42 for 42: Fallen soldiers in Afghanistan remembered in Brisbane

It’s Brisbane’s new party hotspot but it’s also home to our newest Anzac Day tradition, as Howard Smith Wharves showed respect to those who served.

Susan Chuck and her daughter Tiffany Chuck from the 42 for 42 organisation at Howard Smith Wharfs. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

IT’S Brisbane’s new party hotspot but it’s also home to our newest Anzac Day tradition.

Howard Smith Wharves on Thursday was home to men, women, and children of all ages showing their respect to those who served, honouring the Anzac tradition.

Vietnam War photography, vintage wartime vehicles, games of two-up and air raid shelter tours were also available for people to attend.

42 for 42, a not-for-profit organisation that remembers the soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan, showcased photos of the fallen.

Families at Howard Smith Wharves on Thursday.

Susan Chuck, secretary of 42 for 42, lost her son Ben in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan just 10 days before he was due to return home.

“He was special forces, a commando, and did three tours,” she said.

“He was 27 and it was his last tour … He served four years, till 2010.

“But the military has amazing people — their souls particularly. They are loving, thoughtful and so considerate.”

The 42 stands for the 41 soldiers who were killed with the 42nd representing the soldiers who have been lost to suicide after returning home.

The 42 for 42 sign at Howard Smith Wharves.

Founder Sean Mulqueen said 42 for 42 was created after he returned from Afghanistan to honour those who fought in Australia’s longest war.

“It’s really about having a purpose for them when they come back … honouring the boys, their families,” he said.

Co-founder Tom Williams, who served alongside Private Ben Chuck, said it was important for there to be something for serving members to return home to.

“This journey has been part of my recovery … It’s been a healing process for me,” he said.

42 for 42 is in the process of building a memorial near Suncorp Stadium as a sacred place for those to remember the fallen and to learn the untold stories of the Afghanistan war, an emphasis being placed on more lives being lost since returning home than during the war.

Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser said it was important to pay respect to the service men and women, both past and present, who have served our country.

“Howard Smith Wharves is a place where the Brisbane community comes together and given Anzac Day’s importance, we think establishing a tradition onsite that supports the Qld RSL is a moving way to commemorate our service people,” he said.