Anzac Day services return to Bellarine

SUNSHINE and warm weather greeted large crowds in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads for Anzac Day events on Monday, the first commemorations of such size in three years.

An estimated 1500 people turned out for the Ocean Grove dawn service and playing of the last post, accompanied by the Geelong Pipes and Drums and Geelong Concert Band.

Secretary of the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads RSL, Richard Lewis, said he was heartened by the number of younger people who turned out for proceedings throughout the morning.

“It was really fabulous to see the amount of young people involved in both the marches and in the crowd, including the Ocean Grove Scouts,” he said.

The crowds at Ocean Grove park were then treated several more songs by the Geelong Concert Band that played on after official proceedings ended.

“It’s not just necessarily about the veterans, it’s about the families and community as well,” Mr Lewis said.

The community similarly showed its support towards the Anzacs by donating to this year’s appeal, with more than $30,000 raised.

“The community has been very, very generous, the public and volunteers made the appeal very successful,” Mr Lewis said.

The Barwon Heads’ march and commemorative event at the town’s community centre saw crowds of close to 1000 attend, with processions led by former Geelong resident and serving Navy Captain Vaughn Rixon.

Mr Lewis said he and RSL colleagues had received positive feedback from attendees of the region’s commemorations and were pleased to see crowds back out, adding he hoped restriction-free events can continue into the future.