Mayors Message – ANZAC Day 2015
Published on 23 April 2015
On behalf of Mildura Rural City Council I would like to acknowledge all servicemen and women, past and those currently serving - this is your day and we’re privileged to be honouring you on this, the 100th Anniversary of World War I.
It’s difficult to put into words what I personally feel when I think about our soldiers. Their actions representing this country, putting their lives at risk for us, speak far more meaningful words than I am capable of.
The Great War 100 years ago took approximately 30% of our local population at that time off to fight for our future. Imagine that for a moment if you can – 30% of our population gone for almost five years, many never to return.
According to the Mildura RSL, during World War I, 1457 men and women left their homes here to serve their country and of those, 375 men lost their lives and approximately 800 were wounded or suffered severe illness, a huge cost in human terms to our region.
Following wars and conflicts have seen more of our community serve Australia with further losses and injuries and it is still happening today.
I wonder what the early soldier settlers in this region, who returned from war and came to call our townships home, would think of the world in 2015. I wonder if they thought future generations would remember their efforts 100 years later.
I also think about their passion for a secure life and nation, their determination to protect their fellow man, their will to stand and die for those around them. Just what were their thoughts and what did they think their actions would lead to.
Today we look around us and see the result of such bravery and sheer determination. Our people stood and fought, drew on that determination and created the peaceful and enjoyable part of the world we call Mildura and surrounds. What a legacy these brave men and women have left for us. I think our diggers would be pleased to see healthy smiling faces and families, businesses, homes and streets, which are all here as a result of their actions. I am grateful for what they have provided.
People from over forty nations were involved in the conflicts of World War I. Today people from over sixty nations reside in the Mildura region in peace, many have fled from countries involved in conflict. We can see how Australia has embraced former enemies, resolved differences and become a leader in showing the world how to live and work together in harmony. I would like to think this would please those who gave their lives for a better world.
I would also like to take some time to think about the ongoing pain of lives cut short, dreams taken away, physical and mental distress still impacting individuals and families today.
I am aware of the anguish and suffering of many in our armed forces as they try to return to civilian life after serving in war torn areas. There are still present day conflicts we are involved in and it’s important we take some time to quietly consider the great sacrifices our armed forces family make even today.
From conflicts can come resolution, evolution and a bright, happy future for all the nations and cultures that make up our community.
As I look at our Honour Rolls and see the names of local families that have served in wars over the years, I believe we must build on the foundations laid for us through their sacrifices and create a better world.
I trust that in 200 years our region will still pay tribute to our soldiers and those that have given all for our future.
Lest We Forget.
Cr. Glenn Milne