United Service Club Queensland 2025 Anzac Day Luncheon

Thank you, Major General Low Choy. Service men and women, veterans; distinguished guests.

I too, would like to begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and I extend that respect to all First Nations people here today.

It is my great honour to join you here today at the United Service Club, a great Queensland institution with deep ties to our Defence community. Indeed, it is a reminder to all who enter here, of the honour with which so many Queenslanders have served and continue to serve. 

As we gather together after this morning’s commemorations enjoying the friendship, camaraderie, companionship, and spirit of service this club encourages, I’m reminded that Anzac Day is not just a remembrance of history—it is a continuing thread that binds our past to our present, and helps shape our future… our values and our identity as Australians.

The story of Gallipoli, and all that followed, began a legacy that has grown—not in grandeur, but in quiet strength. It lives in the silent resolve of those who serve today; in the care offered to veterans and families; and in the hands we extend to one another in times of loss or need.

The Anzac legacy lives not only in the history books or memorial plaques, but in the privilege of our way of life – of peace, security and democracy – a way of life only made possible by the actions of those who served, and who continue to serve. Not for glory. Not for recognition. But from a deep sense of duty to their country and their mates.

At this morning’s Dawn Service of Remembrance, I reflected on our shared responsibility to sustain the precious legacy of our service men and women—whose courage and sacrifice guard what we so deeply value. That legacy humbles us, and it also calls us to honour it with integrity and with purpose.

I am proud to stand as Patron of organisations whose commitment to remembrance and service endures— the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee, the Legacy Club of Brisbane, the Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch), and this very United Service Club – you all play an essential role in preserving our traditions and ensuring that the stories, values and sacrifices of our service men and women are never forgotten.

Through your work, and others, our heritage is not left behind—it is brought forward into each new generation; our veterans and their families can receive the support they so duly deserve; and the spirit of mateship and remembrance that defines Anzac Day is kept alive.

And so, we remember. But we also celebrate. We celebrate the enduring spirit of service that continues in those who serve today; present company included.

Thank you for your service.

For your bravery and sacrifice.

And for your unwavering commitment.

Thank you, for the safety and freedom we enjoy because of you.

Thank you also to your families, whose support and sacrifice are so critical.

Let us never take for granted the peace and prosperity we enjoy. Let us uphold our responsibility to remember, to honour, and to serve—in whatever way we can—so that the legacy of the Anzacs lives on in our actions, not just our words.

Lest we forget.