The Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service Committee will be conducting a service at the Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross this year.
The Dawn Service is a commemorative event that honours the sacrifice of veterans, salutes their service and seeks to learn from the experiences of servicemen and servicewomen.
This year’s service will pay tribute to the Papuan and New Guinean civilians that provided vital logistic support to Australian and US troops during WWII.
The service will also recognise those Afghan civilians that acted as interpreters for Australian forces in Afghanistan over the past 20 years.
“It is important to recognise that our military forces are often supported by indigenous personnel in various conflicts around the world,” said Bruce Mildenhall, chair of the Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service Committee.
“In some cases, such as recently with the Afghanistan deployment, pressure from Australian veterans and their supporters has seen Afghan personnel and their families permitted to seek refuge in Australia.”
The Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service is possible through the generous support of several sponsors, and dozens of volunteers.
In order to provide a safe and orderly event, private vehicles (including cars, motorcycles and bicycles) are not permitted to travel to the Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross on Anzac Day morning.
To attend the service you must book a seat in one of the buses that move people to and from the Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross.
Bus services operate from Gisborne, Woodend, Sunbury, Kyneton, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Romsey with continuous shuttle buses from Macedon’s Tony Clarke Reserve from 4.15am. The bus schedule and details on how to book a seat are attached.
Attendees are requested to ensure that they dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and a torch. Attendance is free but please bring some cash in the event you would like to purchase a snack or drink.
Any donation towards the ongoing conduct of the Dawn Service is appreciated.
This year’s Dawn Service will also be live-streamed with details to be announced later on the Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service Facebook page.
More information about the Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service is available from the website: mtmacedondawnservice.org
