Creswick ANZAC Day Service 2023
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MC - Creswick-Smeaton RSL President Alan Morris
The Hon Catherine King MP – Federal member for Ballarat
Ms Martha Haylett MP - State member for Ripon
Hepburn Shire Mayor and Councillors
The Commanding Officer Defence International Training Centre and International Guests.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and girls
Good Morning
Welcome to our 2023 Anzac service
We stand here this morning on Dja Dja Wurrung land. We acknowledge the traditional owners and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging.
Today, as we gather to commemorate Anzac Day, we remember and honour the brave men and women who served our nation in times of war and peace.
We pay tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our country's values.
For many of us here today, the memories of war are vivid and painful. Some of us might have served in conflicts overseas, others might have lost loved ones, friends, or colleagues. We know firsthand the toll that war takes on individuals and communities, and we know that it is something that is never forgotten.
However, as we remember the sacrifices of our veterans, we also look toward the future. We recognise the importance of passing on the lessons of our history to future generations. Our young people need to understand and appreciate the value of our freedom and the benefits of living in a peaceful, democratic society.
Anzac Day is a day of remembrance, but it is also a day of renewal. It is a day to recommit ourselves to the values that our veterans fought for:- freedom, democracy, and equality.
It is a day to honour their memory by working for a better future for all Australians.
As we stand here today, we think not only of those who served our country in the past but also those who continue to serve today. We recognise the sacrifices of our defence forces, who continue to serve our nation with distinction and honour. We acknowledge that their service, too, is brave, and that they are our modern-day Anzacs.
In closing, let us continue to honour and remember the sacrifices of our veterans. Let us pledge to support our defence forces, and to build a better future for all Australians.
Lest we forget.
The Hon Catherine King MP – Federal member for Ballarat
Ms Martha Haylett MP - State member for Ripon
Hepburn Shire Mayor and Councillors
The Commanding Officer Defence International Training Centre and International Guests.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and girls
Good Morning
Welcome to our 2023 Anzac service
We stand here this morning on Dja Dja Wurrung land. We acknowledge the traditional owners and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging.
Today, as we gather to commemorate Anzac Day, we remember and honour the brave men and women who served our nation in times of war and peace.
We pay tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our country's values.
For many of us here today, the memories of war are vivid and painful. Some of us might have served in conflicts overseas, others might have lost loved ones, friends, or colleagues. We know firsthand the toll that war takes on individuals and communities, and we know that it is something that is never forgotten.
However, as we remember the sacrifices of our veterans, we also look toward the future. We recognise the importance of passing on the lessons of our history to future generations. Our young people need to understand and appreciate the value of our freedom and the benefits of living in a peaceful, democratic society.
Anzac Day is a day of remembrance, but it is also a day of renewal. It is a day to recommit ourselves to the values that our veterans fought for:- freedom, democracy, and equality.
It is a day to honour their memory by working for a better future for all Australians.
As we stand here today, we think not only of those who served our country in the past but also those who continue to serve today. We recognise the sacrifices of our defence forces, who continue to serve our nation with distinction and honour. We acknowledge that their service, too, is brave, and that they are our modern-day Anzacs.
In closing, let us continue to honour and remember the sacrifices of our veterans. Let us pledge to support our defence forces, and to build a better future for all Australians.
Lest we forget.
As is our custom, today we honour another of our local heroes.
Gunner Thomas Bell Hogg. Service No 2855
He was born in Creswick, aged 32 years was a widower and a railway employee.
Thomas enlisted at Melbourne on 24th August 1914 and was posted to Victoria Barracks.
He embarked on the ‘Shropshire’, on 20th October and joined the Middle East Forces on 30th April 1914.
He was A.W.O.L. Given 10 days detention & fined 3 days’ pay for taking extra absence, without leave on 4th June.
Awarded 4 days foot patrol for breaking camp & being A.W.O.L. and drunkenness from 10 p.m. to 11.40 p.m. on 15th September.
Fined 10/- for drunkenness & confined to barracks for 3 days after being A.W.O.L. from 10 p.m. to 10.20 p.m. on 16th December.
Sounds like he was a bit of a lad.
He joined the 23rd Battery at Tel-el-Kebir & was transferred to 2nd Field Artillery Brigade on 8th March 1916.
He was appointed Gunner at Zeitoun on 9th March, and Embarked at Alexandria on 22nd March then disembarked at Marseilles on 28th March.
He was transferred to 21st Field Artillery Brigade & taken on strength of 21st Field Artillery Brigade on 15th May.
He was admitted to 1st Field Ambulance on 20th June with bronchitis. Discharged from hospital & re-joined his unit on 4th July then transferred to 2nd Field Artillery Brigade & taken on strength to 4th Battery, on 24th January 1917.
Thomas was killed in action on 9th April 1917, he is buried at Lagnicourt, northeast of Bapaume, in the British Cemetery, north west of Cambrai.
His son was granted a pension of 20/- per fortnight from 23rd June 1917, increasing to 25/- on 3rd June 1922, & 30/- from 3rd June 1926. He also received a Memorial Plaque & Scroll.
MEDALS RECEIVED – 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Gunner Thomas Bell Hogg. Service No 2855
He was born in Creswick, aged 32 years was a widower and a railway employee.
Thomas enlisted at Melbourne on 24th August 1914 and was posted to Victoria Barracks.
He embarked on the ‘Shropshire’, on 20th October and joined the Middle East Forces on 30th April 1914.
He was A.W.O.L. Given 10 days detention & fined 3 days’ pay for taking extra absence, without leave on 4th June.
Awarded 4 days foot patrol for breaking camp & being A.W.O.L. and drunkenness from 10 p.m. to 11.40 p.m. on 15th September.
Fined 10/- for drunkenness & confined to barracks for 3 days after being A.W.O.L. from 10 p.m. to 10.20 p.m. on 16th December.
Sounds like he was a bit of a lad.
He joined the 23rd Battery at Tel-el-Kebir & was transferred to 2nd Field Artillery Brigade on 8th March 1916.
He was appointed Gunner at Zeitoun on 9th March, and Embarked at Alexandria on 22nd March then disembarked at Marseilles on 28th March.
He was transferred to 21st Field Artillery Brigade & taken on strength of 21st Field Artillery Brigade on 15th May.
He was admitted to 1st Field Ambulance on 20th June with bronchitis. Discharged from hospital & re-joined his unit on 4th July then transferred to 2nd Field Artillery Brigade & taken on strength to 4th Battery, on 24th January 1917.
Thomas was killed in action on 9th April 1917, he is buried at Lagnicourt, northeast of Bapaume, in the British Cemetery, north west of Cambrai.
His son was granted a pension of 20/- per fortnight from 23rd June 1917, increasing to 25/- on 3rd June 1922, & 30/- from 3rd June 1926. He also received a Memorial Plaque & Scroll.
MEDALS RECEIVED – 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Please join us as we sing the Naval Hymn - Eternal Father strong to save
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Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep, Its own appointed limits keep. Oh hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Amen. Eternal Father, lend Thy grace To those with wings who fly thro' space, Thro wind and storm, thro' sun and rain, Oh bring them safely home again. |
Ladies & Gentlemen we now have a selection of poems to be read by students from our local primary schools.
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Creswick PS
Sir Sir - would it help if I shed a tear I swear it’s the first time since this time last year My spine is a tingle - my throat is all dry As I stand to attention for all those who died I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul I feel the pride and the sorrow - there’s nothing the same As standing to attention on ANZAC Day So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme The legend of your bravery will always live on I’ve welcomed Olympians back to our shore I’ve cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade I know these are the memories that never will fade So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave It’s the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt We’ll always remember you - Lest We Forget 
Veronica Bunting & Jackson Noonan
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Nth Creswick PS
A brown slouch hat There is a symbol, we love and adore it, You see it daily wherever you go. Long years have passed since our fathers once wore it, What is the symbol that we should all know? It's a brown slouch hat with the side turned up, and it means the world to me. It’s the symbol of our Nation—the land of liberty. And as soldiers they wear it, how proudly they bear it, for all the world to see. Just a brown slouch hat with the side turned up, heading straight for victory. Don't you thrill as young Bill passes by? Don't you beam at the gleam in his eye? Head erect, shoulders square, tunic spic and span, Ev'ry inch a soldier and ev'ry inch a man. As they swing down the street, aren't they grand? Three abreast to the beat of the band, But what do we remember when the boys have passed along? Marching by so brave and strong. Just a brown .... 
Luca Spenceley & Chelsea Brown
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Mt Blowhard PS
Anzac Day I saw a kid marchin’ with medals on his chest. He marched alongside Diggers marching six abreast. He knew that it was ANZAC Day - he walked along with pride. He did his best to keep in step with the Diggers by his side. And when the march was over the kid was rather tired. A Digger said “Whose medals, son?” to which the kid replied: “They belong to daddy, but he did not come back. He died up in New Guinea on a lonely jungle track”. The kid looked rather sad then and a tear came to his eye. The Digger said “Don’t cry my son and I will tell you why. Your daddy marched with us today - all the blooming way. We Diggers know that he was there - it’s like that on ANZAC Day”. The kid looked rather puzzled and didn’t understand, But the Digger went on talking and started to wave his hand. “For this great land we live in, there’s a price we have to pay For we all love fun and merriment in this country where we live. The price was that some soldier his precious life must give. For you to go to school my lad and worship God at will, Someone had to pay the price so the Diggers paid the bill. Your daddy died for us my son - for all things good and true. I wonder if you understand the things I’ve said to you”. The kid looked up at the Digger - just for a little while And with a changed expression, said, with a lovely smile: “I know my dad marched here today - this is ANZAC Day. I know he did. I know he did, all the bloomin’ way”. 
Abbey Morvell & Thomas Loader
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St Augustines' PS
For the Fallen With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables at home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam. But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain. 
Georgina Righetti & Charlie Smith
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Newlyn PS
Were all Australian now Australia takes her pen in hand To write a line to you, To let you fellows understand How proud we are of you. From shearing shed and cattle run, From Broome to Hobson's Bay, Each native-born Australian son Stands straighter up today. The man who used to "hump his drum", On far-out Queensland runs Is fighting side by side with some Tasmanian farmer's sons. The fisher-boys dropped sail and oar To grimly stand the test, Along that storm-swept Turkish shore, With miners from the west. The old state jealousies of yore Are dead as Pharaoh's sow, We're not State children any more -- We're all Australians now! Our six-starred flag that used to fly Half-shyly to the breeze, Unknown where older nations ply Their trade on foreign seas, Flies out to meet the morning blue With Vict'ry at the prow; For that's the flag the Sydney flew, The wide seas know it now! The mettle that a race can show Is proved with shot and steel, And now we know what nations know And feel what nations feel. |
The honoured graves beneath the crest Of Gaba Tepe hill May hold our bravest and our best, But we have brave men still. With all our petty quarrels done, Dissensions overthrown, We have, through what you boys have done, A history of our own. Our old world differences are dead, Like weeds beneath the plough, For English, Scotch, and Irish-bred, They're all Australians now! So now we'll toast the Third Brigade That led Australia's van, For never shall their glory fade In minds Australian. Fight on, fight on, unflinchingly, Till right and justice reign. Fight on, fight on, till Victory Shall send you home again. And with Australia's flag shall fly A spray of wattle-bough To symbolise our unity -- We're all Australians now. 
Sophie Richardson & Amelia Maree
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Father Chris Keast – Anglican Church
Prayer for ANZAC Day
Laying of wreaths
On behalf of The Hon Catherine King MP
Hepburn Shire Councillor Don Henderson
Creswick-Smeaton RSL
C.O - Defence International Training Centre
Students - Defence International Training Centre
Prayer for ANZAC Day
Laying of wreaths
On behalf of The Hon Catherine King MP
Hepburn Shire Councillor Don Henderson
Creswick-Smeaton RSL
C.O - Defence International Training Centre
Students - Defence International Training Centre
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Creswick Municipal Band Creswick Legacy Australian Red Cross Community Bank Creswick & District Creswick CFA Creswick Lions Club Creswick IGA ----------------------------------- Creswick PS Creswick Nth PS Newlyn PS St Augustines PS. Mt Blowhard PS ------------------------------------ John Curtin Aged Care Centre Central Highlands Rural Health Mr John Lambert |
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Anglican Parish of Springmount Creswick Senior Citizens. Creswick Probus Club U3A Creswick Garden Club Creswick Neighbourhood Centre Creswick Scouts and Cubs ----------------------------------- Friends of Park Lake RACV Goldfields Resort Creswick Bowling Club Creswick Historical Society Creswick Museum ------------------------------------ Creswick Woollen Mills Creswick Railway Workshop Association Members of the Public. |
Bugler Craig Latrobe
Ode
Last Post.
Minute Silence
Lest We Forget
Rouse.
New Zealand National Anthem Australian National Anthem
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God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Pacific's triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Zealand. |
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are one and free; We've golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature's gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history's page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. |
Creswick Brass Band
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Thank yous
Creswick Band
Damien Knowles- CFA Driver
Ed Koene
Bugler Craig Latrobe
Creswick Senior citizens
Creswick Scouts
Victoria Police - Creswick
Father Chris Keast
Staff and Students from Defence International Training Centre
Railway Workshops Association
Ladies who made wreaths
Red Cross ladies
RACV for Golf buggy
Hepburn Shire – gardeners / traffic management
RSL members
Public for support of Anzac Appeal
Creswick Band
Damien Knowles- CFA Driver
Ed Koene
Bugler Craig Latrobe
Creswick Senior citizens
Creswick Scouts
Victoria Police - Creswick
Father Chris Keast
Staff and Students from Defence International Training Centre
Railway Workshops Association
Ladies who made wreaths
Red Cross ladies
RACV for Golf buggy
Hepburn Shire – gardeners / traffic management
RSL members
Public for support of Anzac Appeal