Kyabram District Health Service held a Lone Pine service in front of the Lone Pine tree planted by long-term employee Marg Chalker over 20 years ago.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Marg Chalker can remember when the Lone Pine tree outside Kyabram District Health Service was no taller than her.
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She and Marlene Kerwin, both long-serving employees at the hospital, planted a sapling over 20 years ago on the front lawns of their workplace.
On Thursday, November 13 that very tree — only 20 metres taller — was the centrepiece of a special service honouring Australian soldiers.
KDHS, with Kyabram Legacy, hosted its annual Lone Pine service, bringing together Sheridan residents, family members and staff members for a solemn service.
It was hosted by Legacy member Ian Danahay, and the audience heard from speakers from Legacy, Graeme and Gwen James, Peter Fitzgerald, Gavon Armstrong, and KDHS board director Jackie Austin and Aboriginal health liaison officer Simone Guinan.
Mr Danahay recalled KDHS’ parallel history with Legacy, with the latter beginning just one year after the Bush Hospital (now KDHS) was established in Kyabram in 1960.
Kyabram Legacy supports the widows and families of veterans who served their country, working alongside KDHS to help ageing veterans and their families through difficult periods.
Mr Fitzgerald reiterated this connection.
“KDHS has supported our veterans and widows as the victims have passed away, but also the wider Legacy community,” he said.
“It's not just about the sick and the disabled ... it's about those who are transitioning into a life of loneliness because they’ve lost their loved one.”
The audience also listened to renditions of Advance Australia Fair and God Save the King by Kyabram P-12 students Chloe Berker, Maise O’Dwyer and Charlie Morrison, as well as the Last Post and Reveille played by Kerrie Cox on a tuba.
Following the service, attendees were invited to a morning tea under the shade of the Lone Pine tree.
Ms Chalker recalled her memories planting the Lone Pine all those years ago.
“I just look at it and remember how small it used to be,” she said.
“It’s come so far.”
It's rare for the Drysdales to miss a Lone Pine service in Kyabram, so front row, as usual, was Alwyn with her son, Doug, and granddaughter Lisa.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Legacy and the hospital have had a parallel history, with Legacy beginning only one year after the original bush hospital was established in 1960.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Ian Danahay emceed the service.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Gwen James, who read The Answer to In Flanders Fields, laid a wreath on behalf of the Kyabram Legacy committee.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kyabram P-12 students Chloe Berker and Maise O’Dwyer.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Over 70 attended the service on the front lawns of the Kyabram District Health Service.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
KDHS employee Kerrie Cox played the Last Post and the Reveille on her tuba.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Former Kyabram Legacy president Peter Fitzgerald delivered In Flanders Fields, while Gwen James followed with The Answer.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Lisa and Alwyn Drysdale were front row for the day’s service.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
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