Each year, in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, Dave Law, Site Senior Executive at Eureka Creek Village devotes his time to keeping the ANZAC legacy alive in his town of Moranbah and beyond.
A keen collector, Dave has amassed an incredible collection of Australian and New Zealand military uniforms and battlefield artefacts, that he shares on display for the local community, this year at Coalface Art Gallery.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for the ANZACs,” shares Dave. “I attended my first Dawn Service at eight years old and was gifted medals from my late grandfather, who was a WWll and Korean War veteran. They are the proudest things in my collection.”
So far, Dave has taken over 600 primary school students and countless others through the display, compiled of items from his personal tours of Gallipoli, the Western Front and Long Tan, amongst others.
By creating this display, as well as speaking at local schools and community groups, Dave lives his Purpose and teaches people, particularly the younger generation about the ANZACs to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
This passion for collecting has taken Dave around the world, as well as across the border to New Zealand. “We don’t have the ANZACs without the Kiwis and so, they have a strong showing in the military display. It’s equal representation of all three services – Navy, Army, Airforce – as we don’t go to war or experience peace without the three services working together.”
Being a local Moranbah resident, Dave is honoured to be a part of the ANZAC Day Dawn Services, once again this year acting as MC. “Getting out of bed early in the morning is the least I can do once a year to give thanks and remember the sacrifices of those who served our nation,” shares Dave. “I always feel there is a connection to them on this special day.”
This year, Compass Group Australia announced the launch of our new Veterans Pillar, to support current and former Defence Force personnel and their families for ongoing and meaningful civilian employment.
“I can’t begin to think what challenges veterans face when they re-enter the normal run of life and work,” shares Dave. It is so important for companies to support them and I look forward to any opportunities to support this endeavour myself.”
ESS and BMA are proud of Dave and all he has done for the community, and he is grateful for their support over the past four years, to let him do this important community work each month in April.
You can learn more about how Compass Group Australia supports our current and former Defence Force members through our Veterans Pillar here.
