News

A time to remember those who served and those in countries at war

By Monique Preston

Apr 25, 2022

Lest we forget: Veteran Gerry Clifton remembers his mates at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service. Photos: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

About 200 people turned out in the dark at Nathalia for the Anzac Day dawn service.

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The service started with the arrival of Greg Chandler on horseback and carrying an Australian flag as he rode his horse Brolga down a main street cleared of cars.

Not forgotten: Nathalia-Picola RSL Sub-branch life member Maurice Bannister reads the *Anzac Requiem* by C.W. Bean at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service. Photo by Megan Fisher

Good numbers: Some of the about 200 people who turned out for the Anzac Day dawn service at Nathalia. Photo by Megan Fisher

In charge of the commemoration service for the first time, Nathalia-Picola RSL Sub-branch treasurer Mark Oliver spoke of how Anzac Day was a time to remember those who died during their service, as well as all those who served their country.

He also urged people to think of current serving Australian Defence Force members who were family and friends.

Special: Members of the community place wreaths in front of Nathalia’s cenotaph at the Anzac Day dawn service. Photo by Megan Fisher

A special nod was also given to people who had been killed or displaced during the current war in Ukraine.

The Australian anthem, then the New Zealand anthem in English and Māori, were sung by Cameron Lancaster, while Nathalia-Picola RSL Sub-branch life member and Korean War veteran Maurice Bannister recited the Anzac Requiem by C.W. Bean.

Service: Nathalia war veteran Gerry Clifton at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service. Photo by Megan Fisher

Wreaths were laid by school students, Moira Shire representatives and community group members.

As the Last Post sounded, followed by the Reveille, the crowd silently paid their respects, as the noise of corellas and kookaburras gave the scene a uniquely Australian feel.