April 24, 2025Tomorrow is ANZAC Day. For many years, our ANZAC Service has been deeply rooted in Bundoora Centre. This year, however, marked a new chapter as we united with the residents and staff of Dianella Hostel, Kilmore District Hospital (KDH) on April 16, for our ANZAC Service.
The ANZAC Address was delivered by Chief Executive Debra Bourne, who drew attention to ‘the remarkable Australian nurses who served with unparalleled courage during the World Wars’.
Today, we are pleased to share her powerful words once again, as we gather to reflect on the legacy of the ANZAC spirit:
“On the first day of November 2023, history was made as Northern Health and Kilmore District Health came together, merging strengths to forge a unified and resilient health service. Together, we embraced the growing, diverse needs of our northern catchment.
On that occasion, I reflected on our shared journey and declared:
“It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the rich history of healthcare in Kilmore. Dating back to 1856, the bluestone façade of Kilmore District Hospital remains a pillar within the local community, and we are proud to be part of the next chapter in its story.”
And today, here we are again, drawn together on a day of profound significance.
As a nurse by training, today I wish to shed light on a group of often-unsung heroes: the remarkable Australian nurses who served with unparalleled courage during the World Wars. Their stories may not always take centre stage, but their legacy of compassion and resilience continues to echo through history.
As we heard, in World War I, over 3,000 Australian nurses answered the call of duty. These brave women found themselves in the heart of battle, stationed at hospitals, aboard hospital ships, and in casualty clearing stations perilously close to the front lines. The challenges they faced were nothing short of harrowing—yet their resolve never faltered.
In World War II, the story of Australian nurses grew even more extraordinary. Around 5,000 nurses carried the torch of compassion into an even more dangerous and diverse theatre of war. From the deserts of the Middle East to the islands of the Pacific, these women served with unshakable dedication, often under the shadow of enemy fire.
Among these heroes, the story of Matron Irene Melville Drummond, stands as a beacon of unwavering courage.
Born in 1905 in Sydney, she joined the Australian Army Nursing Service In 1940 and became Matron of the 2nd/13th Australian General Hospital in Singapore.
During the Japanese invasion of Singapore in 1942, Matron Drummond tirelessly cared for wounded soldiers amidst harrowing conditions. After the city fell, she was evacuated aboard the Vyner Brooke, a ship tragically bombed during its escape. Though she survived the sinking, she was ultimately captured on Bangka Island.
On February 16, 1942, in the Bangka Island Massacre, Matron Drummond and 21 Australian nurses were executed. Her final words—“Chin up, girls. I’m proud of you all and I love you all”—remain a testament to her extraordinary bravery.
Matron Drummond’s legacy endures as a testament to the resilience and courage of military nurses. Their bravery left an indelible mark on the broader medical field, inspiring generations to follow. Many were honoured for their heroism, while others paid the ultimate price. Yet, their selflessness often remains overshadowed, lost amidst the louder echoes of history.
As we stand here today, let us bring their stories into the light. Let us honour their courage, their compassion, and their invaluable service. On this ANZAC Day Service, we bow not only to our soldiers but to the nurses—the angels on the frontlines—whose steadfast hearts carried hope amidst despair.
Safe. Kind. Together. Lest we forget.”
