Communities united: ANZAC Day in outback Queensland

In the middle of Anakie Siding, in front of a memorial flame, four communities gather to remember the fallen on ANZAC Day. Some come from as far away as Willows – 40km further west – others from down the street. But no matter how far the journey, taking the time to remember those who’ve served comes first. 

“Everyone makes the effort to be there – even our older members and local school kids,” Gemfields RSL Sub Branch President, Sue Ansford says.

“Whether they lay a wreath, or take part in the march, we all come together to continue the ANZAC legacy and pass it on to the next generation,” Sue shares. 

Whilst the Dawn Service is the highlight of the day for the local community, ANZAC Day doesn’t stop there for the Sub Branch. The Dawn Service is followed by a gunfire breakfast – complete with rum for those who want it – then a march and a main service. Local emergency services and SES crews take part as well as veterans, nearby schools, and community groups. 

“We get a lot of support from the community, which really helps us as a small Sub Branch.” 

No one left behind 

Helping out when times are tough, ensuring no mate is left behind, is a core value in this Central Queensland community, and that includes driving across the countryside to pick up veterans who otherwise wouldn’t be able to make it to the commemorative service. 

“One of our veterans isn’t very well at the moment. He also lives quite far away, so he’s actually staying in town until after ANZAC Day so he can be here and then one of our volunteers is driving him in a sidecar for the march,” Sue explains. 

“Without that community support, we wouldn’t be able to do things like that. Everybody pitches in and it makes for a great day.” 

Getting older veterans to participate isn’t always easy in such a remote location, with many enjoying the solitude of country life. However, a recent shift has seen more veterans move to the area. Sue is hopeful that this renewed presence will help keep the traditions of ANZAC Day alive in the community for many years to come. 

“I hope that in the future, their children will stay here and bring their children to ANZAC Day services, like so many generations before them,” Sue says 

As the daughter of a veteran herself, Sue knows just how important it is for all communities to commemorate ANZAC Day, no matter where they are. 

“My dad was a prisoner of war, so he never said much about his time in service, but he would always make sure we were there for the Dawn Service. 

“For me now, it’s a day to remember the sacrifices he made and the ones that are still being made today in modern conflicts. ANZAC Day is for everyone who’s served.” 

Let’s show the ANZAC spirit lives here 

ANZAC Day is more than simply a date on the calendar.  

It’s a time for Australians and New Zealanders to come together and honour the courage, sacrifice and mateship of all who have served. 

It’s a call to carry those values forward every day, and a reminder of just how lucky and grateful we are. 

So, whether you join a Dawn Service, pause at home in quiet reflection, or share stories with family and friends, your participation matters. Every action, big or small, honours the ANZACs and shows us that the ANZAC spirit lives here.