ANZAC 2024 - Lakes Link News 9th May 202
poignant service was held in Lake Grace to remember those who have served on the battlefield, in some of the many conflicts that have marred the last century. In 2024 we focused on the sacrifice of some of our young volunteers; the youngest being James Martin who was just a boy (14 years and 3 months) when he enlisted and only 3 months shy of his 15th birthday when he died of typhoid at Gallipoli. Although the service started at 8:30am cadets from Lake Grace District High School started a vigil at dawn, swapping out every 15 minutes on a rotating roster. Managing the cadet programme in 2024, Amanda Trevenen was on point setting up her BabyQ to rustle up bacon sandwiches for the cadetsJohn O’Neill welcomed everyone to the service before inviting Michael Naisbitt forward to recite the prayer of remembrance. A further prayer was read by Paige Trevenen before readings were done by cadets Brock McIntyre, Tiana Hobbins, Jack Lane and Ella Ward. Well done to you all for a stellar performance. HASS and English teacher, Lisa O’Neill, had organised a range of ANZAC orientated activities within the school with each class creating a wreath and two of the students from each class laying them on the morning. The students were very solemn and respectful while carrying out their duties. Further wreaths were laid by the RSL, Lake Grace Shire Council, Lake Grace Emergency Services as well as some private dedications. Brock McIntyre recited the Ode before the playing of the Last Post and the rallying of the Rouse. Cadets Madison Chircop and Jonti McKenzie raised the flag. Following the singing of the National Anthem Shane Carruthers thanked everyone for attending, with a pause for thought for those who are still suffering through the privations of war. After the service everyone enjoyed a morning tea that was supplied by attendees; I must say those miniature donuts were a huge hit so whoever brought those along well done!! The CRC has been managing the ANZAC Service since 2017 and I must say it was wonderful to have so many help out for 2024. A huge thank you to Amanda and Lisa from LGDHS who were keen to play a major part in the event, the cadets have been with us before for services but not in such a committed role. Thank you also to ex-servicemen John O’Neill, Shane Carruthers and Ed Duckworth who are always keen to help and support in any way; to Tracey McGougan who was up with the chooks and helping in any way she could, Jack Stokes who managed the sound system, the Shire for delivering us some chairs, the indomitable Phyllis Dunham who installed the crocheted poppies and to my three helpers in the kitchen; Vicki Smith, Janine Watson and Christine Fyfe who put their hands up to help with the beverages. Thank you, it makes everything so much easier! |
Take A Walk Among The Gum Trees - Lakes Link News 11th April 2024
After what has seemed a rather arduous four years, we are finally able to say the Bushcare project is finished! The original time frame was 12-18 months, spread over 2021/2022; however COVID and the fallout from that did hamper our efforts. Following consultation with the Shire of Lake Grace and the Lake Grace District High School funding was applied for from Natural Resource Management in 2020 by the Lake Grace Land Conservation District Committee. In mid-December of that year the LCDC were notified of their success in securing $34,781 in funding; as well as this the Shire of Lake Grace pledged $6,550 of in-kind support in the form of ripping of tree planting sites, weed management and watering of trees once they were planted as well as the installation of the signs for the trail. The CRC also pledged in-kind support of $1,250 with project management and use of venue. The project was multi-pronged, involving; •Protection of remnant vegetation – only 10% of the native bushland remains in a 25km radius of Lake Grace townsite. The project’s goals were to highlight the importance of our remnant vegetation and the need to manage and look after it whilevaluing it as an integral part of our lifestyle and livelihoods. This was going to include community consultation, public engagement through workshops (some of these were done as school excursions) and media articles, flora surveys, the development of a Tree Asset Register, Management Plan and a planting guide. A fantastic community event was held in August 2023, Caring for Native Bush, where a panel of guest speakers talked about their experiences in tree planting and protection of native bushland. • Tree planting – a selection of plants that were native to the area and others which thrived in Lake Grace conditions were to be planted at five sites. • Tree walk – this was designed to be an informative trail around town that took in a selection of trees; remnant and planted that either had historical, emotional or biological significance. The community was invited to submit a tree that they felt should be included on the trail; from there a small group did a drive around the community looking at all of the trees submitting more before the list was eventually pared down to what it is now. Some were excluded due to double ups, others because they were on private land and others because it would have made the trail too disjointed or unsafe for the pedestrian. The walk, including beautiful signage and a brochure, is designed to educate and open up our awareness and emotions to the value of trees while also providing exercise. Delays were inevitable with suppliers having difficulties due to staffing issues, this also featured with our local shire struggling for workers on the ground which affected the watering programme, luckily some very stoic volunteers stepped up to help out. The project was extended a number of times but finally we have reached the end. Prior to Easter the Shire of Lake Grace began installing the 18 signs on the tree walk and the four site signs for where tree planting occurred. The 2.8km Tree Trail utilizes existing path ways and loops around the sports grounds, goes on a spur up to the Mosaics, AIM Hospital and Penny Pathway before travelling down Bennett Street for another loop around the Railway Station, Visitor Centre, Women’s Mural and the RSL where the fabulous lemon scented gum resides. Created by local designer, Michelle Slarke, the signage tells a story about each of the trees and giving us their common, biological and aboriginal names. Take a walk around the trail with your family, have a conversation amongst yourselves about the importance of our trees and afford them the respect they deserve for their determination and steadfastness in such a harsh environment. Let’s face it, on a hot day they’re our bestie; new research has shown that the shade provided by a tree can drop the temperature by 11-25 degrees Celsius in peak temperatures. |