Surf Coast lights up the dawn

PEOPLE across the Surf Coast commemorated Anzac Day in unfamiliar circumstances as traditional services were closed to the public due to the coronavirus.

Fletcher and Emerald from Anglesea Primary School.

Many took part in the Light up the Dawn movement promoted by Victorian RSLs, including many school students who had been making their own poppies in the weeks before.

The movement saw people stand at the end of their driveways at 6am with a candle or some other light.

Sienna from Anglesea Primary School with her father Doug.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge said she was very moved by the experience at her home in Jan Juc.

“It was very touching to see a few lights flickering along the street, and I could hear a bagpiper playing nearby.

“I think it’ll be a tradition that continues, and I think it’ll grow.”

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said he was pleased so many people joined in despite the circumstances.

“It was very good. Plenty of families stood out on their driveways in the morning.”

Charlie and Olivia from Aireys Inlet Primary School.

Anglesea RSL president Peter Van Den Hoogen noted locals doing the same in his town.

“I was up early with a candle and there were a few other people along the street as well.”

Many pupils from Anglesea Primary School and Aireys Inlet Primary School were also involved.

Arts teacher for both schools Karren Stoneham has been teaching pupils how to make poppies to display on the occasion, and was delighted with their response.

Jamie from Aireys Inlet Primary School and Ameia from Anglesea kindergarten.

“I was just so proud of all of them. I was checking in as I was doing online teaching and thinking ‘they’ve just gone above and beyond, it’s fantastic’.”

Addison and Alexander from Anglesea Primary School.

Some of the pupils also sang “Waltzing Matilda” and “Beautiful Soldier” in their driveways, as the schools had been learning the songs to sing at the Anglesea RSL service before the lockdown.