On ANZAC Day, Australians and New Zealanders come together to recognise all who have served — in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping and other operations. It is a solemn moment in our national calendar, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our way of life and the values that continue to shape our communities.
Every ANZAC Day service, march and quiet moment of reflection helps carry the ANZAC legacy forward — hand to hand, heart to heart.
Like many volunteer organisations committed to serving the community, Marine Rescue Queensland is proud to count veterans among its volunteers and support centre members. From those who served full-time or in the Reserves, to ex-serving members and those who continue to serve today, veterans play a vital role across MRQ. Their experience, leadership and sense of service reflect the enduring ANZAC spirit of courage, ingenuity, endurance, humour and mateship.
Meet Les Robinson – Coxswain, MRQ Sandgate
Les Robinson is a coxswain with MRQ Sandgate and has served in the Australian Army since 1987 — a commitment that continues today.
Les’ Army career has been as varied as it has been distinguished. His service includes roles as Operations Officer in East Timor, embedded within US Force Headquarters in Iraq, Chief of Staff of the Australian Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Deputy Australian Contingent Commander and Senior Logistics Officer within the UN Force Headquarters in South Sudan.
When asked what commemorative events like ANZAC Day mean to him, Les describes them simply as part of who he is — an opportunity each year to remember those who have served and those who did not return.
Now posted to Headquarters 7 Brigade at Gallipoli Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Robinson continues to serve both his nation and his community. MRQ thanks him for his ongoing service.
Meet Justin Nicholls – Fleet and Equipment Manager, MRQ
From Army to Navy, MRQ is also proud to have veterans like Justin Nicholls, at the MRQ Nundah Support Centre.
Justin spent 24 years serving in the Royal Australian Navy, with multiple deployments across South-East Asia and the Pacific. His career spanned marine engineering, boarding operations, rescues of stricken vessels and working alongside foreign military partners.
Justin sees strong parallels between his time in Navy and the role MRQ volunteers play today — particularly when it comes to saving lives at sea.
“From my personal experience, rescues at sea can vary greatly.”
“Much like MRQ operations, they range from straightforward towing and assistance through to complex and challenging situations,” Justin says.
ANZAC Day holds deep personal meaning for him.
“I have unfortunately lost friends during my period of service both through accidents during service and those that have battled with personal struggles since leaving,” he says.
“I believe it’s important to commemorate ANZAC Day not only for Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also in recognition of those on all sides who were affected.”
For Justin, ANZAC Day is a day of respect, gratitude and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by current and former service personnel — many of which go unseen and unrecognised.
This year, he will attend a local dawn service, take part in a morning march, and then catch up with friends he served alongside — followed, as he notes with a smile, by a few cold refreshments. “It wouldn’t be very un-sailor-like otherwise.”
Service That Endures
To every veteran — current and ex-serving — who has served our nation, we thank you. And to those veterans who continue to serve their communities through Marine Rescue Queensland, Volunteer Marine Rescue or Coast Guard, we offer our sincere appreciation.
While ANZAC Day began as a day to honour those who served in the First World War, it has grown to mean much more. It is a call to carry the timeless values of the ANZAC spirit — courage, sacrifice and mateship — into everyday life.
It is also a reminder of how fortunate we are.
Whether you attend a Dawn Service, pause at home in quiet reflection, or share stories with family and friends, every action — big or small — honours the ANZACs and shows that the ANZAC spirit lives on.
To learn more about ANZAC Day commemorations, visit RSL Queensland.