Collaroy pays respect to Veterans, pre-ANZAC Day

Bugler, Vaughan Price, plays The Last Post to set the scene for 'Return Serve'

On Sunday, 12 April 2026, at precisely 12:30pm, the solemn notes of The Last Post echoed through the silence at Collaroy Tennis Club, launching ‘Return Serve’, our first community event for veterans of the ADF and their families.

With a giant Australian flag fixed to the fence on Court 2, Bugler Vaughan Price, played the poignant tune impeccably, immediately uniting everyone there, allowing our thoughts to momentarily rest on memories of our loved ones or the sacrifices made by strangers for our freedom.

After a minute’s silence, Vaughan then played The Rouse, first used to call soldiers to duty. In this setting, it seemed to preface a day ahead that would enable us to both show our gratitude, while inviting veterans to connect and thrive in their local community, using our wonderful sport as a catalyst for wellbeing and social connection.

Craig Horner - Manager, Northern Beaches Veteran Wellbeing Centre

Vaughan’s stirring performance was followed by a reading of the ‘Thank You to Veteran’ ode, delivered by Craig Horner of the Northern Beaches Veteran Wellbeing Centre. The ode reads:

"We respect and give thanks to all who have served in the Australian Defence Force and the loved ones who support them. We acknowledge the unique nature of military life and thank veterans and veteran families for their sacrifices in service of our nation".

State Member for Wakehurst, Mr Michael Regan

State Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan, then spoke, underlining the importance of events such as this to the veteran community and congratulating our Club on the latest of our “meaningful inclusion events“.

Michael was one of several dignitaries present, including Mayor Sue Heins of Northern Beaches Council, fellow Councillor Bob Giltinan, (providing the perfect link between tennis and serving in the armed forces), Chris Ballantine - Secretary of the Dee Why RSL Sub-Branch and Inclusion & Community Manager, Tennis NSW, Naskaya Rajah. Alex Skipper was also present, representing the Club’s major sponsor, Belle Property Northern Beaches while new sponsor Sydney Adventist Hospital, provided caps and other giveaways for attendees.

Over 130 people had registered to participate in the event and while there were a few ‘no shows’ due to illness, injury, etc., when the dignitaries and the many children present were included in the count, there were still a good hundred people present at any given time. Special thanks to our friends at Invictus Australia, Legacy NSW and RSL LifeCare for spreading the word about the event in advance. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Club to celebrate service, sport and community. (See photo gallery below)

With the formal start to the day complete, the emphasis then shifted to fun and enjoyment. Five of our six courts were dedicated to social tennis throughout the afternoon, while Court 6 became ‘the Fun Court’, featuring activities including POP Tennis, Golf Putting and Cornhole. Table Tennis was also in full swing inside the clubhouse.

A host of local businesses had provided a range of quality prizes awarded for specific achievements related to each activity (e.g. longest POP Tennis rally, most ‘holes in one’ on the putting mat, etc.). There were also participation prizes, just for having a crack at the various games, and even more prizes presented to the winners of our Free Raffle.

Ahead of the presentation of prizes, the fabulous crew from Bunnings Narrabeen – Carol, Ross and Dale – again cooked up a brilliant BBQ, supplementing the delicious grazing tables set up inside by Kate and her wonderful team of volunteers, each holding plates of fresh fruits, cakes and more. All food, refreshments and entertainment were provided free on the day, courtesy of funding from the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs and Dee Why RSL Sub-Branch.

At 3pm, we were treated to a stunning set of Live Music performed by local duo Modern Vintage. Vocalist Juliane di Sisto (of The Voice Australia fame) and guitarist Sebastian Salz provided 60 minutes of quality songs we all knew and loved, Seb playing so tastefully, every note clearly heard, and Julz showed why many thought she should have won The Voice as a member of Ricky Martin’s team.

Modern Vintage - Julz & Seb

At 4pm, players were called from the court for the presentation of prizes which included 18 holes of golf for 4 players, with carts, from our good friends at Long Reef Golf Club, a gift voucher from Gillian Adams Salon, Spa, Dining, hospitality vouchers from local venues including The Collaroy, Dee Why RSL, the Beach Club Collaroy and GurTaj Indian Restaurant, a brand-new HEAD tennis racquet and racquet bag, coaching lessons from our mates at Evolve, tickets to a Sea Eagles home game, with additional jacket and cap donated by Committee Member Glenn, hampers from TJX Australia and Heinemann Oceania, and more! In all we gave away prizes valued at nearly $3,000!

One young girl, Elise Bui, daughter of Club member Chi, had a red-letter day, first winning the racquet and racquet bag combo., then also hearing her name read out as the winner of $100 in free coaching lessons from Evolve! (Well done Elise.)

The prizes awarded, our President Martin then closed the day, thanking everyone who attended and everyone who supported this great day for Veterans and their families, as well as all the wonderful Club volunteers who made it happen. It was another fantastic community event at Collaroy.

Feedback post-event was universally positive with words like ‘friendly’, ‘fun’ and ‘respectful’ commonly voiced. We had some interesting first-time visitors to the Club, including a gentleman from Russia who attended with his Ukranian wife! In Igor’s words: “It was a very different experience for my wife and me, seeing how Australians all join in an event like this and have so much fun, even though they don’t all know each other. It makes me glad we chose to live in Sydney.”

We also had a visitor from Iran who said how wonderful it was to spend a day where she could forget about her troubles and just enjoy herself, surrounded by so many friendly people. Amazing really, what a simple community tennis club can achieve.

Thank you again to all our veterans, past and present for protecting our freedoms, and to your families who also sacrifice so much. Collaroy Tennis Club offers our ongoing support and wishes you a special day on April 25 – ANZAC Day.

All photos by Wil

COLLAROY'S OWN VETERANS

Return Serve was actually inspired by much loved Club member Col - himself a Vietnam Veteran. Col's doing it a bit tough at present, recovering from surgery, and was unable to attend the event.

Another Club Member who did time in the Army was among the attendees at Return Serve. Geoff served with the 5/7 Battalion, RAR, from 1985 to 1990, posted to Holsworthy Barracks in 1986. He was deployed to Butterworth in Malaysia and spent time undergoing infantry training in Borneo. Geoff also had the opportunity to be part of the Army Tattoo as a member of the drill team during Australia’s Bicentenary celebrations in 1988.

Geoff with fellow veteran, Chris Ballantyne of the Dee Why RSL Sub-Branch

Reflecting on his time in uniform, Geoff said: "What stays with me most from those years isn’t just the training or the places, but the people. The sense of mateship, having each other’s backs, and getting through things together — those are the things that really stick. (A bit like doubles, really… just with slightly higher stakes.)

"I think that’s why ANZAC Day still matters so much. It’s not just about history — it’s about those same values: looking out for each other, showing resilience, and being part of something bigger than ourselves. In many ways, they’re the same values we see right here at our Club."