DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 118/09
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
THE FUNERAL OF SERGEANT BRETT TILL
Family, friends and colleagues gathered today at Sydney’s Woronora Cemetery and
Crematorium to pay their respects to Sergeant Brett Till, who was tragically killed in
Afghanistan on 19 March 2009.
The dedicated Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician was remembered for his love of
his family and for his service and sacrifice to the nation.
Joining the family were the Hon Julia Gillard MP, Acting Prime Minister, representing
the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister; The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Minister for
Defence; Mr Scott Morrison MP, Member for Cook, representing the Hon Malcolm
Turnbull MP, Leader of the Opposition; and the Hon Carmel Tebbutt MP, Deputy
Premier of NSW, representing the Hon Nathan Rees MLA, Premier of NSW.
The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; The Chief of Army,
Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; and the Special Operations Commander – Australia,
Major General Tim McOwan were also present to pay their respects.
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, extended his deepest condolences to
the family and friends of Sergeant Till on this sad occasion.
“On behalf of the nation, I would like to offer our prayers and support to Brett’s wife,
children, family, friends and colleagues. His dedication and professionalism were true
expressions of the ANZAC spirit,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Sergeant Till was a patriotic Australian and a valued member of his regiment. He is
owed a special debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. I know all Australians will
remember and honour Brett’s sacrifice.”
At the request of the family, media are requested to respect the family and their
wishes for privacy during this difficult time.
Media note:
Vision
Due to the late start of the proceedings, vision of the service will not be available until
after 7.00pm via Channel 7 in Sydney. Please ring Mr Dane Svenson, Mob: 0411 203
579, to confirm these arrangements and timings.
Photography
Images of the service and further personal imagery of SGT Brett Till will be available
from approximately 6:30pm from the Defence website
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
