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Join Bert in honouring our heroes

Albert ‘Bert’ Collins is a Bankstown local, and one of the oldest surviving WWII veterans, at 105 years old. Bert’s story is just about “an ordinary bloke” who is a “very lucky fella”, but to most, it’s nothing but extraordinary! Bert rose to the rank of a sergeant in the 52nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment (AIF) in Dutch New Guinea, and he has many stories to tell.

In this video, Bert speaks about his experience in WWII. To learn more about Bert, and his story, click here

Share your Anzac Day message below from 21-25 April 2021.

We’re commemorating the men and women who served our country. We’ve set up an online tribute wall to enable you to share your message of support and remembrance. Tell us what Anzac Day means to you or write a tribute to a loved one who served our country.

As Bert puts it: “We must do these things to extend the honours to which these people are entitled.”

Leave us your email for your chance to receive a FREE copy of The Thirty-One: The Bankstown Anzacs who never came home by Adam Courtenay (limited copies available).

26 April, 2021

Emily says:

To my own family members who have served, and to the families of others who have served I say 'Thank You'. We will remember them.

25 April, 2021

Phil Eapen says:

Dear Bert, Thank you for your service. To all current and past ANZAC's, God Bless you and your families! The ANZAC spirit lives on!

23 April, 2021

Graham says:

Having lived in PNG, we should never forget those that gave their lives for us - Lest We Forget

23 April, 2021

Amanda says:

I completed the Kokoda Trail in 2014 and it was the most life changing experience.Thank you to the heroes who died fighting for our country

22 April, 2021

Corinne says:

I feel privileged to work and live in a area that has such a rich history of armed forces. We will always remember them

22 April, 2021

jan says:

Remembering and honoring the men and women who fought for our great country My mother was in the navy and father in the army

21 April, 2021

Helene says:

Remember, Reflect and Respect past and current contributions of our ADF towards home & international safety, security an humanitarian aid.

21 April, 2021

colleen says:

My husband served in Vietnam and all those who have served and those who never returned from all wars, Lest We Forget.

21 April, 2021

Norm says:

Let us remember all members of the arm forces who gave their lives for freedom for us and for future generations. "Lest We Forget"

21 April, 2021

Leanne says:

My Grandfather, Rubert Shedden served in the 17th Infantry Battalion. I will be holding a candle at my local dawn service in honour of him

21 April, 2021

Tash says:

To the brave people who have served for our country to shape our present and future, I thank you. Lest We Forget.

21 April, 2021

Sue Shand says:

To serve your country is an honour. To my comrades serving past and present, we wear our medals with honour. Certa Cito – “Lest We Forget"