The Rosemary Bush That Connects Pine Rivers To The ANZAC Spirit

Paul Scarborough, a member of the Sub Branch’s memorabilia team, is passionate about keeping the ANZAC Spirit alive. 

“Last year, for example, we had five Grade 3 classes of about 150 students from Kallangur State School visit our museum and learn about the ANZACs,” he says.  

They have also planted a cutting from the rosemary bush at Kallangur State School.  

“Our Sub Branch is proud to be able to do things like this, and for me personally, it helps me keep my grandfather’s memory alive as he was a World War One veteran.”  

A TRADITION GROWS  

Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, and the woody, herbaceous fragrance of the plant is believed to strengthen memory. Because of this, it has become a symbol of remembrance and commemoration in Australia, with many wearing sprigs of rosemary on days like ANZAC Day.  

Paul believes plants have significance as we remember, bringing a sense of peace and giving us a good feeling. 

“It seems simple but a plant – its fragrance or colour – can do a lot,” he says.  

“The rosemary we have at the Sub Branch is believed to have come from an Aussie digger who landed at Gallipoli. He saw the wild rosemary growing and dug up a small piece and put it in his pack. 

“After he was medically discharged and returned to Australia, the soldier, who was a keen fisherman, would row across Pumicestone Passage to Bribie Island to his hut. Eventually, his family moved to Bribie Island and settled along with the rosemary he’d bought home from Gallipoli.  

After he passed, his family offered some cuttings to Caboolture Shire Council as they refurbished the Woorim Beach Cenotaph and we also now have some bushes grown from these cuttings.” 

Pine Rivers RSL Sub Branch also has a white rose named ‘National Pride’, which was donated by a national serviceman, and another rose bush ‘Tequila Sunrise’ in memory of Vietnam veterans.  

“These plants help keep our national pride alive as we remember our service personnel. And it makes a quiet place for people to visit and find a moment to stop and remember – whatever they may be going through.”  

THE ANZAC SPIRIT LIVES ON 

Paul, who served 23 years in the Reserves, sees many traits of the ANZAC spirit in the members of the Pine Rivers Sub Branch.  

“I see some of the younger generation showing courage as they give just about anything a go for the betterment of the community,” he says.  

“There’s an attitude of ingenuity in many Aussies, and we see it a lot here where people just give a job a go, making do with makeshift tools and staying open to doing things a different way. 

“Likewise, you can always count on someone here making people laugh. Mateship is something you have to experience to know and the veterans here are the best example of never leaving your mates behind.”  

“Pine Rivers Sub Branch does our best to help our community. 

“This ANZAC Day we will display a section of a trench wall to show visitors a little of what it might have been like for soldiers in Gallipoli.” 

COMMEMORATE YOUR WAY ON ANZAC DAY 

The ANZAC spirit lives on in us all, and on 25 April we invite you to commemorate in a way that is meaningful to you. On ANZAC Day, you can attend an RSL service, light up the dawn at home, participate online, or take the opportunity to connect with your local community.  

PLAN YOUR ANZAC DAY

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