By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk RSL’s Anzac Day service began at 5.50 am with the Dawn Service, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast. At 9.50 am, the Commemorative March started at St George’s Church and made its way to the 10am Commemorative Service at Monbulk RSL.
A large crowd attended the service, including students from local primary schools, members of the Scouts, and volunteers from organisations such as the SES, CFA, local police, and many others, all coming together to honour the sacrifices made by those who served.
A heartfelt speech was delivered during the service, paying tribute to the men and women who served in the armed forces, as well as the local community members who supported them over the years.
It honoured the sacrifices made by service members, including those who served in the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and conflicts like Afghanistan, while also remembering the quiet strength of those who stood by them.
The speaker reflected on the words of In Flanders Fields, the famous poem by John McCrae, which honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, with the poppy symbolising remembrance.
A large part of the speech was dedicated to a Monbulk woman, Aeneas Gunn who spent over 50 years helping Monbulk’s veterans. She wrote letters, sent supplies, and helped them navigate the repatriation process.
When soldiers returned and needed assistance, she was there to help them secure settlement blocks and manage their claims. Her dedication didn’t stop there – she also played a big role in establishing the Mrs Gunn Memorial Library, collecting books for the community, and providing support for veterans of both World War I and II.
Her legacy was honoured with a memorial tree and a foundation stone bearing her name, and she was remembered as Monbulk’s “diggers’ heroine.”
