There was a large turn-out for the live ANZAC Day services across the Central Coast and, for the first time at the Palmdale service, the Aboriginal flag was raised to fly proudly between the Australian and New Zealand flags.
The Palmdale Group has conducted ANZAC Day memorial services since 2006 at the Palmdale Memorial Gardens and since 2005 at the Greenway Chapel at Green Point.
At Palmdale the service began in the Hillside Chapel and ended at the Defence Memorial where wreaths were laid and this year three flags were raised.
Lyn Parkes, Community Liaison Manager for The Palmdale Group, said that after two years of lockdowns, it was a special moment.
“We are honoured to have the Aboriginal flag flying with the Australian and New Zealand flags as it should be and having representatives here today with us makes it even more special,” Parkes said.
Parkes and Community Liaison Representative, Nicole Klein, agreed that adding this flag to honour the Indigenous soldiers was an important change to their memorial service agenda.
“We have always wanted the Indigenous flag and we thought it was about time that we did something about it.
“I think it is a very important part of Australian history and everything, so we decided to get a flagpole installed and we thought ANZAC Day would be a perfect time to raise it for the first time,” Klein said.
The Palmdale Group maintains a regular tradition of placing little Australian flags on the graves of service men and women laid to rest at Palmdale.
“Where you see all the flags that we have placed out in the garden that is part of Honour Our Fallen. We have partnered with them. We have purchased the flags and we go through the entire park and place flags anywhere there is a Defence Force insignia,” Parkes added.
The service at Palmdale began with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony conducted by local Aboriginal man, Tim Selwyn.
“Smoking ceremonies on this continent are all about getting rid of dark space and negativity … it is about coming together,” Selwyn said.
“I feel honoured to be asked to conduct a smoking ceremony.
“For me it is all about us coming together as people, as Australians, and it is a good starting point for healing and recognising.
Selwyn said the greatest thing someone can do for another person is to lay their life down for them.
“War, unfortunately, does that.”
Selwyn also had the honour of raising the Indigenous flag at the Palmdale service.
“I walked in and saw the three flags there all at the same height and it just made my heart sing … it was beautiful.”
Aunty Robyn Reid attended both memorial services to give the Welcome to Country an said she was very happy to stand by Tim’s side when the Aboriginal flag was raised for the first time.
“Do you know Uncle Tim and I were so proud to stand here today with the flag going up.
“I love our flag … to me that flag is beautiful and it is to honour everyone, everyone.
“Black, yellow, red or white who fought for Australia but especially our black soldiers – they were there at the landing of Gallipoli, they were there for a lot of wars and I am so proud of everyone who served in our wars but especially the Aboriginal boys,” she said.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr Grahame Crossing, has been involved in running the Anzac memorial services at Palmdale and Green Point for 17 years.
At Monday’s service he announced it was his last service.
“It has been an honour to be here with you all and to work along with the Palmdale Group in putting these services together.
“However, the time has come for me where I will hang up my suit.”
“I just feel extremely proud to see that flag flying alongside the Australian and New Zealand flags – it deserves to be there … the service of the Aboriginal people should be honoured.”
Guard Commander, Lance Corporal John Gillett from the 2/17 Royal NSW Regiment, led the catafalque party.
A catafalque party consists of four members of an armed guard who stand, heads bowed and arms (weapon) reversed, facing outward approximately one metre from the coffin or catafalque as a symbolic form of respect for those who have fallen.
The soldiers that attended with him are based out of Erina Depot which is part of 2/17 C Company. Scouts from 1st Ourimbah Scout Group joined the honour guard.
Children from St Cecilia’s Catholic Infants School Choir, Wyong sang The Last Anzac.
VIP, Mr Derrick Oliver, a 99-year-old WWII Veteran from Buff Point, attended the Palmdale service with his daughters Marilyn and Beverly, and son-in-law Graham (see separate story).
The service was live steamed and will be available to view on the Palmdale Funerals website.
Kayleen Bell