A stalwart of the Association and the WA Branch specifically. Shirly was actively involved in monitoring and advocating for the welfare our members, and a number of veteran, widows and veteran family causes throughout her life.

Service Record
Shirly Elizabeth BROCKMAN
Service number: F5274
Category of service: Australian Regular Army
Date of enlistment: 01 May 1956
Date of discharge: 18 July 1958
Employment: Nursing Orderly
Rank on discharge: Private

Postings:
Unallotted List Western Command 01 May 1956
Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps Training Company 05 May 1956
School of Army Health 15 June 1956
5 Camp Hospital 25 July 1956
11 Dental Unit 12 March 1957

EULOGY
Shirly Elizabeth Mooney, OAM (née Brockman) was a remarkable Western Australian and a dedicated Australian servicewoman whose lifelong service to veterans and the SAS community was recognised with the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2017.Shirly was born in Bakers Hill, Western Australia, into the prominent Drake-Brockman family, among the early settlers of the region. A woman of strong character and determination, she later chose to drop the hyphenated suffix from her surname and became known simply as Shirly Brockman. She was also a proud Wongi woman.

Shirly enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1956. After undertaking further medical training, she became an Army nurse within the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC), affectionately known as one of the “Grey Ghosts.” This nickname referred to the Corps’ distinctive grey uniforms and wide-brimmed hats. During her service she worked in military hospitals at Darwin and Karrakatta, where she cared for soldiers injured during the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s.

Following several postings, Shirly was one of five young nurses assigned to the 5th Camp Hospital, which later relocated to Swanbourne. The building that now serves as “The Association House” once functioned as the nurses’ quarters. The nurses were tasked with providing medical support to a new unit being established at Swanbourne — 1 Special Air Service Company, whose soldiers wore the distinctive maroon beret.

At the time, the senior nurse advised the young nurses to avoid interaction with these soldiers, noting that many carried challenging military records. Shirly, however, ultimately ignored this advice when she fell in love with one of “those soldiers,” who would later become her husband.

One of the highlights of her early service was attending the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, where she managed a first-aid station. It was during this time that she met her future husband, John, who famously offered her a ride on his motorbike.

John was a soldier who later joined the newly formed Special Air Service Company. The couple married in 1958 and raised three children together. Their family eventually grew to include five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Under the military regulations of the time, women were required to discharge from the Army upon marriage. As a result, Shirly left military service after marrying John and continued her nursing career at Hollywood Repatriation Hospital. Meanwhile, John continued to serve and rose steadily through the ranks of the Army.
Throughout John’s service, Shirly maintained a close and supportive relationship with many of the young soldiers in his Company. Their home often became a second refuge for soldiers away from Swanbourne Barracks. After John eventually left military service, the couple returned to civilian life and established their own business, while continuing to maintain strong bonds with their military friends.

When John passed away in 1991, Shirly discovered that there was little organised support available for widows of servicemen. Determined to change this, she worked with the Association to organise a fitting farewell for a former soldier. Through this involvement, she was asked by then-President Mick Ruffin, and later supported by Frank Sykes, to help “organise a bit of a funeral routine” for the Association.
Through Department of Veterans’ Affairs training programs for Advocates and Welfare Officers, Shirly became a Welfare Officer alongside respected Association advocates, including the late John (“Father”) Jackson and the late John (“Stag”) O’Keefe.

During this time, she and the Association were heavily involved in supporting the families affected by the Black Hawk Disaster, including organising a benefit dinner that raised $70,000. These funds later formed the foundation of what is now known as the SAS Resources Trust Fund.

Following this period, Shirly continued to generously dedicate her time to a wide range of welfare activities. She supported the annual Children’s Christmas Party, now managed by the Auxiliary for posterity, held on the grounds of the Association. She was also active in other service organisations, notably becoming the first and only female RSLWA Sub-Warden serving at the Kings Park State War Memorial.For twenty years, Shirly — together with Gerry Bampton, a past President of the Association — cooked and served at the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) Association’s annual event held at the House. As the remaining membership aged and declined, this tradition was concluded after 2022.

Even after this time, Shirly continued to assist the Association’s advocate and wellness teams, particularly with military funerals and in supporting the remaining members of Z Force in Western Australia. In her role as an RSL Sub-Warden, she played a significant part in the Z Force memorial services at the Kings Park Cenotaph, with her last involvement occurring in late 2023. For many years, Shirly also served as a trustee of the Western Australian Aged Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Relief Fund, established under the Act of 1932 to provide financial assistance to aged or invalid veterans, nurses, and their widows.

Her service extended to a number of other organisations, including the Defence Force Welfare Association, the Defence Widows Group — where she was appointed Convenor in 1999 — and the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps Association, where she served as a former President.

On a lighter note, Shirly possessed a special talent for persuading members of the Association to purchase raffle tickets and food tickets during the many events held at The House. Of all these gatherings, the annual Christmas function was her favourite, closely followed by Australia Day celebrations. She also unofficially assumed the role of supervisor — or watchdog — for food service standards during these events, and woe betide anyone who dared challenge her authority in this regard. She was often among the first to arrive and the last to leave at Association events.

However, in late 2023 and into 2024, Shirly’s health began to decline, requiring her to step back from many of her welfare duties and her direct involvement with the Association.

Within the House, there is a room affectionately known as the “Holocaust Cupboard,” a nickname given by a former Association President with whom Shirly catered many events. He would often say, “If you are looking for food items that aren’t available in the kitchen, you can be sure they’ll be found in the Holocaust Cupboard.” The only question might be the use-by date.

In recognition of Shirly’s longstanding contribution, this room will be formally named in her honour with appropriate signage.

Despite its humorous name, the cupboard often provided food for those in need. Shirly regularly ensured that individuals seeking welfare assistance were offered something to eat, and she made certain that snacks were available for the many volunteer work parties held at the House.

Another of Shirly’s many talents was the crafting of commemorative wreaths for memorial services and service events. Her beautifully made wreaths added dignity and significance to many important occasions. This skill was passed down to her by her daughter Cathryne, a florist with a natural talent for the craft.

Shirly embodied the role of a matriarch within the SAS Association. Her influence was felt in every corner of the organisation. Drawing upon her distinguished nursing background, she brought compassion, experience, and wisdom to everything she did. Through countless hours of volunteer work at The House, she supported and nurtured fellow members, helping to create the welcoming and supportive environment that so many came to value. It was a privilege to work alongside Shirly over many years at The House. While there were moments of spirited discussion, the end result was always a positive one. Her dedication and volunteer spirit were always directed toward the betterment of the Association and the support of past and present veterans and their families.

The SAS family has lost a cherished and deeply respected member of its community.
Rest in Peace, Your Duty is Done.