Remembrance and intergenerational connection at special service

Students from Marist-Sion College Warragul helped make Anzac Day special for residents of four local aged care facilities on Friday.
Student leaders and staff visited Abbey Gardens, Warragul Community Aged Care, Cooinda Lodge and Fairview Village to lead Anzac Day services and spend time with residents who held close personal connections to Australia's military history.
Through prayer, reflection, readings and laying wreaths, the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women was honoured.
As part of the college's ongoing partnership with the Baw Baw Schools RSL Ambassador Program, students took responsibility for leading prayers, scripture readings, reflections and the Ode, as well as laying wreaths and observing a minute's silence with residents and RSL representatives.
Principal Lisa Harkin said the visits were a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, service and gratitude.
"At the heart of Anzac Day is servant leadership — ordinary people choosing to serve something greater than themselves, highlighting the importance of walking alongside others, especially in difficult moments," she said.
"Our students were deeply aware that they were standing alongside people for whom Anzac Day is personal and lived. It was a privilege for them to listen, learn and honour that legacy."
Year 10 student Sienna Bucknall said the opportunity to connect with residents at Abbey Gardens was "eye-opening".
"The Anzac Day service made me realise that if the Great War was today, then my two brothers would have been called to serve. It is important that this day isn't seen as a celebration," she said.
"For the residents of Abbey Gardens, it was eye-opening to see that they are so much more connected to horrors of war given their lives span many generations."
Ms Harkin said the experience was formative for students, with many recognising their own family connections to Anzac service through grandparents and relatives.
"By serving our aged care residents and honouring their stories, our students gain a deeper understanding of history, humanity and their own responsibility to contribute to a just and compassionate society," she said.