In the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast region we are home to approximately 6600 living veterans, yet alongside these courageous individuals countless service men and women from our local communities never returned from their duty. Anzac Day stands as the most significant moment in our calendar. It provides us all with an opportunity to reflect upon and honour the bravery of those who have served and those who continue to serve our nation.

This year to commemorate Anzac Day I attended several events and services across the Bellarine. Firstly I attended the Bellarine Secondary College Anzac Day assembly. Run entirely by the school captains, this is a wonderful way to recognise Anzac Day and teach our next generation about the importance of the day. On the morning of Anzac Day I attended a dawn service organised by the Portarlington and St Leonards RSL sub-branch, a moving service with the sun rising over the water onto the Portarlington township.

At the Leopold service Australian army captain Christopher Worsley gave an inspiring address about how we could all use the Anzac spirit in our everyday lives to honour the fallen that gave us the life that we have today. Special mention to Keith Pettigrew and the Leopold committee for organising yet another fitting tribute.

I then joined a large crowd at the Drysdale march and service, made extra special with a flyover. The Drysdale RSL believe it was the biggest crowd that they have seen for many years. The day concluded with an Anzac Day football match between the Portarlington and Drysdale football clubs, a great game which encompassed the Anzac spirit. Thank you to all the RSLs who have yet again provided wonderful services for the Bellarine community.