Keeping the ANZAC spirit alive at HillView Care

ANZAC Day is more than a date on the calendar – it’s a time to reflect and remember the sacrifices of those who served. For many residents at HillView Care, ANZAC Day holds deep personal meaning, whether they lived through wartime, have family members who served, or just remember the resilience and unity that define the ANZAC spirit.

At HillView Care, we believe it’s important to keep these traditions alive – not just through ceremonies, but through the sharing of stories, connections and support of our veteran residents. \

ANZAC traditions

One of the most cherished parts of ANZAC Day at HillView Care is the way we come together as a community. Our residents, staff, and families take part in traditions that help us reflect on the past and appreciate the freedoms we have today.

This year we’re recognising Anzac Day on Thursday 24 April, and have a local reverend hosting the service. The service includes:

• Welcome speech
• Hymn
• Prayer
• Poems
• Laying of the wreath
• Ode
• Last post
• 1 minute’s silence
• Reveille or rouse
• National anthem
• Raising of the flag

Sharing stories

So many of our residents have beautiful, touching stories to tell. Whether they served themselves or grew up during a war, their experiences are ones to be shared. We encourage families and visitors to join in these conversations, helping to keep these narratives alive for years to come. 

Baking ANZAC biscuits and singing songs

Baking and sharing ANZAC biscuits is a special way to remember the past. Residents and staff come together, chatting about the history behind these iconic cookies while they bake. With the yummy smells filling the air, memories are triggered, helping our residents connect.

Music has a way of transporting people back in time, sparking nostalgia and igniting conversations about the past. On ANZAC DAY, residents can sing along to well-known songs such as It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and We’ll Meet Again.

Supporting veterans with compassionate care

For our residents who served in the military, ANZAC Day can be both meaningful and emotional. Some find comfort in reminiscing, while others may need a quiet space for reflection. At HillView Care, we ensure that all veteran residents receive the support they need, whether it’s through one-on-one conversations, counselling, or simply the reassurance of our staff.

We understand that many veterans carry not just physical wounds but emotional ones as well. Conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and service-related injuries require specialised care, and our dedicated team is trained to provide this with sensitivity and respect. 

Our approach to caring for veterans includes:

• Personalised care plans that cater to the specific needs of veterans, whether they require physical rehabilitation, mental health support, or assistance with daily living.
• Counselling and emotional support, acknowledging the unique mental health challenges faced by those who served.
• Remembrance services that provide a space for veterans to honour fallen comrades and reflect on their experiences in a supportive community.
• Family involvement, ensuring loved ones are part of the journey and can offer comfort and connection to our veteran residents.

ANZAC Day at HillView Care

At HillView Care, we are proud to play a part in honouring the legacy of ANZAC Day. We are committed to fostering an ongoing culture of respect, gratitude, and support for those who have served. To the veterans in our care and those across Australia, we thank you. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Keep an eye out for photos of our ANZAC Day commemorations in the next HillView Care newsletter. 

Lest we forget.