Despite being one of Queensland’s smaller rural communities, Biloela has a strong Anzac Day spirit thanks to families like the Boyds, who have always made the day memorable for the town’s 4000 residents.
They are a family dedicated to service, with father Andrew as a platoon sergeant with the 31/42 Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment in Rockhampton, mother Lieutenant Anthea Boyd serving as an officer instructor, daughter Layla participating in the local cadet program, and son Ronan serving as a local firefighter.
The Boyd family’s 17-year-old son Jahan recently joined, so this year’s Biloela march will be one short.
Being in basic training at Kapooka will mark his first Anzac Day away from home.
Sgt. Boyd initially enlisted in the military in Mackay. Still, at age 17, he had to get his father to sign documents allowing him to join the 42 Royal Queensland Regiment, Bravo Coy, as a reservist.
“We have a lot of pride in Jahan. Although there may have been a few tears shed as we said our goodbyes before he left for basic training earlier this year, Sergeant Boyd said we are sure that he is in good hands.
“We are eager to learn every detail of Jahan’s training experience.”
Reflecting on his career, Sergeant Boyd said that several exercises held throughout the state and a deployment to Malaysia in 2000 with Rifle Coy Butterworth had kept him motivated and dedicated to his military career.
Honestly, Sergeant Boyd added, “I’m so proud of them. It’s been such a rich experience, and it is a remarkable feeling for my family to share our service.”
According to Lieutenant Colonel Cameron McKay, the commanding officer of the 31/42nd Battalion of the Royal Queensland Regiment, it was common for families to have many members enlisted in the military, like the Boyds.
Lieutenant Colonel McKay stated, “Sergeant Andrew Boyd, Lieutenant Anthea Boyd, and their children are great role models for the Australian Defence Force. We are proud of them and their commitment.”
The Biloela town will enjoy seeing them march on Anzac Day.
Anzac Day is an important day of commemoration for them, as it is for all country towns, with thousands of citizens marching and participating.
