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Anzac Day 2022: Hundreds of Dardanup residents turn out to honour Anzac spirit at upgraded war memorial

Carly LadenBunbury Herald
Terry Gibbs, Cecil Mountford, Kim Gosling, Stephen Mountford, Norma Mountford and Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett with a postcard Anzac digger Walter Marriner sent to Dardanup resident George Mountford while serving in Egypt in 1915.
Camera IconTerry Gibbs, Cecil Mountford, Kim Gosling, Stephen Mountford, Norma Mountford and Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett with a postcard Anzac digger Walter Marriner sent to Dardanup resident George Mountford while serving in Egypt in 1915. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

Hundreds turned out to the upgraded Dardanup War Memorial near the town’s hall as the town held a dawn service and a morning service to commemorate Anzac Day.

In a collaborative effort between the Shire of Dardanup and community members, the Dardanup War Memorial went through several upgrades last year to feature a new plaque to include nine names of diggers that were discovered as previously missing and deserving of recognition, a new granite statue of a soldier and paving that features the words “Lest We Forget”.

About 200 people attended the Dawn Service, which concluded with about six Maori people giving a rousing impromptu performance of the Haka, while several hundred others attended the morning service and stayed for a morning tea and sausage sizzle organised by the Dardanup Lions Club.

The new-look Dardanup War Memorial.
Camera IconThe new-look Dardanup War Memorial. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

During the morning service, attendees heard the heartwarming story of the friendship between WWI digger Walter Marriner and Dardanup resident George Mountford in a postcard Marriner sent to Mr Mountford while serving in Egypt.

Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett said he was impressed with the turn-out for both ceremonies.

“It was an excellent ceremony this morning with excellent attendance,” he said.

“With the rebuild of the memorial, it’s just fantastic that it’s now finished off and it looks brilliant.

“It’s a great occasion for our communities and our Shire.”

Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett approaches the Dardanup War Memorial to lay a wreath.
Camera IconDardanup Shire president Mick Bennett approaches the Dardanup War Memorial to lay a wreath. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Families of Australian and New Zealand diggers lead a parade to the Dardanup Anzac morning service.
Camera IconFamilies of Australian and New Zealand diggers lead a parade to the Dardanup Anzac morning service. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Dardanup Red Cross members, Dardanup Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and local scout groups join the Dardanup Anzac parade.
Camera IconDardanup Red Cross members, Dardanup Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and local scout groups join the Dardanup Anzac parade. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Bunbury City Band member Graeme Martinson performs The Last Post.
Camera IconBunbury City Band member Graeme Martinson performs The Last Post. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Colin Bufton recites the Ode of Remembrance.
Camera IconColin Bufton recites the Ode of Remembrance. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Dardanup Primary School students in front of the Dardanup War Memorial.
Camera IconDardanup Primary School students in front of the Dardanup War Memorial. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School student Katelyn Tilbrook recites "We Remember Those on Anzac Day" by Trish Reeves.
Camera IconOur Lady of Lourdes Primary School student Katelyn Tilbrook recites "We Remember Those on Anzac Day" by Trish Reeves. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Dardanup Primary School student Aaliyah Harwood recites "In Flanders Fields" by Joh McCrae.
Camera IconDardanup Primary School student Aaliyah Harwood recites "In Flanders Fields" by Joh McCrae. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Jill Cross OAM approaches the Dardanup War Memorial to lay a wreath on behalf of the Dardanup & Districts Residents Association.
Camera IconJill Cross OAM approaches the Dardanup War Memorial to lay a wreath on behalf of the Dardanup & Districts Residents Association. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Young members of the Leschenault First Scouts approach the Dardanup War Memorial to lay a wreath.
Camera IconYoung members of the Leschenault First Scouts approach the Dardanup War Memorial to lay a wreath. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Danny and Pam Harris approach the Dardanup War Memorial to lay flowers on behalf of the Dardanup Red Cross.
Camera IconDanny and Pam Harris approach the Dardanup War Memorial to lay flowers on behalf of the Dardanup Red Cross. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times
Representatives of the Dardanup Lions Club lay a wreath.
Camera IconRepresentatives of the Dardanup Lions Club lay a wreath. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

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