Olivia Mayworm – Bass Coast College, John Methven OAM and Niamh Moore – Newhaven College. Both students were guest speakers at the 11am ANZAC Day service on the San Remo foreshore.
Squadron Leader Ret’d John Turner (left) was a guest speaker at the event, while Cr Bruce Kent laid a wreath on behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council.
Maureen Matthews and Marian Brennan from Phillip Island & San Remo Legacy Widows, with Newhaven College School Captain Niamh Moore.
Guest speaker Squadron Leader Ret’d John Turner spoke of his time in Afghanistan and the huge sacrifice Australia’s service men and women have made over the decades.
Mr Bill Noble read the Ode at the service, followed by the Last Post and a minute’s silence.
Mark Thiele, captain of the San Remo CFA laid a wreath on behalf of the brigade.
Three school captains from San Remo Primary laid a wreath at the ceremony.
School captains from Newhaven Primary laid a wreath on behalf of the school.
Principal Karen Bowker of San Remo Primary School, with school captains Asha, Lexi and Buster, who laid a wreath on behalf of the school.
Daisy and Chinasa, school captains at Newhaven Primary School, laid a wreath as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations.
Braxton Laine (National Vietnam Veterans Association) with Peter Buitenhuis, who laid a wreath on behalf of Rotary and played the Last Post at the service.
Isaac and Olivia Mayworm, holding photos of their grandfather Barry Batten, who was a lance corporal in the 7th battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam. Olivia spoke of her grandfather’s service in her speech.
Representing the Bendigo Bank, Joan Matthews and Caroline Talbot.
Under beautiful autumn skies, a large crowd gathered on the San Remo foreshore for the annual ANZAC Day Service.
Once again, John Methven OAM was MC for the proceedings, which included guest speakers from the local secondary schools, and Squadron Leader Ret’d John Turner.
Niamh Moore, a school captain at Newhaven College said it was a privilege to be able to represent the college and young people in general.
Speaking of the Australian and New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli, she said “these young men faced incredible adversity as they fought against overwhelming odds”, and demonstrated “bravery and selflessness”.
“I am beyond grateful for the dedication they showed for our nation,” Niamh said.
“It is our turn to honour the memory of the ANZACS by making sure that we leave this world better than we found it and that the future is bright for all those who come after us.
“We must never forget the lessons of the past. We must remember the horrors of war and work to ensure that such atrocities never happen again.
“We must work towards peace, understanding and compassion.
“This Anzac Day let us all remember … (those) who put their lives at risk for not only their loved ones but for people like me who they never knew.
“Personally I find this to be the most admirable act of all.”
Year 9 student at Bass Coast College, Olivia Mayworm used her speech to tell her grandfather’s story.
Barry Batten served in the 7th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, a lance corporal of 5 Platoon, B Company. A machine gunner, based in Nui Dat in South Vietnam, he was injured from a helicopter crash, leaving him with injured knees, a hearing impediment and shrapnel from grenades.
“Many others who have survived these wars have injuries like these; they have lost their lives, lost friends or (live with) lifelong injuries,” Olivia said.
“Us, as young people, can learn from these experiences by sticking together and having the determination like many other veterans.”
Squadron Leader Ret’d John Turner spoke of his own experiences serving in Afghanistan, saying he had learned about the ANZACS at school, and their courage, mateship and endurance.
While the story began at Gallipoli, there were further campaigns across Europe and Africa, he said.
“While the war ended in 1918, our service personnel have been called on again and again.”
John was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, describing the country and ragged and beautiful.
“The people are just like us – working hard for a living to support their family,” he said, but living under the daily threat of war.
John spoke movingly of two men – Private Benjamin Renaldo and Private Paul Warren – who were on patrol when an IED exploded, killing Ben and seriously injuring Paul – who lost his right leg.
“These were the first casualties I experienced in Afghanistan, but sadly, not the last,” he said.
While Paul returned home and achieved many things – including captaining the Australian team at the Invictus Games, John said he often wondered where Ben would be now if he had survived.
“This is a day to reflect on those that made the ultimate sacrifice,” John said.
“I know what this day means to me, and I’m thankful it is important to the general population to get together and hear the stories of those who have served.”
Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by David Edgley – Vietnam Veterans, Gaye De Silva Caras and Krishna Methvan – Legacy, Marian Brennan – Legacy War Widows, Braxton Laine – National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Cr Bruce Kent – BCSC, Mark Thiele – San Remo CFA, Peter Buitenhuis – Rotary, Olivia Mayworm – Bass Coast College, Niamh Moore – Newhaven College, Caroline Jones and Joan Matthews – Bendigo Bank and schools captains of San Remo and Newhaven Primary Schools. Sandra Thorley also laid a wreath on behalf of her son.
After the ceremony, the San Remo Hotel hosted a special morning tea.
