The 2/29th Battalion AIF Association has been in existence for almost 80 years, providing support and connection for the returned veterans. Now, the Association, through relatives and interested parties, aims to perpetuate the name, memory and tradition of the 2/29th Battalion.
The Association seeks to achieve its purpose through our annual service at the Shrine of Remembrance, our Reunion luncheon and by actively participating in the ANZAC Day March in Melbourne.
More recently we have introduced a biennial educational grant available for relatives of veterans to support with costs associated with secondary school.
Through our connections with the Bentleigh / Cheltenham RSL, we now have an opportunity to support primary school students to participate or improve their primary education.
While the donation is intended to support students who have a particular need, the schools are at liberty to direct the funds to whatever area they require.
Schools are selected if there is a family connection to the 2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion. The following schools have been supported so far:
Coatsville Primary School
Andrew Coffey, Association President making the presentation to Michael Jones, Principal of Coatesville Primary School in Melbourne.
Gormandale & District Primary School
The sister of Private John (Jack) Coffey, Vera Ramsay, settled in the area in the late 1940’s running a dairy farm which is still run by her family to this day. Vera’s children attended the school from around 1950, her grand children and now her great grandchildren continue to do so to this day with the Musgrove / Ramsay Family.
Private John (Jack) Coffey and his family have spent any years visiting the Gormandale area and we are pleased to offer support to the school.
Association President Andrew Coffey presented the donation to Principal Charleigh Williams along with the School Captain & Vice Captain.
Glengarry Primary School
Currently there are four Great Grandchildren of Private John Lonsdale from the 2/29th Battalion attending the school.
Pictured is Joy Derham, Association Secretary making the presentation to Brianna Simpson, Principal of Glengarry Primary School.
