Chairman's Update July 2026
I want to begin this report by acknowledging the passing of Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle, who was lost following a parachute training incident at Jervis Bay Airfield on 11 May 2026.
As we close out the third quarter of FY26, the Trust continues to build strong momentum in expanding our presence and increasing our capacity to support Australia’s Special Forces community.
Unfortunately, this mission is driven by real demand. We are currently supporting 60 Australians, and the requests for support are continuing to grow.
Our Annual Commando Welfare Trust (CWT) Charity Ball returns to The Pillars in Sydney on 13 November 2026. With nearly 100 tickets already sold, please click the button below to secure your spot.
A great way to support the CWT and our Veterans is by signing up for our recurring donations program and sharing this report with your friends and family. Together, we can build a network of Australians committed to making a difference.
Below is a summary of our recent activity.
Vale Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle
The CWT pays its respects to Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle, who passed away following a parachute training incident at Jervis Bay Airfield on the evening of 11 May 2026.
After more than 30 years of service across the Army and with over 20 years in SASR, Lachlan was an extremely well-regarded member of SASR and the wider SOCOMD community.
He is the sixth Special Forces soldier lost in training accidents over the past three years, following Captain Danniel Lyon, Corporal Alexander Naggs, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon.
It is a reminder of the danger our soldiers face in training to maintain essential high end capabilities at the edge. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and fellow serving members of the Australian Army.
We honour Lachlan’s service. Lest we forget.
Funding Doug Baird to Tell Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG's Story
The late Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG was a 2nd Commando Regiment soldier who gave everything in service to his country and his mates. He was Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross recipient.
His father Doug has spent over a decade carrying Cameron’s story across the country — to schools, sporting clubs, military units and ANZAC commemorations — keeping his legacy alive and reminding Australians what service truly means.
The CWT have stood by the Baird family and was pleased to hear that common sense has prevailed.
The Government has reversed their decision and is continuing to support the Baird family’s mission, ensuring Doug can travel, speak, and connect with communities across Australia.
Partnering with Heroes and Horses to Support Veteran Transition
The program is backed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, led by former Special Forces personnel, psychologists and multidisciplinary support staff.
Based on a US program delivered for over 10 years, which has seen remarkable results:
- 100% of respondents reported increased peace and acceptance
- 95% reported a deeper sense of meaning and purpose
- 77% reported improved relationships with family members
- 76% reported the ability to apply program learnings to positively impact their communities
Celebrating Beneficiary Emily Cafe's Success
Emily was selected for the Chamber Orchestra, awarded Most Improved, and received Outstanding Achievement awards in History, Mathematics and Science, alongside high achievement in both her Flute examinations and mainstream dance.
Emily had been supported by the Trust since February 2017, following the loss of her father as a result of his battle after service.
The CWT exists to support the children and families of Australia’s Special Forces — not just in moments of loss, but in helping them build strong, confident futures in the years that follow.
Congratulations, Emily, we are all very proud of you.
The Second Jack Fitzgibbon Cup
The day included Rugby, Tennis, Golf, and Touch Football, with the highlight being the Australian Parliament Rugby XV vs. Commando Welfare Trust XV.
The Trust thanks Andy Turnbull and the Australian Parliament Sports Club for organising the day, along with the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, who presented the trophy. Joel is Jack’s father and continues to honour his son’s legacy through his role as Patron of the Commando Welfare Trust.
The Third Jack Fitzgibbon Cup will be held in Canberra on the afternoon of the 22nd November 2026, and you are all invited to join us. More details to follow closer to the day.
Raised $180,000 for the ANZAC Day Kokoda Trek 2026
The trek finished at Owers’ Corner before the team attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery.
Together, over $180,000 was raised for Australia’s Special Forces soldiers, veterans, and their families. We are in the process of producing a documentary of this journey to be released later this year.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported this journey.
The CWT’s next battlefield fundraising adventure will be retracing the footsteps of the Independent Commando Companies in Timor-Leste 1942/43 in September 2027. Details will be released in the coming weeks.
Veteran Dan Natura Takes on the Bataan Death March for Australia's Special Forces
A former Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader who served for 13 years, Dan was inspired to fundraise after speaking with Caitland Lyon, widow of Captain Danniel Lyon — one of six Special Forces soldiers tragically lost in training accidents over the past three years.
Dan’s effort honoured those lost while raising much-needed funds for Australian Special Forces soldiers, veterans, and their families.
Testimonial — Allan Jones' Wife
With no adequate government support available for her neurodivergent children, and facing the challenges of grief, homeschooling, and everyday living through COVID, Allan’s wife turned to the CWT.
The Trust provided significant support to engage bespoke service providers, reducing barriers in education and community engagement so her children could thrive.
As she said, “The Commando Welfare Trust has removed the financial burden from me, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.”
Welcoming Our New Trustees and Ambassadors
The Commando Welfare Trust was pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees.
The Trust also welcomed two new Ambassadors
Thank You to Our Outgoing Trustees
Through their dedicated leadership, the CWT expanded its programs and strengthened its ability to support those who need it most, leaving the organisation in the strongest position it has been in since its establishment.
Commando Welfare Trust Charity Ball 2026
Key details:
- Date: Friday 13 November 2026, 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Location: The Pillars, 11 Barrack Street, Martin Place NSW 2000
- Dress code: Black tie with miniature medals
Only 250 tickets are available, with 100 already sold — the event sold out last year, well before the event, so please book early.
100% of funds raised will provide emergency and long-term financial assistance to Special Forces soldiers, veterans, and their families where existing systems fall short.
Thank You For Your Support
We remain committed to providing ongoing support to the 60 Australians we currently serve and stand prepared to support others as they need it. Our goal is simple — no family should be left without help during their time of need.
Thank you to all our supporters, sponsors and community members who make this work possible.
