The Rats of Tobruk memorial band has carried its music across the globe, from the renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, to an invitation by Muammar Gaddafi to perform in Libya.
That invitation was spurred by their performance in Edinburgh where Russian officials took note.
Impressed by the band's precision and historical significance, they recommended them to Gaddafi in 2009.
In Libya, performances occurred during Ramadan, starting about 11pm and finishing about 2am.
They were isolated in a closed-down tourist resort and secured by guards that wouldn't allow them out on their own.
President of the band, Bruce Macfarlane, who has played in it since its formation, said they were aware of the politics involved.
"The trip was approved by the Australian Government. We just didn't go there off our own; we were accompanied by the ambassador," he said.
"That was the best relations [they had] with Australia and the world before the Arab uprising."
The band, formed in the 1960s, has carried the legacy of the World War 2 Tobruk campaign through decades of international performances, including in Switzerland, and China.
Mr Macfarlane's father was a medical orderly during the war and served in Tobruk and New Guinea with the Australian General Hospital.
Mr Macfarlane was influenced to start learning bagpipes at age nine and began playing in the band when he was about 11.
"I've stayed with the band ever since. It's a very welcoming environment and very friendly people," he said.
Mr MacFarlane served 25 years as a RAAF engineer, retiring as a warrant officer in 1993.
The triservice band, comprising serving and former serving personnel, regularly plays with the Tobruk Association in South Melbourne and participates in Anzac Day and open-day events. They have also played for the Governor-General.
Recently they started incorporating more contemporary music into their repertoire alongside traditional Scottish tunes.
But with an aging roster, the band is urgently seeking new members.
With free tuition and instruments provided, the band welcomes individuals of all ages and experience levels. An annual fee of $150 is the only requirement.
New members with no experience can expect to learn an instrument in two years.
"It is really worthwhile for people who do make the effort. There are plenty of opportunities," Mr Macfarlane said.
The band holds weekly practice sessions near Simpson Barracks.
