Courage, mateship and sacrifice

THE Ballarat community paid their respects to Australia and New Zealand’s fallen servicepeople and returned veterans on Anzac Day last Sunday.

Around the city’s cenotaph, the Ballarat RSL facilitated a 6am dawn service, a 10.30am community march, and 11am commemorative service.

The late-morning proceedings were led by MC Brett Macdonald, who said Anzac Day “goes beyond” the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, 1915, offering an opportunity to pay tribute to those who served or died in theatres of conflict, or operational service.

“The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity,” he said.

“Time does not diminish the memories of those men and women who served… our families.

“We recall the standards set by the Anzacs; the sacrifice, the heroism, and also the stoicism and humour that became a touchstone in the formation of the national characters of both Australia, and our brothers and sisters across the ditch in New Zealand.”

Mr Macdonald said the crowd of approximately 2500-plus people was “lighter than normal” due to COVID-19 restrictions, but registration numbers for participation in the march were up.

The 8th/7th Battalion’s Lieutenant Colonel Shaun Richards said Anzac Day offers a “paradox,” as the public mourns and celebrates.

“We’re here to commemorate our collective loss, pay our respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, acknowledge Australians who have served and currently serve our country, and celebrate mateship and patriotism,” he said.

“What you need most is one another to face the world as free, confident and compassionate Australians.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney acknowledged the upcoming centenary of a significant military moment, but broadly reminded attendees that 25 April is about remembering and respecting all Anzac servicepeople since 1914.

“In May, 1921, the League of Nations, the forerunner to the United Nations, gave Australia a mandate for civil civilian rule of the former German colony of New Guinea,” he said.

“We commemorate all Australian and New Zealand service men and women… We honour their sacrifice, and their bravery in putting their country before themselves so that many could have the wonderful Australian way of life we have today.

“Their courage and nobility will never be forgotten.”

The local Sing Australia choir performed the national anthems, Reverend John Furness gave a blessing, and the Piper’s Lament sounded from Aram Haroutunian’s bagpipes before wreaths were laid.

The mayor, State Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, State Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, and Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King placed floral tributes at the base of the Ballarat Cenotaph, alongside primary and secondary schools, universities, and community groups.

Other wreaths were laid by representatives of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Air Force Association, Ballarat Legacy, Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen & Women’s Association of Victoria, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Ballarat Nashos, Ballarat Ryder-Cheshire, The Red Cross, Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria and more.