Remember them, always

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool residents have turned out to Dawn Services across the Shire in big numbers again this year, honouring those who have fought and died for Australia in all wars.

While everyday life has its ups and downs, particularly in difficult economic times like now, ANZAC Day serves as a sobering reminder that there is no hell like war.

At Bacchus Marsh, the Dawn Service and wreath laying began at 5.45 am, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast, and the March down Grant Street to the Village Green, beginning at 10.15.

Current serving and ex-serving military personnel, as well as their partners, were then invited to the RSL’s Dugout for refreshments and finger food, alongside the traditional game of ‘two up’.

In Ballan, the Dawn Service began at 6 o’clock, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast held by the CFA, then a March at 11 o’clock from the RSL along Inglis Street to the cenotaph.

The March included local school children and scouts, with music played by the Daylesford Community Brass Band.

Ballan RSL President Pippa Morris said ANZAC Day was always an important time for reflection on not just the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers, but how armed conflicts have affected families and communities as a whole.

“It’s really special to see so many people turn up. It validates everything that ADF personnel do really, not just the loss of life – we’ve had over 103,000 military personnel killed over the last 130 years – but it’s also the numbers that came back, many returned to their communities with horrendous psychological and physical injuries,” she told the Moorabool News.

“ANZAC Day has always been an opportunity not just for people who have a shared experience in the military to get together and support each other, but also to engage with the community, and for the community to recognise the sacrifices made and say thank you.”

ANZAC Day services were also held in other towns across Moorabool Shire, including Balliang, Lal Lal, Yendon, Myrniong and Bungaree, as well as what Ms Morris believes was the first Dawn Service to be held in Blackwood.