Mount Macedon’s giant memorial cross and Sunbury Memorial Hall will again be focal points of the area’s Anzac Day commemorations, with up to 5000 people expected to gather for dawn services at both locations.
Ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles and the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan will be among the highlights of the Mount Macedon event, which attracts one of the largest crowds outside events at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
A lone piper and other musical acts will provide a soundtrack for reflection as dawn breaks across the picturesque venue.
Organising committee chairman Bruce Mildenhall says buses will operate from Gisborne, Woodend, Sunbury, Riddells Creek, Romsey, Lancefield and Macedon. The event will start at 5.45am.
Sunbury dawn service co-ordinator Ian Goss says this year’s event will include live musical performances and a speech by decorated national serviceman Johnno Johnson.
Free buses to the memorial cross service will depart towns across the Macedon Ranges thanks to a $15,000 state government grant announced on Monday. Bookings are essential. Visit www.organscoaches.com.au or phone 5422 1788.
Local Anzac Day services
Gisborne
War memorial at Howey Reserve at 10.30am.
Kyneton
Dawn service at cenotaph at 6am, followed by a gunfire breakfast at Kyneton RSL A march will be held on Mollison Street from 9.30am, followed by a service at the cenotaph.
Lancefield
Cenotaph at 8.30am
Malmsbury
Botanic gardens at 8am
Riddells Creek
Dawn service at memorial gates at 5.45am
Romsey
Wreath laying service at cenotaph at 7.30am
Sunbury
Dawn service at memorial hall, Stawell Street from 5.45am. March and morning service from 10am.
Woodend
March on High Street from 11.15am, followed by a service at Woodend RSL.
