25 April 2025
ANZAC Day Message from our CEO
ANZAC Day is nearly here – a day when Australians (and of course, our close allies and neighbours, New Zealanders) are invited to reflect on what this day means for us.
Whether we were born here or made Australia our home, ANZAC Day reminds us to honour the sacrifice of those who served – and continue to serve – our country.
On 30 April, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War will be marked, and on 8 May, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) – the date of the surrender of the Nazis in Europe and the first of many important anniversaries during this 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II.
These are poignant reminders of the generations who faced terrible hardships fighting for peace, freedom and the future of others. I was raised on stories of WWII – of people risking everything to protect others, and we will all have our memories of the people in our lives who were touched by these events.
Thanks to the men and women who gave their service, and many, their lives, Australia has had the freedom to grow into the multicultural society we know today – and in our society, ANZAC Day resonates beyond uniform or birthplace. It speaks to anyone who values the freedom to live safely, to be themselves and to belong.
Regardless of where we come from, if we cherish freedom, we share a connection with those who fought for it.
I’d like to remember the families too – offering their quiet strength behind each service member. Parents. Partners. Children. Siblings. They ‘kept the home fires burning’ and carried their own burden of separation accompanied by the constant fear of imminent loss. The impact of service extends far beyond the battlefield. It lives on in memories, in bodies and in hearts.
The traditions of ANZAC Day – red poppies, sprigs of rosemary, solemn silence and the haunting call of the Last Post – are symbols of remembrance that bind us together. They remind us of what was lost in fighting to uphold our values.
At Vasey RSL Care, ANZAC Day holds profound significance. We exist to ‘Serve Those Who Served’ and to support their families.
Many of our residents and clients carry the stories of war, service and sacrifice – some visible, others deeply hidden. ANZAC Day is a time to honour them all: those no longer with us, those still healing and those who are serving today, near and far.
Today, we reaffirm Our Purpose to ensure that those who gave so much can live with dignity, respect and a sense of belonging.
Lest we forget.
Janna Voloshin
Chief Executive Officer
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Images (from left):
- Mrs Vasey (r) and Mrs Mollard, convenors of fundraising stalls at the AIF market fair, March 1944 (copyright AWM).
- Past resident Kevin at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 2015, with staff member, Mandy.
- Children tune in to the new ‘Kindergarten of the Air’ which began in 1943 in WA and spread throughout Australia (copyright ABC Archives).
- Bundoora resident contemplates a poppy.