This ANZAC Day, St Bart’s expresses heartfelt gratitude and pays tribute to Veterans, both past and present, for their dedicated service to Australia.
This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Peter, a resident at the James Watson Aged Care Centre, about his time in the Navy. Peter shared his remarkable story, beginning with running away from his Sydney home at just 15 years old to join the Navy.
He found himself aboard the HMAS Duchess in 1964, which had replaced the HMAS Voyager following its tragic loss. As an able seaman, Peter served as the Captain of the Gun Bay and was also a skilled weapons mechanic.
Reflecting on his time aboard, Peter recounted sleeping in a hammock, operating the ship’s powerful turrets, and the unique experience of traveling the world. “I spent time in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam during my service,” he shared.
One of Peter’s most cherished memories was when the HMAS Duchess escorted the HMAS Sydney, which carried Army soldiers and vital equipment to Vietnam to rescue civilians from captivity.
St Bart’s Patron, Mr Graham Edwards said “St Bart’s is proud to honour and support Veterans like Peter. We are committed to providing assistance and programs to those impacted by homelessness. St Bart’s has a long history of supporting Veterans, helping to rebuild their lives and securing access to a stable home or aged care”.
Mr Edwards is also a Vietnam Veteran and double amputee who became St Bart’s inaugural Patron in 2021. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about homelessness and advocating for Veterans’ needs.
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.