Lest We Forget our Local Heroes and Heroines

A Local Hero Focus

Ever wondered about the person behind the name on local cenotaphs and other memorials? Then you may be interested in a special feature of the Town’s annual commemorative services on both ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day each year. Since Remembrance Day 2019 the Town of Victoria Park has begun to research the history of one of its citizens who has served their country in times of war. Whilst the Town’s commemorative services are always dedicated to every serviceman and woman past and present, the Local Hero Focus Person, as we have come to refer to them, is meant to remind us that everyone who has served our country, was a person who had a life before they enlisted, they had family and friends, hobbies and responsibilities. The Town is honouring the fallen through the continued telling of their stories. The Local Hero Focus Person for each commemorative service is highlighted in the Mayor’s speech at the service and we make every effort possible to contact any relatives of the service person, so we can invite them to the service. A special commemorative brochure is also produced and available to collect at the service and from the Library. The service person honoured at each commemorative service held by the Town is also added to the Victoria Park Dictionary of Biography, which is available to view on the Library’s website.

All are invited to discover more about our local heroes of the Town of Victoria Park and we hope you will join us on 25 April for Anzac Day and 11 November for Remembrance Day Commemorations at Memorial Gardens on Albany Highway.

Town of Victoria Park Local Hero Focus People So Far

2019

Remembrance Day

Captain Harold Oscar Teague (MBBS)

2020

ANZAC Day

Captain Robert Thompson McMaster

2020

Remembrance Day

Lance Corporal Frank Hilton Benporath

2021

ANZAC Day

Jessie Thornton Rafferty (St John’s Nurse and VAD)

2021

Remembrance Day

Private Arthur Lancelot “Lance” Devenish

2022

ANZAC Day

Lieutenant Cyril Arthur Geddes

2022

Remembrance Day

Private Alec Ernest James Bell

2023

ANZAC Day

Trooper Edgar Vernon Brady

2023

Remembrance Day

Corporal Wilfred Harold Ramsden DCM MM

2024

ANZAC Day

Lieutenant Reginald Walter Dovey

2024

Remembrance Day

Private Leslie Edward Plummer