By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Despite the chill of a dark autumn morning, a large crowd gathered in Cockatoo for the annual Anzac Day dawn service, marking 110 years since the Gallipoli landings and 80 years since the end of World War II.
Families, many with children bundled in their warm clothing, filled the grounds in a powerful show of remembrance and unity.
Cockatoo RSL president, Carol Thompson, said the day was the result of weeks of preparation.
“We had working bees to tidy the property, set-up started from 5am, and the local IGA donated supplies for the gunfire breakfast,” she said.
The day’s events included a dawn service, a march from the primary school, and a full day of commemorations with music, food, and community games.
Local resident Marco Petasano attended the service with his wife, Jacquie, and their two daughters. For him, Anzac Day is about gratitude and remembrance.
“It means we thank the army, the people who went to war – the Air Force and everyone – for the life and freedom we have today,” he said. “It’s an honour and respect we owe to those who have fallen and those who returned home.”
Mr Petasano said he used to attend the service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne but now enjoys the accessibility of the local Cockatoo RSL.
“Living next door makes it easier to bring the kids down. We try to get back in time for the 10.30 march, just to be respectful,” he said.
He also sees Anzac Day as a teaching moment for younger generations.
“We were trying to explain it to our daughter last night. She’s a little older now, so we can talk more about it. We even showed her photos of my dad in uniform – she asked about that.”
As the sun rose through the mist, Cockatoo stood in solemn silence, remembering those who fought – and those who never came home.
Cardinia Shire Council’s Ranges Ward Councillor, David Nickell also attended the Cockatoo service and shared his personal connection to the day.
“It means a lot. We have a relative who died at Gallipoli, and there’s a memorial up in Emerald. My family goes back a long way here in the hills, and we had ancestors who served through both World Wars,” he said.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by ex-service people, and although they didn’t speak much about their experiences, I’ve always appreciated what they did – ordinary people who went and did extraordinary things.”
Cr Nickell said it’s crucial for younger generations to reflect on the importance of Anzac Day.
“What those early generations did was about community service. It’s not about what you can take, but what you can give. These people gave everything, but when they came back, they kept giving. The message is clear – Anzac Day teaches us about contributing to the community, not just about receiving,” he said.
He also noted a shift in society today, where individualism is often more prominent than community spirit.
“This is one of those times of year where everyone stops for a second and reflects. We need more events like this – where people can come together and think beyond themselves,” Cr Nickell said.
Cockatoo youth pastor, Luke Hodgkin-van Neuren also offered his perspective, emphasising the importance of service.
“Anzac Day is about remembering those who have served, but also celebrating those who are still serving,” he said.
“It’s about reorienting our attitudes to truly care for people who have served our nation.”
Mr Hodgkin-van Neuren, who has a personal connection through his uncle who served in the Vietnam War, shared how Anzac Day helps people recognise the sacrifices that have shaped the country.
“Without those sacrifices, our country wouldn’t be what it is now. I’m deeply indebted to all our servicemen for what they’ve done,” he said.
As a person of faith, Mr Hodgkin-van Neuren also reflected on the moral complexities of war, noting that while war is a tragic part of human history, it can sometimes be necessary.
“A nation has the responsibility to protect vulnerable people. War can be just, and it’s important to recognize that sometimes it’s necessary to protect the nation and its people,” he said.
The youth pastor emphasised the relevance of Anzac Day for young people, especially in today’s self-oriented society.
“Anzac Day is a reminder for young people to think outside of themselves, to consider how they can serve others, rather than just thinking about what they can get,” he said.
“It’s about serving the community, and it’s a lesson that’s crucial for young people today.”
Both Cr Nickell and Mr Hodgkin-van Neuren, like many others, see Anzac Day as a chance to teach younger generations about the value of sacrifice, service, and community, hoping to inspire a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
The event in Cockatoo was a reminder of the power of community. Volunteers, who generously gave their time to prepare food and set up, were not paid, but their dedication truly captured the spirit of Anzac Day – where giving and service to others take centre stage.
“It’s critical that these community events continue,” Cr Nickell said.
“They provide a local space for people to connect, reflect, and honour our history. If more people helped out, organisations like the RSL could do even more.”
For Mr Hodgkin-van Neuren, the importance of Anzac Day is clear: “It brings people together, and that’s what we need. In a world where many are focused on themselves, it’s vital to stop and remember the sacrifices that have been made for the freedom we enjoy today.”
