Cade Lucas
Anzac Day commemorations again attracted large crowds in Wyndham on Thursday.
The dawn service at the Werribee Cenotaph was again by far the largest Anzac Day event in the municipality, with thousands gathering in Watton Street and Station Place from 6.00am on April 25.
Current defence force members and representatives from the Werribee RSL conducted the service, with local dignitaries including Werribee MP Tim Pallas and Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera laying wreaths.
Following the conclusion of the service at 7.00am, many made their way back to the Werribee RSL for a gunfire breakfast, with gold coin donations going towards assisting veterans.
Others wanting to learn more about Wyndham’s military history made their way across to the Werribee Museum and Historical Society which had opened early for a special Anzac Day display to coincide with the dawn service.
With Wyndham having already held its traditional pre-Anzac Day March down Watton Street on Sunday April 21, many then travelled to the city for the Melbourne march, before returning to the Werribee RSL in the afternoon to play two-up and to watch football.
Wyndham’s other main dawn service took place at Saltwater Reserve in Point Cook where an estimated crowd of 1000 gathered.
Hosted by Point Cook FC, the service featured a tribute from the club’s No 1 ticket holder, Leanne Down, to Frank McNamara, who served at the Point Cook RAAF base during World War 1 and was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery whilst stationed there.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera also paid tribute to the municipality’s Anzacs in her Anzac Day remarks.
“Wyndham city thanks the 350 soldiers from Werribee and surrounding areas that served in World War 1. We honour the sixty fallen soldiers that fought at Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front that were killed in action or died later of their wounds. They will never be forgotten,” Cr Barrera said.
“On ANZAC Day we reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand soldiers. We reflect on their spirit of loyalty, courage, endurance and strength. We will remember them. We also thank our current servicemen and women who are doing their best to help secure Australia’s future.”
In WFL football, Werribee Districts again won their annual Anzac Day clash with rivals Hoppers Crossing, though the 12 point margin was much closer than last year.
The reigning premiers held off the fast finishing Warriors at Hogans Road Reserve, 14.10.94 to 12.10.82.
