Anzac Day Archives - The Gap Today

Stan the Ram’s Legacy Lives On at Enoggera This ANZAC Day

The 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment at Enoggera is marking ANZAC Day by reflecting on over five decades of tradition linked to its distinctive regimental mascot—Stan the Ram.

Marching on Four Legs: A History of Stan the Ram at Enoggera

For more than 50 years, a succession of merino rams, each officially named John Macarthur but known to diggers as Stan, has served as the symbolic mascot of the 8/9 RAR. The battalion is based at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera. As ANZAC Day approaches, the battalion reflects on the enduring legacy of Stan the Ram, a tradition born in 1971 and still marching strong in 2025.

Caption: Private John ‘Stan’ MacArthur IX arriving at Enoggera barracks. (2020)
Photo Credit: Australian Army/Facebook

From Scone to Parade Ground

The tradition began in early 1971 when Mr W.W. Collinson of Scone, New South Wales, donated a purebred merino to the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. With permission from the Macarthur-Onslow family, the ram was named Private John Macarthur I. This move is a tribute to Australia’s wool industry pioneer. However, among the soldiers, the name “Stan” stuck.

Formally presented on parade in March 1971, Stan quickly became a part of daily life and military routine. When 9 RAR was amalgamated with 8 RAR to form 8/9 RAR in October 1973, the new battalion retained the mascot without interruption.

Tales of Tradition and Discipline

Over the decades, Stan became more than a symbol—he was an active participant in battalion culture. Some stories are now legendary. In the 1970s, Stan I famously knocked down the brigade’s Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Lamb, outside Battalion HQ—a moment forever etched in the battalion’s collective memory.

Every Stan also leads parades and stands on review during commemorations. Stan V has taken part in significant events such as the 1992 Freedom of Entry to Brisbane and annual battalion birthday parades at Enoggera.

*Caption: John “Stan” MacArthur in the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade (2015)*
*Photo Credit: State Library Queensland*

Each Stan has held an honorary rank, starting at Private and sometimes progressing through promotions. The mascots are formally inducted, given service numbers, and assigned handlers—often junior soldiers tasked with training them for ceremonial appearances.

Stan’s Place in Ceremonial Life

The mascot’s fleece has been woven into regimental history in a literal sense. Over the past five years, the Caloundra Spinners and Weavers have processed the ultrafine wool from Stan—dyed in the battalion’s slate grey and beech brown colours—and braided it into ceremonial lanyards.

Stan the Ram fleece — *Caption: During the process of spinning and braiding Stan’s fleece.*
*Photo Credit: Mac Kerrie/Instagram*

These lanyards are now worn by battalion members on ANZAC Day, continuing a tactile link between the mascot and those who serve.

Stan the Ram Timeline (John Macarthur I–IX)

1971 – John Macarthur I
Donated from Scone, NSW. Became 9 RAR’s mascot. Then, 8/9 RAR’s mascot after the 1973 merger. Promoted to Corporal.
c.1979 – John Macarthur II
Killed by stray dogs after a pen relocation in 1984.
1984 – John Macarthur III
Served mid-1980s; donated by the Roberts family.
Late 1980s – John Macarthur IV
Mascot during ceremonial years until 1991.
c.1991 – John Macarthur V
Held rank of Lance Corporal. Joined the parade for Brisbane’s Freedom of Entry in 1992. Retired when 8/9 RAR disbanded in 1997.
2008 – John Macarthur VI
Revived mascot tradition after 8/9 RAR re-raised. Retired in early 2010s.
2013 – John Macarthur VII
Served through mid-2010s. Retired in 2019.
2017 – John Macarthur VIII
First to have a ewe companion, Lizzie. Retired in 2020.
2020 – John Macarthur IX (current)
Enlisted and serving as the present mascot. Appears in parades and public events from Enoggera.

More Than a Mascot

While dogs, pigeons, and horses played active roles in wartime, Stan the Ram represents a different contribution—symbolism, spirit, and connection. His presence at Enoggera has bridged generations of service, brought light-hearted relief to regiment life, and served as a community ambassador at schools, hospitals, and civic events.

Caption: Private John ‘Stan’ MacArthur VIII during his first Army haircut.
Photo Credit: 8/9 RAR/X

Far from being just a novelty, Stan the Ram remains a respected part of 8/9 RAR’s structure. Saluted on parade and honoured in the mess, each Stan has reinforced the regiment’s heritage and offered soldiers a reminder that tradition, mateship and humour hold a place alongside duty and discipline.

An Enduring Presence at Enoggera

ANZAC Day will be commemorated at Gallipoli Barracks on 25 April. Stan the Ram’s story continues through his current iteration. Whether on parade, in the field, or at a community event, he stands not only as a mascot, but as a living emblem of 8/9 RAR’s history, identity, and the enduring link between soldier and service.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Keith Payne VC: Local Training at Enoggera Forged Australia’s Most Decorated Soldier

Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial

Australia’s most highly decorated living soldier, Keith Payne VC AM, whose distinguished military career, including training at Enoggera Barracks, culminated in receiving the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery in Vietnam, remains a dedicated advocate for veterans nationwide.

Early Life and Enoggera Training

*Photo Credit:* *Australian War Memorial*

Born in Ingham, North Queensland, during the Great Depression, Keith Payne grew up in a large family. He left school at 14 to become an apprentice cabinetmaker but found the trade unsatisfying. After a short period in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), he joined the Australian Regular Army. His extensive service career included training at Brisbane’s Enoggera Barracks, known locally as ‘The Gap’. He was also posted to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), based at Enoggera, later in his career.

Decades of Dedicated Service

Mr Payne’s military life spanned several major conflicts and postings. He served in the Korean War with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR). Later, he served in Malaya during the Emergency with 3RAR. His career saw him rise through the ranks, becoming a Corporal, Sergeant, and Warrant Officer Class II. He also served as an instructor at the Officer Training Unit in Scheyville, New South Wales, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Pacific Islands Regiment in Papua New Guinea.

Heroism Under Fire: The Victoria Cross Action

Mr Payne was appointed to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). While commanding the 212th Company of the 1st Mobile Strike Force Battalion in Kontum Province, his unit came under heavy attack from a large North Vietnamese force. The company was surrounded on three sides, and his soldiers began to fall back under intense mortar, rocket, and machine-gun fire.

Despite being wounded in the hands, arms, and head by shrapnel, Mr Payne moved under fire, firing his weapon and throwing grenades to keep the enemy back while rallying his troops. He covered the withdrawal and helped organise a defensive position. That night, demonstrating exceptional courage, he spent around three hours moving through the dark, enemy-occupied area, searching for missing and wounded soldiers.

He located about 40 men, organised assistance for the injured, and led the group safely through dangerous territory. Payne later stated his actions were driven by his responsibility as a company commander to look after his soldiers and admitted he experienced fear during the intense battle.

Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Victoria Cross in Brisbane for these actions. He is the last living Australian recipient of the original Imperial Victoria Cross. His valour was also recognised with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star from the United States, and the Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star from the Republic of Vietnam.

Life After Service: Advocacy and Support

After retiring from the Australian Army, Mr Payne served briefly as a Captain with the Sultan of Oman’s Army during the Dhofar War. Returning to Australia, he faced significant personal challenges, including struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his war experiences, which affected his family life. His wife Florence said their strong relationship helped them through difficult times. Mr Payne has acknowledged that post-traumatic stress never fully disappears but affirmed that it can be managed.

He turned this challenging experience into a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans. He became deeply involved in the veteran community, particularly counselling those suffering from PTSD. His advocacy includes lobbying for better health and mental care services, pushing for recognition of First Nations service personnel, and supporting campaigns like the one for Edward Sheean VC. He remains active in his 90s, working to ensure veterans receive the support they need, stating that inaction cannot continue for another generation.

His dedication to veterans and their families has earned him further recognition, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and later being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The mental health ward at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane is named the Keith Payne Unit (KPU) in his honour. Living in Mackay, Queensland, with his wife Florence, Mr Payne continues to serve his community.

Published Date 07-April-2025

Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek Returns in Support of Trek2Health

Photo credit: Caleb Buse from Pixabay

The Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek returns in 2023, commencing at Anzac Square and passing through several landmarks before concluding at the official dawn service at Anzac Memorial Park in The Gap.

Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek 2023 will be a 20-kilometre night trek from Anzac Square and will run through Brisbane Botanic Gardens into Mt Coot-tha Forest then will ascend to Mt Coot-tha Lookout before concluding at the Anzac Memorial Park for the official dawn service.

The event will start at 11:00 p.m. on 24 April 2023. All funds raised will go towards Trek2Health, an organisation supporting the physical and mental health of local frontline workers and veterans.

Everyone is invited to join this fundraising event and supercharge your mental and physical resilience whilst invoking the ANZAC spirit of service, endurance, mateship, courage and sacrifice.

Registration for Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek 2023 is free and each participant must fundraise a minimum of $250.00 to enter the walk.

Participants will receive an online fundraising page to collect donations and will be provided support to achieve their goal. To reach one’s fundraising goal, a participant needs to find 5 sponsors to each donate $50. Or create your own fundraiser, e.g. hold a BBQ for 10 friends requesting a $25 donation each.

Fundraiser Rewards

Individual fundraisers earn rewards when they reach the following targets.
Fundraise $250 for a Trek2Health GET RESILIENCE endurance shirt
Fundraise $500 for an official Trek2Health Wilderness Jacket
Fundraise $1000 for an official Trek2Health Wilderness Jacket, shirt and cap

Note: All participants will be provided with a trek handbook with the registration confirmation email that will explain all aspects of what to bring for this overnight trek.

Published 26-March-2023