Tuesday, 3 May 2022

Anzac Day

Mr HAMER (Box Hill) (14:20): I was honoured to join the thousands who gathered at the World War I memorial in Box Hill Gardens in the predawn for this year’s Anzac Day service. I congratulate and thank president John Haward, secretary Ray Wall and all of the committee for organising this important commemoration in honour of those who have sacrificed so much for our country and our freedoms. For over 100 years the Box Hill RSL has organised an Anzac Day service to honour those who served and died in Gallipoli and other battles, with the haunting last post bugle call commemorating those who have gone to their final resting place.

Many other Anzac Day services were held across the Box Hill electorate. Hundreds gathered at the Blackburn War Memorial on Central Road for the Blackburn RSL sub-branch Anzac Day service. I congratulate president Graham Hutchinson, secretary Pauline Bradley and the Blackburn RSL sub-branch committee on their moving service. Also attending that service were members of the Blackburn Football Club. The Blackburn Football Club has formed a terrific relationship with the Blackburn RSL sub-branch, and the honour is returned in the afternoon with a traditional Anzac Day clash between Blackburn and South Croydon. It was very fitting that the Blackburn RSL turned up at the match to deliver the Anzac Requiem.

The Surrey Gardens commemorative service was also well attended, with several hundred gathering for services organised by the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Progress Association, the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre and the Rotary club.