By JESSE GRAHAM
HUNDREDS braved near-freezing conditions to pay homage to fallen soldiers at this morning’s Anzac Day Dawn Service in Healesville.
A huge crowd of locals assembled at the Healesville RSL’s new cenotaph and stood solemnly as Master of Ceremonies Bob Burgess ran the early morning service, commemorating all who served Australia and New Zealand in wars abroad.
The temperature was hovering close to zero and fog enveloped the area around the RSL, though barely a complaint was heard as The Ode was read by Bob Gannaway and The Last Post was played by John Stanhope.
Numerous community groups laid wreaths at the cenotaph, and Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister made a speech on the importance of the Anzacs and their egalitarian values, both of which still influence Australian society today.
Healesville High School Captains Daniel Garth and Molly Brown read poems to the gathered crowd, before the official service concluded and visitors planted poppies in front of the memorial.
The crowd then made its way into the RSL for a traditional gunfire breakfast, with the line weaving through the venue and out the door into the car park.
An Anzac Day march will be held in Healesville, assembling on the corners of Church Street and Nicholson Street (Maroondah Highway) at 9.30am for a 10am start.
In Yarra Glen, the Anzac Day march will begin at 10.15am at the Yarra Glen Police Station on King Street, before a 10.30am service at the Memorial Hall.
For the full story on the day’s events and more photos, see next week’s Mail.
