Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve service to mark 106th anniversary

COMMUNITY members, exisiting and former members of the Australian Defence Force will gather on Sunday, July 6 for the 106th anniversary of the Waurn Ponds Avenue of Honour.

To take place at the Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve, the annual event honours the service and sacrifice of the servicemen and women from the district that served in World War I, World War II and the Boer War.

“The July date is significant because the first Sunday in July in 1919 was when the reserve was actually planted,” Memorial Reserve committee secretary and treasurer Jeff Harriott said.

“That’s why we’ve chosen the date, that’s why we host the service, and we still hold our traditional Remembrance Day service.”

The service will begin with a short march before formalities begin with guest speakers Malcolm Jones and Skylah Helps, and will conclude with light refreshments and a reunion at the Waurn Ponds Hall.

Jones is a 20-year ex-navy Veteran who will share about the Navy’s involvement in World War I and give some insight into his defence career in the regular Navy and reserves, while Helps is a creative writer and has spoken at several services in the past.

The Geelong Memorial Brass Band and the Geelong RSL Pipes and Drums will also contribute to the day’s proceedings, while members of the local Army and Navy Cadet units will attend.

Wreaths and flora tributes are welcome to be laid.

The service will take place at the reserve on the corner of Cochranes Road and Waurn Ponds Drive, beginning at 10.30am.