At a time when the drums of war continue to beat in places that can seem far away, today’s ANZAC ceremony, wonderfully led by our Student Ambassadors, reminded the BSSC community of the importance of taking the ANZAC spirit into all of life.

A moving ‘Welcome to Country’ by Uncle Jason Kerr acknowledged the incredible service of First Nations soldiers who were under no obligation to enlist.

The National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia were beautifully performed by Matilda Wilby and Anabelle Dashwood accompanied on piano by Michael McLean.

‘Fields of Poppies’ (based on Sting’s ‘Fields of Gold’) and ‘Never Let Go’ (by Bryan Adams) were presented by wonderfully talented BSSC musicians and singers—who consistently add so much to college events.

Principal, Kylie Hand, asked everyone to reflect on how difficult the weight of grief must have felt by our school and the wider community during wartime. “At assemblies, much like this one,” she told the audience, “the familiar names of staff and students were read aloud to announce that they had been killed.

“If we truly wish to honour the legacy of the ANZACs, we do so not only through remembrance, but through the lives we lead, strengthening our communities through kindness, listening, accepting different perspectives, and building a more peaceful and understanding world.”

Bendigo RSL President and BSSC teacher, Glenn Ludeman, retold the story of the ill-fated Gallipoli landing and introduced some of the special guests in attendance.

In particular, he was delighted to highlight the presence of Second World War veteran of John Todd—101 years young—about whom Glenn said, “Mr Todd represents a generation whose sacrifice, resilience, and sense of duty shaped the world we now inherit. It is because of men like him that we can gather here in peace.”

Special guest speaker RAAF Squadron Leader Naomi Holmes presented the address. She is originally from Bendigo and her service has seen incredibly varied roles, deployments and experiences from Darwin to the Middle East, Malaysia to Richmond.

Her present role is focused on the F-35 Fighter Jet aircraft acquisition project and she currently serves as the Air Traffic Control Capability Realisation Manager at Headquarters Surveillance and Response Group.

Squadron Leader Holmes reminded students that many of the Gallipoli soldiers were around their age. “They had just finished school, were starting their adult lives, and suddenly found themselves travelling across the world, facing challenges they could never have imagined.”

In conclusion she highlighted that the ANZAC spirit is best described through four values: courage—doing what you know is right; mateship—supporting the people beside you; endurance—pushing through when things are tough; and service—contributing to something bigger than yourself.

Surely advice to take into all of life.

Check out some of the photos on our Facebook page.

A video of this event will be available to view on our YouTube channel next week.