Anzac Day commemorations will be especially poignant this year as the public is invited to place white crosses on the Melton Civic Centre lawn to remember lost loved ones.
Residents are encouraged to write the names of ex-servicemen and women on white crosses before placing them in a specially marked area on the lawn.
Members of the Melton Men’s Sheds have been busy making the white crosses in readiness for the installation.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the initiative was a heartfelt tribute.
“Anzac Day is an opportunity to take a second to remember those who fought for – and defended – our nation,” Cr Turner said.
“This is just one way the community can come together to honour the fallen, and those who have done so much to make this country what it is today.”
The crosses will be laid out to form a large cross until May 9.
The installation is just one of many events happening across Melton and Moorabool to commemorate Anzac Day.
Tyler Nesbit, John McKenzie-McHarg and Stephen Cook will join thousands of people attending dawn services in Melton, Caroline Springs, Bacchus Marsh and Diggers Rest.
Bacchus Marsh RSL volunteers will be tin rattling and selling badges for the annual Anzac Appeal to raise money for veterans.
RSL state president Robert Webster said almost one million badges will be distributed throughout Victoria alone this year.
“These badges are distributed to our network of 285 sub-branches in every corner of the state; they then assemble their teams of local volunteers, often veterans, who spend hours selling in the streets of the community,” Mr Webster said.
“The money we raise from the sale of Anzac Appeal badges helps current and former defence force personnel and their families.”
Volunteers will be selling badges at Village Shopping Centre, outside Westpac Bank, IGA Darley and at railway stations or badges can be purchased at the Bacchus Marsh RSL.
The white crosses are available for a gold coin donation from the Melton Library and Learning Hub, at the Melton Civic Centre or the Melton Visitor Information Centre.
All proceeds go to the Partners of Veterans Association.
For more information visit: www.melton.vic.gov.au/Anzac-day-crosses
