Commemorate this Anzac Day

I hope the recent Easter break was a restful time spent with loved ones.

Anzac Day is upon us next Monday 25 April, where Greater Geelong community members will come together to recognise the sacrifices of everyone who has served this country.

Many defence personnel have paid for their service with their lives, while others have suffered long-lasting physical injuries and a heavy mental toll.

Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the horrors of war and feel grateful that we live in a peaceful country, particularly given the terrible events we are seeing in some other parts of the world.

After two years of cancelled or smaller ceremonies due to COVID restrictions, I’m extremely pleased that many services and marches are going ahead.

As chair of the Veterans Affairs portfolio, I will be attending a number of ceremonies, including the Pre-Dawn Service at the Geelong Peace Memorial and speaking at the Anzac Day Service in Johnstone Park later that day.

Another special service returning this year is the 5.50am Anzac Day Dawn Service at Eastern Beach Reserve.

This service received $5,000 council funding from our Community Events grants stream and has been handed over from the Geelong Vietnam Veterans to the Geelong RSL Sub Branch to manage.

I sincerely thank and acknowledge the Geelong Vietnam Veterans for their years of dedication, hard work and planning to put this important service on.

The City of Greater Geelong team has been working closely with all RSLs on what’s required for their services’ permits and is also supporting traffic management for those that require road closures, including the Eastern Beach Reserve Dawn Service.

Knowing that these services are run by passionate volunteers, our staff are keen to do their bit.

Council will pay tribute to the ANZACs in a number of ways, such as installing commemorative banners across the region, lowering flags and turning the catenary lights at Moorabool and Malop streets red on the day.

However, one of my favourites will be our annual and free projection display at City Hall from Friday 22 April to Sunday 1 May between 7pm-11pm.

The building’s front facade will feature a moving display detailing the human impact of war, how Geelong locals have been affected, mateship and the Aussie spirit.

The colourful visual displays are a good opportunity to talk about Anzac Day and its meaning with children.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day there will be a number of other events and opportunities that will acknowledge and recognise those that have served this country, and some that still do.

One such event is the annual pre-Anzac Day Black Tie Dinner, being held by the Geelong Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women.

In addition, we are thrilled that HMAS Paramatta has elected to dock in Geelong at Corio Quay North over the Anzac Day weekend.

You can find out what’s happening on Anzac Day in Greater Geelong here: geelong.link/anzac-day

In terms of what else is happening in the Veterans Affairs space, I’m pleased to report that work is progressing well on a tribute to Malaya Borneo veterans.

More than 10,500 Australians served in the post-Second World War conflict, of which Australia was involved for 13 years, making it one of our longest military commitments.

It’s important to acknowledge the service and dedication of our local veterans who fought in the Malaya and Borneo regions, which the broader community might not have as much awareness of.

The city consulted with these veterans, through the support of the Geelong RSL, on the design of a new memorial in St Helens Park, Rippleside.

A number of plaques are being consolidated; three pillars, new garden beds and retaining walls are being installed; and the rotunda will be surrounded by landscaping.

Council invested $20,000 in the memorial restoration works and we thank the Australian Government for its $10,000 commitment.

Later this year, council will host another morning tea to celebrate the terrific contributions of our region’s veterans and the organisations that support them.

We held our inaugural event last year and it was such a success, attended by a diverse range of veterans from different conflicts, RSLs, TPI Victoria and loved ones.

I could see how much everyone appreciated being able to come together to discuss their experiences, after many face-to-face activities were taken away during the pandemic.

If you see me on Anzac Day or around Geelong, please come say hello.

You can also contact me at [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj