Lest we forget: Surf Coast pauses to honour the fallen

COMMEMORATIVE services will take place across the Surf Coast and Bellarine on November 11 to mark Remembrance Day.

Local RSL Sub-branches are inviting the community to join them in honouring the Australians who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

In Torquay, locals will gather at the Point Danger War Memorial between 10.45am and 11.05am to observe a minute’s silence and lay wreaths, floral tributes and poppies at the memorial.

Lorne will host a service at ANZAC Memorial Park in Mountjoy Parade between 10.45am and 11.30am, bringing together veterans, families and community members, while in Anglesea, a service will take place at Cameron Park from 10.30am.

In Waurn Ponds, an early Remembrance Day service will take place at the Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve at the corner of Cochranes Road and Waurn Ponds Drive on Sunday, November 9 from 10.45am. Geelong Legacy Club president John Delia will be the guest speaker, marking the club’s centenary year.

On the Bellarine, the Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-branch will host two services — one at Ocean Grove Park and another at the Barwon Heads Community Hall in Hitchcock Avenue.Both will run from 10.50am until 11.45am.

In Drysdale, the community will gather at the Cenotaph, on the corner of High and Princes streets, for a service between 10.45am and 11.30am.

The Portarlington and St Leonards RSL Sub-branch will begin its commemorations earlier in the day, hosting a service at the St Leonards Memorial Hall from 9am.

A second service will follow at the Portarlington Cenotaph on Pier Street from 10.45am.

Remembrance Day marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front at 11am on November 11 in 1918, signalling the end of World War I.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed to honour all Australians who lost their lives in all wars and conflicts.

Each year, the nation pauses for a minute’s silence to remember their courage and sacrifice.

To find your local RSL Victoria Sub-Branch, head to rslvic.com.au/about-us/sub-branches