Brimbank residents will join citizens across the country this Anzac Day in remembrance — with a number of local services planned for April 25.
The Keilor Historical Society will host an Anzac commemoration event at the Keilor Cenotaph.
The service will begin at 10.30am with brief speeches by the society’s president and retired servicemen, followed by the presentation of wreaths by Scouts and local school students.
Anzac badges will be available to purchase, with complimentary coffee on offer.
Keilor Historical Society executive member Frederick Ackerman said the day will also mark the 110th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during World War I.
“I think that’s very significant,” he said.
Alongside the anniversary, Mr Ackerman said this year was also important because of the increased youth presence — with the 1st Keilor Village Scouts joining students from the St Augustine’s Primary School and Overnewton Anglican Community College for the service.
“We have more young people participating which is great because ultimately they will carry this forward,” he said.
“We want them to have more ownership over the ceremony and so we’re increasing their involvement.”
More than a thousand people will also gather for a dawn service hosted by the Sunshine RSL Sub Branch at the Cenotaph from 6.45 am, at 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.
“We try to put on a good service and I think a lot of people enjoy it,” Sunshine RSL Sub Branch president Garry Collins said.
“A great number of people attend to honour and pay their respects — it’s a very important day.”
The service will be followed by a breakfast, with a gold coin donation to be provided by those participating in the breakfast.
Caroline Springs RSL will also mark Anzac Day at Lake Caroline.
The day will begin with a dawn service at the War Memorial on Lake Street in Caroline Springs at 6 am, followed by a $5 Gunfire Breakfast at the Westwaters Hotel.
Caroline Springs RSL president Andy Marshall said he was expecting between 2000 to 3000 people to attend.
“It’s a service to remember the fallen,” he said.
“It’s a chance to honor people who have given their lives in the service of the country.
“The Melton mayor and a naval officer from Canberra will be speaking, and we’ll have students from various schools in attendance.”
Mr Marshall said badges can be purchased from the Caroline Springs Shopping Centre, outside Coles Taylors Hill shopping Centre and the Watergardens Shopping Centre.
