Honouring the Anzac legacy
On Monday morning, beneath an autumn sun, Radford College students and staff gathered to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealanders in the First World War. Held around the rose garden in the Turning Circle, the ANZAC service was a special occasion that marked the beginning of Term 2 and brought the College together in a spirit of remembrance.
The ceremony began with an uplifting performance of Dona Nobis Pacem by Bernstein Symphonic Wind Orchestra, setting a solemn yet hopeful tone. Radford's Cadets—representing the Air Force, Navy and Army—stood proudly in the rose garden, raising the flags and marking the occasion with a sense of tradition and duty. For these Cadets, the day was particularly significant, as they had the honour of meeting the service’s guest speaker, Brigadier Ben Slaughter, who was most recently the Australian Army Cadets Commander.
College Captains Amber Smith and Lachlan Lloyd offered a warm welcome to everyone in attendance, while Junior School students Emmee Rock and Edison Talbot gave an acknowledgment of country, which was also signed in Auslan.
Principal Mr Christopher Bradbury’s address was a reflective moment for all present. Speaking on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, he noted how the Anzac spirit of resilience and unity continues to resonate today. “It is crucial to consider the enduring lessons that Gallipoli holds for us today,” he said, emphasising the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. He reminded the students that, like the soldiers of Gallipoli who persevered through unimaginable challenges, they too would face setbacks in life. But just as those soldiers demonstrated, they too must rise above.
Mr Bradbury further spoke of the spirit of mateship—the bonds forged in the trenches of Gallipoli—which remain vital in building a compassionate and supportive society. “In our own community, we are stronger when we support each other, when we embrace our diversity and when we work together towards common goals,” he said.
The momentous occasion was made even more significant by the presence of Brigadier Ben Slaughter, who shared his own experiences as a career officer in the Australian Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Reflecting on the Anzacs, he spoke of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought at Gallipoli, particularly noting the poignant story of Jim Martin, the youngest known Australian Anzac. Jim, only 14 years old when he enlisted, tragically died of typhoid fever at Gallipoli before reaching his 15th birthday. His story serves as a stark reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for their country.
As the service continued, the College community observed a minute’s silence. The Last Post, played by Director of Bands Mr Ben Marston, providing a fitting tribute to those who had fallen.
Wreaths were laid by Vice-Captains Jeb Jeffery and Anvi Gupta, as well as Junior School students Catherine Beggs and Will Titley. Senior Chaplain, Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, offered a prayer and blessing for peace, while Charlotte Knight and Paige Le Lievre sang the New Zealand (in Māori and English) and Australian national anthems.
The service concluded with the solemn recitation of The Ode by Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School, Mrs Louise Wallace-Richards:
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."