ANZAC Day

Born and raised in Shepparton, Brian joined the Army when he was just 16-years-old ... After returning to Australia and a couple of postings as a Major, Brian was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel before becoming Commanding Officer in March 1992 - Sixth Signalman Regiment in Simpson Barracks in Melbourne. Brian and his men were then sent on a secondment mission to Cambodia to assist the defence force with communications after a United Nations intervention.

"Today we remember the men and women who never made it home - today is their day and that of their mates. We do not glorify war as it is certainly the darkest side of mankind. Today we honour those who died to protect our way of life - today is simply a day of remembrance" : Sgt Daniel Johnson, RAAF Wagga.

“Some 2,000 Australians were killed or wounded on 25 April. It was a day of confusion and fear. One soldier called it ‘a day of sorrow’ as he remembered the dead and wounded ... In December, the Anzacs were evacuated. By then, about 8,700 Australians and almost 2,700 New Zealanders had been killed. They were some of at least 130,000 soldiers on both sides who lost their lives at Gallipoli” : Greg Hall, Barham RSL.

Richard Malawkin managed to take some stunning photos of the F/A-18F Super Hornet flying over Kyogle on April 25. The jet was fast yet Richard captured an image. Here’s how he did it ...

Emma Pritchard ... Following the Anzac Address, which was read by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, wreaths were respectfully laid at the base of the cenotaph and alongside a plaque commemorating the many animals who also served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

We could all learn a thing or two from humble war hero Les Cook. The top-shelf gardener, proud dad and gym regular is still living his best life in a quiet suburb near the Canberra Hospital. Earlier this year I found myself in the nation’s capital at the historic Australian War Memorial and had a lightbulb moment – for Anzac Day this year I should write a piece on a World War II veteran.

Pam Dillon. The Tennant Creek RSL had the pleasure of meeting Darwin artist, Kerry Sandhu, when she delivered 250 stubby coolers to the RSL this week.  The stubby coolers come in five unique ANZAC inspired designs and are named after the songs that are embedded in each design.  

Here we are each taking time to pause, to reflect, to remember, to hold on to something ... what is that something?

"Could we have come to the end of wars? Could we be the first civilisation to not have enemies? To not have something, someone else wants?"

Brigadier Mark Ascough was awarded his border protection medal while posted in Weipa and was chuffed to see young Private Edward Nelson Sigai awarded his. Brigadier Ascough was the guest of honour at Napranum’s Anzac Day service and reflected fondly on his time at Weipa and the Western Cape.