Op Shop display adds to Anzac Day preparations

A COMMEMORATIVE Anzac Day display is the talk of Barwon Heads leading up to April 25 as the country prepares to pay its respects as one for the first time since 2019.

The initiative of two residents with family connections to the armed forces has inspired the creation of a humble Anzac Day display in a local Op Shop.

“We’ve been splintered as a country the last two years with COVID and border restrictions so I just wanted to do something where we could all come together united,” Barwon Heads local Felicity Hocking said.

Ms Hocking came to All Saints Op Shop sorter Christine Wheal with the idea of getting together a display commemorating Anzac Day in Barwon Heads.

Ms Wheal became enthused with the concept and the pair gathered books, family military clothing and wartime photographs.

The display, located to the left of the checkout counter at the Op Shop, not only reminds people of the conflict armed services personnel were part of, but it also provides an insight into what life was like off the battlefield.

“The numbers for the Barwon Heads-Ocean Grove RSL Anzac Day service increase every year,” Ms Wheal said.

“More and more students in the area are learning about and talking about the ANZACs and this display will hopefully add to that.”

Anzac Day for countless people living in Australia and New Zealand continues to be a day of reflection, particularly for those with family who served.

“Like Chris and I, having family who were connected to the war, April 25 brings back our family history and what our parents have endured,” Ms Hocking said.

“This Anzac Day in particular is all about us coming together and concentrating on who we are as a nation, I know it sounds very patriotic but it’s true.”

The display can be found within All Saints Op Shop at 63 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads.

The Op Shop’s opening hours are 9.30am to 1pm every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.