Being part of CFA is not just about attending emergency events – it’s about being part of a community. And that often involves members around the State giving up part of their weekend to support community events.
This is just what members of the Winchelsea Brigade did last weekend, when they spent two days at the major military living history event, Gallipoli, Before and Beyond, held in the grounds of Barwon Park Mansion.
A rural National Trust property at Winchelsea, the grounds around the mansion were turned into military campsites and battlefields as members of the Geelong Military Re-enactment Group provided two days of action.
So realistic were the sets and the soldiers wandering around, anyone unaware of the event might have thought they’d stumbled onto a film set.
Winchelsea Brigade Captain Rod Taylor, said the event highlighted WWI action and history with Gallipoli trench battle scenes, including Lone Pine and The Nek. Pyrotechnics played a part in these scenes – with brigade members on hand to extinguish some grass small fires that resulted.
WWI was not the only conflict portrayed at the event, with other ‘Before’ conflicts re-enacted including the 15th Hussars and their horses, Napoleonic and US Civil War troops.
‘Beyond’ conflicts included WWII, with battle scenes and encampments featuring Australian, British, US , Greek , Russian and German troops . Vietnam and the Gulf War were also represented.
Thanks to those helped out across the weekend, including Rod, 2nd Lieutenant Phil Lindsay and firefighters John Stokes, Kathlene Stocks, Debbie Rowley , Chris Hurren , Sean Wilson, Garth Evans and Kate Allan.
Gallipoli, Before and Beyond was just one of the events being held around Victoria to commemorate the ANZAC Centenary.
Members who are not officially involved in an event or service but would like to attend one this weekend can search for local events here.
Author: CFA News