National

'Selfless' soldier killed in army training laid to rest

By Noah Secomb

Oct 19, 2026

Cpl Hannam — Corporal Brendan Hannam, who died in a vehicle rollover, remembered as a "selfless teammate". -PR HANDOUT

An Australian Defence Force soldier who died during a training exercise has been remembered as a devoted father and honourable member of the military.

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Corporal Brendan Hannam was killed during an exercise at the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory on October 5.

Five other Australian Army soldiers were injured in the accident.

He was laid to rest on Monday after a funeral at the Robertson Barracks east of Darwin where his former colleagues paid tribute to his service and character.

Cpl Hannam served with distinction in Afghanistan and in training Ukrainian recruits in the UK, Lieutenant Colonel Ash Zimmerlie said to the gathered audience at the Lone Pine Chapel.

"Corporal Hannam's career was characterised by loyalty to his battalion, dedication to his profession, and commitment to his mates," Lt Col Zimmerlie said.

"He served this country honourably, and he's earned the respect of those alongside whom he served ...and we honour his memory today, lest we forget."

Lieutenant Cooper Bridgeman described the late soldier as a steady, capable and humble colleague.

"We saw a dedicated corporal, a selfless teammate, and a valued leader," Lt Bridgeman said with his eyes fixed to the lectern.

"He was a man of character, a loving partner, and most of all, a devoted father.Â

"Know that he was extremely proud of you, and everything that he did was for you, the people that he loved deeply and without reservation."

Cpl Hannam is survived by a partner and two young children.

The ADF has suspended operational use of the vehicle involved in the fatal training exercise until a full investigation can be completed.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government will also examine other fatal incidents in recent years as part of the inquiry.

Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle, a Special Air Service Regiment operator, died in May after colliding with a fellow soldier during a parachuting exercise.

In October 2025, a soldier died and two others were hospitalised after a truck rolled over during an army training course.

Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon, died in March 2024 after a parachuting incident at the Richmond RAAF base outside of Sydney.