11 May 2022

Thomas Carr College, Tarneit, held a ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its relationship with the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association Australia Inc.

The relationship has grown over the years through the efforts of staff and students, as well as the work of many of the veterans. Every year, students from the college carry the association’s banner at the Anzac Day March in Melbourne, commemorating the sacrifices made by the veterans. The 20th anniversary commemoration was attended by staff and students from the college, along with the association, Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan MP, and councillors from Wyndham City Council including Mayor Peter Maynard.

The relationship between Thomas Carr College and the Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association was the first such relationship to be developed between a school and the association. This has created a deeper understanding of the involvement of the veterans during the 1950s and 1960s in the conflict that occurred in Southeast Asia. Since the granting of a national day of remembrance for the Malaya and Borneo conflict, Thomas Carr College students have had the privilege of standing alongside the veterans at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on their national day each year. The college’s orchestra and choir share this special occasion with the veterans and their families, reminding them of the events of the past and the sacrifices that were made.