SHOWERS of rain throughout the Anzac Day morning failed to deter residents of the Home Hill community from attending commemoration services in the town, even though changes had to be made to ensure all services were able to be held.
A large crowd were prepared to brave the wet conditions following heavy rain throughout most of the night, to support the annual Dawn Service, even though they would have had little knowledge of the fact that the service was being moved inside the Burdekin Memorial Hall.
Once they were all inside, the service went ahead with addresses by the President of the Home Hill Sub-Branch of the RSL, Richard
Kelly, Padre Andrew Ballin, guest speaker Col (Ret.) Mick Reilly, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Home Hill High School Captain, Michael Balmer. A large number of wreaths were laid at a make-shift cenotaph before the Last Post, a Minute’s Silence and Reveille completed the service.
The RSL also took advantage of the dry conditions inside the Memorial Hall to host their usual Cemetery service, in which they read out the names of ex-service men and women Home Hill High School captains, Malcolm who had since passed on and were interred Balmer and Caitlyn Swinney pass the Catain the Home Hill cemetery.
That service also included addresses by Mr Kelly and Padre Andrew Ballin and the playing of ‘The Lament” by Piper Roy Page.
The Home Hill RSL also took the opportunity during the morning to thank those who had supported the Anzac Day services by serving a ‘Gunfire Breakfast’ in the Burdekin Memorial Hall.
The main parade in Home Hill was cut back in length, again because of the wet conditions, while intermittent rain kept the crowd down in size as those present sought shelter under the trees in the Memorial Park.
The service comprised further addresses by Mr Kelly and Padre Ballin and guest speaker, Col (Ret.) Mick Reilly, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, Deputy Mayor Sue Perry and Home Hill High School Captain, Caitlin Swinney.
A large number of wreaths were laid at the cenotaph to conclude the services, while RSL President, Richard Kelly said it showed the dedication of Home Hill people that they were prepared to support the Anzac Day services despite the wet conditions.
