Anzac musical tribute honours war heroine

By Adam Palombi

Apr 23, 2025

Corowa composer Penny Reeves will perform her song inspired by Australian war heroine Vivian Bullwinkel on Anzac Day.

Sole massacre survivor and Australian war heroine Vivian Bullwinkel has inspired an Anzac musical tribute, which was debuted this year at Corowa’s Anzac Day service.

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‘Into the Blue’ was written by local composer, Penny Reeves and pays tribute to the fallen nurses of the Bangka Massacre.

Dorothy “Bud” Elmes, who completed her nursing training at Corowa Hospital, was one of the 21 nurses who did not survive the massacre.

Lieutenant Colonel Bullwinkel left a remarkable nursing legacy following the events of 1942 and is the first woman to have a statue erected in her honour at the Australian War Memorial.

Composer Penny Reeves was inspired by the heroine’s remarkable journey.

“When I heard her story, the song just came to me,” Penny said.

“It was a mixture of the fallen nurses’ and Vivian’s perspective and will be performed by an all female ensemble.”

The performers were Jenna Bell on backing vocals, Lurene Johnston on cello and Belinda Woods flute.

The song began as a playful jamming session on ukelele and became a key part of Friday’s service.

By Adam Palombi