By Callum Ludwig
Hundreds of locals turned out for the morning service at the Wandin Cenotaph on Anzac Day.
Many locally significant names feature on the memorial including the Hunter, Clegg and Sebire families, with war still closely linked to many in the community.
Member of the Mt Evelyn RSL Heidi Ramsay served in the British Army for 23 years and said Anzac Day reminds her that everybody still cares about people who have served.
“I moved out here five years ago, so to see that everybody is committed to turning out early in the morning, to be able to show their respect, it means a lot. People coming out to see those who fought and died for their country is extremely important,” she said.
“I joined when I was 17 and served until I was 40. I was in the Royal Logistics Corps in the British Army, so I served in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands, supplying water, rations, fuel and everything they need to do the job.”
Since moving to the Yarra Ranges, Ms Ramsay has also joined the Wandin Fire Brigade, continuing to serve and protect her new community.
Wandin Rotary’s community service committee chairman Gavan McIntyre said it is an event that the Rotary Club of Wandin have been organising for 25 years now
“We usually get a fairly good turnout and we think it’s a good community thing to do, it’s a very significant day and an important thing to keep going. When you see all the young ones here today, it shows how important it is,” he said.
“You look at the names on the cenotaph and that explains it really, a huge amount went to war and a huge amount lost their lives.”
Students from the Wandin North and Wandin Yallock Primary Schools had all attendees reflecting solemnly as they read magnificently, with two Wandin Yallock Primary School students also helping with the responsibility of raising the Australian and New Zealand flags.
Casey MP Aaron Violi and Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham gave an address, with Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence unable to attend as she recovers from surgery. Ben Vallence from the Rotary Club of Wandin was the MC.
The Rotary Club of Wandin also hosted tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits in the neighbouring church hall afterwards.
