Community Honours Those Who Served …
The weather held firm and so did the spirits of a very large crowd (upwards to 1000 attendees) who gathered for the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Tamborine Cenotaph, fortified by a tank supplied by Tankride. The commemorative service (with an Indigenous theme) was hosted by members of the Tamborine Cenotaph Committee, with support from the Tamborine & District Citizens Association Inc, and the Tamborine Village Lions Club who provided a ‘gunfire’ breakfast (subsidised by the Scenic Rim Regional Council) in the Tamborine Memorial Hall after the ceremony at day break.
The Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade assisted with parking, and Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith played the didgeridoo as members of the public gathered ready for a 4.30am start. The Scenic Rim Regional Cadets formed the Catafalque Party, and once in position around the Cenotaph, MC Leonard Clampett opened the service with a Welcome Address. Hannah Grace beautifully sang the hymn Amazing Grace. Reverend Helen Paget from St George’s Anglican Church gave a speech on the treatment of Aboriginal soldiers and then lead the congregation in prayer.
A Commemorative Address was given by Warrant Officer 2nd Class Melanie Parker who also gave the Uniform Resolution. Wreaths were laid, in honour of those who served and lost their lives, by members of various groups and individuals of the community. Principal Mr Mike Meier and students represented Cedar Creek State School. The Tamborine Mountain Scout Group performed the flag lowering and raising honour as Flag Bearers. Everyone stood for the Ode read by Jeff McConnell. The Last Post was flawlessly played by bugler Julius Fraser, who roused everyone after a minutes silence with Reveille.
Hannah Grace sang the New Zealand and the Australian National Anthems. The Catafalque Party was then dismounted, and Leonard gave the Closing Address. The closing song ‘You Raise Me Up’, was performed by Hannah, signalling the end of a very moving service and the start of the Gunfire Breakfast.
Thank you to all those who have served or are serving.
