Our parade entry began with two Light Horses with riders Denis and Clare from the Richmond Windsor Light Horse Group.

Our banner was held by Bianca J, Aimee C (in WWI nurse costume), Emeline L (WW2 dress) and Chantelle G (1970s dress). This was followed by our WWI Anzac nurses Tiana G, Olivia M, Tess M, Laura Z, Isabelle S, Eve M each representing one of Campbelltown’s WWI nurses. Our little Red Cross girls Alessandra, Siya (navy) and Radha enjoyed their day most of all.

The next contingent was of Australian servicewomen through history. Fatima A and Emily M dressed as World War II V.A.Ds, Layla E and Mrs Wendy McDonald as Vietnam War era nurses, Chelsea P, Emelia B, Layla B, Lilian M as army combat soldiers.  Olivia L in Navy dress, Renae L in WW2 outfit and Caitlin R  in formal Army outfit; all wore the medals of their family members who had fought in either World War I or II.

Our seniors wore authentic Australian military uniforms lent to us by the RSL and John Morthen from Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society. Emma F came in a Navy sailor’s outfit, Elizabeth K in RAAF uniform and Ashleigh K in AAWS uniform with steel hat. Gianna M wore Elwyn Spencer’s authentic army uniform from the Vietnam War.

We were fortunate to have two Cadillacs donated by Cadillac Heaven (https://cadillacheaven.com.au/) that transported our veterans. They contained special World War II veteran, Bert Collins, who is 103 years old. He was accompanied by our College Captain, Imogen in World War II clothing and veteran Jim Wrigley and Women’s Auxilary members. Natalie L in World War II clothing accompanied more veterans Stan Allen and wife Sue (Smithfield RSL) and the Women’s Auxilary in the other Cadillac.

Mrs Lucette Zapirain drove a poppy covered MG with Mr Stan Thomas of Merrylands RSL. This was followed by a 12 seater Army Landcruiser 101 donated by Military Vehicle.org  (https://www.military-vehicle.org/) driven by Sean and carried several Women’s Auxilary members and students Neha D, Sophie I, Amelia M, Brooke F, Miss Iler and Miss Roa madly waving their Australian flags.

Our seniors in school uniform (Alyssa H, Alex F, Janaya B, Rahniesha W, Minduli T, Roisin T) held the Lest We Forget sign made with poppies that the History Club made for the centenary of the Armistice in 2018. They held the letters up high on poles and it looked very impressive as a backdrop to those in uniform.

Our next section of  entry was a tribute to the Land Army in World War II. This was led by a 1940s Fargo ute driven by Russell (with Kiara M in WWI nurse outfit) and a  vintage Farmall tractor from Campbelltown Steam and Machinery Museum (http://www.csmm.com.au/). The Fargo ute had several veterans on board including Elwyn Spencer and other members of Campbelltown RSL sub branch and Bronwyn and Laura Z’s grandparents. Our Land Army comprised Mackenzie M, Karli G, Bronwyn Z, Mackenzie B,  Mrs Deidre Back, Mr and Mrs East (with Sierra and Harriet from St Thomas More School), Sophia E, Jo C, Sneha S and Ashlyn B.

The last vehicle in our entry was the College van driven by Vince Fuda with wife Tina.

I wish to thank all those staff who supported us on the day, Vince, Fuda, Deidre Back, Nathan East, Louise East, Soliette Roa, Cassandra Iler, Wendy McDonald and Shobna Sharma. A special thank you to Liz Samyia for being our photographer. Parent, Mrs Lucette Zapirain went above and beyond helping us prepare the costumes and organising many of the vehicles. We cannot thank her enough for sharing her vision with us.

We were fortunate to win 2^nd prize in the parade and equal best ‘Hooves and Wheels’ category with the SES.

Our girls enjoyed the afternoon and there were smiles all round!

Mrs Fran Musico Rullo