ANZAC DAY 2012 and I make NO apologies for the numerous amount of Photo,s
Today in Australia is a Public Holiday April 25 th dedicated to all armed forces and civilians from New Zealand and Australia and we attended the memorial in Hervey Bay
The day was (for me) epitomized by 2 young aboriginal girls laying a wreath for their ancestors who fought alongside other troops
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
Why is this day special to Australians? When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.
Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “ANZAC legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.
Round Island a little bit of paradise
Round island is a tiny atoll around4 kms off the Urangan Coast in Hervey Bay Queensland.Annies sister owns a small boat and on this day it was greatly utilised.The sail to the island takes approx 20 mins and it was almost deserted (this being the Easter weekend)It is a rugged place 1round 150 metre across and can be walked around in 20 mins.The boat had to be relocated several times as the tide recedes very rapidly and people have been known to be stranded until the next high tide.One side is very sandy and is easy to fish in.Opposite side is very rocky and looks great.We came across a few shells that are a tad smaller than a clenched fist and at this stage I cant put a name to them.Fishing and swimming is great here and very safe even this bloke stood in the Ocean fishing !! Smack in the centre of the island the visitor is well catered for with a BBQ area !! If in this area it is well worth avisit SO thanks to Claire for the boat and Steve for getting us there !!
Maryborough a Quick visit
Maryboro is a short 30 km drive from where we live,also the home of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers.Every Thursday to the town centre is closed of and the streets belong to market vendors and a variety of street performers.A town crier is also in attendance but those of you who know me would say I would beat him in a competition for loudness !! My redeeming feature (of course ) would be my authentic North Lancashire dialect which would add to the ambience of the markets !! Annie was also fortunate enough to win an Easter Bunny ( of which when I were a lad I,d never heard of ! Come to think of it Halloween didn’t exist in England in those far off days !) Various activities are available for the kids including the ever popular face painting My next Blog will appertain to the smallest island I have ever been on Round Island
Visiting this town has been fantastic and although I have been here a few times it is still an incredible place. Some of these photos were taken around the harbour and from the ferry boat (90 minute trip costing $2.50 being terrific value) The boat facilities are excellent,nibbles/drinks are available and the toilets were of a high standard.The sail times are well controlled and ALL ferries depart on time (no delays) it was interesting to note water Taxis were available too The harbour bay provides some great vantage points for photographing ships/buoys/the Opera House/the Coat Hanger bridge as it is affectionately know. Sydney is around a one hour flight from our home and no doubt we will visit again.We have 5 weeks to our big overseas trip but have Blogs that include Maryborough ( the home of the Mary Poppins author) and an interesting sea trip to a tiny island known locally as Round Island These are the last pics of Sydney but,thanks to the age of the digital camera I have many more stored on my hard drive .
The Place to be when young
Sydney is a vibrant fun place and always plenty to do I dont think it is an expensive place it the visitor is prepared to look and shop around I’ll keep this blog short and just display the photos and will move on after one more display of this great place called Sydney
More of Sydney (I can,t get enough!)
Still lots of Sydney pics with lots to more to come This city is fantastic ans always something going on 24 hrs a day some of these shots were taken from Centre point and there are so many vantage points for taking pictures. We took in a movie whilst in the city and altho it got a thumping from the critics we thoroughly enjoyed it In 3 D of course !!It was interesting to note that we were given allocated seats (probably to keep people around one area to keep cleaning to a minimum !) We have just SIX weeks afore we take of on our Asian/Europe trip and the time is moving along quite nicely .We are in training to hone up on our driving skills in readines for the trip by playing Mario Kart on the Wii !! Annie keeps beating me SO I will possibly have to delete her !! Enjoy the pics
Watch me play Didgeridoo
Geoffs Life After Work ! 