02/09/2026
Battle For Australia Day 2026
This morning’s wreath is in honour of Bombardier Sydney Rex Beach and his service during the Second World War.
It is constructed with happy wanderer vines, westringia and jade plant branches, totaling 22 pieces, in recognition of the 22 months he spent serving overseas in New Guinea, Bougainville and Japan. These varieties of foliage have been chosen specifically because they are resilient and tough, and recognize the harsh and demanding conditions often faced soldiers in New Guinea and Bougainville.
Rex received 4 medals for his service: the 1939-1945 Star, the Pacific Star, the War Medal 1939-1945, and the Australian Service Medal 1939-1945. The yellow copper and silver of these medals is shown in this wreath with yarns.
4 clusters of gumnut blossoms recognize Rex’s 4 years of continuous service, with a total number of 19 gumnuts show his age when he enlisted.
At the base of this wreath there are 2 larger gumnuts, in honour of the 2nd Australian Field Regiment with which he served, and 2 rosemary branches from the gardens of the Maldon RSL, which he served as president in 1962 and 1963.
Lest We Forget.