What motivates you to JOIN US?
Craig Caughlan - 2025 Gold sponsor, shared why he has JOINED US.
I'm sponsoring the ANZAC (virtual) Marathon because it fits with my ethos of celebrating & commemorating this very important day in the calendar, where I think back on what it would have been like to fight for Australia, in a distant land, leaving at a very young age & hopefully coming home. It's something that our children should understand & pass on to generations to come.
Anzac Day is personal as my grandfathers all fought for Australia in both WW1 & WW2.
Edward Broom (my great grandfather) fought in WW1 (served 12/9/1915 - 2/1/1919) a private in the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion in Europe. He died in Sydney some years later from War related injuries in 1943.
Albert Broom (my grandfather) fought in WW2 (served 29/4/1940 - 21/9/1942) a private in the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion in Europe. He died soon after returning from war injuries after being blown up in North Africa at 34 years old (30/8/1947).
Terry Caughlan (my grandfather) fought in WW2 (served 1939 - 1948) as a Warrant Offer 2nd Class (WOII) in the army. Fought in Papua New Guinea during the Japanese invasion. came home & died of cancer in 1983.
Albert Broom Edward Broom
Helping veterans is personal for Gregg, Active Living Physio - Gold Sponsor in 2025
The Anzac Day Marathon/Event is a great local fundraiser to help
veterans and their families in the local community. My father and
Grandfather both served our country and I have felt the generosity and
can do attitude that our service men and women possess . So I look a
this as a small opportunity to give back for the great life we live here
in Australia.
My Father (Norman Fyffe) and Grandfather (George Fyffe) are two of
the greatest influences in my life. My father served in Vietnam in 2AOD
(advance ordnance depot) and my Grandfather was a pilot with 460
Squadron (Lancaster Bombers). My Son George was named after My
grandfather and I hope he grows up to be as strong, trustworthy and
funny as him one day. Both these men I am lucky to know and I am very
aware not everyone comes home. I am also well aware of many of the
struggles our veterans have adjusting to civilian life. Many have taken
and continue to take their own lives in this country. I lost an amazing
Childhood friend and protector Jesse Bird on the 27th June 2017. His
passing caused tremendous heartache for his family, his friends and our
local community. His amazing family pushed for governmental reform and
our leading the way to make sure another family doesn't have to lose a
loved one because help wasn't their for our veterans. The DVA system is
trying but it will never be amazing because of the bureaucracy of large
government organisations. If you would like to read more about Jesse and
the reforms his family have achieved please follow the links
https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview/reporting/reviews-and-reports/jesse-bird-reviews-and-reports.
Jesse's Story
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/connie-boglis-and-jesse-bird
My Hope is that this event will grow over the years and be able to help raise funds for services that may one day save a life.
We have attended many dawn services around the Gold Coast. Currently we attend either Southport or Runaway Bay. We look forward to attending
these every year as our family grow.
Gregg with George
Gold sponsors, Better Living hold veterans past and present special to their hearts
Here at Better Living Australia, we believe all defence personnel, veterans, plus their families deserve all the support from communities to recognise the sacrifices they have made to protect, support and honour our country. For this reason, we wanted to extend our heartful thanks and show our support by sponsoring this event.
ANZAC day is very personal to a lot of our Better Living Team Members. We have many staff who had grandfathers or grandmothers who fought in the War or continue to serve in our country. It holds a very special part in all our hearts.
HiRUM Software Solutions have sparkled GOLD for our veterans since 2020
It is far too easy these days to forget the past and we appear to be living in a materialistic, sense of entitlement world at present. Therefore it’s important that we all do our bit to try to keep the memories of how we got to where we are today alive. This in turn will hopefully put us in an informed position to avoid repeating the past at all costs.
I recall my father talking about the Ozzies that fought hard to save their country and fellow comrades from the enemies, and how stoic they were. Coming from the UK, I no longer have the opportunity to participate in Remembrance Day, therefore Anzac Day fills this opportunity in very much the same way.
Our QLD Premier & Local State Member for Broadwater, David Crisafulli MP, shares what Anzac Day means to him and why he supports our Marathon effort.
1/ Why do you sponsor the Anzac Day Virtual Marathon & Marathon Event?
Anzac Day brings Australian’s together.
For me, as is the case for millions of Australians, Anzac Day is one of the most important days on our national calendar.
It is one of the few days that our nation pauses to be truly proud of the amazing country that we live in. It’s a time to remember and give thanks to all of the brave men and women who have chosen to put the love of their nation before themselves.
2/ What makes Anzac Day personal to you?
Growing up in North Queensland, I learned from an early age about the challenges Australia faced during the Pacific War during World War 2. It’s almost unbelievable now, but Australia was in great peril at one point. Darwin was bombed, so too Broome and the frontier towns of Cairns and Townsville were on a war footing. Townsville became a base for American forces, even US General Douglas MacArthur based his northern headquarters there for a time.
Townsville, the great garrison city, is just down the road from where I grew up. I lived in Townsville for many years and I can tell you that Anzac Day is THE biggest and most important day on that community’s calendar. It always felt like every member of the town turned out each year and the crowds only grow bigger year on year. Needless to say, the memories of Anzac Day in Townsville are some of my most cherished.
3/ Do you attend your local dawn service or morning service?
April 25 is a special day for Australia. I’ve heard some say that it glorifies war, but I disagree with that. Anzac Day is a day that celebrates the best of us as a nation. The fact that we can do so is a testament to those in the armed forces who have gone before us, and those who don the uniform in our name now.
I thank our service men and women for their service. The least I can do each Anzac Day is to humbly pay my respects for their sacrifice. I don’t ever miss Anzac Day and I won’t ever take it for granted.
Lest We Forget.
David.
MWM Advisory care about their clients and care about our veterans. James, is a Managing Partner at MWM and was one of our first corporate sponsors without hesitation.
1/ Why do you sponsor the Anzac Day Virtual Marathon & Marathon Event?
Great people doing amazing things aren’t thanked or supported enough. If we as a corporate sponsor can assist – here at MWM we always will
Being associated with the ANZAC tradition is something that we relate to.
2/ What makes Anzac Day personal to you?
Its part of the fabric that is – being ‘Australian’ – I have also had several dozen friends and family serve over there and had mates lost too.
3/ Do you attend your local dawn service or morning service?
Dawn service – every year
Thank you James and the MWM team, looking forward to seeing everyone clocking up the k's during April.
MWM "Making Accounting Human Again" MWM Advisory
Sam O'Connor MP is a leading supporter of our community and for the 5th year is a Sponsor of the Anzac Day Annual Virtual Marathon & Marathon Event
Why do you sponsor the Anzac Day Virtual Marathon & Marathon Event?
Every year Sally makes an incredible effort to raise money for our local RSL in honour of her grandfather, and I’m proud to support this great cause. She even kept going during COVID, she found a way to make this marathon virtual and continues to remember those who have served.
What makes Anzac Day personal to you?
As an MP I’m well aware that I only get to serve in Parliament and be part of our democracy because of the sacrifice those in uniform have made. I grew up around an ADF family, dad spent over 20 years in the Air Force, so it has always been part of my life.
Do you attend your local dawn service or morning service?
Yes - both! I make sure to pay my tributes every year, rotating between Runaway Bay, Helensvale and Southport.
Sam is a strong advocate for our community as the State MP for Labrador, Biggera Waters, Parkwood, Arundel and the top part of Southport. He has been a proud supporter of the ANZAC Day challenge since 2020.
Thank you Sam for Sponsoring in 2025!
Anthony from Synergise Fitness has been a sponsor since the first round of sponsorship in 2020 - a true supporter!
1/ Why do you sponsor the Anzac Day Virtual Marathon & Marathon Event?
Being associated with the Anzac Day Marathon brings a tremendous sense of pride. Supporting a great friend doing great things in honouring and remembering the Anzac spirit.
2/ What makes Anzac Day personal to you?
Being from the UK - remembering and supporting the armed forces is a huge part of my culture. Now an Australian Citizen - ANZAC day is now part of that.
3/ Do you attend your local dawn service or morning service?
Yes, I attend the Dawn Service at Runaway Bay
Here is Anthony running the Anzac Day Marathon in Southport.
