Community honours two soldiers lost in service
Jordan FallonTwo young soldiers from the Hunter Valley who lost their lives while undertaking training with the Australian Army were formally honoured at the 2026 Kearsley Community Anzac Day Dawn Service, with commemorative plaques unveiled by their families.
Before a large gathering in the Kearsley Remembrance Garden, plaques recognising the service and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon and Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney were unveiled, ensuring both men are remembered permanently within their home community.
The unveiling marked a solemn and emotional moment for families, friends and residents, reflecting a different kind of loss to that traditionally commemorated on Anzac Day. While more than a decade has been spent researching and recognising men and women from the villages of Kearsley, Abernethy and Elrington who served in earlier conflicts, this year’s Dawn Service acknowledged service members whose loss is still recent and deeply felt.
Over the years, more than 170 commemorative plaques have been installed in Kearsley to honour those who served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations since World War I. The addition of plaques for Lance Corporals Fitzgibbon and Rumney reflects the reality that service and sacrifice continues in the present day.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon died in March 2024 following a tragic incident during a parachuting exercise while serving with the 2nd Commando Regiment. Cessnock born and raised, he was widely known across the Coalfields and remembered for his warmth, leadership and unmistakable presence.
After initially pursuing mechanical engineering, Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon enlisted in the Australian Army, quickly demonstrating the discipline and determination that led him to Special Operations Command. He completed at least 90 parachute jumps, including high altitude operations, and was recognised with the Operational Service Badge, the Operational Service Medal – Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery and the Australian Defence Medal.
On 6 March 2024, both of his parachutes failed to deploy during a training exercise at Richmond. Despite the efforts of fellow soldiers and medical staff, he passed away the following day. He was 33.
His family unveiled his plaque beside the Office of Australian War Graves 50th Anniversary rose ‘In Perpetuity’, where it now stands as a lasting tribute. Members of the community paused to remember a soldier who was also a son, brother, partner and mate to many.
The second plaque unveiled honours Lance Corporal Rumney, who died in October 2025 during a training activity near Townsville while serving with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
A lifelong local with strong ties to Kearsley, Abernethy and Elrington, Lance Corporal Rumney enlisted in the Australian Army driven by a belief in service and responsibility. Over more than seven years of service, he was known as a steady and reliable soldier who led through example rather than words.
During his service, he contributed to the national COVID-19 response, Defence engagement with Papua New Guinea and the training of Ukrainian forces. His professionalism and care earned him the respect of his peers and commanders.
On 15 October 2025, an armoured vehicle he was travelling in rolled during training, causing fatal injuries. He was 26.
At the Dawn Service, his family unveiled his plaque as the community reflected on the loss of a young man whose future held great promise. He was remembered not only as a soldier, but as a son, brother, partner and friend whose roots and values were firmly grounded in the Coalfields.
For the villages of Kearsley, Abernethy and Elrington, the plaques ensure that both men will be remembered, honoured and spoken of long into the future.
