The ANZAC Spirit

April 25 has always been a significant date in the Australian calendar but never more so than this year as marking felt both a tribute to past wars and also a point of reflection on the current one against an opponent unseen. The anniversary of the first campaign at Gallipoli that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War has been shaped over many years and is gaining more popularity From Emma’s desk with the youth of than ever before. As talk of a “Trans-Tasman” agreement of travel and lifted restrictions 30 April 2020 between Australia and New Zealand emerges it really does shine a light on this wonderful history we share. Australia’s official war historian Charles Bean characterised the Anzac stereotype as one who, among other qualities, Accept the challenges so you can feel the exhilaration of victory. “possessed a sardonic sense of humour and proved himself the equal of anyone on the battlefield”. It would be wonderful to think that our return to Gen. George S. Patton some form of normalcy could include our Trans-Tasman cousins in a state of recovery with the same characteristics intact.

I commemorated ANZAC Day morning, as many did, standing at the end of my driveway and thankful for the wonderful music teacher neighbour whose son appeared before dawn in full school uniform to play The Last Post. I counted 17 people at the end of their driveways, candles alight. Somewhere up the end of the street a resident played the National Anthem when the Last Post’s haunting note finished. It was all extremely emotional and Sydney Office community enriching.

Postal Address I spent some time reflecting on the sacrifices of young men (mostly) who GPO Box 3270 went off to war with a willingness to serve. I recalled the stories shared Sydney NSW 2001 of my late father-in-law, George Holliday, who was shipped off to Burma. Ph. 02 9254 5000 He was a 24 year-old baker from a town in North Yorkshire who found his world turned upside-down in enemy terrain fighting the Japanese as well Office as monsoons and malaria. George’s Captain, after the first attack where significant lives were lost, went off into the jungle and committed suicide at Postal Address the despair of it all. But, this young man literally soldiered on with his unit PO Box 5005 and in the end the Allies were victorious. I thought to myself; if a young man South Melbourne VIC 3205 from Yorkshire can overcome such uncertainty and fear, then so can we! Ph. 03 9682 0500 Resourcefulness, enterprise and endurance, with a healthy dash of comradeship, is certainly true of the ICMSA team. As I stood at the end of Brisbane Office my driveway I also felt a deep sense of gratitude to my colleagues who are Postal Address undertaking this journey with me during such challenging times. Whilst we PO Box 3599 aren’t fighting a physical war, we are using all the skills we have to stay united South Brisbane QLD 4101 and strong to work towards a brighter future. I thank them all sincerely.

Ph. 07 3255 1002 Yours sincerely,

Emma Bowyer www.icmsaust.com.au Managing Director | [email protected]