Surf Coast marks Remembrance Day

November 15, 2024 BY James Taylor

Torquay RSL president Paul Barker during the minute's silence.

THE Surf Coast community paused to reflect on those who have served in Australia’s armed forces on Remembrance Day, marked around the world on Monday this week.

RIGHT: Torquay RSL’s Bob Tyler raises the flag.

In Torquay, about 200 people attended the Torquay RSL’s annual commemoration service at Point Danger, which featured the playing of “The Last Post” and “Reveille”, the raising of the Australian and United Kingdom flags, and readings by retired RSL chaplain Peter Ellis.

The Point Danger memorial again hosted Torquay RSL’s Remembrance Day service. TOP: Torquay RSL president Paul Barker during the minute’s silence. Photos: JAMES TAYLOR

This year’s event was also the end point of three free community walks organised by the Torquay RSL, which started earlier on November 11 from between Anglesea and the Jan Juc SLSC clubhouse.

The group of 60 Remembrance Day walkers at the Point Danger memorial.

“Remembrance Day is a significant occasion for us, bringing us together to honour and remember those who gave so much for our country while asking so little in return,” Torquay RSL vice-president Darcy Dunstan said after the event.

Surf Coast Shire CEO Robyn Seymour lays a wreath during the service.

“It was wonderful to see around 60 members of the Surf Coast community participate in this morning’s walk, with options for 19km, 6km, and 2km distances.

“Our oldest participant was an impressive 93 years old, making the experience even more special.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson was among the dignitaries to lay a wreath.

“It was truly a meaningful way to commemorate our servicemen and women.”

Remembrance Day services were also held in Anglesea and Winchelsea.

A minute’s silence is observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year, recalling the moment the guns fell silent during World War I in 1918 and marking the end of that conflict.