A retired army officer says he was “disgusted” by motorbike riders who disturbed the peace at last Wednesday’s Anzac Day dawn service in Werribee.
As thousands gathered at the cenotaph to pay their respects, dozens of motorbikes rode down Watton Street just before the service began.
“I was appalled at the behaviour of the motorcycle club that arrived noisily just before the service,” the former officer told Star Weekly. “They were given special privilege to park within the cordoned off area.”
Each of the 50-plus bikes rode down Watton Street revving their engines and then proceeded to reverse park into the curb near where the public had assembled, he said.
“They kept their engines running until the last motorbike had parked, emitting exhaust fumes on to the footpath as people were walking to the service.
“Then, on cue from the lead rider, all of the motorbikes revved their engines for a further five seconds before turning them off.
“As a veteran I was disgusted that event organisers had permitted such behaviour that bore no significance at all to Anzac Day and not only shattered the tranquility of the dawn, but showed an extreme level of disrespect to our fallen soldiers and had taken away the solemnity of the Anzac Day dawn service.”
Meanwhile, Werribee RSL president Daryl Ryan said he estimated there were between 6000 to 7000 people at the Watton Street event.
During his speech at the service, Mr Ryan spoke of the importance of remembering all Australian men and women who had died during conflicts – including prisoners of war.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said that those who had lost their lives during wars “died for Australia”. “I thought the service today was amazing,” he said. “It always is.
“It’s not about celebrating war – it’s commemorating the sacrifices people made and their families. It makes you proud to be an Aussie.”
Cr Maynard laid a wreath on behalf of the council and Wyndham residents at the cenotaph during the service.
Several schools, kindergartens, businesses and community groups also laid wreaths, along with Werribee MP Tim Pallas, Lalor MP Joanne Ryan and Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Melbourne West sub-branch president Jim Coghlin.
The anthems of Australia and New Zealand were performed, in addition to The Last Post.
