BEFORE he joined the army, Moulamein’s Heath Moloney didn’t do much to commemorate Anzac Day.
Growing up in the small Victorian town of Terang, Mr Moloney’s family were more focused on running their dairy farm.
“We just didn’t have a lot to do with Anzac Day, we were all pretty busy milking cows every single morning,” he said.
“I had a couple of distant relatives who served, but my parents had their hands full with six kids and the farm.
“I didn’t know too much before joining at age 17, but there were plenty of history lessons throughout the training so we were very quickly taught about what happened in the past.”
After enlisting, Mr Moloney served in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009. This was a big change from the life he was used to in Victoria’s Western District.
“It was certainly eye-opening, I’d never been overseas before. To see how other people live, the difference in their upbringing, and things like housing was a real shock.
“But all the kids still seemed really happy. They absolutely loved seeing us, and talking to us the best they could.”
After his return to Australia, Anzac Day became a way for Mr Moloney to reflect on those who came before him as well as giving him a chance to check in with mates and other veterans.
“Obviously, to the general public, it’s a very significant day. But to me it has grown in importance since I served. I haven’t missed a dawn service since I joined.
“I use the time to catch up with mates when I can, and wherever I’m living I’ll try to get down and meet as many veterans as I can.”
Although they may not yet be members of the RSL, Mr Moloney said veterans of more recent conflicts could receive a lot of support from the organisation.
“Whenever you walk into the RSL, everyone is very welcoming, happy to chat and help out with whatever you need. A lot of my generation (of veterans) are still working and trying to set themselves up so they just don’t have as much time to dedicate to the RSL.
“But as time goes on they’ll all have a bit more free time, and once we retire we’ll be able to slot into those roles.”
