Honouring ANZAC Day Across Our Communities

April 30, 2025

Honouring ANZAC Day Across Our Communities

At 101 years young, Russell Eames stood in dignified silence at this year's ANZAC Day service at Orana Residential Care. As the last living WWII veteran from Deniliquin, his presence commanded a special reverence among family, staff, and fellow residents gathered to honour the occasion.

Russell's story embodies the ANZAC spirit itself, born to a drover in Deniliquin before moving to Hillston as a toddler, he later returned to his hometown where he met and married his beloved Eunice. After serving in Darwin and Western Australia during WWII, Russell built his life in Deni, never leaving the community that shaped him. Even after joining Eunice at Orana a year ago, his commitment to commemorating ANZAC Day remained unwavering.

The service resonated with powerful symbolism "The Last Post" and "Reveille" echoing across the grounds, followed by the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand. For Russell, each note carried memories of comrades lost and sacrifices made. The traditional morning tea that followed allowed residents to share stories that bridged generations.

Throughout Southern Cross Care facilities, ANZAC Day brought communities together in remembrance. At Campbell Residential Care in the ACT, three ex-service members proudly displayed their medals during a ceremony featuring wreath-laying and a moving recitation of "In Flanders Fields."

Parkes Residential Care created an especially participatory service, with residents reading prayers and poems while laying wreaths in a courtyard adorned with handcrafted poppies and photographs of loved ones who served.

St Michael's at Casino hosted dual ceremonies—one with the local RSL and another on ANZAC Day itself—reinforcing the bonds between the facility and the wider community.

For Russell, raising his glass to absent friends represented more than tradition—it was a living link to Australia's past and a reminder that the ANZAC legacy endures through memory, service, and the supportive communities that Southern Cross Care fosters across the country.