Residents gather to commemorate

CAMPERDOWN’S Anzac Day service saw a strong crowd this year, with over 600 people gathering at the Soldiers Memorial in Manifold Street to commemorate those who served the country in war and peacekeeping operations.

Marching proud: Residents across the region gathered to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers who have served Australia in war and peacekeeping operations last Saturday.

This year’s service marked 111 years since Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli, as well as the 75th anniversary of the National Service program.

Camperdown Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch president Paul Marsland said the sub-branch was grateful for the attendance and strong support shown at this year’s service, which also saw strong engagement at the dawn service.

“The parade and march to the Soldiers Memorial, under the Command of the Camperdown RSL Parade and Ceremonial Officer – Warrant Officer First Class Ret Don McInness, was well supported with many members of the local community joining veteran and serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel,” he said.

“Participants included family of veterans, the Camperdown Country Fire Authority (CFA) and State Emergency Service (SES), Ambulance Victoria, all Camperdown schools, the Camperdown Football Netball Club and the Camperdown Motorcycle Club.

“This year an encouraging number of wreaths were laid in commemoration during the Post March Service.

“Wreaths were laid by many in the community, including veterans representing their units of service, individual veteran families, local and state government agencies, local service groups, schools and preschool groups, sporting clubs and youth organisations.

“This is always a moving part of the service as our community reflect and remember.”

Mr Marsland also extended his gratitude to Dr John Menzies OAM, who spoke about his service with the Royal Australian Navy as a national service enlist in the 1970s.

“We were honoured this year to have Dr John Menzies OAM participate in our post march service as our guest speaker,” he said.

“I doubt there would be many in the local community who do not know Dr Menzies, either as their general practitioner or as a contributor to many community events that are entangled into the fabric of our town.

“Dr Menzies has given 50 years of service to our town, but I wonder how many knew before Anzac Day that he also served with the Royal Australian Navy.

“Dr Menzies’ experience and unrecognised service reflects that of so many men and women who quietly live, work and walk amongst us in the local community.”

Mr Marsland said the support from the Camperdown community was greatly appreciated, whether it was through attendance at the two services or through the Anzac badge appeal.

“I would also like to thank the local community for the strong support of the Anzac badge appeal and purchases made from our stalls at Ritchies IGA, Woolworths and local retail outlets,” he said.

“These purchases and donations provide essential funding, which allows the sub-branch to provide welfare support for those veterans in our community who are in need.”