Col’s Chat – Locals through my Lens – Lou Bennett

Col’s Chat –

Locals through my Lens

Lou Bennett

My own childhood was defined by family who experienced war firsthand. My aunt was born in 1915, during a Zeppelin raid on London. My Dad served in North Africa and the Middle East. My Mum cowered in a bomb shelter at the bottom of the garden, as an incendiary bomb hit their neighbour’s house and killed them.  My uncle was torpedoed in the mid-Atlantic.  

The common theme among them as I grew up was a stoicism that pushed these events to a place shielded from exposure, guarding them from the memories, but allowing the trauma to fester.  

War these days is – for most of us here in Australia – something that happens somewhere else in the world. A distant conflict, removed from the trappings of our lives. But for the men and women who serve, it’s as real as those first landings in Gallipoli in 1915, or their arrival at Fromelles in July 1916. Remembering them, and their sacrifice and service is a stern responsibility, and one that we all treat with the reverence it deserves on ANZAC Day. 

For one local, this ANZAC Day will prove extra meaningful. Lou Bennett is off to Gallipoli for the 110th anniversary of the landings.  

Lou holds the distinction of having been born on Christmas Island; her grandfather the recipient of a DSO for his part in the famous, Swordfish Channel Dash, and her father a merchant sailor and harbour master. Today, Brisbane is home. “I studied at the University of Queensland to be a physio, working overseas for the British Army in Germany, and also the Australian Army. I currently work at St. Vincent’s Northside. My husband, Ed served for ten years in the British army and ten in the Australian army, before being seriously injured in Afghanistan in 2013.” 

The harsh reality of the risks involved in military life had been brought sharply home. So, this year, Lou really wanted to engage with veterans and their families. “I saw an opportunity advertised through RSL for Veterans and family members to participate in the delivery of the commemorative services overseas. It is the first time that veterans and family members have been included in the delivery team and I eagerly applied. I was so privileged when I got the call to say I had been chosen to attend on the Gallipoli peninsula. Very few people get this honour and it is amazing that I have been recognised to make the pilgrimage.” 

Lou continued, “It’s important to remember what people have gone through. It highlights not just the impacts of those who lived it, but also of the families affected in so many ways.  For too long, only the milestones were recognised while, with limited support, many individuals fell through the cracks. Today, the attitude is a lot more positive and organisations like the RSL, Mates4Mates, Soldier On, Trek2Health and others are making a significant difference to the lives of those impacted by conflict in all its forms, providing the help and support family members need.” 

Such organisations are often limited by available volunteers, but we should never lose sight of the impact they have. “Whether its social support, a meal or a core friendship group, it makes such a difference; offering purpose and opportunity.” 

The opportunity for Lou to attend on that sacred soil is evident, but why is that important for others less invested? “It demonstrates what it takes to ensure our freedoms. These sacrifices allowed us to be who we want to be, embrace a multi-cultural ideal, and respect the ideas and beliefs from generation to generation. It’s also about continuing to emphasise the impact of trauma and learning the nuances that accompany it.” 

You can support Lou yourself, by attending an ANZAC Day service this year.  

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography