By Danielle Kutchel
The usually bustling Bunjil Place fell silent in the dawn of Sunday 25 April, as hundreds stood together to commemorate Anzac Day.
Anzac Day 2021 was a briefer affair than it has been in recent years, with limited numbers allowed at dawn services across the region.
The Bunjil Place service was a ticketed event with an area cordoned-off for ticket holders.
But Berwick RSL sub-branch president Wayne A’Vard said the ticketing requirements didn’t stop others from coming down to pay their respects.
He estimated that around 250 people attended the Bunjil Place service, well down on the usual totals of over 1000 – but he said the RSL was grateful for the support shown by the public.
“It was a short, brief, succinct service and it went well,” he said.
“The people who turned up appreciated [the service] immensely, and at the RSL, we appreciated them coming out.”
He said Anzac Day continued to hold a special place in the hearts of the public, with locals heeding the message to remember the sacrifices made.
“Commemoration is about everybody who has been before us,” he explained.
“You commemorate and remember all your mates, those who are no longer with you and those who are.
“I think we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who volunteered to serve our country.”
After the Bunjil Place event, Berwick RSL held a small, unofficial service for its members at the cenotaph in the Berwick High Street.
Mr A’Vard said while the service was unannounced, observers still gathered around.
“That meant a lot,” he said.
“People were so frustrated with what’s been going on – we missed out totally last year.
“Everyone just wanted to go out and say Anzac Day means a lot, particularly to veterans who were irate that they couldn’t do what they wanted to do and couldn’t have a march.
“It was much smaller than what we are used to, but still poignant.”
Later in the morning, locals again gathered around the cenotaph at around 11am, the usual service time.
Stephen Dods visited with his ten-year-old daughters, Alysha and Jemma.
“The generations before us have given their time and lives for the country,” he explained.
“When I was growing up in the 70s Anzac Day wasn’t prevalent, but it came back in the 80s and 90s where we have this day to remember, so I want to pass it down to the girls.”
Locals Sandy and John said they had come to pay their respects and recognise the tragic loss of life that occurred.
“We’ve been in the area for 50 years and when we were young kids our parents would take us into the march at St Kilda Road,” John recalled.
“It’s in our DNA, mate, and rightfully so, they deserve the acknowledgement they get.”
Sandy added: “We should all appreciate what those young fellows did for us.”
Isla English brought her daughter to the cenotaph to explain their family connection to World War One.
Some of their family members were instrumental in an Australian troop being awarded the Victoria Cross.
“It’s worth bringing the young ones down and explaining and sharing,” she said.
“We come down, walk around, read the memorials and take the time out to remember, which is what the day is all about.
“There is that connection when you come and stand outside a memorial, especially on a day like this.”
As the RSL – now 102 years old – looks to the future, Mr A’Vard said it is looking to get in touch with younger veterans, including those from Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and other recent conflicts.
“The RSL was formed to give comfort and solace to each other – that’s the underlying blocks of what the RSL is built on. It’s not an old man’s organisation; it’s there for all veterans.
“At some stage us older ones have to hand the baton on to someone, otherwise it just stops and that would be a great pity to society.”
He said Berwick RSL wanted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with young veterans as they adjust to being part of society again.
To get in touch with the Berwick RSL, visit www.berwickrsl.org.au/contact
