Portarlington pauses at dawn to remember

The Portarlington Cenotaph was encircled at dawn as hundreds gathered to remember the sacrifice of those who have served Australia.

The Portarlington-St Leonards RSL’s dawn service was presided over by sub-branch president Travis Smith, who spoke to the enduring importance of the tradition.

“We are gathered to remember those who served our nation and to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in that service,” he said.

“We offer comfort to those that still grieve their loss. May we accept the challenges that these deaths have given us, and may we who strive to maintain this great tradition of service be inspired by their dedication in the cause of freedom, peace and justice.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant was among those who laid wreaths, alongside City of Greater Geelong councillors Trent Sullivan and former Royal Australian Air Force officer Rowan Story.

Representatives from Bellarine Secondary College, St Ignatius College, Portarlington Golf Club and the RSL sub-branch also paid their respects.

After The Ode was delivered and the Last Post performed on bugle, the service closed with the anthems of New Zealand and Australia.

A traditional gunfire breakfast followed, hosted by the Lions Club of Portarlington and Drysdale.

The Portarlington-St Leonards RSL later held a 9am service at St Leonards Memorial Hall, followed by a march from Harding Street to the Portarlington Cenotaph for a ceremonial wreath laying.