ANZAC Day Dawn Service of Remembrance 2024

Good morning, Queenslanders; all former and current servicemen and women. I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, pay my respects to Elders past, present, and to all First Nations people.

In this quiet time before sunrise, we join together—in a spirit of gratitude and respect—to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those who have risked their lives for our safety and freedom.

We remember the more than 60,000 Australians who lost their lives in World War 1;

—the 40,000 who perished in World War 2;

—those who, as ambulance bearers, doctors and nurses, gave care and dignity to the wounded;

—and the many thousands of men and women who have bravely served our country in all other military and peacekeeping campaigns;

This story began 109 years ago today, on a beach far from here, when 16,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers faced a dawn that would bring immense loss of life and heartache.

Gallipoli—a place of steep ridges and deep valleys—was the scene of our young nation’s first major international military action.

But with its harsh terrain, and the intense might of enemy resistance, it would also become the location of a tragedy, with 2,000 killed or wounded by the time the sun set on the first day.

By the end of the eight-month-long campaign, over 8,000 had perished.

Many who returned home were broken in body, mind or spirit.

Yet, through it all, the courage, tenacity and resourcefulness of those first ANZACs were potent traits—echoed by those serving in the Middle East and on the Western Front then, and in each conflict since—and defined by a willing readiness to give all, in the fight for liberty and a peaceful world.

Gallipoli became synonymous with the qualities to which we aspire as a nation.

Yet, what brings us together this dawn—here in ANZAC Square—and across our State, our country, and in other parts of the world—is not driven by our collective sadness, but by our united commitment to honour the essence of such inspirational service.

By standing shoulder to shoulder, we are continuing a sense of mateship that was demonstrated so powerfully in the trenches, on the seas, and in the skies:

—a compassion, faithfulness and solidarity that bonds people when times are at their worst;

—a deep connection forged by shared experiences, and a resolute drive to help another;

—a valuable friendship that inspires, and brings hope for a better future.

For those serving in our armed forces, who face physical and mental challenges, these relationships are even more precious, generating a family-like closeness that remains at the heart of the military today—and is underpinned by respect, goodwill and a tenacious loyalty that can never be extinguished.

In 1918, Rockhampton soldier, Wilfred Denver Gallwey wrote home:

“Always treat a soldier well Mother, for they are my comrades no matter what rank of life they are in. I will always help a soldier. By you doing the same you will please me. Open your doors wide to them and welcome them for they have suffered Hell for you. I know what those brave fellows have endured and that is why I have such great respect for them.”

And Charles Tednee Blackman from the Childers/Gayndah region—who was one of the first Indigenous Queenslanders to enlist—highlighted the sustaining power of mateship, when in 1917 he wrote to his friends from France:

“…there are quite a few Biggenden lads in the Ninth Battalion with me, but it doesn’t matter who we meet as long as a few of us can get together— we can always be found laughing, or with The Big Push, smile up, and don’t worry, as long as we get back home...”

From life-saving and heroic deeds, to small kindnesses, the deep links between those serving—both on and off the battlefields—have cultivated unity in purpose, and encouraged a sense of belonging that has far transcended the individuals themselves.

This essence has endured long after the guns fell silent on Armistice Day, 1918.

It is reflected in the many friendships maintained in the years after war—surviving time and distance.

It is embedded in our national psyche—and serves as a powerful guiding principle for us all to follow.

With respect, goodwill and loyalty, we contribute to a cause far greater than ourselves.

We build inclusion by accepting our differences, just as those serving in conflict stand as one, empowered by cohesion.

It is so important that now—more than a century after Gallipoli—we continue to maintain and encourage these special bonds, and strengthen them for future generations.

For that reason, I am so proud to be Patron of the Returned and Services League in this State—an organisation that is committed to helping all veteran families feel connected and supported, creating a sense of togetherness, through its many recreational and social activities.

In fact, from its beginnings in 1916, the RSL understood that returned soldiers yearned for the priceless connections that combat had brought—and that providing ways to “keep alive the spirit of camaraderie” was essential, not just for the health and wellbeing of veterans, but for their families also.

Likewise, the Australian Army Cadets is another movement that supports the long-lasting benefits produced by belonging, enabling young people to meet others, to face challenges, and be part of something that requires the efforts of many.

And, of course, across Queensland and Australia, there are many other organisations working with our veterans, their families, and the wider community to build even stronger networks that are there to support, but also to motivate.

These invisible ties are of enormous benefit to our state and nation.

They continue to inspire and encourage the courageous, remarkable individuals serving in our Defence Forces and ancillary services.

And, at this time, when the world struggles to find peace, we are united by the knowledge that our connections to each other will guide us and keep us strong.

The enduring light of the Eternal Flame symbolises hope in the face of challenges.

As the sun rises on another day, we remember that our freedom and tranquillity have relied on this spirit of mateship—and to the devoted service and sacrifice of those who have come before, and those who continue to serve our nation.

Lest we forget.