Glen and the team at Super Butcher Oxenford

👏 Andy and the team at BCF Oxenford

👏 Doug and the team at Doug Burt’s Tackle World Arundel

👏 Paul and the team at Destiny Marine Arundel

Our appreciation certificates have now been personally presented as a small way of recognising the support these businesses provided to Camp Gregory and our Fishing Competition.

Your generosity helped make the event what it was, and your support of our veteran community is genuinely appreciated.

From everyone at Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat, thank you for getting behind us. 🇦🇺🎣

Please support the businesses that support our veterans. ❤️

17/08/2026

🔥 A little love for our back fire pit area! 🔥

Our Volunteer Caretakers have been busy little bees giving the back fire pit area a tidy-up and making it a much more inviting place for everyone to enjoy.

From stacking firewood and clearing the area to setting up plenty of seating around the fire pit, it’s looking fantastic and ready for many good nights around the fire. 🪵🔥

A big thank you to our Caretakers for the time, effort and pride you continue to put into Camp Gregory. It’s these little touches that help make the Retreat feel like home. 💛

We reckon this spot is looking pretty bloody inviting! 👌

13/08/2026

Friday morning at Camp Gregory. Not a midge in site and the river is looking great. So, where the Bloody Hell are ya!

09/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans Day service commencing at 10.30 am followed by a lunch prepared by Captain Eric. To book in, please call our caretakers on 0499 728 800 between 9am and 4pm.

08/08/2026

A Fresh Look for DCD 💙

As we continue to grow and evolve—now proudly marking 10 years of DCD—you may start to notice a few subtle changes in how we show up.

We’ve recently introduced a refreshed look and feel across our channels. It’s a natural step forward as our organisation matures, helping us better reflect who we are today and the impact we’re working to create for veterans and their families.

While the changes are intentionally subtle, they represent our ongoing commitment to clarity, connection, and professionalism—both within our community and beyond.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to have you with us on the journey.

👉 Visit our website to explore the updated look and learn more about our work. www.dcdogs.com.au