The story of a former Kyneton colonel will be one of those shared at this year’s Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn service, with this year’s event focussing on the wide-reaching impacts of war.
Set for April 25, the event will draw on stories from local ex-service people to explore the many impacts that war has on those who serve.
This includes the physical injuries, mental effects, and wider repercussions for families.
The event will be emceed by Kyneton Royal Australian Navy veteran Luke Bordonaro, and students from local high schools will present stories from veterans Francis Donovan from Woodend; late colonel John Charles Barrie, formerly from Kyneton; and veteran James Gardiner Daniel, whose parents previously resided in Kyneton.
Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service committee president Leona Latcham said the students bringing Barrie’s story to life through his own words – which were published in his book Memoirs of an Anzac with the support of his surviving family – will be a special highlight of this year’s service.
“He was involved in the landing at Gallipoli, and later served at the Western Front and was wounded twice during the war. His granddaughter Judy Osborne will travel from interstate to attend the service with other members of the family so it will be a very special morning,” Ms Latcham said.
The service starts at 6am at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and runs for approximately an hour, with free shuttle buses running from Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon from 4.15am.
shut to public traffic for the morning for the safety of attendees.
Parking is available at Tony Clarke Reserve and free bus services will also run from Gisborne, Woodend, Sunbury, Kyneton, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Romsey.
Details: mtmacedondawnservice.org
