ANZAC services resumed this year after the dramatic impact COVID on last year’s commemorations. Only 15 or so people attended the Daylesford service last year and the public was not allowed to attend. This year attendance was managed by an on-line ticketing system set up by the Shire.
Daylesford
This year there was a substantial number of people in attendance at the war memorial. The Daylesford Brass Band and the Highland Pipe Band were in attendance. Past President of the RSL, Keith Pyers, read “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian poet, John McCrae, who fought at the Second Battle of Ypres.
Eganstown
There was a bigger crowd than usual at the Eganstown ANZAC service.
Word has got out about this charming simple service, held at the roadside war memorial at Eganstown. Keith Pyers led the service, which was followed by a cuppa and an ANZAC buiscuit by the campfire – and lots of quiet chat. For more years than any remember Winsome Menadue has organized this event – some say since the end of World War II. A couple of years ago she handed over to her younger brother John, who ensures that this local tradition continues. The Eganstown service is an enduring reminder of the quiet respect for those who have served in small rural communities. Former RSL President, Keith Pyers, addressed the crowd and Gorgon Nightingale read “The Night Witches” an historical piece about female Russian pilots who fought in the Second World War.
Creswick
The Creswick commemorations started with Dawn Service at the Cenotaph followed by a sausage sizzle at the Rotunda. Later in the morning, there was a Wreath Laying at RSL Hall Memorial Stones.
