Locals remember fallen, Christie awarded

THE Bellarine hosted Remembrance Day ceremonies on Sunday to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice that ended World War I.

Hundreds of locals turned out to honour the fallen during marches and ceremonies in Drysdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Mannerim, Leopold, Queenscliff and Portarlington.

The Drysdale RSL Sub Branch, together with the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, also held a free family event following the Drysdale Remembrance Ceremony, which had lots of family entertainment on offer.

Meanwhile, Queenscliff resident and Vietnam Veteran Graham Christie was declared the recipient of the 2018 Shrine of Remembrance Medal at an event following the State Remembrance Day Service.

Nominated by Member for Western Victoria Region Simon Ramsay, who described the recipient as, “a selfless man of integrity and decency”, Mr Christie served in Vietnam at Fire Support Patrol Bases of Coral and Balmoral.

The winner’s outstanding achievements in promoting the contribution of veterans in his community were commended.

Credited as being the driving force behind many initiatives that had elevated the honouring of service men and women from the Western Victorian region, Mr Christie regularly speaks at local schools in the precinct with the aim of ensuring future generations understand and value service and sacrifice.

Mr Christie has also taken an active, ongoing role in convening local commemorations for Vietnam Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day and has also worked as a delegate and advocate for the Geelong and District Vietnam Veterans’ Association.

Shrine chief executive officer Dean Lee strongly endorsed the decision to award Mr Christie the 2018 Shrine Medal.

“Mr Christie has worked tirelessly over many years to promote community understanding of veteran service and sacrifice.

“His commitment to support and honour commemoration will have long-ranging impact on current and future generations.”