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Anzac memories fuel firey

This Anzac Day, Corporal Nathan McLeod will be thinking of his grandfather and other service men and women who have died as he stands at the end of his driveway at dawn.

“Anzac Day for me is remembering those service men and women that have come and gone, in particular my grandfather, who was a surgeon’s assistant and medic during World War II,” Corporal McLeod said.

Later in the day, Corporal McLeod will head to RAAF Base Amberley to start his night shift as a fire controller for No. 23 Squadron.

With a minimum crew of four firefighters required to support base activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Corporal McLeod and his colleagues are rostered on rotating shifts.

“As a fire controller, I look after a crew of firefighters and, in the event of a building fire or motor vehicle accident, I assume control of the incident and manage the crew at the site,” Corporal McLeod said.

Earlier this year, an electrical fault sparked a fire at the mechanic’s workshop on RAAF Base Amberley.

“I took over from the initial responder at the site,” Corporal McLeod said.

“I got to deal with cleaning up after the fire and putting out the hot spots.”

Despite having a family connection to the Australian Defence Force, it was work-life balance and the camaraderie associated with the profession that appealed to Corporal McLeod when he applied to become a RAAF firefighter in 2012.

“I had talked to firefighters and decided that the career sounded like it would suit my lifestyle,” Corporal McLeod said.

“Being a firey presents a lot of opportunities to professionally develop yourself.

“You are frequently liaising with other people around the base and get to understand how different sections interact.”

Twelve months ago, Corporal McLeod returned home from a four-month deployment to the Middle East area of operations, which he regards as a highlight of his Air Force career.

“Being a firefighter here is quite different compared to being a firefighter on an overseas deployment,” Corporal McLeod said.

“I responded to building fire alarms and then called the firefighters from the Royal Air Force if required.

“It was great to work closely with the British and learning how a foreign military operates.

“I also picked up a secondary duty as a unit photographer, supporting the ADF photographers at memorial and ceremonial events.”

Acknowledging that he appreciates the variety of careers on offer in the Air Force, Corporal McLeod hopes to one day gain experience working at Defence Force Recruiting and commission as an Air Force Officer to work in operations.

‘Light up the Dawn’

Council is encouraging all locals to support ‘Light up the Dawn’ to remember and pay respects from home in a 6am driveway vigil.

The concept reminds Australians that the qualities of the ANZACs live within all of us. And how, in these challenging times, we must invoke the ANZAC spirit more than ever.

This can take several forms including from your home, the end of your driveway or a balcony.

Spread the word and register your home today.

ANZAC Day Service and March Cancelled

Further to the media release from RSL Queensland and their advice to all Sub Branches to cancel ANZAC Day commemorations in light of the emerging COVID-19 public health emergency, RSL Ipswich and Council wish to advise that the Main ANZAC Day March and the Dawn Service and Wreath Laying at the Honour Stone, RSL Memorial Gardens will be cancelled for 2020.

Smaller commemoration activities held by RSL Sub Branches across the region are also cancelled.

“While this is very disappointing for our community, it is important that we do not risk the health of our older veterans, their family members or members of the general public,” a RSL spokesperson said.

“We appreciate your understanding in these unprecedented times.”

A Defence spokesperson acknowledged Anzac Day 2020 will be marked differently than previous years.

“Our people are looking at alternative ways to commemorate the day,” the spokesperson said.

“On Anzac Day, we remember not only the original Anzacs who died on 25th April 1915, but every one of our service men and women who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by all of our past and present servicemen and women who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

“The Anzac spirit lives in the heart and minds of all Australians as we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who contributed so much in shaping the identity of this proud nation.”

One Comment

  1. Redbank Plains RSL Sub Branch would like to thank the Council for their wreath which was laid at our local memorial on Anzac Day,it was not expected,but appreciated.I assume that this was done at all the memorials in the city area.

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