It has been my great privilege to have shared this journey with 29 extraordinary people and their extended families. That is what the Anzac Tour is all about. Just like the first Anzacs, a disparate group of people combined to achieve great things. Though we were fortunate not to have endured conflict, we came together to learn about the service of others to our nation and espouse the values synonymous with the very best of the Anzac traditions. Resourcefulness and commitment spring to mind but especially mateship in a shared experience which makes all of us family.
All of the students have developed and grown. They conducted themselves in an exemplary manner which reflects upon our school and community and ultimately upon all Australians as the best examples of what our youth has to offer. They have irredeemably been changed by their experiences but only for the better. Many express a newfound appreciation for their own country and just how lucky they are to be able to call themselves Australians. I thank them for being such wonderful young adults who stepped up and had the courage to follow in the footsteps of previous Anzac Tours and who went to new places, tried new things and forged new traditions.
The parents on tour I cannot thank enough for their humor and help on the tour. They were wonderful in their care and concern for the students. Moving thirty people around a foreign country or two has its challenges and we couldn't have done it without them. Thanks Wayne, Rhonda and Toni.
The staff who came along on this tour really worked hard to make this new experience in two completely foreign countries as safe and successful as it could possibly be. The work behind the scenes in preparation for the tour is always massive but compounded this time by the new destination. The tour is not a holiday for the staff and their duties are significant with great responsibility. It was grueling at times but a pleasure to share this tour with such passionate teachers who are so dedicated and hard working. Thanks Kirsten, Chris, Jenny, Trudi and Adam.
Kevin Dyer was our RSL veteran on tour. Kev served in Vietnam and his insights and knowledge of the conflict from the Australian perspective were invaluable to all of us. His friendship and concern for all tour members, as has been said before, makes him family. The kids love him. Thanks mate.
The Tour does not happen without the support of the school. Thank you to Ms Dale Miller, the Principal of Collie Senior High School for continuing to see the value of the Anzac Tour. As a two times former participant I know just how much she understands the value of this program to the school and community.
The parent body as always was magnificent in supporting their children through this process. When we consider how far we have come from the very first meeting I am certain that not one family has any regrets. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of your children and the tour. It couldn't happen without your commitment and courage.
Finally thanks to the community of Collie. It is by far the best place to live and raise children on the planet. Just ask our students.
Ed Croft
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