Anzac Day & Sorry Day

Young Ambassador - Anzac Day 2023

As Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, Young Ambassador, I was fortunate to be chosen to recite the Poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ (written in 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae) at the official Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance Dawn Service ceremony organised by the Returned and Services League on Anzac Day. 

As Guest Speaker and part of the Official Party, I was fortunate to converse, shake hands and sit with the other VIP’s and dignitaries including: Mr Anthony Howard (husband of Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria), The Hon Daniel Andrews (Premier of Victoria), The Hon Bill Shorten (representing The Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia), Mr Matthew Bach (representing the Leader of the Victorian Opposition), the Right Honourable Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Senator David Van (representing the Leader of the Federal Opposition), Chief Commissioner Shane Patton (Victoria Police), Captain Stephen Bowater (Chair of Shrine Trustees) and Dr Robert Webster (State President RSL Victoria) before we entered and moved to our seats facing the masses.  I was then introduced and spoke to the live audience of more than 40,000

 people.  

After this, the Official Party then moved to the Sanctuary of the Shrine of Remembrance

 where the Lieutenant Governor laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance on behalf of the people of Victoria. 

The service was livestreamed and televised on various channels and News Bulletins.  

After the ceremony, I undertook a volunteer role where I handed out poppies to the crowd, as well as talked to the crowd with other Shrine of Remembrance Volunteers and Shrine Young Ambassadors.  

It was an incredible honour to be chosen to undertake this great responsibility representing all the students of Victoria and is an experience I will never forget. 

Caitlin Fankhauser 

Year 9

Sorry Day 2023

Mullauna College wasrepresented at the City of Whitehorse Sorry Day flag raising function by students Jaylen Allen-Garlett, Jack Fortington and Mykhael Perry, accompanied by staff Sally Ann Venables and Harry Ruff. We continued our new tradition of walking together with staff and students from Mitcham Primary School, including two of Mykhael's siblings, and were joined at the event in council's Nangnak Garden by Mullauna school councillor Fiona Allen with Stephen. The flag raising event provides the opportunity for us to recognise and acknowledge the mistreatment and impact of Australian historical policies, practices and attitudes on First Nations peoples, and also marks the beginning of National Recognition Week.