Mr Smith’s father, Sergeant Andrew James Smith, spent his entire adult life in the army and fought in the First World War.
“I never really saw my father because he was always overseas; always serving,” Mr Smith said.
“He never spoke about the war, but the army was his whole life.”
Mr Smith, who followed in his father’s footsteps, sees ANZAC Day as a time to reflect on how army service shaped his life.
“I believe every young person should do national service because the first thing you learn is discipline,” he said.
“It taught me a lot and I’ve tried to bring my kids up in the same way.
“ANZAC Day shouldn’t be about football; it’s a time to listen and pay respect to something that no one these days has been through or understands.”
Edenhope RSL secretary Mal Hunting led the internal service, acknowledging the importance of providing a space for remembrance, for those who couldn’t attend official events.
“This keeps the spirit of ANZAC going and I’m always happy to provide the service,” Mr Hunting said. Grampians Health acknowledges and appreciates the service and sacrifice of all who served and sacrificed for our country.
Grampians Health Edenhope is a one-stop shop for health care in the surrounding community and provides a range of on-site services or hosts visiting services. The aim is to provide as many services in the community as possible to minimise the amount of travel that people need to undertake to stay healthy.
Grampians Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate, the Wadawurrung, Djab wurrung, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples, and their connections to land, waterways and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Grampians Health recognises and values the contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make in our society. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Grampians Health is committed to providing inclusive services and an inclusive working environment. We believe in equity of healthcare for all.
Grampians Health is a registered NDIS provider.