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Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to join local ANZAC Day service to honour our defence force members on 25 April 2024

Attend local ANZAC Day service, honour Aussies who served. Gippsland's rich military history deserves recognition. It's about paying respects, not glorifying war. Remember sacrifices, support families. Check with RSL clubs for service details.

By news@gippsland - 5th April 2024 - Back to News

Gippslanders are being urged to attend their local ANZAC Day service and commemorate all Australians who have served in the defence force. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the region has a rich military history which deserved recognition on April 25. "ANZAC Day is not about glorifying war or conflict, quite the opposite," Mr Chester said.

Anzac Day is pivotal, offering gratitude to past and present servicemen. It's a day of profound respect for the fallen, their families, and current defenders

Gippsland's military contributions

Darren Chester said, "It's a chance to pay our respects to the 102,000 people who have been killed wearing our nation's uniform and protecting the freedoms we all enjoy today. At the same time, we remember those who have been injured physically or mentally, the families who supported them, and the Australian Defence Force personnel who continue to serve today."

Mr Chester said the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley region had made an enormous contribution to the ADF over more than 100 years including links to some of the most significant figures in Defence's history. "Sir Stanley Savige was born in Morwell and after World War 1 he helped establish Legacy to care for families of war victims," Mr Chester said.

"Sir John Monash was arguably the greatest officer to serve Australia in World War 1 with his achievements at the 'Battle of Hamel' and when he returned home he was instrumental in the establishment of the SEC and Victoria's energy generation system in the Latrobe Valley," he said.

Gippsland's military legacy

Mr Chester added, "Then there's Corporal Harry Thorpe, the most decorated Indigenous soldier in Australian history who was born at the Lake Tyers Mission, enlisted at Sale, and served with gallantry on the Western Front before his death in 1918."

"In more recent times, our long history as an air force training location in World War 2 and at East Sale RAAF Base has provided a continuous link with the defence force. Further east, the Mallacoota Bunker Museum is a living memorial to the tracking and reconnaissance activity which was required during World War 2 to protect our shipping lanes."

"On ANZAC Day, we have the opportunity to gather as a region and demonstrate our respect to all who have served, and continue to serve in 2024. It's best to check details of ANZAC Day services in your region with local RSL clubs," Mr Chester concluded.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.
• Gippsland Water increases basin cover cleaning to annual schedule to protect drinking water quality across service area
  Gippsland Water is increasing drinking water basin cover cleaning from every 18–24 months to annually, helping prevent damage, reduce contamination risks and protect water quality.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Baw Baw Shire Council keeps fortnightly red bins, weekly FOGO collections despite petition calling for weekly rubbish service
  Baw Baw Council will retain fortnightly red-bin and weekly FOGO collections despite a 6,139-signature petition seeking weekly rubbish services, citing $173,000 annual costs and reduced landfill waste.