Lachlan Stevens, vice-president of welfare at City of Wollongong RSL sub branch, at Albion Park RSL for the inaugural Middle Eastern Area of Operations commemorative service. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Military personnel, their families and supporters gathered outside Albion Park RSL on Thursday (11 July) to honour the veterans of Australia’s most recent and longest running conflict.
The inaugural Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration was held across NSW, with NSW RSL dedicating 11 am, 11 July to commemorate service men and women who served in the 20-year war, including the 41 who died.
Local veterans David Rose, Lachlan Stevens and Paul Lyddiard spoke about the complicated legacy of Australia’s “War on Terror”.
Paul described the heartbreak of watching the Taliban regain control of Afghanistan in 2021 as NATO forces withdrew.
“In 2001 we were deployed with a clear mission – to fight against terrorism,” he said.
“By 2017 we saw a nation transformed. Infrastructure had improved, maternal and child mortality was down, women and girls could walk freely and go to school.
“However, the events of August 2021 reminded us it was not over. Many of those who supported us were left behind to face retribution alone.
“This is why I sometimes carry a sense of failure.
“Let us honour the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice by recognising the differences we made to countless lives.
“In the words of Winston Churchill, success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue forwards that counts.”
Lachlan Stevens, owner of His Boy Elroy and founder of mental health charity Raising the Bar, acknowledged his own struggles with what it meant to be a veteran of the Middle East conflict.
The former combat engineer and current vice-president of welfare at City of Wollongong RSL sub branch, was deployed to Afghanistan after sappers Jacob Moerland, 21, and Darren Smith, 25, alongside Darren’s dog, Herbie, were killed by an improvised explosive device in June 2010.
“For almost 10 years I did not want to be known as a veteran,” Lachlan said.
“We think all too often about veterans being either old or broken and the narrative around that needs to shift, because there is an enormous amount of power in our veteran community.
“Our veterans have an enormous amount to contribute to the community.
“The daunting task of going to war and waving a metal detector over ground riddled with IED’s was made easier knowing I had good friends by my side.”
One of those friends, David Michael Wood, took his own life after returning home in 2012.
Lachlan said the deaths of people he loved and respected made him realise how important it was to live in a way that honoured their lives.
“The lives of the veterans who were killed inspires me to be a better person,” he said.
“They would give anything to be here today, to better the communities they live in.
“I remember the work we do could save people’s lives like David Wood.
“If you’re not proud of your service, ask yourself why. And if you are proud of your service, ask yourself what you’re going to do about it.
“Let your service inspire you to be better and to do better.”
H Parson’s Funerals donated a bronze plaque to the Albion Park RSL to commemorate the 41 Australian personnel who died in the Middle East.
The NSW Government has also announced it will extend retail trading restrictions to cover all of ANZAC Day to ensure the service of veterans is recognised and people are able to take part in services throughout the day.
Lachlan said anything that helped veterans or their family members commemorate and enjoy the sprit of the day was a welcome move.
“Any government interest in veterans affairs is a good thing and I tip my hat to the Minns Government for that,” he said.
Currently, retail traders such as supermarkets and fashion retailers are required to stay closed until 1 pm under the Retail Trading Act. The change will see them remain closed until midnight.
The restrictions do not apply to small businesses and business not considered retailers or with exemptions such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
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