By Brett Kennedy
MOUNT Gambier has secured a Royal Australian Air Force flyover during the traditional street march, which will return along with a public dawn service following last year’s COVID-19 restriction-affected formalities.
Mount Gambier Community RSL president Bob Sandow said a flyover request had been granted for April 25, with a military aircraft to fly over Commercial Street during the parade in a rare privilege for the community.
While the aircraft involved in the flyover will be a surprise on the day due to RAAF’s resource management, Mr Sandow said organisers were delighted with the inclusion.
“We’ve not had a set flyover from the air force since I’ve been here,” Mr Sandow said, praising Mount Gambier Aero Club members for their efforts in recent years.
“I just hope whatever comes is flying at 50 feet instead of 500.”
The Australian Defence Force contribution adds to a week-long calendar of events to mark Anzac Day in the Limestone Coast, with Mr Sandow welcoming the return of traditional services following last year’s altered program.
“There was always going to be something on Anzac Day this year,” Mr Sandow said.
“I work with our local police force here and they do know we try to do the right thing and we insist people do the right thing,” he said.
Mr Sandow said the public’s cooperation at Remembrance Day had given the RSL branch the confidence to push ahead with Anzac Day planning.
While stricter measures remain in place at metropolitan ceremonies, Mr Sandow said all next of kin would be permitted to march on Anzac Day, while the community is invited to line Commercial Street to pay their respects.
With the Dawn Service at Vansittart Park scheduled for 6.10am, Mr Sandow also encouraged residents to mark the occasion in their own way, including standing at the end of their driveway – a sign of respect which grew in prominence last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I liked what was done last year and I suspect there will be a few people who do that again,” Mr Sandow said.
“I see it as a positive way to encourage the children to be involved.
“I also have a commitment as RSL president to do something for the veterans and for the community.
“While I’m president there will always be something.”
Mr Sandow said the street march was an important and symbolic show of respect on Anzac Day.
“The march is the same as in years ago when people marched past a mate’s coffin,” Mr Sandow said.
“It is not there to wave and cheer, it is the solemn part,” he said.
“The service at the end is there just as the service at the coffin was.”
Reflecting on the importance of dates such as April 25 and November 11, Mr Sandow encouraged the community to take part in services or pay respects in their own way.
“I still maintain we walk on their shoulders – they did what they did to allow us to do what we do today,” Mr Sandow said.
The recent issue of medallions to World War II veterans, marking 75 years since the conflict ended, has also helped connect the RSL with veterans.
“We thought once Charlie (Miller) passed we had three World War II veterans left, now we have about seven,” he said.
“A lot of these particular people are living in aged care homes and we don’t see them, we don’t know them”
Mr Sandow said around 200 people involved in modern conflicts – such as Iraq and Afghanistan – lived in the region and hoped more would connect with the RSL.
“We try and do what we can to support everyone within our budget,” Mr Sandow said.
“When you consider three years ago we were a week from closing – we’re still here.”
The region’s Anzac Day celebrations will also be boosted by a visit from Royal Australian Navy captain Matthew Richie, who manages the upkeep and updates of Collins Class Submarines.
Residents and visitors attending Anzac Day services across the region will be required to complete a COVID sign-in prior to entering the function.
People not prepared to abide by COVID restrictions are asked not to attend public services.
