PROGRAMME – ZILLAH’S NOTES

10.15     Flag at half mast.

10.30 Those who wish to, gather at the Aleppo Pine and walk back to the gates, to the strains of VERA LYNN.

Zillah Norfolk welcomes all present.

Welcome everyone. Welcome to Anzac Day at Buchan South.

Since Remembrance Day last year, when there was one memorial garden seat on the avenue, six more were commissioned by interested people, and have been constructed and placed by Jamie Houghton.

We have also received an unexpected grant from DSE for three more, which will provide seating outside the Avenue where we hold these ceremonies. Obviously we are reaching saturation point with this project, and the Committee will be considering other memorial projects in the coming year, hopefully as popular as this one has been.

 This poster, which was used this year to advertise Anzac Day at Buchan South, reminds us of the 10^th Anniversary of INTERFET – a United Nations peacekeeping effort, which stands for INTERNATIONAL FORCE FOR EAST TIMOR.

In 1975 Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese colony of East Timor. After almost 25 years of bloodshed in the territory, a new Indonesian government under President Habibie agreed to allow the East Timorese to vote on their future. UNAMET which is the United Nations Assistance Mission to East Timor, was established by the United Nations on June 11 1999 to organise and conduct the ballot in order to ascertain whether the East Timor people accepted or rejected the proposed constitutional framework providing for a special autonomy for East Timor within the Republic of Indonesia. The ballot was conducted on 30^th August 1999 and the people voted strongly against autonomy under Indonesia, and to begin a process of transition towards independence. In the wake of the ballot much violence occurred. Many East Timorese were killed and as many as 500,000 were displaced from their homes. About half left the territory, some by force.

In September 1999, the United Nations authorised INTERFET, headed by Australia, to restore peace and security in East Timor, protect and support UNAMET in carrying out its tasks and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. About 5500 Australian troops were sent to East Timor as part of Australia’s contribution to the multinational force, commanded by Major General Peter Cosgrove. At the beginning of its operations, INTERFET airdropped supplies of food and medicine and protected convoys carrying aid workers, making sure supplies got to the East Timorese people. By November 1999, 22 other nations had contributed to INTERFET including the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Britain, United States and Canada.

Today, in spite of continuing internal strife, East Timor is independent.

And that is the background to this poster.

 Earlier this year, among other adventures, Clive and I visited Villers Bretonneux and Fromelles in France. I don’t think I have ever been anywhere so emotionally powerful.

Clive has a few things to say about it. Clive Norfolk Secretary of the Friends of the Avenue of Honour.

Clive Norfolk – short address about residents of Villers-Bretonneux’s donation to Victoria’s bushfire appeal.

Guest Speaker – Cr Peter Neal.

Around the year 1920 my Mum and Mick Butterworth used to play with the Neal kids at Stonehenge. I have some photos of that time. I know that those Neal kids were close relatives of our Guest Speaker, and I am sad that Mum and Mick are not here today to share our pleasure in welcoming Councillor Peter Neal.

Thank you Peter.

 Placing of Wreaths.

While the wreaths are being placed, I’d like to invite you all to morning tea after the ceremony. Thank you to the Golf ladies for organising that with the help of the Heritage Group.  At that time you might also like to have a look at the photographic record of the ceremonies held at Buchan South. This album has just been completed, ready for the photos taken today. Please also be sure to sign the visitors book. These books are an important record of the development of the Avenue of Honour.

ODE. Clive Norfolk to recite.

The Ode.

The ode comes from FOR THE FALLEN a poem by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon, which was first published in the London newspaper, The Times, on 21 September 1914. The verse, which became the Ode of Remembrance, has been used in association with commemoration services in Australia since 1921.

 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

 Audience: We will remember them.

Last Post, One minute Silence, and Reveille.  – Clive Norfolk to raise the flag assisted by student or child present.

National Anthem

Morning Tea.