Kyneton Navy veteran Luke Bordonaro will lead this year’s Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service, which will take place on April 25 at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross.
This year’s theme, ‘The Unseen Wounds of Conflict’, will explore the many impacts that war has on those who serve, from the physical injuries to the mental effects and the wider repercussions for families.
Luke, who joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2003 and served on HMAS Newcastle, Cerberus, Maitland, Ararat, Sydney IV and Hobart III attaining the rank of Petty Officer, said this year’s theme was particularly close to his heart and he was honoured to be involved in the 2025 service.
“The unseen wounds of conflict and service can leave lasting scars on a veteran’s mind and soul, often resulting in struggles that extend far beyond the deployments,” said Luke, a father of two.
“Personally, the ability to regulate my acute stress response — once essential for survival in my role — became a challenge in everyday life; leading to hypervigilance, anxiety and difficulty in high-stress situations. Additionally, adapting to civilian life presented its own battles, as the structure, camaraderie and purpose found in service was hard to replicate.”
As part of the service, students from local high schools will read excerpts from the accounts of local veterans: Dr Francis Donovan OAM from Woodend, the late Colonel John Charles Barrie (known to most as Charlie), formerly from Kyneton, and James Gardiner Daniel whose parents resided in Kyneton.
The service begins at 6am at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and runs for about an hour. Free shuttle buses run from Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon from 4.15am as roads to the Cross are shut to public traffic for the morning for the safety of attendees.
Plenty of parking is available at Tony Clarke Reserve and free bus services will also run from Gisborne, Woodend, Sunbury, Kyneton, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Romsey. The timetables for the town buses will be available at www.mtmacedondawnservice.org along with details of how to book.
Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and torch. A sausage sizzle will be available and a gold coin donation would be appreciated.
