Following a solemn march through the heart of town, the Bairnsdale community gathered
at the Cenotaph on Saturday, April 25, to hear a moving opening address that framed ANZAC Day as a vital “act of connection” between Australia’s past, present, and future.
Allan Pappin CVO AM delivered the official opening address.
He welcomed the gathered crowd, which included veterans, families and serving members of the Australian Defence Force, to honour the extraordinary men and women whose legacy of courage and sacrifice helped shape the nation.
In a moment of reflection, Mr Pappin noted the diverse group of participants present.
“This morning, we have watched our veterans march – men and women who once wore the uniform in distant places and in different times,” Mr Pappin said.
“We have seen schoolchildren walk with pride, carrying the names and memories of those who went before them.”
Mr Pappin emphasised that the day serves as more than just a historical tribute; it is a bridge between different facets of
Australian life.
“ANZAC Day is not only an act of remembrance. It is an act of connection. Connection between generations. Connection between service and citizenship. Connection between those who once stood watch – and those who stand watch now,” he told the crowd.
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“To those serving, particularly those just commencing their journey in the Air Force, we say this: you do not walk alone,” he said.
“You inherit more than a uniform. You inherit trust. The trust of a nation that sleeps peacefully because it knows that somewhere, someone stands ready.”
Following Mr Pappin’s speech, year 10 Nagle College Bairnsdale student, Lexie O’Brien, recited poem, We’re all Australians Now, written by Banjo Paterson in the late summer of 1915.
This was followed by prayers, which was led by Timothy Mannix, before Wing Commander (WGCDR) Greg Kilpatrick delivered the ANZAC Day address.
WGCDR Kilpatrick joined the Australian Defence Force in 2008 as a personnel officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.
In his early postings, he served in key roles across Air Force Headquarters, operational units and Defence Force Recruiting.
He also managed Air Force career development, guiding the professional progression
of serving members.
Promoted to SQNLDR in 2019, he continued to advance through senior leadership roles.
In 2024, he graduated from the prestigious Australian Command and Staff Course in Canberra, and in January 2025
he was promoted to his current rank of
Wing Commander.
In preparing for his ANZAC Day address, WGCDR Kilpatrick spent time reading about former Bairnsdale nurse Louisa Bicknell.
“Born in 1879, Louisa trained as a nurse in Victoria before moving to Bairnsdale in the early 1900s, where she continued her nursing and became a valued member of the community,” WGCDR Kilpatrick said.
“In 1915, she answered the call to serve, joining the Australian Army Nursing Service and departing for Egypt aboard HMAT Kyarra.
“Tragically, less than two months later, Louisa died from a non-battle injury while caring for wounded Allied soldiers. Far from home, far from comfort, in a field hospital in Egypt, her final recorded words were: ‘How hard it is to die with so little accomplished, but I would go through it all again just to help. I would go through it all again just to help.’
“Those words remind us that courage does not exist only on the battlefield.
“It lives in the quiet resolve of ordinary Australians who choose service over self. Louisa sought no recognition or reward.
She simply believed that helping others was worth the cost.
“As a nation we are experiencing the most difficult set of regional and global circumstances since the end of WWII.
“In such times, our nation depends not only on its military capability, but on the character of its people – on leaders who understand that service is not transactional, but a commitment to something greater than themselves.
“Ladies and gentleman, ANZAC Day matters – not only as a moment of remembrance,
but also as a reminder – renewed each year – of the values, sacrifices and sense of duty
that must continue to guide our nation and those who serve it.”
