Although much loved, the original colours were in need of replacement, so following the Battalion's return from Iraq, new Queens' and Regimental Colours were presented to the unit by Mr Thomas Pauling, QC, the Administrator of the Northern Territory, in a ceremony conducted at historical East Point, Darwin on 5 June 2008 (the eve of the anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba). The parade was hosted by Brigadier M.G. Krause, Commander of the 1st Brigade, and the principal guests were Major General M.A. Kelly, Land Commander Australia, Major General R.G. Wilson, Commander 1st Division, and Brigadier M.D. Bornholt, Colonel Commandant of the Royal Australian Regiment. This was a particularly special occasion as the members of the 5th Battalion Association trooped with the old colours through the ranks for the last time. Major General Murray Blake (retd) received the new Queens' Colour from the Senior Major, the Battalion's Operations Officer, and Captain Darryl Lovell (retd) received the new Regimental Colour from the Junior Major, the Battalion's Quarter Master, before they and the Administrator presented them to the new colour party to be consecrated. Of note, Darryl Lovell was one of the original ensigns when the colours were first presented in 1967. This symbolism of old and new was particularly important to the unit as it was intended to connect the modern soldiers with their heritage.