The three events kicked off with the Launch on 6th May with over 200 guests, the buffet lunch and entertainment was a resounding success. DHL, the principle sponsor for 2009 presented the sponsorship cheque of $42,000.

Lake Attack 2009 was held on Sunday 30th August at Albert Park Lake. This run/walk event drew interest from across the community. The day was full of highlights, including the legendary Ron Barrassi who started the race in fine style.

The energetic participation of a record number of 2799 entrants a 16% increase on 2008 were all vying for the winners podium, the main feature of the day.

Defence Lake Attack offered many event activities for participants and the community to enjoy. The attractions included, a fly over of Airforce planes, and many Army Interactive Displays.

The culmination of the events was the formal Dinner & Charity auction held at Victoria Barracks on 19th September. Hosted by Major General Grant Cavenagh, AM; welcomed guests to the Officer's Mess for a night of fine dining, wining and entertainment.

The guest speaker Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC, Chief of the Defence Force. He gave an inspiring speech on where all our troops are currently deployed from East to West of our |continent. What the armed forces are doing and of how proud he and we as the community are of the work that is being performed by our troops here in Australia with the Victorian Bushfires and that being done overseas in Afghanistan, the Solomon and East Timor. He also highlighted that troops have left Iraq leaving only a contingent of 81 to keep our Embassy secure.

A buoyant auction of prizes generated enthusiastic bidding from around the room.

TCF President, John Hurley was presented a cheque for $53,000 from Major General Cavenagh and Air Chief Marshal Houston. In total these events raised $212,000 this result amazed us all and not least the four charities who are privileged to receive this money.

In 2009, Defence attracted an amazing 46 sponsors to provide both financial and product support .

DHL, was the principle sponsor. With a total sponsorship of $42,000 DHL embrace this event across the organisation. The staff and management of DHL embody the ethos of being part of a community, it is reflected in their commitment to us all. The Charity Partner, Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation also contributed $42,000 to this year's event.