Region to pause and remember

THE 99th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I will be observed on Saturday at ceremonies across the Geelong region.

Each year on Remembrance Day, Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

In Torquay, volunteer poppy sellers will be outside the town’s supermarket leading up to Remembrance Day.

“Buying a poppy from our teams of volunteers in Torquay will go a long way towards helping those who need help,” Torquay RSL president Ian Gilbank said.

“Monies raised from the sales are all expended by the RSL on helping serving and ex-service people and their families in time of need.

“Many of Australia’s younger veterans and their families are finding they need some assistance to maintain themselves and their families, so it is not only older veterans and war widows who benefit from poppy sales.

“Now, more than ever, we seek donations from our community to help keep our Welfare Agency Fund viable.”

On Remembrance Day itself, the Torquay RSL has organised a simple commemoration ceremony at Point Danger from 10.40am.

The Lorne RSL’s Remembrance Day service will be held at Anzac Memorial Park, Mountjoy Parade from 10.30am, while the Anglesea RSL’s service will start at the same time at the flagpole at the town’s shopping centre.

In Geelong, stories of soldiers and nurses who served in World War I will be brought to life through a unique soundscape at the Geelong Peace Memorial in Johnstone Park from noon-5pm.

The installation, Through Younger Eyes, will breathe life into some of the names on the honour boards.

Sound recordings will be used to tell the stories of nine local people who served during the Great War through the eyes of young people today.

The soundscape, voiced by local artists, includes information sourced from descendants, such as diary entries and letters that belonged to those who served, as well as from archives including the Geelong Heritage Centre, National Archives of Australia and Osbourne House.