PREMIUM
News

Devenish Anzac tribute draws hundreds to honour veterans and those who never returned

Touching: Wreaths laid under Devenish's impressive silo art which honours the Anzacs. Photo by Simon Ruppert

More than 400 people descended on the small town of Devenish on Saturday, April 22, for its special Anzac tribute.

The day began with a march featuring the Wangaratta Air Cadets, the 20th Lighthorse VMR brigade and the 8th Lighthorse Brigade Indi.

It finished up under the town’s impressive silos which themselves are a tribute to the Anzacs.

Respect: Veterans and their families lined the main street of Devenish for the small town's Anzac tribute. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Benalla RSL then held a service before the impressive new plaque honouring World War II nurse Vivian Bullwinkel was unveiled.

One of the event organisers June Howard said she was amazed at how nice the memorial to nurse Bullwinkel looked.

“We were very happy and proud of the whole event,” Ms Howard said.

“The Light Horsemen looked fantastic. I know the ANMC (Australian Nurses Memorial Centre) was very happy with the tribute and memorial to nurse Bullwinkel.

Salute: The Wangaratta Air Cadets took part in the Devenish Anzac tribute. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“We had Alexandra Lidgerwood sing the national anthem and ‘We’ll meet again’.

“John Lidgerwood was the opera singer from Devenish. Alexandra is his daughter, and she did a great job.

“We got about 400 people in attendance, and a lot stayed, mingled and talked after it finished.

"There was a lot of talk about nurse Bullwinkel. A lot of people there had already heard of her, and had learnt about her in school.

“We were pleased to have (Federal Member for Indi) Helen Haines and Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn there.

“Sadly (State Member for Euroa) Annabelle Cleeland was an apology. She was very disappointed she could not make it.”

Visit www.benallaensign.com.au for more photos from the event.

Yummie: The Dookie Lions Club were on hand to feed attendees at the Devenish Anzac tribute. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Remembering: Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines lays a wreath at the Devenish Anzac tribute on April 22. Photo by Simon Ruppert
All smiles: Many attendees were dressed in traditional uniforms including this lady in a World War I nurses uniform. Unfortunately we did not get her name, but we felt this photo was too good to leave out. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Memorial: The newly unveiled plaque commemorating nurse Vivian Bullwinkel. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Stoic: The 20th Lighthorse VMR Shepparton and 8th Lighthorse Indi brigades were in attendance. Photo by Simon Ruppert