Community
1 May, 2025
Lest We Forget
CROWDS gathered at Anzac Day ceremonies across the region to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Services were held throughout the south west last Friday including Noorat, Ellerslie, Mortlake, Terang and Panmure, with sizeable crowds braving the elements to pay their respects.
Mortlake Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch president Merv Hampson said members had been busy on the day, but were pleased to see another strong community response.
“We started with our Ellerslie service which was really good, with about 60 people out there watching,” he said.
“It’s really a good crowd for Ellerslie, which I think went over really well.
“In Mortlake it was a good, large march led by the pipe band, with in excess of 200 people at the monument for the service
“The march was good because we were able to close the highway off to traffic and we could lay the wreaths from the front of the monument like we always used to.
“I made a speech on the meaning of Anzac Day to the ex-serviceman, and I think it went down well, and then we had a large crowd come to the RSL hall to have morning tea with us.”
Prior to Anzac Day members had visited Aberlea to host a private service for residents, which Mr Hampson said had been “much appreciated” by the residents and Aberlea staff alike.
“After our service on Anzac Day, the RSL went and assisted with an Anzac Day service at the Terang Mortlake-Cobden football game held at Wilson’s DC Farran Oval.
“Prior to that, I spoke to the players about the meaning of Anzac Day.
“All in all, it was a busy and good day – we were so pleased with all the outcomes and lucky with the weather.”
The services in Terang saw large crowds gather, highlighted by the 11am march and service held at the Terang War Memorial on High Street.
Terang RSL sub-branch president Dianne Meade said all involved were pleased with the involvement of the community despite rainy conditions.
“We’re very, very pleased,” she said.
“It was amazing as always and we seem to get a great crowd.
“It didn’t disappoint despite being a long weekend with a service which also coincided with our local football match.”
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