Queensland Schools' ANZAC Day Commemorative Service 2024

Representing the Premier, the Honourable Jimmy Sullivan MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Mr James Lister MP; Federal Member for Brisbane, Mr Stephen Bates MP; representing the New Zealand High Commissioner, Warrant Officer Class Two Ben Meade; Honorary President of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee, Colonel David Smith AM (Retd); senior representatives of our defence forces, RSL Queensland and Legacy Brisbane; distinguished guests; students.

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 emerging, and to all First Nations people.

This morning, I am privileged to join so many young Queenslanders at this special Shrine of Remembrance, as we honour the service and sacrifice of all the brave Australians who, across time, have fought for freedom and peace.

We reflect on how their dedication to their country—and to each other—has helped shaped the nation we live in today.

This story began 109 years ago, when in the swirling mist of dawn, 16,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli in Ottoman Türkiye, in what would become the first major international conflict our newly federated nation had ever faced.

These early ANZACs—many of whom were young and inexperienced—arrived with the promise of a decisive and swift win.

Yet, a combination of adversities would result in Gallipoli presenting a military challenge that would, tragically, prove unbeatable.

After wading ashore at ANZAC Cove, soldiers were met with steep, rubbly terrain covered with prickly shrubs—and the strong resistance of enemy forces.

By the end of the first day, 2,000 of these soldiers had been killed or wounded, and a campaign that was meant to be rapid, instead dragged on for eight long months.

In total, more than 8,000 ANZACs lost their lives at Gallipoli, and another 18,000 were wounded.

Yet eyewitness accounts and letters from the battlefront reveal a side to Gallipoli that rises above the sadness and brutality of war.

Alongside the qualities of courage, resourcefulness and determination we associate with the ANZAC tradition, the importance of mateship—reliably looking out for each other—was demonstrated vividly in writing and photos from this, and subsequent conflicts in our history.

These precious documents tell the story of fellowship, comradery and friendship forged by the shared experiences of those fighting on land, in the seas, or in the skies, and those working in hospitals to treat the wounded.

They tell tales of outstanding bravery, and they also highlight how important the simple normal activities were—like sharing a laugh with mates, having sing-alongs, playing games, or sport—in fact, even as the troops departed Gallipoli, a game of cricket was being played on “Shell Green”, supposedly to distract the Turkish from the evacuation.

The emotional strength given by this comradery was powerful then, and remains at the heart of the military today.

These bonds demonstrate a deep connection built on loyalty, compassion and respect—which has allowed our servicemen and women to confront extreme challenges with a sense of purpose, because they belong to an effort that requires all of them to succeed.

Today, while we are fortunate to live here in peace, we can all learn from their example.

The concept of mateship cultivated on the battlefields builds tremendous strength and encourages inclusion.

It is important we honour the value of these ties by reaching out to others with a sense of openness and warmth, and not just when times are tough.

We do this by listening to each other, being considerate and opening our hearts and minds to different perspectives—and by working together to achieve something greater than what we could do alone.

By being here this morning, you are helping to ensure that the ANZAC spirit will live on into the future, carrying with it both a potent objective and a deep sense of hope.

As written home by a young Australian soldier in 1940:

“I feel, for the first time, that life means something more than just living and chasing pleasure, that I belong to a great machine in which every cog is needed; I have a purpose and a faith in it nothing can shake.”

As we look towards ANZAC Day on Thursday, let us reflect on these few words, that express so much.

Lest We Forget.