Honouring service and sacrifice this Remembrance Day

Every year on 11 November, Australians come together to pause, reflect and remember the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation.

Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honour those who lost their lives in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations, while acknowledging the lasting impact of military service on individuals, families and communities.

Across the CIMIC Group, we are proud to work alongside people whose experiences in the Australian Defence Force have shaped not only their careers, but also their perspectives on service, teamwork and sacrifice.

This Remembrance Day, we spoke with staff from CPB Contractors and Pacific Partnerships about their military backgrounds, the experiences that have stayed with them and what the day means to them personally.

Remembering those who served alongside us

For Tim Carlton, CPB Contractors, Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served, particularly the people he knew personally.

Tim joined the Australian Regular Army as an infantry soldier in 2008, serving for 13 years before leaving Defence in 2021. During his military career, he deployed to East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq, and participated in multinational and domestic operations, including border protection and bushfire assistance.

His service took him across different countries, cultures and environments, providing experiences and friendships that continue to influence him today.

"On a more personal level, it is also a time to remember those I served alongside who are no longer with us," Tim said.

"Their sacrifice is something I carry with me, and Remembrance Day serves as a reminder to live my life in a way that honours their memory and reflects the values they stood for."

A commitment to service

For Reece Zachariah, Pacific Partnerships, military service has been a defining part of his life for more than 16 years.

Reece enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2010, shortly after finishing high school. Since then, he has held a range of roles, from infantry soldier and platoon commander to weapons instructor. Today, he continues to serve as an instructor, helping train the next generation of Australian Army officers.

Alongside his military commitments, Reece has completed university, developed his civilian career and started a family, supported by those around him.

His experience has given him a deep appreciation of the commitment made by those who choose to serve, including the acceptance of personal risk in carrying out their duties.

"Remembrance Day for me is a time to honour those who have fulfilled this contract over the years and to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their duty to the mission, their mates and their country," Reece said.

The lasting impact of service
 

For Anne Ristrom, CPB Contractors, her time in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was one of the most formative experiences of her life.

Leaving Tasmania as a 20-year-old, Anne joined the RAAF as a Signals Operator, specialising in communications and Morse code. She served for four and a half years, an experience she remembers as some of the best years of her life.

Her time in Defence strengthened her confidence, broadened her understanding of the world and instilled values of teamwork, dedication and commitment that she continues to carry throughout her working life.

The experience also gave Anne a lasting appreciation of service and sacrifice. Her years in the RAAF, along with a visit to Gallipoli, left her with a greater awareness of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and the enduring impact of conflict.

"I think being in the Forces, and visiting Gallipoli, has heightened my awareness of the terrible price of war, the sacrifices so many make in time of conflict, and the importance of remembering those who suffered or died to protect this fabulous country," Anne said.

While their experiences differ, the reflections of Tim, Reece and Anne highlight the lasting significance of military service and the importance of remembering those who have served.

Their stories remind us that behind every uniform is a person, a family and a commitment to something greater than themselves.

This Remembrance Day, we honour all those who have served and continue to serve, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest We Forget.