ANZAC Day is a significant day for Australia and New Zealand, honouring those who have served and recognising the sacrifice of servicemen, women and their families.
Connection Across Generations
Connection is at the heart of everything we do — connecting brands to customers, ideas to execution, and people to meaningful experiences.
This ANZAC Day, we reflect on a connection that runs far deeper than business.
In 1961, Mark Manson left his family home in Adelaide at just 15 to join the Royal Australian Navy. He trained at HMAS Leeuwin in Western Australia as a Junior Recruit and qualified as a boilermaker. Over the years, he served in the engine rooms of ships including HMAS Diamantina, HMAS Snipe and HMAS Parramatta, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
In 1965, Mark was posted to HMAS Sydney on her first voyage to Vũng Tàu.
That same year, Bruce Murray joined HMAS Nirimba in Quakers Hill, NSW, training as an electrician specialising in high-power generators and electrical systems. During his 23 years in the Royal Australian Navy, Bruce spent over 17 years at sea, serving on six ships and achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
His first seagoing posting was also to HMAS Sydney. Over more than four years onboard, he made numerous voyages to Vietnam between 1965 and 1972. Reconfigured from an aircraft carrier to a fast troop transport, the ship became known as the “Vũng Tàu Ferry.”
HMAS Sydney, a former aircraft carrier was reconfigured as a fast troop transport and undertook numerous voyages to Vietnam between 1965-1972.
A Shared Story
For years, Joshua Manson and Glenn Murray have worked closely together at Conn3cted. Only recently did they discover that their fathers had served on HMAS Sydney at the same time.
Two families. Two sailors. One ship.
Now, one team.
It’s a powerful reminder that connection isn’t just what we build digitally — it’s something that shapes our lives, our histories and our shared future.
Why ANZAC Day Matters to Conn3cted
ANZAC Day is important to Conn3cted because it reflects the values we hold close:
- Commitment
- Resilience
- Teamwork
- Service
The spirit of mateship that defined those who served continues to inspire how we work together today — supporting one another, showing up with integrity, and building something greater than ourselves.
On this ANZAC Day, we honour Mark, Bruce, and all those who have served.
Lest We Forget.
Discover more about Glenn’s family who were a part of the Australian Armed Services here.