Our People in NSW
Rodney Laumua - Mt Druitt
This ANZAC Day, Mt Druitt’s Steve and Masalo Laumua will be watching something very special on TV.
Their son Rod, 34, will be in Gallipoli as part of the official Australia’s Federation Guard contingent. He will be taking part in the memorial service at ANZAC Cove, and later at Lone Pine.
“I was a sheet metal worker to start with, ” said Rod.
“It was definitely time for a change. I had received my Australian citizenship and, after September 11, I decided I should do my part in an Australian uniform.
“I specialised as an armoured vehicle driver/gunner then I then volunteered for the Guard in 2010.
“So far I have participated in local ceremonies around Australia, but Gallipoli is definitely the big one.
“I was brought up in New Zealand and now I’m an Australian soldier, so I’ve been getting into the ANZAC tradition from both sides!
“I’ll be doing my best and thinking about all the Australians and Kiwis who stormed the beach right where we’ll be standing,” said Rod.