ANZAC 2023 - Lakes Link News 27th April 2023
It was a very brisk morning to be up with the chooks but around 100 community members and tourists managed to get themselves to the Lake Grace RSL Memorial to take part in the 2023 ANZAC dawn service. Ollie Farrelly welcomed everyone, acknowledging our local servicemen and women. A scripture was read out by Walter Perry before Genni Curtin stepped up to read the prayer of remembrance. Having just passed the 82nd anniversary of the beginning of the siege of Tobruk, the ANZAC Day address, read out by Suzanne Reeves, focused on the remarkable endeavour of those serviceman who were a part of this feat of endurance. Another important anniversary (which wasn’t mentioned) was the 50th year since Australia’s involvement in Vietnam ended. Well done to the Lake Grace District High School cadets who put on a fantastic display of stoicism throughout the ceremony though they possibly couldn’t feel their extremities with the temperature sitting on a chilly 5°C. Thank you to Madison Matthews who put her hand up to read a poem. Following the wreath laying Shane Carruthers read the ode which was followed by the Last Post a minutes silence, the Rouse and the National Anthem. Both Shane and Ed Duckworth raised the flag. The final blessing and closing remarks were read by Ollie Farrelly who thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to enjoy a bacon and egg sandwich prepared by the Lake Grace Lions. Although the CRC organizes the service, none of this would be possible without the assistance of volunteers to take part, the Lions for slaving over a hot BBQ and the funding provided by Lotterywest to cover all of the costs. In 2024 we will look at moving the service to a little later in the day, perhaps 9am to make it easier on families and those who have to travel into town. The idea behind this is to maximise exposure to the event as we want as many people to come along as possible. We would like to hear any feedback on this idea. In case you hadn’t noticed the RSL has a new roof and is currently undergoing some maintenance and repairs inside; we will be able to take full advantage of this at next years service. The garden was looking fabulous for the event, thank you to the Shire gardening crew for ensuring this was done and to Craig Elefson for ensuring that we had light and power for the morning. A big thank you to the fairies who organized the crocheted poppies to be put in place. |
Fit For Purpose - Lakes Link News 30th March 2023
In the next few weeks a big tick will be able to be put against the ‘Fit For Purpose’ project that included three installations of outdoor exercise equipment in Lake Grace. It is 18 months since the joint Shire of Lake Grace and Community Resource Centre project started with a public meeting to investigate the need, types of equipment and where it should be placed. A $26,683 grant from FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal) kick started the project with the Shire submitting the remainder of the funds and taking charge of the installation. The CRC has managed the project; from public meeting through to grant application and then the ordering of the equipment. Once the equipment arrived the Shire organized installation; one piece of equipment being left out of the original order has caused some delay. There are three pods; one is at the playground in Gumtree Drive, this installation is targeting community use while a second pod is at the Shed in Stubbs street. The target audience for this installation is travellers who while taking a break may take the opportunity to stretch their muscles on the equipment, a means to stay alert and a boost for road safety. Both of these pods are ready to use, they are just awaiting the installation of signage. The third and largest installation is at the sporting precinct (pictured front cover) and includes nine pieces of equipment. This will be an ideal work station for sporting clubs wanting to do general fitness, travellers taking a break and wanting to have a stretch as well as the whole of community who can access this equipment at any time of the day they wish. This third pod is needing a sand pad to be installed and therefore is not quite ready for use. This exercise pod will complement the All Abilities Playground once it is installed. The equipment was supplied by A_Space and is of durable quality. With Lake Grace not having a publicly accessible gym this project has been an opportunity to provide all of the community with fitness equipment. Not everyone has the space or the finances to have equipment at home and many need the encouragement of a group or companion to encourage them to exercise. It is hoped that this equipment will provide a means to maintain or improve general fitness. As per the signage the equipment is recommended for 12 years and up. |