Anzac Day in Port Melbourne 2025

A crowd gathered on Beach St on a warm and breezy morning for the annual Anzac commemoration ‘close to the piers where our troops embarked’.

MC Dale Allchin’s firm hand guided the proceedings.

All speakers addressed enduring Anzac themes of courage and sacrifice while highlighting particular stories.

Josh Burns, MHR for Macnamara, spoke about Albert Jacka, the first Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross. Jacka’s story spans contemporary Port Phillip. He embarked for the war at Port Melbourne, and returned to Port Melbourne after his distinguished war service. Jacka went on to become a councillor and mayor of the City of St Kilda where he used the role to the full to support the unemployed, many of whom were former servicemen.

Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Louise Crawford, was accompanied by fellow councillors Heather Cunsolo and Alex Makin. She drew on the stories of half brothers Percy and Hugh Lewis from Port Melbourne.

Hugh Lewis, also known as Son or Sonnie, departed from Port Melbourne on HMAT Ulysses (as did Albert Jacka) on 22 December 1914 and was killed in action in France on 7 August 1916,

His half brother, Percy Lewis, was killed in action on 11 April, 1917 in France. He was 20 years old.

Their mother, Rebecca Lewis, posted a poignant tribute to her lost sons:

Brothers united.
Days of sadness still come o’er us,
Hidden secret tears still flow,
For memory keeps our dear son near us,
Though he was killed one year ago.
He has sailed on his last commission,
On a beautiful ship called Rest,
And his head is safely pillowed,
On the great Commander’s breast.
You are not forgotten dear sons,
For true love never dies;

Cr Crawford pledged to continue to tell the stories of Port Melbourne’s Anzacs.

Brigadier Thomas Nairn’s address focused on the ‘quiet, dangerous work of peacekeeping’. Brigadier Nairn led Australia’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan in 2020/21. Australian peacekeepers have served in conflicts around the world – in Cyprus, Sudan, South Somalia, Indonesia and Cambodia.

He paid tribute to the restraint and diplomacy peacekeepers bring to their service. They bring ‘calm where there is chaos’.

Peacekeeping is an active, not a passive, role where members of the Defence Force must exercise restraint and diplomacy in the face of hunger, suffering and atrocity.

‘In a world of indifference, they make a difference’. They are motivated by ‘the enduring hope of a better tomorrow.’

All speakers entreated us to take care of our veterans. Their service benefits us all.

Dale Allchin is always looking for ways to improve the service. This year it was the addition of bagpiper Liam Irving who concluded the commemoration.

The City of Port Phillip’s support was evident, not only in the presence of three councillors, but in the road closures, security and sound system.

In addition to the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society, representatives of the Port Melbourne Colts Football Netball Club, Port Melbourne Football Club, Port Melbourne Life Saving Club, Victoria Police, Albert Park Scouts and Cubs and members of the community laid wreaths and floral tributes.

Ken Jackson, son of Korean war veteran, Geoff Jackson, laid out the crosses and attended the flag.

The Port Melbourne Primary School Choir under the expressive direction of Maria Chadwick led the singing of the national anthem.

After this ‘solemn rite of remembrance’ the crowd dispersed to the Port Melbourne Bowling Club and the cafes of Bay St.

Lest we forget