General News
20 April, 2026
Vollie’s special honour
A CAIRNS resident will travel to France to help deliver an ANZAC Day ceremony honouring Australian service personnel on the Western Front.
Cassandra (Cassie) Cooper has been selected to support the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in delivering the ANZAC Day service in Villers-Bretonneux, France, a key site of World War I commemorations.
Mrs Cooper, whose husband is an RAAF veteran and whose grandfather fought at Gallipoli in WW1, said ANZAC Day held deep personal significance.
“It’s a very special day for me. It’s about a day of reflection, gratitude and respect for those who served in the past and for those who also serve today,” she said.
“It’s about remembering the freedoms that we have, come at a cost and making sure those sacrifices are never forgotten.”
She said her family’s military history continued to shape her understanding of the day.
“I often think about what he (grandfather) experienced so far from home and his service is part of my family story and that legacy,” she said.
“Seeing firsthand the commitment, sacrifice and resilience required of those who have served has given me a much deeper understanding of ANZAC Day.”
Mrs Cooper said she felt “very excited” and “very honoured and incredibly proud” to be selected for the role.
“I’m very proud and grateful to be involved,” she said.
As part of the service, Mrs Cooper will lay a wreath on behalf of veterans and their families.
“When I actually got the news that I was doing that, I got goosebumps,” she said.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs holds ANZAC Day services overseas each year in places of significance to Australian military history, including Türkiye, France, Thailand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.
The volunteer initiative, now in its second year, allows veterans and their families to assist in delivering the services. This year, 16 veterans and seven family members will travel overseas as part of the delivery teams.
Their roles can include assisting with arrivals and departures, providing information to attendees or participating directly in the service.
Mrs Cooper said the opportunity also carried meaning for her children.
“It’s important for me to pass on the meaning of remembrance and respect and gratitude to them,” she said.
“I know they’re very proud of me and they look forward to watching me on TV.”
Mrs Cooper will travel to France ahead of the ANZAC Day service at Villers-Bretonneux.
