Community pays tribute

The Dimboola community gathered at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College's (DMSC) war memorial last Friday to commemorate Anzac Day in honour of the Australian and New Zealand soliders who served at Gallipoli in World War I and in other theatres of conflict.

By Caitlin Menadue

Many community members participate in the Anzac Day march in Dimboola, led by RSL president Charles Rees.

Many turned up to the dawn service, where Dimboola RSL sub-branch president Charles Rees addressed attendees.

After a gunfire breakfast catered by volunteers, primary school and high school students, Dimboola CFA volunteers, ambulance and police members, Dimboola Girl Guides and others joined Dimboola RSL Sub-branch leaders and members for a short march from the DMSC gates to the war memorial.

A wreath-laying ceremony involved community groups, school children and emergency services.

Attendees soon migrated to the college's hall where Pastor Susan Hobbs led a commemorative ceremony.

The original 1944 version of Anzac Requiem by Charles Bean was read by RSL member Wayne Myers.

DMSC school captains Liam Campbell and Marcel Badua spoke to attendees about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.

"Australia's first involvement in the Vietnam War was the arrival of the 13-member training team in August 1962, officially known as the Australian Army Training Team," Marcel said.

Vietnam veteran Martin Wettenhall was this year's guest speaker, taking those present on a journey through what he encountered during the war as well as reading a diary entry written by his commanding officer detailing an attack that brought down a helicopter and killed soliders.

The Last Post was played by Nhill-Dimboola Band member Barry Whitehead followed by a minute's silence and then the Rouse.

Dimboola RSL president Charles Rees led the closing remarks and thanked everyone who had helped to make the day possible.

The service was followed by a morning tea enjoyed by all at the RSL.