Lest We Forget

STRONG crowds came out in Camperdown and Derrinallum for Anzac Day.

By wd-news

We will remember: Despite wet and chilly conditions, Camperdown’s Anzac Day service saw a large crowd. Student leaders from St Patrick’s Primary School were among those laying wreathes at the foot of the Camperdown Memorial.

Camperdown Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch president Kevin Murray said he was pleased with the turnout, with a large number of residents and members of community groups participating in the annual march down Little Manifold Street.

“It was a good crowd – the weather wasn’t the kindest, so it would have been easy for people to stay away,” he said.

“It all went according to plan.

“There were lots of wreathes laid and people showing their respect, and that’s what it was all about.

“We were lucky to have Corporal Liam (Mac) with us – he’s normally in South Australia but, because of his language training, he was able to come down this morning and share with us which was great.”

At the conclusion of the daytime ceremony, Mr Murray presented Lakes and Craters Band members Jane McSween and Bernie Dunn and Tim O’Sullivan and Andrea Bell with certificates of appreciation for their partnership with the annual march and service.

Bugler Ross McIlveen was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for his 30 years of bugle-playing at Camperdown’s dawn service, with Mr McIlveen saying he was surprised to be recognised.

“I had no idea I was getting it and wondered why I was being called to the lectern at the end of the service,” he said.

“I’ve been playing at the dawn service for about 30 years – if I’m around on Remembrance Day, I do it for them then as well.

“It’s nice to be acknowledged – it’s not something I went looking for.

“I certainly wouldn’t charge for my service – I think it’s a privilege to play for them.

“Fifty years ago, I started playing in a brass band on Anzac Day, so it’s fitting for something like this to be awarded 50 years later.”

Mr McIlveen also played the bugle at Derrinallum’s Anzac Day ceremony last Friday morning.

Derrinallum RSL president Charlene Knight said around 120 people from Derrinallum, Lismore and surrounds attended the ceremony.

“Four students from Derrinallum P-12 College and one student from Lismore Primary School spoke at the service and all did very well,” she said.

“The students did the majority of the speaking and spoke with great confidence.

“It was great to see their rain make an appearance.

“As always, I want to thank the members of the Derrinallum, Lismore and surrounds RSL for helping set up and running the service.”

Guest speakers of Derrinallum’s service were Derrinallum P-12 College students Jake Burleigh and Jackson Lyddy, who spoke about their upcoming participation in the Kokoda Trek – Corangamite Schools program.