Local children share the Anzac spirit at hospital commemorations

Hospital staff, patients and visitors paused to remember and reflect at Anzac Day commemorations at Auburn, Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Westmead Hospitals. Those who were able took a moment from their busy day to remember the 103,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country's name.

The National Day of Commemoration marks the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed on the shores of Gallipoli in 1915. 

111 years on, and the spirit of Anzac lives on in the hospitals’ partnerships with the on-site childcare centres at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For 6 years, the Coolamon Cottage Childcare Centre at Blacktown has brought some of the centre’s older children to the hospital commemoration service to lay a wreath at the epitaph. 

Alison Boston, Manager of Coolamon Cottage, said it’s a wonderful way for the children to engage with Anzac Day who may not be up to attending a dawn service.

“The kids really enjoy it and it’s a great avenue for us to teach them about Australian history, sacrifice, bravery and mateship,” Alison said. 

She says it’s one of the ways the children interact with the concept of Anzac Day, through activities and of course, biscuits. 

“We have several conversations and learning stations set up at the centre for children to engage with Anzac Day,” Alison said. 

At Mount Druitt, the children laid wreaths alongside District nurse and member of the Australian Defence Force, Lieutenant John Timotheus.

Gary Raymond is the Padre at the City of Blacktown RSL sub-branch and said the participation of the youngsters embodies the phrase ‘Lest we forget’. 

“For those who weren’t involved and don’t know about Anzac Day, we want to give them a memory about it, so they don’t forget,” Gary said.

He says the role of organisations and services across the country is to provide everyone in Australia a memory and connection with Anzac Day, regardless of whether they were born here or know someone who served. 

“We all have busy lives but during the service, everyone stopped to remember,” Gary said. 
More than two million people have served our country in conflicts, wars and peace operations since 1914. 

James Nol is one of those, who served for 31 years in the Army and currently works at Blacktown Hospital as the Medical Imaging Operations Director. 

He says it’s everyone’s role to ensure the lessons and pain of past wars aren’t forgotten. 

“Our job is to make sure Anzac Day stays alive in their minds,” James said.