Phillip Island does Anzac Day proud with big dawn turnout

AS THE dawn light offered a feeble glow at the eastern end of Western Port, the crowds arrived in significant numbers, between 2000 and 3000 people, for one of Phillip Island’s best attended dawn services in recent years.

Former Newhaven College student Callum Fisher broke the silence with his bagpipes as the crowd gathered around with Phillip Island RSL President Chris Thompson welcoming the crowd, starting proceedings with a ‘welcome to country’.

The Anzac Day address was delivered by Australian Naval officer Ian Murphy, who acknowledged the service of all Australians in the various locations through the years with Newhaven College Captain Brinn Hamley representing the local community, with her perspective on ‘What Anzac Day Means to Me’.

“How fortunate we are to have a setting like this, here by the sea, with the waves lapping up on the beach as they did at Anzac Cove more than 100 years ago,” Brinn began.

She referenced two family members who had fought and died overseas, including a great great uncle who survived the Battle of the Somme only to die of his wounds a few months later, on January 3, 1917.

“Your sacrifice will not be forgotten… lest we forget.”

The Bass Coast Mayor Cr Michael Whelan was among those to lay wreaths.

The service ended with the playing of the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems.