NEWS DESK
Horrors of Anzac recalled in song Body of Frankston man Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A NEW book about the Anzacs written by a man recently named an Officer of the Order of Australia and a National Living Treasure – will be launched 2-4pm Thursday 27 November at Frankston RSL. The Anzacs 100 Years on in Story and Song, written by Ted Egan, is described as “not a glorification of war, nor the patriotism that led the Anzacs to fight in WWI: It is a recognition of the lives lost, the anguish caused, the sacrifices made. ” The book comes with 20 songs – most written by the author. In his commemoration of the centenary of Anzac, Egan weaves personal stories and songs into his highly readable history of the encounter, and describes the effect it had on Australia and New Zealand. He captures the “excitement of the ‘big adventure’, the horrendous reality, the ultimate betrayal by the leaders of the day and the grim legacy of the aftermath”. It recounts amusing anecdotes and tales of courage and ingenuity mixed with the brutal truth of war. The soldiers, nurses, politicians, wives and mothers who lost sons, or welcomed them home severely damaged, all feature in the book and songs. Speaking from Albany, Western Australia, last week, Egan, 82, said there was a lot of interest all over Australia in keeping the Anzac story alive. He is proud of the role played by his professional presentation “on
Honouring Anzac legacy: Ted Egan will launch his book about the Anzacs at Frankston RSL next week.
which I have been working for 20 years”. “The interest children have today is the proper way of observing Anzac,” he said. “They see glamorous photos and contemplate the lives of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. The men are not here in a physical sense, of course, but children can envisage them looking down from Heaven. “It’s a lovely message for them and
I hope that never dies.” In contrast, Egan was all too painfully aware of the horrors of war as a child. His mother’s three brothers enlisted and one, stretcher bearer Jack Brennan, 27, never made it back home. His story is told poignantly in the book which combines soldiers’ diaries, letters, 120 photographs and songs. “I saw the aftermath, with one uncle gassed and one a mental wreck. I saw the returned soldiers begging in the streets, the alcoholics, the men with missing legs driving lifts … “One should never shy away from the horrors of war.” Egan was made an AO in 2004 “for contributions to the literary heritage of Australia through song and verse”. Born in Melbourne in 1932 – but now a long-time resident of the Northern Territory – he is a Master of Arts and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate (D.Litt) by the Charles Darwin University, where he is now completing his PhD on the life and work of the first administrator of the NT, Dr John Gilruth. Named Territorian of the Year in 2000, Egan was administrator (governor) of the Northern Territory 2003-07, and was recently listed among Australia’s National Living Treasures by the National Trust of Australia. The performance and book launch – a free event - will be held in the RSL’s Simpson Room. The address is 183 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston. RSVPw by 20 November. Call 0400 958 300 or email rsvp@ wilddingopress.com.au
‘dumped’ at foreshore THE body of a man found in bushes along a walking track in Beaumaris last week has been identified as that of Frankston man Jason Edward Stone, pictured right. Homicide Squad detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body near Ricketts Point foreshore are treating the death as suspicious. Police believe Mr Stone’s body may have been dumped at Ricketts Point by someone driving a car. His body, which was partially covered by branches that appear to have been deliberately placed, was found by a woman walking her dogs along the foreshore bush track. Mr Stone, 27, was known to police and was due to appear before Frankston Magistrates Court this week to face a range of charges including theft, deception and driving offences. Detectives are working to establish Mr Stone’s movements leading up to Tuesday and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. They have not been able to track Mr Stone’s movements after 1am on Saturday 8 November. Investigators said they would like to speak to
Spring is here, * PLANTS * FRUIT TREES * ORNAMENTALS * NATIVES * POTS * FOUNTAINS * STATUES * POTTING MIX * FERTILISERS PLUS A HUGE GIFT SHOP
Burdetts HOUSE & GARDEN SUPPLIES
PAGE 4
Frankston Times 17 November 2014
time to mulch
anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area around Ricketts Point car park, near the Beaumaris Life Saving Club, between the early hours of Saturday 8 November until Mr Stone was found on Tuesday morning. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Chris Brennan
NOW AVAIL
AB
LE Munash Ro c Natural Fer kdust tiliser
AS SEEN O 2KG & 8KG
N TV
PACKS
COFFEE SHOP
Open 6 days a week. Come & see the new look!
615 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin Ph 9789 8266 Fax 9789 8810
www.burdetts.com.au
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK