TATURA RSL

The following article is a brief overview of the Tatura Anzac Day Commemoration.

The Anzac Day Commemoration Service on April 23 consisted of a Dawn Service commencing at 5.45am. The gathering of approximately 200 people was addressed by Tatura RSL President and veteran, Mr Robin Fairchild. This was followed by a cooked bacon and egg in bread breakfast ably prepared by the Tatura Lions. Tea and coffee, with a warming agent for those who needed it, was served out of the RSL/Senior Citizens club rooms.

At 10.156am, the parade assembled outside the Civic Halls Complex, ready for the march down Hogan Street, accompanied by G.V Pipes and Drums along with many organisations and individuals who wished to take part in this parade. The parade then commenced, with three young flag bearers leading the march down past the Saluting Base near the clock tower, and onto the Private Robert Mactier Memorial Gardens. The Service then commenced with a welcome to invited dignitaries, service personnel and the community. Apologies were then expressed, followed by the Guard Commander who mounts the Catafalque Party (Cadet Corp.) around the monument. A large number of wreaths were then laid in turn.

Guest speaker, Major Shane O’Keefe, an ex-Vietnam veteran, highlighted the wars experienced by servicemen and the sacrifices paid by soldiers of WW1 at Gallipoli.

Guest speaker, Lieutenant Brody Hannan, in uniform, currently the Platoon Commander of Shepparton’s 8 Platoon within 8th/7th

Battalion, Royal Victorian Regiment, spoke mostly of the local community’s sacrifice and spoke also of Private Robert Mactier VC. Both speakers gave excellent addresses.

Tatura RSL President, veteran Mr Robert Fairchild, spoke about the anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the work of Legacy.

Rev. Jeremy Burr from the Tatura Generations Church, led the ceremony in the Lord’s Prayer, followed by RSL member Veronica Dowell reciting the Anzac Requiem.

The Royal Hymn, the New Zealand National Anthem and Australian National Anthem were then played. All formalities throughout the service were undertaken in accordance with protocol.

At the conclusion of the commemoration, all those involved in the ceremony were thanked for their contribution, along with the community, for their attendance. An estimated 400 to 500 people attended the main service. The Tatura Lions Club then provided a sausage sizzle and RSL members and invited guests attended the RSL club rooms.

A special thank you to the Tatura Lions Club, GV Pipes and Drums, the Army Cadet Corp., Sarah Clack the bugler, the guest speakers, George Ferguson on audio, Rev. Jeremy Burr, and the three flag bearers, Catherine Wagner Tatura Guides, Joirdayne Madden Tatura Scouts, and Daniel Hamilton Tatura Fire Brigade. The Tatura RSL thanks all those who donated to the Veterans Welfare donation tin. Lest we forget.

Mat Watts, Tatura RSL