Memories will be rekindled at Moree’s inaugural Nashos’ Reunion
PLEASANT memories and some maybe just a little bittersweet will be rekindled this weekend when around 200 former Nashos and returned and ex-servicemen and women converge on Moree to take part in the 2017 Nashos’ Reunion – the first of its type for the town.
The reunion had been held in Bingara for the past 23 years however this year the Moree-based North-Western Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, in conjunction with the Moree RSL Sub-Branch, has been passed the baton to keep the tradition unbroken.
North-west secretary Daryl Brady, a former “nasho”, said the Moree sub-branch had been planning for months to make the first locally-based reunion something special.
“We’re looking at around having 200 people at this stage, from all over the place,” Mr Brady said.
“It makes up proud to be given the opportunity to host this reunion. This will be a first for Moree and we plan to make it bigger and better each year,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to catch up with their mates and talk about the old times.
“There is a real bond between servicemen and this bond is still as strong as ever – they always have been, and always will be.
“It’s a brotherhood, and it will be good to get everyone together to have a good time and to reminisce,” Mr Brady said.
Darryl Brady, secretary of the North-Western Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, is pictured here (sitting second from left at back) during his days enlisted with the National Service. He says “a lot of memories will be shared . . . hopefully a lot of good memories” at the inaugural reunion in Moree. (Image Supplied)
“A lot of memories will be shared . . . hopefully a lot of good memories.”
And while reunions always provide the perfect setting for old friends to catch up, this weekend’s nashos’ reunion at Moree Services Club will also create new friendships.
“Reunions like this create new friendships as well – we meet new people all the time,” Mr Brady said.
“Only on Monday (this week) we met a group of Vietnam vets travelling through Moree, and after just five minutes it was as if we’d known each other for years.”
With such an influx of people to town, many local businesses have subscribed to a Tourism Moree initiative that offers discounts and special deals for visitors with “passports”.
Such was the response by local businesses, subscriptions were extended to allow more to join, meaning more deals and discounts for the visiting ex-servicemen and women.
“This type of event is also good for the town and good for the economy,” Mr Brady said.
“We want everyone tell their friends about the good time they had in Moree and to bring them back next year, and for years after that,” he said.
The huge weekend starts with a meet-and-greet at Moree Services Club on Friday evening.
Visitors are also invited to participate in an art deco walking tour of Moree on Saturday morning as well as an afternoon bus tour that will take in many of Moree’s attractions, including the Moree Solar Farm and Moree Ski Park.
Visitors and locals will also participate in a mid-morning march from Bank Street (behind the Government Offices) to the Ex-Services Club Memorial on the eastern side of Moree Services Club.
A 12.30pm lunch will precede the afternoon bus tour and a visit to Moree Artesian and Aquatic Centre.
Dinner in the Moree Services Club auditorium, emceed by Murray Hartin, will commence at 6.30pm and the following day a farewell barbecue brunch will take place between 9am and 11am.
The Royal Australian Army Band will be on hand to support the Moree band at the march and memorial service, as well as the dinner.
“It’s going to be a great weekend, and both sub-branches in Moree are very proud to be able to host such an event,” Mr Brady said.
Story: Bill Poulos
Image: Supplied
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