A Macedon Ranges Navy Veteran will emcee this year’s, Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service, with the event’s theme relating to the wide impacts of warfare.
Set for Friday, April 25 at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, the theme of this year’s Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn service is The Unseen Wounds of Conflict – referring to the broad impacts that war has on those involved in warfare, including physical injuries, mental health impacts, and wider repercussions for families.
Kyneton Navy veteran Luke Bordonaro, who joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2003, will lead the service.
Mr Bordonaro served on HMAS Newcastle, Cerberus, Maitland, Ararat, Sydney IV and Hobart III – attaining the rank of petty officer.
He said that the theme of the service is particularly close to his heart and that he is “honoured” to be involved in the event.
“The unseen wounds of conflict and service can leave lasting scars on a veteran’s mind and soul, often resulting in struggles that extend far beyond the deployments,” Mr Bordonaro said.
“Personally, the ability to regulate my acute stress response, once essential for survival in my role, became a challenge in everyday life – leading to hypervigilance, anxiety, and difficulty in high-stress situations,” he said.
“Additionally, adapting to civilian life presented its own battles, as the structure, camaraderie, and purpose found in service was hard to replicate.”
The dawn service will start at 6am at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and run for about an hour, with free shuttle buses from Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon from 4.15am – as roads to the cross will be shut to public traffic throughout the morning for safety purposes.
Attendees are encouraged to dress according to the weather and to bring a water bottle and torch.
A sausage sizzle will also be provided, with a gold coin donation appreciated.
Details: mtmacedondawnservice.org
