Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Students across the Mackay region paid tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women this ANZAC season, including those at Bloomsbury State School who held a special service and participated in the Postcards of Honour program organised by RSL Queensland.
The day at Bloomsbury was both reflective and educational, with students dressing as soldiers, nurses and farm workers to help them better understand the roles people played during times of war.
The school community gathered for a commemorative service before students took part in the Postcards of Honour activity, designing postcards to express their gratitude and respect for veterans.
The initiative connected schools with local RSL Sub Branches, allowing veterans to visit classrooms, share their experiences and help students learn about the significance of ANZAC Day. The postcards were then delivered to veterans as a gesture of appreciation.
Across Queensland this year, more than 23,000 students from 192 schools participated in the program, working alongside 52 RSL Sub Branches to create messages of thanks for those who have served the nation.
RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day said it was encouraging to see strong engagement from schools across the state.
“The benefits of the Postcards of Honour initiative is twofold,” MAJGEN Day said.
“Not only is it a creative activity for students to learn about ANZAC Day firsthand from local veterans, but it’s also a meaningful experience for the veterans who receive a postcard.
“It may seem like a small gesture, but the postcards act as such meaningful keepsakes and are truly valued by those on the receiving end.”
The exchange of postcards also reflected a historical tradition dating back to the early 20th century. During World War I, soldiers serving overseas often sent postcards home to loved ones, sharing brief messages from the frontline.
“The students put so much thought and creativity into making their cards that each one is one-of-a-kind,” MAJGEN Day said.
The program highlighted how the ANZAC spirit continues to be passed from one generation to the next. More than 110 years on from the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915 - the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I - young Australians are still learning the importance of remembrance, respect and gratitude.
Through activities like Postcards of Honour, students across the Mackay region are helping ensure the stories, sacrifice and values of the ANZACs continue to be remembered.
Bloomsbury State School students commemorated ANZAC Day with a service and Postcards of Honour activity, dressing as soldiers, nurses and farm workers to honour the ANZAC’s. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
