Anzac Day 2021: Tribute to Frankston’s service personnel past and present
Published on 23 April 2021
Frankston City Council Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy has paid tribute to past and present Australian Defence Force personnel as part of Anzac Day commemorations.
Cr Conroy said Anzac Day (25 April) provides an opportunity to pay respect and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all service personnel who had proudly given so much for our nation.
The Deputy Mayor noted society was hearing more about the complex nature of service and the sometimes complex nature of a military life when it becomes a civilian one.
“To people who wish to express their respect and gratitude to both those who have died in service and our current veterans – we need not limit that regard for our servicemen and women to particular dates. To those who have served in conflicts – we recognise the extraordinary challenges and risks confronting you both on and off the field,” Cr Conroy said.
Cr Conroy said residents can also pause and reflect at the Shrine of Remembrance touring exhibition ‘Changed Forever: Legacies of Conflict’ at Frankston Arts Centre’s Cube 37 venue.
Changed Forever tells incredible stories of human endurance. Poignant personal narratives of loss and reconciliation, triumphs of humanity that will enthral and inspire.
Through individual accounts of conflict, dislocation and resettlement the exhibition is based on a collection of oral histories undertaken by the Shrine, with Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans of recent conflicts and peacekeeping, and migrants to Australia who have come here because of conflict. The vulnerability of the storytellers in the face of the worst of humanity, is seen alongside their resilience and determination to survive.
Their stories are about loss and reconciliation. Loss of lives, of identity, of loved ones, of community and for some, a loss of moral certainty.
Peninsula resident James Farquharson’s artwork – a red pencil and gouache on paper – depicts a figure in Army uniform with arms outstretched holding an Australian flag.
Mr Farquharson, who served in the Army and Army Reserve for 14 years, said he was proud to have his artwork included in ‘Changed Forever: Legacies of Conflict’.
“To have an artwork selected is a huge honour,” he said.
Changed Forever: Legacies of Conflict’ is on display at Cube 37 until 8 May. For more information, please visit www.thefac.com.au or phone 9784 1896.
Cr Conroy said due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, both RSL sub-branches in Frankston City have adapted the way they will conduct Anzac Day services on Sunday 25 April to comply with the Victorian Government Public Events Framework health and safety measures.
“RSL Australia is asking the community to commemorate our veterans with a traditional service, or honour them from home with a moment of private reflection at 6am in remembrance of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation,” Cr Conroy said.
For more information about Anzac Day services, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your_Council/Media_and_Publications/Latest_News/ANZAC_Day_in_Frankston_City