Anzac education for the next generation

CROSS-generational connections were made in Sebastopol during the Anzac Day long weekend.

Young athletes from Sebastopol Football Netball Club were invited to assist representatives of the Sebastopol RSL to put out white crosses beside the suburb’s cenotaph; a symbolic gesture to local fallen defence force personnel.

Volunteers and parents attended the memorial on Sunday afternoon, helping with layout and installation, alongside ‘keeper of the crosses’ Ron Heron.

“This is the first year we’ve had the children with us, and it’s great, because we’re educating them about Anzac Day,” he said.

“I’m very appreciative that they’ve taken the time to come down and do it.”

Fourteen-year-old Xavier saw the value in assisting others in his community.

“It’s important to support the RSL because their members fought for our freedom,” he said.

Sebastopol RSL secretary Kevin Scott said the partnership has been a way to promote the two groups and highlight the next generation.

“These children are our future, and if we don’t start getting them involved in Anzac Day traditions, it all means nothing to them,” he said.

“We really need to promote, at some level, community involvement, and this is a way of doing that.

“Whether we connect with a cadet unit, a football-netball club, a school group or girl guides, it doesn’t matter, we just need to create some community involvement and participation, and help the kids understand what it’s all about.”