Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey, of Point Clare, was farewelled at the Palmdale Cemetery and Memorial Park on Tuesday, July 15. 
Family, friends and colleagues from Sydney’s Second Commando Regiment gathered to commemorate Lance Corporal (LCPL) Chidgey’s life during a private funeral service at the Hillside Chapel. Fellow soldiers formed the Honour Guard and Bearer Party as their comrade’s coffin was carried into the chapel. Twenty-nine-year-old LCPL Chidgey died in a non-combat related incident in Afghanistan on July 1 while serving with a Protective Security Detachment at Headquarters International Security Assistance Force Joint Command. Commanding Officer of the Second Commando Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) I (identity protected), spoke of LCPL Chidgey as a dedicated Commando and loyal friend to his mates at the regiment.
“Today we mourn and farewell Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey,” LTCOL I said. “Todd was the kind of soldier and person who would do anything for his mates. “As his unit, family and friends gather to say goodbye, everyone will have their individual memories of Todd, the son, the brother, the partner, the mate and the soldier. “Take some comfort in the fact the Army and the second Commando Regiment will never forget him and he will live on in our histories, our memories and whenever we gather and remember those who fell in Afghanistan. “Todd was a dedicated and committed Commando, who served his country, his unit and the Australian community. “We should celebrate his service, his life and his contribution to ensure a better world and keep this in our minds as we mourn his passing.” LCPL Chidgey is survived by his mother, father, brothers and partner.
The funeral was attended by Prime Minister Tony Abbott MP, Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston, Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, Shadow Minister for Defence Senator Stephen Conroy, Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, Chief of Army and Special Operations Commander Australia, Brigadier Dan McDaniel, DSC, DSM. Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks spoke on a Condolence Motion in Parliament on Wednesday, July 16. “We express our deep sadness and sorrow at the death of a fine soldier,” said Ms Wicks. “I take this opportunity to express my deep condolence to Lance Corporal Chidgey’s parents, to his brothers and to his partner.
“All Australians share their grief and our hearts go out to them. “There is no greater sacrifice an Australian can make than to give his life in the service of his country. “Lance Corporal Chidgey was held in high regard by his unit in Afghanistan and by his mates. “His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him, as a loyal mate and as a talented and professional soldier. “His colleagues have described him as a brilliant bloke to know and work with, loyal to the core and someone who would do anything for his mates. “Serving as part of the Protective Security Detachment, he was considered a consummate professional and a hard-working, dedicated soldier.
“Lance Corporal Chidgey deployed on six tours to Afghanistan ranging from two weeks to six months, and he never sought recognition or reward. “Yet, since joining the Australian Army in 2006, Lance Corporal Chidgey received a number of honors and awards. “We have indeed lost one of our finest.
“In the words of Special Operations Commander Australia, Brigadier Dan McDaniel, at a solemn ceremony at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Richmond, Lance Corporal Chidgey was loyal, diligent and committed to the service of his country, his mates and his family. “Brigadier McDaniel said he will be missed but never forgotten by the Second Commando Regiment and wider Special Operations Command community. “May I add that he will also never be forgotten by the people of my electorate of Robertson, and by the people of the Central Coast, who know and respect the contribution of soldiers past and present. “Today my deepest condolences are extended to Lance Corporal Chidgey’s family, friends and fellow soldiers at this very difficult time. “His colleagues in Afghanistan are also in my thoughts. “Their contribution to peace and to our national security will forever be remembered. “May he rest in peace.
Media release, 15 Jul 2014
Department of Defence
Transcript, 18 Jul 2014
Lucy Wicks, Member for
Robertson