Honouring Mateship: Reflections on Anzac Day

At dawn, rugged up, cloaked in the lukewarm sunrise, we remembered those who have lost their lives in battle during WW1 and numerous other conflicts.

Saturday gone was Anzac Day, a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and to honour their memory in our own way.

I like to think that we, as people, will one day learn not to create another battlefield, which, through diversity, brings people together and creates such strong bonds that are severed only when life is taken away.

These bonds formed by diversity stood out to me today. We call them mates. A name bandied around in jest, love and mutual admiration.

Another type of battle keeps happening to many in our communities: one with our health. Just the other day, Les was brought to tears reading a report read out in parliament on the poor state of treatment of blood cancer patients. Some of these treatments are brutal, such as having a stem cell transplant. He knows first-hand, and his tears were brought on by memories of his own battle and those who are still going through theirs.

These battles, whether in the trenches or on a hospital bed, show how mateship and support networks help us endure, regardless of the outcome.

Les has been fortunate to have had consistent support over the years, from the day he was diagnosed to the day the battle finished and acceptance was needed.

One mate, Carl, who does a round trip from the Eastern Bay every week to spend time with Les, is a blessing we never take for granted.

Then there are my two brothers: Wayne, who lives here and visits weekly, and Steve, who rings Les consistently with no agenda other than to see how he is and chat about fishing or whatever is happening.

All three do not expect Les to ring them, as they know his memory and energy are not at their best, and they never demand that he make an effort. They understand that true support is about presence and kindness, not expectations.

Not forgetting another old friend, Denis, who rings regularly, and the volunteers and nursing staff at Hospice, who also add another dimension to Les’s care and life.

These men exemplify what the term mateship truly means, standing by each other through life’s challenges with quiet strength and loyalty.

So, for me, Anzac Day is about remembering all those mates who supported each other in battle with humour, dignity and courage in the face of adversity that I hope that none of us ever have to face.