Mayor’s Anzac Day speech – April 2023

Published on 25 April 2023

I am deeply honoured to be here today as we gather to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation in times of war and peace. In Kiama, rich in history and community spirit, we are reminded of the resilience and sacrifice that our Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women have shown throughout the years.

As we gather, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of the Anzac spirit – a spirit of courage, determination, and camaraderie that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Kiama’s history is intertwined with the Anzac story. Many brave souls from Kiama have served in various conflicts, from the battlefields of Gallipoli to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Afghanistan. They left the safety of their homes and the comfort of their families to defend freedom.

I did a little research about our area, our connections to Anzac, and found this resource available to all. A booklet of World War One soldiers who were born in Greater Kiama District in our own Family History Centre under Kiama library. The pages are full of surnames that are quite familiar to many of us today.

So many.

The reality of all this is written on each page in red ink under certain names. Sometimes once on a page, sometimes sometimes twice, sometimes under all on the page. I’ll read some:

Died of wounds 26 August 1915

Killed in Action 9 April 1917

Died of disease 2 March 1917…and so on. Page after page.

Some of those soldiers were dairy farmers, leaving behind the green hills of our villages to fight for a better future. Others were quarry workers putting down their picks and shovels and taking up arms to defend our nation. They were ordinary men and women, yet they demonstrated extraordinary valour and fortitude in the face of adversity.

So today, we also pay tribute to the families and loved ones who supported our service personnel from afar. These silent heroes, who have endured countless sleepless nights and the unimaginable heartache of losing a loved one, have shown us the true meaning of courage and resilience.

As we gather here in Kiama, we are reminded of the unbreakable bond that connects us to our servicemen and women, both past and present. The Anzac spirit is not just a distant memory, but a living legacy that continues to inspire and guide us as we face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Lest we forget.

Thank you.