By Tanya Steele
Upwey Belgrave RSL commemorated ANZAC Day this year with a full program, bringing locals young and old together in a shared spirit of remembrance and unity.
The day began at 6am with the Dawn Service, offering a moment of quiet reflection in the stillness before sunrise.
The standing ceremony, packed the RSL grounds in the pre-dawn air and was broadcast live via 3MDR Radio.
RSL Secretary Graeme Tuplin said the addition of students from Mater Christi College singing the national anthems and reading during the service added new dimension to the day.
“This year was their first official public performance and they did an amazing job,” he said.
“To their credit they learnt the New Zealand anthem – both the Maori and English and also sang Spirit of the Anzac.” he said.
Mater Christi teacher and head of music Helen Metcalfe said the school was approached by the RSL and they jumped at the opportunity.
“This is exactly the sort of event that I feel local schools should be supporting. As a music and drama teacher I recognise the vital importance of ‘story’ and to be able to contribute to the telling of the Anzac story to the current generation is a real privilege,” she said.
Following the service, attendees shared in the tradition of a Gunfire Breakfast, enjoying egg and bacon sandwiches together at the RSL.
By mid-morning, the streets of Upwey came alive as veterans and service personnel took part in the Veterans’ March down Main Street, to meet again at the RSL for the morning service, the weather holding true.
Both services featured a heartfelt ANZAC Day address from President Fred Schmager, with the mounting of the guard by by Australian Army cadets at 31ACU.
The Roulettes made a scheduled flyover around 10.15am as students from Mater Christi College told Anzac Day stories to the crowd and wreaths were laid.
The Last Post echoed through the crowd, followed by the Rouse, Flag Raising and National Anthems from Australia and New Zealand.
After the ceremony, morning tea was provided for veterans and their immediate families, while crowds gathered to reflect and connect. Rotary Club of Belgrave kept the sausage sizzle going strong and live music continued into the afternoon.
The RSL thanked all involved for the help to put on the day on social media and said the day could not take place volunteers.
“Fantastic that we have so many families and young ones come along to Anzac Day,” the post read.,
“Multigenerational days out, fills the heart.”
