AN ANZAC service was organised by Northern Health last Wednesday for patients and staff to remember, reflect and pay tribute to all Australians who have served in times of peace and war for over a decade.
About 50 people attended the annual service at Dianella Hostel in Kilmore, including Northern Health Chief Executive Debra Bourne, Kilmore Wallan RSL Commemorations Officer Peter Craker and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
Ms Bourne recited the Prayer of Remembrance.
The ANZAC address was delivered by Northern Health Chief Operating Officer Linda Romano, who paid tribute to the ANZACs — the Australians and New Zealanders who, more than a century ago, showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable hardship.
“Today, we remember and honour the 60,000 Australians who were killed and 156,000 wounded or taken prisoner in that war,” Ms Romano said.
“We also remember over 800 Aboriginal Australians who landed at Gallipoli, 13 of whom were killed in action. We remember the more than 3000 Australian civilian nurses, who volunteered for active service in the First World War.
“Today we also pay tribute to more than 1.5 million service men and women, who have served our country – from Vietnam to Iraq, to Somalia, to Rwanda, to Timor-Leste and Afghanistan. And for more than 100,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country’s name.”
Ms Romano said the Northern Health workforce is from every corner of the world, speaking more than 107 languages, representing over 185 countries, and following more than 90 different beliefs. It is united by a single purpose: to care for the community.
“In many ways, our health service is a living example of what the ANZACs taught us — that unity is powerful, and that community is strengthened when people bring their diverse experiences together in service of others.”
Ms Romano said last year marked two significant milestones for the region. On August 20, 2025, the new Craigieburn Community Hospital was opened.
On November 24, 2025, the Mernda Community Hospital welcomed its first patients, marking an important moment for the people of Mernda and surrounding suburbs.
“These new facilities are more than buildings. They represent our commitment to ensuring that families have greater access to the care they need, close to home. They strengthen the health and wellbeing of one of the fastest-growing and most diverse communities in the country,” she said.
“Today, as we pause to remember the ANZACs, we honour not only their sacrifice but the spirit they left us — a spirit of unity, courage, and community-building. It is a spirit that continues to guide us in our work, in our neighbourhoods, and in the way we care for one another. Safe, kind, together. Lest we forget.”
Mr Birrell described the ANZAC Day service at Kilmore District Hospital as beautiful, and said it brought the community together to remember and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, and service men and women.
“It was my first ANZAC Day service in Kilmore as an MP, as this region came into the electorate of Nicholls at the last election, and it is a great privilege to represent Kilmore and surrounds in the Federal Parliament. Lest we forget.”
