24 April 2026

Staff, veterans, members of the community and invited guests came together this morning at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital for the annual ANZAC Day Observance Ceremony, held in the Remembrance Garden.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to pause, reflect and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation, as well as the enduring connection between the Repat and Australia’s veteran community.

Chief Executive Officer Jodie Geissler spoke at the ceremony, reflecting on the importance of ANZAC Day as a day of remembrance and our enduring connection to the veteran community.

“As a health service with a duty to our veterans this history is a reminder of the importance of what we do, and how we are connected to that community. We are an organisation that provides essential care, with veterans being a significant component in the past, in the present, and into the future.”

A key moment of the ceremony was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque recognising Dr Henry James Williams, Lieutenant Colonel AIF. Dr Williams landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and later served in France. He is the only ANZAC who landed on the first day at Gallipoli to be recognised within the Remembrance Garden.

Several members of Dr Williams’ family were in attendance for the unveiling. His great‑grandson Anthony, a current patient in the Repat’s Ward 17, spoke at the ceremony, reflecting on his great‑grandfather’s legacy and acknowledging the care and support provided at the Repat.

“Henry lived a life devoted to his country, his patients and of course his family. That’s why, to us, he is our ANZAC hero.”

“The buildings that surround us [at the Repat] aren’t merely bricks and mortar. They have a soul if you will that has developed and grown from absorbing the pain, trauma and loss of our returned soldiers, their families, patients, staff and dedicated volunteers. I think more importantly these walls have also witnessed resilience, strength, courage, hope and healing."

The ceremony was attended by veterans and their families, representatives from local, state and federal government, members of Victoria Police, and staff from across Austin Health.

Lest We Forget.