Every ANZAC Day since 1999, the Kardinia Rotary club together with support of Geelong Army Reserves, has held a dawn ANZAC Day Commemorative Service at the Boer War Memorial in Kilgour Street. During a moving ceremony, the Last Post is played and wreaths are laid by local government representatives, service clubs, schools and individuals. There has been an amazing increase in attendance in recent years with crowds numbering several hundred, including many young families. The service attracts past and present servicemen and women who have served in from many different conflicts and places. Over the years, the Kardinia Rotary Club has undertaken a number of improvement projects at this small park, including installing a flag pole, bench seating, flood lighting and a concrete plinth around the base of the monument. Around the park, rosemary shrubs have been planted for remembrance and in 2004 another plaque was added with the names of other men from the Geelong region who lost their lives in the Boer war. This work has been led by Rotarians Rick Hattam and Danny Power. The service commences at 6.30 am. Members of Kardinia Rotary club serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cordial for the kids and ANZAC biscuits, prior to and after the service, free of charge to those in attendance. This year was the 20thyear this special service has been conducted.
Refer to the link at right for more photos of this year's ceremony.
