Large crowds have again flocked to Anzac Day services in Ferny Creek and Sassafras.
Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub Branch President Bob Richards said he was delighted with the turnout by the community.
“It was wonderful to see so many local people join in commemorations to honour those who have served Australia in uniform, some of whom unfortunately didn’t return home to receive our thanks”.
Two Anzac Day services were conducted in surprisingly good weather in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges – a Dawn Service at the Anzac Avenue of Honour memorial in Ferny Creek and then a mid-morning march and commemorative service on the Sassafras Village Green. Around 750 locals attended the services, which were supported by Royal Australian Navy personnel from HMAS Cerberus, who paraded a catafalque party at both events.
The highlight of the march in the main street of Sassafras and the service afterwards was the presence of veteran Bill St Aubyn who will turn 100 next month. Bill has previously attended the dawn service but began marching in Sassafras last year to be with his grandson, Jess Donovan, who is also a Navy veteran.
Bill was a Leading Aircraftsman who served as an aircraft mechanic during World War II. He served overseas in the Philippines from 1943 to 1945. Together he and Jess laid a wreath on behalf of the RSL, making it their second march together.
This year’s services recognised the 110th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand forces landing at Gallipoli as part of the Allied invasion of Turkey in WW1, the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 and the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War.
Dave Diprose again joined the proceedings this year to sing and said on social media it was a privilege today to represent his family to sing a song dedicated to his grandfather.
“There is something magical about small local village services,” he said.
A ‘gunfire breakfast’ was prepared by the 1st Ferny Creek Scout troop and served to those who attended the Dawn Service and later on refreshments were served in the Dandenong Ranges RSL clubrooms in Sassafras.
“Thanks to all our wonderful community for turning out for the Morning March and Service at the Village Green,” said a spokesperson from the Dandenong Ranges RSL on social media.
“We greatly appreciate the support of everyone from our local school, emergency services, traders and more who make this service so special.”
