Canterbury-Bankstown’s oldest veteran, Albert “Bert” Collins, will be front and centre at this year’s Anzac Day march in Sydney, and is encouraging all to take a moment to give thanks to and commemorate Australia’s servicemen and women.

At 105 years of age, “Bert” as he is fondly is known, can still recount his incredible life story from his early childhood, to his days on the battlefield and life in Bankstown after the war.

Mr Collins has been living in Bankstown since 1949 after returning home from serving in the second World War.

“I was a sergeant with the 52nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment based in New Guinea,” he told Council.

In recounting his stories, it’s clear the centenarian veteran has refused to give up the Anzac Spirit in him, but he’s always reminding himself and others about how lucky he is to be alive.

“When I was a boy, my Mum instilled in me a very important lesson,, which I’ve lived by my entire life,” he said.

“She said I must remember to never be rude to anyone, to never tell lies and to always show respect towards others … and I have every day of my life.”

To hear more of Bert’s life, which includes an amazing love story and his ballroom dancing prowess, watch our video at cb.city/AnzacDay2021

Join Council in commemorating Anzac Day at cb.city/AnzacDay2021, by posting a tribute of a family member or friend or tell us what Anzac Day means to you on our Tribute Wall, and receive a FREE copy of The thirty-one: The Bankstown Anzacs who never came home by Adam Courtenay (limited available).