By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
EVERY year Noosa local Jack Millican travels to Sydney to march down the city’s main street on Anzac Day.
While the day has always been one of significance for the 91-year-old World War II veteran due to his participation in the war efforts, 25 April also marks his birthday.
“I remember having my 21st birthday in the field, there wasn’t much celebration then,” Jack said reminiscing.
Jack was part of the 9th Division, 20th Brigade Headquarters where he joined the 2/118 infantry workshops and was classified as a craftsman. He worked as a wireless mechanic with the Second Australian Imperial Force.
“I undertook training in Sydney – I was 18 years old,” Jack said.
“During the New Guinea and Borneo campaigns we were on active service with the 9th Division.”
While most of the 9th Division left for Australia once the war ended, Jack was retained as part of the occupation troops and it wasn’t until a year later, in 1946 that he returned to his home country.
Jack has been marching in Sydney since his CEO organised for everyone to meet under the 20th Brigade banner in 1959.
“My wife and I both travelled back to Sydney every year, only missing one or two in that time – we always met with the kids,” Jack said.
“I really enjoy the crowd and like that it has grown and we’re becoming more patriotic as a nation.
“For years it was a reunion really,” Jack continued.
“I really enjoyed catching up with old faces, most have dwindled now.”
Although Jack’s comrades have since passed, he continues to make the journey to Sydney where he marches each year.
“I’ve made it a mission to continue marching for as long as I can,” Jack said.
“I march to remember old friends and those who can’t march.
“My daughter now walks with me and my youngest son marches with the banner.
“My grandson occasionally pops out from the crowd to walk with me as well.
“I wouldn’t be able to march without them now as there are none of my mates left.”
Jack and his family had been holidaying in Noosa since 1971, but 17 years ago, he and his late wife Lois, finally moved to live in the shire and Jack as been here since.
His family still enjoy coming to Noosa and have been here so often that they too call themselves locals.
