COLLIE Senior High School Anzac Trip Fundraiser This Saturday
By DERRICK KRUSCHE
Fundraising: Monique Wishart, Olivia Turley and Alyssia Wishart volunteer to raise money for the 2015 Anzac Tour.
COLLIE Senior High School is holding a fundraising event for next year's Anzac tour.
Taking place this Saturday, the night will feature video horseracing, fashion and gaming at the school's gym.
A licensed bar and food will be available.
History teacher Ed Croft said the tour was about more than just a trip to Europe.
"The Anzac tour is about the journey from when students begin the commitment to raise the funds," he said.
"For these students it started in year nine and ten.
"We don't allow them to put their hands in their pockets and pay for it.
"The emphasis is on them working hard and to be the people who earn that privilege to go away.
"The idea is that they're building leadership, organisational and teamwork skills so that when they become members of our community in their own right, they've got those necessary skills to use."
Mr Croft said the trip was an added bonus for him as a history teacher.
"There's no better way to teach our involvement in World War I than to walk the battlefields and to experience the sheer enormity and sadness of the conflict," he said.
"Then there's the cultural side of it and seeing cultures that have existed for thousands of years." he said.
The group will travel to Turkey to see Gallipoli, before spending a few days touring Istanbul.
After that they will travel to Paris where they will participate in the Arc de Triomphe ceremony, reviving the eternal flame.
The students will also visit the Palace of Versailles to see the Hall of Mirrors, where the controversial treaty was signed that ended the war.
Finally, they will take part in an extensive tour of the battlefields of the western front.
If the fundraising does not cover the costs the students will pay the shortfall.
However, they have already raised more than $140,000.
"These students will remember the fundraising," Mr Croft said.
"They've learnt the skills that become a part of who they are and what they are.
"They've shown responsibility and now know they can achieve things."
Mr Croft extended his thanks to the Collie community who he said had been extremely generous.
Tickets to Saturday's event are still available from Sportfirst.
James Moulden plays the last post, flanked by RSL president Gary Benton and fellow Collie Senior High School students.
IT has come to light that three women from Collie served as nurses in World War I on the Western Front and that two of them lost brothers in the same battle.
"ONE OF THE THINGS A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND IS THAT IF A SOLDIER DIED, THE NURSES ACTUALLY HAD TO WRITE UP A LETTER AND SEND IT BACK HOME INFORMING THEIR FAMILY."- GRAHAME OLD
Grahame Old, Collie-CardiffRSL sub-branch vice-president, said nurses played a vital role in Australia’s war effort.
“Nurses were employed in field hospitals and also manned casualty clearance stations, which were basically first aid posts.
“If a soldier was wounded he would be first looked at by a medic in the field and then carried by stretcher-bearers to a casualty clearance station.
“These stations were very close to the front and nurses risked their lives from aerial bombardment.
“If soldiers could be patched up, they were sent back to the front.
“In a lot of cases the injuries were too severe and they had to be transferred to a field hospital.”
Mr Old described how the job of nurses also involved intense emotional trauma.
“One of the things a lot of people don’t understand is that if a soldier died, the nurses actually had to write up a letter and send it back home informing their family.
“That would have been very hard,” an emotional Mr Old said.
One letter demonstrates the nurses’ difficult task of both attending the wounded and then informing families of deaths.
In August 1915 Nurse Nelly Littlewood wrote from Egypt to the mother of Collie soldier William Maxwell.
“I was with him all Saturday morning, and again on Sunday morning until he died at about 11 o’clock.
“He did not regain consciousness and died very peacefully… I am sending you his pay-book, belt, watch, tobacco pouch, letters and one or two other small things that he brought into the hospital with him… I wish to God we could have saved your son for you.
“We did our best.”
A total of 2139 nurses served in WWI, of whom 25 died.
The three nurses from Collie survived: Mary Catherine Carson, Helen Grace Doyle and Katherine Mary Coleman.
Ms Carson was born in Ireland.
She trained as a nurse for three years at Fremantle then enlisted for service in June 1915 when she was 27-years-old, while living in Collie.
Ms Carson served in casualty clearing stations in England, Egypt and France, before returning to Australia in January 1918.
Afterward she continued her nursing career, working at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth from 1921 until her retirement in 1954.
Ms Doyle was born in Horsham in Victoria.
Leaving Collie she sailed to England in 1915, aged 28-years-old, and served in France until February 1919.
Ms Doyle remained in the nursing profession in WA until her retirement in 1959.
She was a matron at a number of regional hospitals including in Margaret River and Geraldton.
Ms Caron and Ms Doyle’s brothers, William Carson and Henry Wright Doyle respectively, both died in September 1917 in Belgium from wounds received in the trenches.
Both are remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium, with no known graves.
The third nurse, Ms Coleman, was not living in Collie at the time when she enlisted, but attended Collie High School, as revealed on a student list.
She enlisted in November 1916 when she was 32-years-old and embarked for Europe that December.
She had extensive service in France at casualty clearing stations and returned home in September 1919.
Tens of thousands of spectators in Albany gathered to commemorate the first Anzac convoy in World War I.Spectators stood five and six deep along York Street for the troop march, deeper at some of the best vantage points, and also watched on big screens set up around the town.
Crowds line the street for the troop march. Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Planes which flew low along the length of York Street thrilled the crowd before the Royal Australian Navy Band led marchers up one side of the street and down the other to chants of "good on you boys".
Ros Paul from Alexander Heights and her sister Eileen Higgins lined up early to get in position for the troop march.
The pair staked a place out at 5.30am.
"It's just about 'lest we forget' , " Mrs Paul said. Mrs Higgins agreed.
"Anzacs have always been important," she said.
Ros Paul from Alexander Heights and her sister Eileen Higgins. Picture: Malcolm Quekett
A cheer erupted from the crowd when horses and riders representing the Australian Light Horse Association took position at the top end of York Street where the march turned around.
Controversy broke out in August after it was revealed they would not be allowed to take part in the march due to safety concerns.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Among the marchers were Australian and New Zealand soldiers, cadets, representatives of the RAAF Flight and many navy marchers, some carrying the names of the ships which departed from Albany's King George Sound 100 years ago.
The Defence Force marchers were followed by a big contingent of ex-service personnel, who drew the loudest cheers.
Loud and sustained applause followed them down the street, particularly some older ex-servicemen in jeeps, which included a Burma railway survivor Neil MacPherson, and three Second World War veterans who will later be presented with France’s highest honour, the Legion of Honour.
Troops march down York Street. Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Thomas Lofthouse of Bunbury, and brothers Eric and Murray Maxton of Albany - will all receive the Honour from the French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Mr Lofthouse flew a thirty-six operation tour as an Air Gunner in No. 466 Squadron RAAF, later completing a further ten operations of a second tour as a Rear Gunner with No. 77 Squadron RAF.
Brothers Eric and Murray share a unique story, having served on the same crew in 460 Squadron during the Second World War.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Their first operation on 7 July 1944, took them over Caen in support of the Allied campaign in Normandy. They went on to fly more than 30 operations together.
Ron and Betty Webb travelled from South Yunderup to witness the centenary commemorations.
Mr Webb, an ex-army serviceman, was disappointed he was unable to march in the parade.
"I was supposed to march today but I hurt my shoulder three weeks ago," he said.
"I'm disappointed, but this is wonderful."
Leading Seaman Troy Davies disembarked HMAS Stirling to participate in the Albany commemorations.
"I am marshalling the crowd at the parade and I was a flagbearer at the sunset service," he said.
"I think it's brilliant. It's such a good experience - I'm proud to be part of it and honour the service and sacrifice of those before me."
Among those watching were Faye Elvin, of Mandurah, and Karen Yates, of Geraldton.
The pair said they had found it a very moving and emotional experience.
Mrs Elvin said she had shed tears as the older veterans marched by.
"Those guys, what they went though," she said. "It's an emotional thing, you just feel such pride."
The proud atmosphere resonated with Perth's Debra Lunt, whose father marched in the parade.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
She had travelled from Perth with her mother Shirley to revisit their family roots and witness the commemorations.
"My father Maxie Lunt was born in Albany in 1925 and is about to turn 90," Debra said.
Mr Lunt was in the airforce and served three years in New Guinea in World War II as part of airfield construction.
"His parents 100 years ago were standing here to wave off the guys to World War I. One of those men was my grandfather Lionel Moir.
"For us this is a real moment in time, for both sides of the family are from Albany."
A group of local women and children got into the Anzac spirit by donning period costume to replicate the send off given to the troops that departed 100 years ago.
"Most of us have links to World War I veterans and some are partners of veterans in current and previous theatres of war," Send Off group project officer Belinda Rowland said.
"We have joined together in period costume to commemorate and to educate the public.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Among the marchers was Warrant officer, Class 2 Bill Baker of the 11/28 Royal WA Regiment, the third of four generations who have fought for Australia - with his grandfather leaving from Albany to be a stretcher bearer at Gallipoli.
Having marched for all his family, WO Baker said his emotions had welled up to see the support.
"I did have a tear in my eye, marching up there, I am not going to lie. There is no harm showing emotions," WO Baker said.
"We can't let this legacy die away, we have got to enhance it - not just because of what happened in Gallipoli but also what has happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and places like that.
"They did do us proud and that is where Australia became a nation, on the bloody battlefield."
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Dozens of bikies from the Coffin Cheaters were also among the crowd.
"We are here to pay our respects to the Anzacs," a member of the Coffin Cheaters said.
Before the commemorative service got underway at Anzac Peace Park, the Governor General made time to greet the 1st Duncraig Scout troop, and received a troop neck tie as a memento.
Service MC, Major General Dave Chalmers said not only did the date commemorate those who had left from Albany in 1914, but also the beginning of 100 years of shared armed service between Australia and New Zealand.
Premier Colin Barnett said that he felt those who fight would be looking down with pride.
"They were sons, they were brothers, they were fathers, they were husbands, they were the boys you went to school with," Mr Barnett said.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
"And they are being remembered with the respect they deserve today."
Michael Ronaldson, Minister for Veteran Affairs, delivered the Call to Remembrance and welcomed the dignitaries from all over Australia, New Zealand, Japan and elsewhere at the service.
"Today marks the beginnings of a tragedy for our nations. It is a cause for reflection, not for celebration," he said.
Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian
Prime Minister Tony Abbott referenced Banjo Patterson, one of those who left Albany in 1914 - and said because of the war effort then and since, Australia and New Zealand would always be brothers.
"All were sailing into history ... As long there is an Australia and as long as there is a New Zealand, they will be remembered," Mr Abbott said.
"In 1914 we were a country with a flag and a parliament ... The baptism of fire that was the Great War changed all that.
"It was sacrifice on a stupendous scale. They are gone now, gone but not forgotten by the nation they shaped."
Picture: Steve Ferier/The West Australian
New Zealand counterpart John Key commended a momentous event for the two countries.
"Young Australia was welcoming young New Zealand ... And the first chapter of their legend was written here," Mr Key said.
"In a war that engulfed the world, our two nations were amongst the hardest hit .. But it paid a critical role in forging our national identities. We came from colonies to become nations."
Colin Barnett speaking at the opening of the ANZAC centre. Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Mr Abbott, Mr Key and Mr Barnett then officially opened the new National Anzac Centre.
Mr Abbott said the centenary of Anzac was not about glorifying war but acknowledging those who served.
Mr Key said the NAC was a fitting place to ensure the story of Anzac would live on for ever.
Mr Barnett said it was an impressive combination of modern technology and historical material.
Thousands of people then lined Albany's Middleton Beach and Marine Drive to catch a glimpse of the ceremonial naval ships departure.
Onlookers witnessed a unique moment in history when six ships and one submarine from Australia, New Zealand and Japan approached the shore before steaming out of the harbour.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian
Perth's Lex Edmonds, originally from New Zealand, said the occasion helped put himself in the shoes of his ancestors.
"My grandfather James Edmonds and his brother George both came through Albany from New Zealand on convoys in 1915," he said.
"My grandfather went to Egypt and then onto the Western Front for two and a half years. He was injured in early 1918 and by the time he recovered the war was over.
"George went to Gallipoli and survived the war too.
"It's amazing to get a a feel for what it was like for them. They set out because they thought it was a fantastic adventure, but when they set out into 30 foot waves they realised the world was a lot bigger than they thought."
The crowd waved white Australian ensigns from the navy as the ships floated on the ocean before them.
Albany's Tanya Koster and her daughters Savannah and Ashlyn were among those waving flags.
"It is really special to be a part of and it has done wonders for the town," Mrs Koster said.
"We won't see anything like this again."
People line the beach to catch a glimpse of the ceremonial naval ships departure.Picture: Steve/Ferrier/The West Australian
Julie Fairall and her husband drove from their Australind home to watch the ships in the harbour and pay respects to their ancestors.
"My grandfather was at Gallipoli and was in one of the first contingents that went there. He left from Albany and was at war for three years," Mrs Fairall said.
"We first heard about this 12 months ago when we were travelling through the eastern states and my decided we should come here."
Kim McIntyre, of Albany, reflected on the journey his great uncle made a century ago as he watched the ceremonial departure.
"My great uncle went to Gallipoli. He left when he was in his twenties and was in the lighthorse. He came back and I'm not sure if he was injured," he said.
"To them it was just a big adventure - they were just boys. They really didn't know what they were in for. Even now most people have no idea."
Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian
Ken Walker and his partner Julie Bateman travelled from Donnybrook to watch the Anzac centenary commemorations.
As a riding member of the Australian Lighthorse, Mr Walker was disappointed not to see more horses in the march but said the commemorations were otherwise remarkable.
"I was in the tent light horseman in the 1960s and 70s in A Squadron based in Northam. My name didn't get called up for Vietnam," he said.
"I was disappointed they didn't have more horses in the march, but everything else was first class. Albany should be proud."
A flotilla will followed by a community concert at Centennial Park.
On Sunday, about 12,000 people will board some of the docked warships as part of the sold-out naval open day.
The function was at tended by about 50 people from around the South West and from the Keep Australia Beautiful WA State Council.
A Welcome to Country was performed by Wilman elder Joseph Northover and Shire president Wayne Sanford officially welcomed guests.
Guest speaker, Collie Shire executive manager of development services Keith Williams, gave a presentation on the work being undertaken to rehabilitate the Collie River.
Visitors, some of whom had not previously visited Collie, were im pres sed by the picturesque golf club venue and the delicious catering by the 2015 Anzac Tour group.
Collie was successful in the Heritage and Culture and Water Conservation categories and is now a finalist in the state awards for these categories. The finals will be held in Perth in November.
It was the second year in a row that Collie won the Heritage and Culture award.
Judges were impressed by the completion of the heritage listed railway footbridge, the tribute to Sgt Martin O'Meara, the continuing efforts of the Collie Heritage Group to restore rolling stock, along with the new artwork depicting early railway passengers and railway gangers
Clean-up: Emma Young, James Moulden and Georgie Rose Jackson.
Teamwork: John Dowey and Jarrad Vickers.
The group assisted the Shire by repairing the "rabbit bags" around last year's plantings alongside the edge of the Collie River and also undertaking a cleanup of the infill section of the rehabilitation area near the Water Corporation depot.THIS week Collie Senior High School's Anzac Tour Group worked collaboratively with Shire officers to undertake clean-up work alongside the Collie River.
The 20 students, parents and school staff were engaged by Council to undertake the work as part of their fundraising efforts for next year's school trip, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in Turkey.
Council chief executive David Blurton said the council was more than happy to support the fundraising effort of the group, while providing an opportunity to improve the health of the riverbank at Council's Preston Road Bridge Rehabilitation area.
Council's Collie River Restoration Project has achieved positive outcomes, including the summer of 2013-2014 nardoo treatment program and the excellent results evident from last year's planting project at the Preston Road Bridge site.
"Collaborative projects such as this build capacity in our youth and engender a feeling of ownership of the local environment, while supporting Shire-driven initiatives to address ecological issues facing the Collie River," Mr Blurton said.
RHIANNON Murphy, 15, intends to put the small town of Collie on the international map by creating a new Guinness world record.
Collie Senior High School student Rhiannon has initiated a project to collect more than four million five cent pieces, which when lined up next to each other will be 76 kilometres long and weigh about 11.3 tonnes.
It would eclipse the previous Guinness record for a coin collection which was created in 2011 by a school in Austria and stretched 75.24 kms.
"My mother originally came up with the idea after Googling it," Rhiannon said.
"She then told me it probably wasn't a good idea and wouldn't work but I disagreed and said it was worth going ahead with the plan and I've had a positive reaction from other students who are all enthusiastic about getting involved."
Collie Senior High School is co-ordinating the project with five other Collie primary schools and the campaign is expected to last until early next year.
Teacher Ed Croft is helping to organise the record and said about $200,000 would be raised if the schools managed to break the world record.
"The money will be put back into school projects as the proceeds will be divided equally between the six schools under the guidance of the Parents and Citizens Association," he said.
"This money in turn will go into local businesses which will be supplying the schools with the necessary equipment for these school projects.
"In addition to the money supporting local businesses and school projects, the idea behind the venture is for students to learn cooperation, strengthen ties between the schools as many of CHS students come from the five primary schools involved, and to develop pride in their town", Mr Croft said.
Should the students succeed they will follow in the footsteps of the 1970 Collie record breakers.
That was when Collie first entered the Guinness Book of Records by setting the record for the longest number of hours spent jumping on a trampoline several days of non-stop jumping.
Anzac spirit shines through at Collie litter pick up
A TOUCH of Anzac spirit was on show last Sunday when 32 people braved cold conditions to pick up litter on Coalfields Highway.
They met at Gastaldo Road, and worked back towards Collie, with a couple going west for a short distance as well. The effort resulted in 80 bags of rubbish being collected.Most of them were part of the Anzac tour group, or their family supporters, who answered the call at short notice to do a clean up before the arrival of the Tidy Towns judges in Collie yesterday.
"The comment was that the area covered in the last pickup in April was much cleaner," Tidy Towns chairwoman Nola Green said.
"The areas we were not able to cover last time certainly had a lot more rubbish.
"There is still a lot to be done closer to the turn off to the Weir, and maybe we can get to that area next time."
An Allanson resident who wasn't able to join the group in time, picked up a further five bags of rubbish at the Allanson oval and around the Co-op bridge in town.
Two unusual items picked up were a current New Zealand driver's licence and a current Medicare card.
Both items have been handed in to the Collie police. Apart from these, the litter consisted of drink cans, food containers, cigarette packs, rags and paper.
"It is hard to understand why people think it is ok to throw these items out of their car windows, instead of disposing of them in their bins at home," Mrs Green said.
One of the volunteers commented that he had collected "thewhole box and dice" - having picked up a dice and quite a few boxes.
The Anzac group, busy working hard to raise funds for their trip next year to Gallipoli and battlefields in France, made light of their efforts.
They have also been busy delivering telephone directories, shovelling sheep manure into bags, selling pea straw, catering for various events, and selling chocolates.
Mrs Green said the group is making a real contribution to the town through their fund raising activities. "Their contribution to tidying up the highway this week is much appreciated," she said.
"They are a great bunch, and the way their families join in and support their efforts, it is clear where they get their motivation."
COLLIE Senior High School Anzac Tour 2015 hosted Collie's first Virtual Race Night at the weekend.
In a successful fundraising effort, 160 people entered the high school gym to find it transformed into a VIP Race Tent.
Collie Senior High School Society and Environment teacher Ed Croft said from the first race the atmosphere was electric and the crowd really entered the spirit of the night.
Winning horse owners were ecstatic with the prizes that had been donated by Collie businesses and the tote was kept busy all night, with everyone keen to make a few dollars on their bets, he said.
Auctions were held be tween races and the bidding was hot regardless of the prize on offer.
Donna Davies won Fashions on the Field with Richard Heptinstall winning Best Dressed Colt.
Cool drinks: Ed Croft and Dave Moulden.
Mr Croft said it was a great night and successful for the students.
"Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and the students worked hard during the night to keep people fed while the parents kept everybody watered," he said
The next major event on the Anzac calendar is the bi-annual quiz night which will be held on September 13 and another race night is being looked at for early in November.
Flower power: Brianna Harrison-Brown and James Moulden.
Volunteering: John Dowey and Josh Flanagan.
Race night: Jenny and Drew Griffiths show their support.
Lend a hand: Dant Gillies, Monique Wishart and Courtney Salmeri.
Gallipoli bound: Collie Senior High School students Jarrod Vickers and James Moulden are looking forward to attending next year's Anzac Gallipoli trip.
Hundreds turned out for Sunday's official opening of the new Collie skate park.
Local members of parliament, councillors, contractors and members of the public were among the hundreds who turned out for Sunday's official opening of the Collie skate park.
Skateboarders and scooter riders of all abilities put the world-class facility through its paces, wowing spectators with their ability.
GALLERY: Collie Anzac Day Dawn ServicePhoto coverage as Collie turned out to pay tribute to those who have served, or are serving, in the armed forces.Hundreds of Collie residents gathered at Soldiers Park this morning to reflect on past wars and the sacrifice made by those who have served in conflicts, past and present.
His Excellency Noel White felt right at home as his first visit to Collie left a memorable mark on the Irish dignitary in a day packed with celebration and emotion.
His Excellency Noel White felt right at home as his first visit to Collie left a memorable mark on the Irish dignitary in a day packed with celebration and emotion.COLLIE rolled out the welcome mat on Sunday, March 6 to provide the perfect exclamation point for the Australian and New Zealand Irish Ambassador's visit to the South West.
"There are moments in this job when you stand back and have to take a breath," Mr White said.
"Today has been one of them."
A large number of Australian and Irish residents gathered at the Shire Council Chambers to welcome Mr White after he had earlier visited Rockingham and Bunbury.
Among the crowd was Honorary Consul of Ireland Marty Kavanagh, Forrest MP Nola Marino, Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray and council representatives from Collie and Bunbury.
Mr White travelled from the civic reception to lay a wreath at Soldiers Park in memory of Collie's Victoria Cross recipient Martin O'Meara.
Collie Cardiff RSL president Gary Benton told those in attendance, including staff and students preparing for the 2015 Collie Senior High School Anzac tour, of the damage caused by armed conflict.
Mr Benton said it was important for us to provide whatever it took to repair this damage.
"We owe Martin O'Meara this at least, lest we forget," he concluded.
Mr White then joined a full house of about 200 residents to watch Under Any Old Gum Tree at Collie Senior High School.
The two-man play, written by well-known WA playwright Noel O'Neill, told the story of O'Meara's plight from his log cutting days in Collie before the Great War to his demise in Claremont Lunatic Asylum due to "shell shock".
Collie Shire president Wayne Sanford said Mr White's visit and his attendance at such important cultural events was a privilege for residents.
"It's important for our community to pay respect and honour our Victoria Cross recipient Sergeant O'Meara," Mr Sanford said.
"This acknowledgement is significant in our community no more so than for the Collie Cardiff RSL members both past and present, but also for our strong representation of Irish descendants who have followed in Sergeant O'Meara's footsteps and made Collie their preferred place of abode."
Mr White said the day's events were the perfect way to finish his South West experience.
"Being received like this is incredible and I think it reflects the deep and spontaneous connection between Irish and Australian people, it's very warming and reassuring," he said.
"This visit has been the total package, seeing the play at the school, laying a wreath at the Soldiers Park and meeting new faces, the whole thing has been great.
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