Anzac Day commemorated in unfamiliar circumstances

RSL sub-branches across the Bellarine commemorated Anzac Day differently to meet with social distancing regulations.

Portarlington/St Leonards RSL president Barry Smith said while the service they held in Portarlington was unlike any other he had experienced, it still provided a valuable opportunity to remember those who served.

“It was quite eerie. Very different to what we’re normally used to.

“However, it certainly gave one the opportunity to reflect in the quiet and solitude of the morning.”

Mr Smith said while the community were unable to attend the service, they were still a part of it.

“We laid a wreath on behalf of all the community. I felt very humbled to be able to do that on behalf of all past and present serving members and also the Portarlington, St Leonards and Intended Head community.

“As daybreak came we went down again and some people had very quietly laid their own wreaths down there. The site itself looked quite beautiful.

“I think the whole community got together and did their utmost to make it a memorable Anzac Day.”

Similar solidarity was shown elsewhere on the Bellarine too.

Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads RSL public relations manager John Dickinson said all the sub-branch’s committee members took part in the 6am driveway vigil, with many reporting several of their neighbours had done the same.

Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads RSL’s David Gilroy said nearly everyone on his court stood out the front of their yards at 6am for “The Last Post” while all keeping their distance.

“We had 34 out on Rainbow Court. It was far more personal of course than being round the memorial with about 5,000 people, so it was good.”

While no service was held, the RSL laid wreaths at both the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads cenotaphs.

Mr Dickinson said the driveway vigils provided a good opportunity for reflection.

“I don’t know how to describe it, but this one to me seemed like a more personal commemoration. You were basically on your own with the candle in the still of the morning and the music echoed out and then the silence was silent.

“We usually get up to 5,000 people at Ocean Grove, and the service is great, but you don’t get that individual feel to it.”