Ranges Trader
Tuesday, 23 May, 2023
SES honoured with Emerald artwork during volunteer week
Yarra Ranges Council hits the road with pop-ups
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Mail Monbulk College launches sustainable garden at campus
Smith Street Band returns to Belgrave For ‘hometown’ show
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A Star News Group Publication
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Death of a hero
Bill Ford leading the march through Monbulk ahead of Anzac Day.
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Community members gathered at the Monbulk RSL sub-branch on Friday 19 May to remember long-standing president William (Bill) Ford after his sudden passing earlier this month. Bill, aged 72, died unexpectedly overnight on Saturday 6 May, leaving behind his three sons Jeffrey, Michael and Steven, as well as a lasting legacy of service to the town he loved. At his father’s funeral, Jeffrey said the family would hold a barbeque following Anzac Day services on 25 April each year where his dad would remark how impressed he was at the turnout. “Today, I think he’d be there, he’d say ‘good turnout, son. Good turnout,’ Jeffrey said. “I was having a chat with Michael and Steven during the week, and we decided that it was lucky dad did pass away after Anzac Day,“ Jeffrey said. “He took pride in selling the badges and being part of the RSL. I think he also enjoyed on Sundays having a chat...that was more of the fun.“ Monbulk RSL sub-branch secretary Craig Vandenberg said Mr Ford enlisted in the Australian Regular Army on 18 June 1969, in the first recruit training battalion. “On the 26 August 1969 he was forwarded to the School of Army Health. 16 February 1970, he was forwarded to the headquarters area,” Craig said. “From there, Bill moved on to the Second Military Hospital as an assistant medical instructor. He stayed there until he was discharged on 17th June 1975, where he held the rank of corporal. “He was awarded the Australian Service Medal“ Turn to page 4 for full story