A Salute to our Diggers and Frontline Workers
Tomorrow sees Diggers’ Day being celebrated at your Club. The day honours those “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”. This year, your Club has rightly included all front-line service and healthcare workers in the celebration and we genuinely thank them for their service, fortitude and courage over the past 12 months.
Traditionally, the Golf Competition is “3 Clubs and a Putter” and this year is no exception. I encourage you to join in, enjoy the day and embody the spirit of the Anzacs with your mates on the Course. After Golf, there will be a celebration commencing at 5:15pm which includes Dinner and Beverages (the cost is subsidised at $25 and free for Diggers and Frontline Workers).
At 6pm on the First Tee, the most important event of the Day will occur; The Ode of Remembrance which has been recited to commemorate wartime service and sacrifice since 1921 – 100 Years. I have asked Michael Flaherty to once again lead the Ode, as he has on many occasions in the past.
Following the Ode, Howard Peterson will play the Last Post, followed by a period of silence and the Reveille.
Members will know that Friday Night Raffles raise funds for Diggers’ Day and a donation of $2,000 will be presented to Michael Ward representing Legacy, which provides support to those affected by war. I would like to especially recognise Gordon Edwards who (along with Alex Cicchini and Ross Donaldson) has helped run the Raffles over the past 2 years.
The evening will wrap-up with Guest Speaker Mark Taylor AO, who has generously donated his time to entertain the guests. Mark is a Member, past Australian Cricket Captain, Director and Commentator. Mark is best known for declaring the Australian Innings closed whilst on 334 (not out) – equalling Sir Donald Bradman’s highest score.
I encourage you to come along and enjoy a great day and night at your Club.
Mark Mathieson – President