New Geelong RSL president to lead Anzac Day proceedings

NEW Geelong RSL sub-branch president Mark Lee says next Thursday’s Anzac Day will give residents the perfect opportunity to say thanks to the community’s veterans, as April 25 services prepare to take place across the Greater Geelong region.

Mr Lee has been attending Geelong’s annual Anzac Day services since he was 17-years-old, but next Thursday’s national commemoration will be the first time he attends one in his new role as president.

“I’d probably say it won’t be too different to previous years, given I’ve been on the sub-branch’s committee for over six years now, assisting with commemorations like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day,” Mr Lee said.

“But it’s a big honour to be appointed to this role and I’m grateful my fellow members feel confident enough to entrust me with this position, especially after more than 10 years of leadership from previous president Andrew Hanns.

“We’re really lucky to have our services here in Geelong. The region really embraces these occasions with thousands of people spending part of their public holidays to pay their respects to past and present servicepeople.”

Mr Lee is a graduate of the 10th Medium Regiment of the Army Reserves in Geelong, a retired member of the army service and former policeman.

He was deployed to East Timor in 2000, the Middle East in 2005, and the Solomon Islands in 2006, where he dealt with martial law and civil unrest as one of three zone commanders in the Solomons’ capital overseeing 200 police members and 120 infantry personnel.

Upon return to Australia, Mr Lee has donated his time to local police and is now the Captain in Charge of the Armed Cadet Unit based in Geelong.

Geelong’s Anzac Day proceedings will involve:
– Pre-Dawn Service at Geelong Peace Memorial starting at 4.15am.
– Eastern Beach Dawn Service starting at 6am
– Boer War Memorial Service starting at 6.30am
– Geelong RSL Wreath Laying Ceremony starting at 9am
– Geelong Anzac Day march staring at 11am down Malop Street and finishing at Johnstone Park.
– Final service at 11.30am starting at Johnstone Park.

The City of Greater Geelong will also begin showcasing photography, historical images, paintings, and monuments brought together to tell the story of the Anzacs and will be projected onto the façade of City Hall.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said Anzac Day is a time to acknowledge those who served during World War 1 and other conflicts.

“Australians from a range of backgrounds and ages, including women and First Peoples, have served their country and displayed courage, endurance, care and mateship – the Anzac Spirit,” Cr Sullivan said.

“The City Hall projections are a chance for community members to pause and reflect on what our defence personnel have given us, and the impacts experienced by the families left behind.

“We are grateful for the sacrifices of our Anzac troops and service men and women.”

The projections will be displayed from 4am on Anzac Day and will run from dusk until 11pm every night, ending on Sunday, April 28.