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Loddon HERALD STILL REMEMBERED Vol 5 No 17, THURSDAY MAY 1, 2025 ISSN 2653-1550
Veteran Bob McKenzie remembers at dawn in Wedderburn. LH PHOTO
OFFICIAL DAWN SERVICE CANCELLED BUT TOWN ...
RESPECT! It saw 60 people standing in the flood-lit statue shadows of World War One VC heroes Albert Jacka and Albert Borella as dawn broke on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. Friday’s Anzac Day impromptu gathering at 6am in Wedderburn honoured those who had served since that fateful 1915 day. Predicted rain that saw cancellation of the official RSL service would not arrive for another four hours. Wedderburn-Korong Vale sub-branch said it had made the safety and wellbeing of attendees and volunteers a priority in abandoning the official stand-to. Community disquiet at the decision was replaced by respect for servicemen and women in the minutes before the brief service that came five years after COV-
By CHRIS EARL
ID restrictions forced the simple act of remembrance to be observed not in Soldiers’ Memorial Park but driveways. Royal Australian Navy veteran Bob McKenzie, who saw active service in Malaya during his six years of enlistment, said: “The Dawn Service is the most important part of Anzac Day. The blokes at Gallipoli didn’t care if it was raining ... they had their job to do.” John Grant said “if there is any rain, it would be worth standing in to have a shower” after months without big falls. “I have come to the Dawn Service to pay my respects,” John said, echoing the words of former CFA chief officer and district resident Euan Ferguson who said: “We do this every year.” Lynne Gondar’s recitation of The Ode was followed by regular bugler Jake Murphy’s Last Post piercing a still morning air filled with silence and respect. “I turn up at dawn every year,” Jake said. The service was repeated 15 minutes later when more people arrived to pay respectful thanks.
Sensational service - Alan, 99, musters wind for Last Post MONTHS shy of turning 100, Boort’s Alan Streader has become an online sensation for his playing of the Last Post on Anzac Day. The former builder who was unable to serve in World War Two after a work accident injured his hand, dutifully sounded the poignant bugle call as the town’s memorial hall fell silent, heads bowed, on Friday.
Flanked by son Bryan and former Royal Australian navy petty officer Glen Hudson, Alan mustered his air, and respect for those who had served, as he has done every Anzac Day for more than 50 years. “Have the air and use it properly, the notes come out,” Alan said as more than 200 people in the hall applauded with admiration.
The Loddon Herald video of Alan’s performance has since been watched by thousands of people and shared around Australia. Boort RSL sub-branch president Paul Haw said: “Alan is amazing. He is wonderful and makes our service so special.” ANZAC DAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES - PAGES 6 & 7, 21
Well done dad ... Bryan and Alan Streader. LH PHOTO
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