Annual service marks 105-year milestone

RESIDENTS, local dignitaries and service representatives will gather at the corner of Waurn Ponds Drive and Cochranes Road this Sunday, July 7, marking 105 years since the first trees were planted at Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve.

Reserve committee president Jack Harriott said this weekend’s service is a meaningful occasion for those connected with the reserve and the broader Waurn Ponds community.

“It’s a very good service to be a part of, not just for those invited, but for everyone able to attend on the day from the broader community.

“It’s a place that holds a lot of significance for a lot of people around the area, we’re all very proud of it particularly as it was set to be sold before I made a hoot out of it about 18 years ago.

“The memorial honours soldiers from the area that served in the Korean War, Vietnam War and both World War I and World War II.”

The first Sunday of July is one of two services held throughout the year, with the other being the Remembrance Day service held on November 11.

Starting at 11am, past and present servicemen and servicewomen have been invited to participate in the short march beforehand.

Guest speaker and former SAS soldier Darcy Dunstan will speak about the Anzac spirit through the generations.

Local military performance groups Geelong Memorial Brass Band, Geelong RSL Pipes and Drums, vocalist Sophie Collins and local ADF cadets will all be part of the service.

Attendees will have the chance to lay wreaths and floral tributes to conclude the service.

Reserve committee member Steve Bullock said children, including his own, can learn lots of history from the reserve, whether they had a personal connection the reserve or are just passing through.

“It allows the kids to put into context some of what they’re taught at school.

“This memorial really brings that home with the plaques here, listing the names that have been lost at war, the Avenue of Honour, it all makes that history mean something to them.”

The Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve Committee is also inviting guests to attend light refreshments and a reunion following the service inside the Waurn Ponds Community Hall at 225 Waurn Ponds Drive, 350m from the reserve.