Related: Anzac Spirit Unveiled in Bendigo
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As Bendigo hosts a travelling exhibition marking the Anzac Centenary the city’s own Returned and Services League is preparing to turn 100.
The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience is at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds until next Wednesday, and executive director Alison Creagh CSC and Bendigo RSL secretary Rhys De Laine held a wreath laying ceremony on Friday morning in honour of the event.
“Part of what we do to mark this exhibition coming to town is to lay a wreath at the local RSL, to mark the fallen – those who gave the ultimate sacrifice – and those who were wounded in World War I, the sacrifice they made and that of their families and loved ones,” Creagh said.
“It’s always an important event but, in Bendigo, we found out that the RSL is also marking its centenary in December, so we felt it was particularly important to lay a wreath in appreciation of the service and the sacrifice of the veterans of Bendigo and also the very significant contribution of the RSL and all its members over the last 100 years.”
De Laine said the RSL turned 100 on December 23 and would begin celebrations with a book launch next Thursday. Vietnam veteran and local RSL historian Murray Poustie is the author of the book, which documents the RSL’s ten decades of existence. Earlier this year, he launched a book on the service of Bendigo’s WWI nurses.
De Laine said the timing of the exhibition was particularly moving for those who had dedicated so much to honouring the service of Bendigo’s veterans.
It has been a big week week for the RSL, with council endorsing plans for a $4.1 million upgrade to the Soldiers Memorial Hall building on Pall Mall at Wednesday night’s meeting.
“It is already a special place but this opportunity to expand it will make it even more special for Bendigo and for the memory of those in Greater Bendigo who served and their families,” she said.
“The fact that the Anzac Centenary Exhibition has come to town at the same time as the Bendigo RSL’s centenary is very poignant,”
- Bendigo RSL secretary Rhys De Laine