1000 Members Of The Community Pay Tribute
Although rain persisted throughout the night, spirits were not at all dampened with a very large crowd of upwards to 1000 residents and visitors gathering to attend the Dawn Service for Anzac Day at the Tamborine Cenotaph. The commemorative service was organised by members of the Tamborine Cenotaph Committee, the Tamborine & District Citizens Association Inc, and the Tamborine Village Lions Club who worked extremely hard to provide a ‘gunfire’ breakfast (subsidised by SRRC) in the Tamborine Memorial Hall after the ceremony.
Members of the Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade assisted with parking ready for a 4.30am start. The Scenic Rim Regional Cadets formed the Catafalque Party, and once in position around the Cenotaph, MC Syd Norman (the Town Crier) opened the service with a Welcome Address. Reverend Helen Paget from St George’s Anglican Church lead the congregation in prayer and read a moving poem ‘The Farmer Remembers The Somme’ by Vance Palmer (1920).
A very stirring Commemorative Address was given by Warrant Officer 2nd Class Melanie Parker who also performed, after the laying of the wreaths by members of various groups and individuals of the community, the Uniform Resolution. Principal Mr Mike Meier and students represented Cedar Creek State School.
Members of the Tamborine Mountain Scout Group were also in attendance as Flag Bearers. Everyone stood for the Ode read by Inspector Damyn Burridge of the Australian Border Force. The Last Post was played by bugler Julius Fraser, who roused everyone after a minutes silence with Reveille.
Once again, Hannah Grace beautifully sang the New Zealand and the Australian National Anthems. The Catafalque Party was dismounted, and the Closing Address was given by Syd, with closing song ‘You Raise Me Up’, performed by Hannah, signalling the end of a very moving service.
Thank you to all those who have served or are serving.
Thank you to all members of our community for your tribute.