Who We Are
The Terror Australis Garrison (TAG) started life as part of the Australia/New Zealand Outpost, which was believed to have been formed between June and October 1998. With only 2 members, one in Australia and one in New Zealand, by the time Episode 2 was released in 2002 there was 8 members, this year marked a very special occasion with TAG being invited to troop at the Star Wars “The Magic of Myth” exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.
Towards the end of 2003, with numbers continuing to grow and soon the Australian side of the Garrison started to out number the kiwi’s. Towards the last part of 2003 the Garrison was divided into 2 squads collectively operating under the ANZ Garrison banner. When choosing our squad name we had 2 requirements the first one was people had to be able tell where we were from instantly, the second was the name had to be menacing enough to befit of a Squad in the Imperial Armed Forces.
Several names were discussed by ultimately one stood out more then the rest. Terror Australis which is basically a play on words of the old Latin term for Australia “Terra Australis” which means great southern land. The name perfectly fit our 2 criteria thus the Terror Australis Squad was born and made operational by Legion Commander Albin Johnson in October 2003.
With members joining constantly, numbers in Australia steadily grew and in early 2004 our membership numbers soon reached 25 members signaling another milestone as there were enough numbers to form an independent Australian Garrison. In April the ANZ garrison was disbanded to form Outpost 42 (New Zealand) and the Terror Australis Garrison (Australia).
Discussion started in February 2004 on whether the Australian members of the ANZG should form their own Garrison.. Members voted and it was decided by overwhelming vote of 24-1 for an Australian Garrison being formed. In April 2004 ANZ Garrison was formally disbanded again many names were discussed for our garrison name but members unanimously voted for our squad name to continue on and the Terror Australis Garrison was born.
2005 saw some very important milestones for the Terror Australis Garrison in April 2005 TAG was officially approved as a Garrison of the 501st Legion after passing the 12month probationary period. The 1st Terror Australia Garrison reunion was held in Sydney May 2005 to coincide with the release of Star Wars Episode 3, TAG members completed an incredible 10 events during the week long celebration including the Red Carpet Premier at the Hoyts Theatre in Sydney and the midnight premier at Fox studios. As well as a very memorable visit to Ronald McDonald House and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. 2005 ended with member numbers surpassing 50.
The end of 2006 saw membership passing 75, our second Commanding officer voted into the position and a very important moment for the garrison when for of our members were selected to travel to the United States by Lucas Film’s and participate in the Rose Parade as part of a 200 strong 501st Legion presence. By the end of 2008 it looked like TAG Membership was going to to surpass 100 members and have troopers in every state and territory in Australia.
2009 sees the Terror Australis Garrison, standing at over 130 members, with three Squads, the ‘Southern Star Squad’ in NSW, ‘Redback Squad in Qld and ‘Knightfall Squad’ in Victoria, and two more on the way in South, and Western Australia very soon. TAG continues to grow bigger and bigger with new members joining every day.
Appearances
We are actively involved in charity work, making appearances and working with charities such as Starlight Foundation, KidsFlix, Ronald McDonald House, Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Make A Wish Foundation, and The Good Friday Appeal to name but a few. We have also made appearances and participated in events for Fox Studios and Lucas Film, EA Imagine, Gametraders, and convention appearances at Supanova, Conflux and Armageddon.
Ready to get involved?
