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TATURA RSL
On Friday the 11th. November, the Remembrance Day Commemoration took place in the Private Robert Mactier V.C Memorial Gardens. This date is honored and significant as it commemorates the end of WW1 on the Western Front in France in 1918. President of Tatura RSL and veteran Mr. Robin Fairchild welcomed those present amounting to approximately 55 in number and invited the laying of wreaths. This was done by Mr. Robin Fairchild representing the Tatura RSL, Mr. Jason Kelly representing Hon.Wendy Lovell M.P, Samatha Spinks representing COGS, Disaster Relief personnel who have made Tatura their base during the floods, Tatura Fire Brigade, Masonic Lodge, both Primary Schools and others representing organizations and individuals. Short speeches and ‘Flanders Fields’ was recited. Following on was the bugler Sarah Clack with ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille.’ The British and Australian National Anthems followed shortly thereafter and the ceremony concluded. A special thank you to Sarah Clack the bugler, George Ferguson on the audio and the ground staff from COGS, for their presentation of Mactier Memorial Gardens precinct.
It is hopeful that 3 further plaques consistent with those already displayed along the Memorial Wall, will be installed by Xmas. Those plaques will include conflicts since the Vietnam War and the Peace Makers/Keepers since 1946.
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On Sunday the 13th. November, the German Remembrance Day Commemoration took place. Due to inclement weather, the Memorial Service took place in the Senior Citizens building, to be followed later by the laying of wreaths by a select few at the German War Cemetery at Tatura. This event has taken place for many years with Tatura RSL assisting in those preparations. Mr. Desmond Callaghan
O.A.M State Senior Vice President of the RSL and Mr. Dean Lee C.E.O. of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, were also present. The service was conducted by Mr. Michael Pearce, German Honorary Consul General who was an excellent presenter. Speeches presented included Mr.Anthony Brophy representing COGS and Ms. Renate Beilharz Leader, Spiritual Faith Group of the Temple Society, Australia. Many of the Internees in the Internment Camps were from the Temple Society Religious Sect. Mr. Seumas Spark, a Dunera Historian, spoke of the transfer of Internees from England to Australia via the ship, ‘Dunera’ and an Internees short life after that journey, now buried in the German War Cemetery at Tatura. Pastor Kim Kiessliing from the German Lutheran Trinity Church, Melbourne gave a reading and blessing of peace and the trumpeter, Attrayoo DriscollPlavins played. The Service was followed by a Luncheon at the Middle Hotel to which Tatura RSL members assisting were cordially invited. Many attendees of the service then attended the Tatura Historical Museum. Many of those people came from Melbourne in a bus for this annual event.
Books have been written regarding the seven Internment Camps in our local area and occupied by ‘Internees’ during WW11 and beyond. Many of those attending the German War Cemetery and Commemoration Service at Tatura are descendants of those ‘Internees.’ A book titled ‘Walls of Wire. Tatura, Rushworth, Murchison’ written by the late Joyce Hammond is referenced on the ‘eastern information board’ flower box at our Memorial Gardens precinct. A book well worth a read.
As this is the last edition of the Bulletin this year, the Tatura RSL wish everyone a Happy and safe Xmas.period.
Lest we forget. Mal. Watts. Tatura RSL member.










Greater Shepparton Cultural Heritage Awards
Greater Shepparton City Council in association with the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee, is proud to present the Biennial Greater Shepparton Cultural Heritage Awards 2023. The awards program aims to recognise and honour those in our community who have made outstanding contributions to cultural heritage conservation, research, education, training or awarenessraising within the Municipality.
Cultural heritage includes both tangible cultural heritage (such as buildings, works of art and artifacts) and intangible cultural heritage (such as folklore, traditions, language and knowledge. There are 8 Award categories and for more information, brochures are available at all libraries and Greater Shepparton City Council offices. Nomination forms are available online or GSCC offices and close February 20, 2023.