RSL Sub-branch vice president John Trist, sub-branch member John Harris, Lt Colonel Frank Marchetti, and Sub-branch president Steve Fawns.
Lieutenant Colonel Frank Marchetti returned to his hometown of Deniliquin to offer a powerful reflection on service, sacrifice and the generations of Australians who have worn the uniform for Anzac Day.
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Invited to give the address at the mid-morning service on Saturday, he was given a welcome from a proud local community.
Lt Col Marchetti has dedicated more than three decades to the Australian Army, including during active service in Timor-Leste.
Speaking at Saturday’s service, he reflected on the importance of remembering those who served in past conflicts, as well as our current defence personnel.
“Anzac Day to me is about remembering the commitments of those who have died in service, and recognising the current and ex serving members in our communities,” he said.
Born in Deniliquin to Ron and Norris Marchetti, Lt Col Marchetti attended Edward Public School and Deniliquin High School before joining the Australian Army in January 1990.
It was the beginning of a 34‑year career that would take him across Australia and around the world in roles spanning logistics, science, health and operational planning.
After completing a Bachelor of Science at the Australian Defence Force Academy, he undertook officer training at the Royal Military College, graduating into the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps.
His early career was shaped by one of Australia’s most significant peacekeeping missions.
In 1999, he deployed to East Timor as part of INTERFET - the International Force East Timor - helping stabilise the region during its transition to independence.
On returning from operations, Lt Col Marchetti continued to broaden his expertise, completing a masters in food science and technology before taking up the role of senior inspector foodstuff for the Australian Defence Force.
His commitment to military health deepened further when he completed a pharmacy degree in 2010 and transferred to the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.
“In 2015, I was deployed to the Middle East, serving as the senior pharmacist for the entire Middle East Area of Operations,” he said.
“My work ensured deployed personnel received the pharmaceutical support essential to maintaining operational capability in challenging environments.”
Lt Col Marchetti’s skills were later called upon closer to home.
“I served as the lead military health planner for the ADF’s support to the 2018 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, coordinating health readiness for one of the largest sporting events hosted in Australia.
“At the end of 2018, I transferred to the Army Reserves.”
With the reserves, Lt Col Marchetti was involved in COVID-19 and flood relief operations, supporting communities during some of the nation’s most difficult emergencies.
Earlier this year, he transferred to the Inactive Reserves, and he works as a community pharmacist in Brisbane.
Part of his role involves providing pharmaceutical support to military veterans, a continuation of his lifelong commitment to those who serve.
Lieutenant Colonel Frank Marchetti giving his Anzac Day address.
