Mayor Helen Blackburn addressed the Bundaberg community during the Anzac Day Civic Service, commemorating those who have served in defence of Australia and acknowledging members who remain in a line of service.
A full version of the Mayor’s speech can be found below.
“It is an honour to join you here today as Mayor and as a veteran of the Australian Army.
Anzac Day 2025 marks 110 years since the ill-fated landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
110 years on, the 25th of April continues to hold a special place in the hearts of our community and our nation.
We pause in solemn reflection to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to express our gratitude to all who have donned a uniform in defence of Australia and the freedoms we often take for granted.
The theme for this year’s Civic Service is ‘They served our country, now they serve our community.’
In 2025 we recognise the local heroes who served our country and upon retiring from defending our nation, have chosen to remain in a line of service.
Whether it is policing, firefighting, nursing or other community services, the values instilled in these proud Australians during their national service remain with them throughout their careers and their lives.
Today, we are proud to have these local heroes lead our Anzac Day parade.
I acknowledge those who took the salute with me, Senior Sergeant Cameron Schneider and Sergeant Leon Hart – both current police officers serving the community and having served or still serve our country.
Their legacy continues to inspire us, reminding us of the enduring values of unity, courage, and sacrifice in the face of adversity.
The unwavering dedication and bravery of all servicemen and women has left a lasting imprint on our nation’s history and in the heart of our community more than a century on from the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli.
One such local hero is Mr John Alexander “Jock” Milne D.S.O. whose story I would like to highlight this morning.
In 1890 at the age of 18, Jock emigrated to Australia from Scotland and called Bundaberg home.
Jock Milne’s military career was marked by great bravery and resilience. Serving at Gallipoli, after enlisting at the age of 42.
Later, in March 1918, Milne successfully led raids on German defences near Warneton and, on 4 April, played a pivotal role in repelling a German offensive at Villers-Bretonneux, arguably a fundamental turning point in the war.
The Germans made one final attempt to capture the high Plateaus overlooking Amiens on 5 April 1918, from lightly-occupied French Territory.
Jock’s surviving unwounded men, along with a British Essex Battalion and reinforcements, desperately prevented their capture of the Hangard and Lancer Woods, with British and Australian artillery support.
Tragically, a German 5.9-inch artillery shell directly hit his Headquarters, killing Mr Milne and his senior staff officers.
As Bundaberg residents, we keep people like Jock in our thoughts every ANZAC Day.
As an example of how much his men revered him, one wrote a poem the very next day following his death.
The final two stanzas read as follows:
Yes they got our brave old Colonel, still I guess he’s marching on.
To a greater path of glory, just as such as he has won.
And the boys who used to follow, when the enemy defied,
We’ll be prouder still to follow, when we cross the great divide.
And I bet he’s somewhere watching, his battalion as of old.
And his spirit still shall guide us, and his eye serene and bold.
Will lead us on to triumph, still again against the foe,
So we’ll keep his memory sacred, Colonel Milne, D.S.O.
As we remember those who served, let us also celebrate the power of community—the strength, resilience, and support we offer one another.
Just as the Anzacs were supported by their communities, we too can honour their memory by standing together, caring for each other, and ensuring that their legacy of service continues to inspire us.
Thank you for being here today, as a community, to remember, to reflect, and to honour the Anzacs.
Lest we forget.”
