Charlotte Varcoe
MANY gathered in blustery weather by the shore of Port MacDonnell on Thursday to take part in the annual Anzac Day dawn service.
Organised by the Port MacDonnell Anzac Committee the commemorative service also acknowledged and paid respects to the New Zealand troupes for the first time.
This year, the New Zealand flag was raised alongside the Australian flag with Linda Driver also singing both national anthems.
Ms Driver sang the New Zealand anthem in its traditional language before singing it for a second time in English.
The call for New Zealand troupes to be involved in the annual service came from two Port MacDonnell residents – both of whom were from the neighbouring country originally.
Shelley and Tawhai Matiu approached the committee requesting the change in procedures, stating they were welcomed with open arms.
“We approached and asked the Anzac committee about acknowledging the New Zealand troops as well,” Ms Matiu said.
“We have been to lots of services in New Zealand and here and I think this is the only place where the New Zealand flag has not been raised.”
She said it was important to them and other New Zealand residents to have the acknowledgement.
“There are quite a few people from New Zealand in our community and it is great it has now been acknowledged,” Ms Matiu said.
“It just carried on to the point we fought side-by-side and that is the way it should be.”
She said she hoped this was adopted across regional communities – such as it remained in New Zealand.
“It does not matter what small town you go to in New Zealand, both countries are acknowledged,” she said.
“I certainly hope this is adopted elsewhere because it is what Anzac stands for.”
The couple said they were stoked at the recognition and the service provided in Port MacDonnell.
“It is quite emotional standing there listening to Linda sing the national anthem in language because it is a big thing having your national anthem sung in a different country,” Ms Matiu said.
“It really is about acknowledging where we are now and if they did not fight that fight we would not be here.”
Both Mr and Ms Matiu had ancestors who had fought in wars throughout history, causing the mornings recognition an emotional and personal **.
Also speaking on the day was Allendale East Area School’s school captain Madison Gavin who said it was important for all generations to recognise Anzac Day.
“Young people like me have grown up hearing stories about Anzacs and we appreciate the time our teachers and families take to share their knowledge with us of Anzac Day and inform us on why we should continue to learn about its history,” Ms Gavin said.
“We admire and appreciate our service veterans through our school core values of courage, excellence and respect.
“Anzac Day is an opportunity to learn and have new experiences, it allows different perspectives to shine through and we would not be in the country we are today without our Anzacs.”
