Our events
Read about our latest events:
Read about our latest events:
Remembrance Day Service 2024
Another wonderful service paying tribute to those men and women who served in all wars was held on a beautiful sunny Red Hill day.
The Red Hill Consolidated School Choir treated the small crowd to a touching rendition of ' Fields of Poppies'.
RHCA committee member Kerry Watson, delivered the address (click here to read) of the day.
Special thanks to MC David Maddocks
Reading by Priya Sullivan, RH Consolidated school Captain, 'The longest Day'
Reading by Nigel Dewar, 1st Red Hill Scouts leader Nigel Dewar, “Perhaps'
Bugle player Anthony Pope
Ode to Remembrance read by Phil Board
Click here to view a copy of the Order of Service
Another wonderful service paying tribute to those men and women who served in all wars was held on a beautiful sunny Red Hill day.
The Red Hill Consolidated School Choir treated the small crowd to a touching rendition of ' Fields of Poppies'.
RHCA committee member Kerry Watson, delivered the address (click here to read) of the day.
Special thanks to MC David Maddocks
Reading by Priya Sullivan, RH Consolidated school Captain, 'The longest Day'
Reading by Nigel Dewar, 1st Red Hill Scouts leader Nigel Dewar, “Perhaps'
Bugle player Anthony Pope
Ode to Remembrance read by Phil Board
Click here to view a copy of the Order of Service
Anzac Day Service 2024
The crowd gets larger every year as the local community pay their respects to those who served in all wars.
There was a moving performance by the Red Hill Consolidated School Choir singing 'Lest We Forget' (click for song words).
RHCA committee member, Brett Trebilcock, delivered the address (click here to read) of the day.
Special thanks to MC David Maddocks,
Bugle player Bruno Siketa
Ode to Remembrance read by Phil Board
School children from the Red Hill Consolidated School for their readings:
Priya Sullivan - The inquisitive mind of a child
Milla Broadley and Alex Bayliss - We're all Australian now
Charles Eagle - Sonnett for ANZAC Day
Anzac Day Service 25 April 2023
A large crowd were treated to a very sunny day and a beautiful ANZAC Day service.
David Maddocks was the MC and the moving address 'Should war be merely a fact of life' was written and presented by former RHCA committee member and local historian Roger Stuart-Andrews. You can view a copy of his address by clicking this link.
Rob Connor gave a reading "We remember those," by Trish Reeves, and many parents and friends of the Red Hill Consolidated School community supported students Nayte Katramodos and Lottie Roeding who shared the reading of "A Tribute to ANZAC Day" by Ken Bunker, and students Tully Dynesto and Charlotte Quinlan shared the reading "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle.
The school choir sang "Spirit of the Anzacs" by Lee Kernghan and Alec Campbell gave the "Ode of Remembrance"
There were a few audio issues unfortunately but that didn't take away from the poignant atmosphere on the morning and certainly didn't stop anyone from hearing Last Post and Rouse expertly played on the bugle by Jordan Isbister. The audio and traffic noise will be managed differently in future services to ensure everyone present can hear the event's proceedings.
Thank you for joining us and remembering those who served our country and those who lost their lives.
A large crowd were treated to a very sunny day and a beautiful ANZAC Day service.
David Maddocks was the MC and the moving address 'Should war be merely a fact of life' was written and presented by former RHCA committee member and local historian Roger Stuart-Andrews. You can view a copy of his address by clicking this link.
Rob Connor gave a reading "We remember those," by Trish Reeves, and many parents and friends of the Red Hill Consolidated School community supported students Nayte Katramodos and Lottie Roeding who shared the reading of "A Tribute to ANZAC Day" by Ken Bunker, and students Tully Dynesto and Charlotte Quinlan shared the reading "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle.
The school choir sang "Spirit of the Anzacs" by Lee Kernghan and Alec Campbell gave the "Ode of Remembrance"
There were a few audio issues unfortunately but that didn't take away from the poignant atmosphere on the morning and certainly didn't stop anyone from hearing Last Post and Rouse expertly played on the bugle by Jordan Isbister. The audio and traffic noise will be managed differently in future services to ensure everyone present can hear the event's proceedings.
Thank you for joining us and remembering those who served our country and those who lost their lives.
2023 Opening of the Red Hill Interpretive Railway Station Platform and Shelter
- Saturday 25 February
- Saturday 25 February
Red Hill Train Station's new interpretive platform and shelter were officially opened on Saturday 25 February with much community pride, fanfare and a large gathering of residents of all ages. The event was held just over 100 years after the original station was opened, having been delayed due to COVID, and minus the arrival of a steam train!
The station master's uniform and shrill of his whistle, bunting, some 1920's outfits and a 1929 Austin 7 Sports added to the atmosphere of the event along with the wonderful voices of the Soul Rangers singing ‘Morningtown Ride’- a children’s classic train song made popular by The Seekers.
RHCA organised and hosted the event which was MC'd by committee member, Brett Trebilcock, and Daniel from the Bunurong Land Council gave an Indigenous Welcome to Country. A short history of the railway line and its impact on Red Hill in its hay day was presented by David Maddocks. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr Steve Holland, paid tribute to the Indigenous history of the area and the importance of volunteers to the local community and in driving the development of the significant project. He cut the red ribbon around the shelter with Red Hill Ward Cr David Gill before Daniel closed with a Traditional Smoking Ceremony.
RHCA secured funding for the construction from the Mornington Peninsula Shire as part of Stage 2 of the Red Hill Station Reserve Master Plan. RHCA member, David Maddocks, led its development over the past five years.
Built in an interpretive style as stipulated by the Shire, in the same location as the original platform and shelter built for the 1921 opening, it is located on the Red Hill to Merricks rail trail near the bike skills track.
The shelter has a red corrugated roof with some weatherboard sides in the style of the era and features information panels reflecting the remarkable history and acknowledging those involved in the construction of the line, the workers and engineers, and the Red Hill and Main Ridge farmers reliant on the service.
The shelter was built by Croftwootton Construction and the Main Creek Men’s Shed made the traditional RED HILL station sign. Handrails will be added to the platform and track in the future.
The shelter and station platform are an exciting tribute to the Bittern-Red Hill's past railway journey. An audio history was made by the Dromana and District Historical Society and interviews locals about the railway.
The annual free and fun-filled community barbecue was held in the community park after the event.
RHCA gives special thanks to all those that made the event possible. Notably the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Dromana and District Historical Society, the Main Creek Men’s Shed, Red Hill Lions International, 1st Red Hill Scouts, Red Hill CFA, Red Hill Agricultural Society, local artist Michael Leeworthy, Cellar and Pantry, Red Hill Bakery Balnarring and Sommerville Village Meats.
Click on the QR code to hear more of the history.
The station master's uniform and shrill of his whistle, bunting, some 1920's outfits and a 1929 Austin 7 Sports added to the atmosphere of the event along with the wonderful voices of the Soul Rangers singing ‘Morningtown Ride’- a children’s classic train song made popular by The Seekers.
RHCA organised and hosted the event which was MC'd by committee member, Brett Trebilcock, and Daniel from the Bunurong Land Council gave an Indigenous Welcome to Country. A short history of the railway line and its impact on Red Hill in its hay day was presented by David Maddocks. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr Steve Holland, paid tribute to the Indigenous history of the area and the importance of volunteers to the local community and in driving the development of the significant project. He cut the red ribbon around the shelter with Red Hill Ward Cr David Gill before Daniel closed with a Traditional Smoking Ceremony.
RHCA secured funding for the construction from the Mornington Peninsula Shire as part of Stage 2 of the Red Hill Station Reserve Master Plan. RHCA member, David Maddocks, led its development over the past five years.
Built in an interpretive style as stipulated by the Shire, in the same location as the original platform and shelter built for the 1921 opening, it is located on the Red Hill to Merricks rail trail near the bike skills track.
The shelter has a red corrugated roof with some weatherboard sides in the style of the era and features information panels reflecting the remarkable history and acknowledging those involved in the construction of the line, the workers and engineers, and the Red Hill and Main Ridge farmers reliant on the service.
The shelter was built by Croftwootton Construction and the Main Creek Men’s Shed made the traditional RED HILL station sign. Handrails will be added to the platform and track in the future.
The shelter and station platform are an exciting tribute to the Bittern-Red Hill's past railway journey. An audio history was made by the Dromana and District Historical Society and interviews locals about the railway.
The annual free and fun-filled community barbecue was held in the community park after the event.
RHCA gives special thanks to all those that made the event possible. Notably the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Dromana and District Historical Society, the Main Creek Men’s Shed, Red Hill Lions International, 1st Red Hill Scouts, Red Hill CFA, Red Hill Agricultural Society, local artist Michael Leeworthy, Cellar and Pantry, Red Hill Bakery Balnarring and Sommerville Village Meats.
Click on the QR code to hear more of the history.
Read the history presented by David Maddocks on the day.
2022 Remembrance Day Service - Friday 11 November, 10.40am
The annual Remembrance Day Service was held this year for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions. The event featured readings from two Red Hill Consolidated School students, Charlotte Stinchcomb, who recited 'The Fallen' and Harriet Davis who recited 'The Red Poppy'.
Our special guest speaker was local historian Roger Stuart-Andrews. We encourage you to read a copy of his address titled 'Loss'. Councilor David Gill read the 'Ode of Remembrance' and our bugler this year was Jordan Isbister.
We thank all for joining us to pause, reflect and remember the tragedy of World War 1 and other armed conflicts and the sacrifice made by the men and women who served.
The annual Remembrance Day Service was held this year for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions. The event featured readings from two Red Hill Consolidated School students, Charlotte Stinchcomb, who recited 'The Fallen' and Harriet Davis who recited 'The Red Poppy'.
Our special guest speaker was local historian Roger Stuart-Andrews. We encourage you to read a copy of his address titled 'Loss'. Councilor David Gill read the 'Ode of Remembrance' and our bugler this year was Jordan Isbister.
We thank all for joining us to pause, reflect and remember the tragedy of World War 1 and other armed conflicts and the sacrifice made by the men and women who served.
2022 ANZAC Day service - Monday 25 April, 10.45 am
A large crowd including many parents and students from the Red Hill Consolidated School and the First Red Hill Scouts attended the ANZAC Day Service. Hosted by David Maddock, RHCA Treasurer, the event featured an address by Roger Stuart-Andrews, local resident, historian and RHCA committee member.
The school choir sang a heart-warming rendition of Lee Kernaghan's 'Spirit of ANZACS' and year 5 student, Allegra Del Ben read 'Sir', and year 6 student, Gloria Dellios, read 'Sonnet for ANZAC Day'. The event also featured a reading by Kerry Watson, the Ode by Alec Campbell and the poignant bugle player Anthony Croad.
A large crowd including many parents and students from the Red Hill Consolidated School and the First Red Hill Scouts attended the ANZAC Day Service. Hosted by David Maddock, RHCA Treasurer, the event featured an address by Roger Stuart-Andrews, local resident, historian and RHCA committee member.
The school choir sang a heart-warming rendition of Lee Kernaghan's 'Spirit of ANZACS' and year 5 student, Allegra Del Ben read 'Sir', and year 6 student, Gloria Dellios, read 'Sonnet for ANZAC Day'. The event also featured a reading by Kerry Watson, the Ode by Alec Campbell and the poignant bugle player Anthony Croad.
2022 Free Community Barbecue - Sunday 3 April 2022
Despite misty rain, many locals turned out for the annual Red Hill community barbecue held on Sunday 3 April.
For the first time, the event featured an Indigenous smoking ceremony hosted by local resident and Gunditjmara Kirraw Wurrung – Bundjalung man, Lionel Lauch.The ceremony is both an ancient and contemporary custom that involves smouldering native plants to produce herbal smoke. Locals were invited to walk through the smoke which is believed to have both spiritual and physical cleansing properties and ward off bad spirits.
The Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh, introduced Lionel’s ceremony and welcomed all the residents and friends, along with the CEO of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, John Baker and our Red Hill Ward councillor David Gill.
The sausages sizzled away and many toe taped to the live music and singing by Chris Hoffman.
Local artist Michael Leeworthy once again lent his support and painted a scene from the beginning of Red Hill to Merricks rail trail, as inspiration for budding younger artists.
There were close encounters with the lizards, snakes and wombats and Lionel also led of a one-hour walk On Country and a didgeridoo meditation session, which returned as a popular part of the event.
The Red Hill CFA were in attendance, and fortunately not needed, despite the smoke!
This successful day is made possible through the generous support of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, local graphic design artist, Robin Griffiths, Sommerville meats for their hamburgers, Red Hill Bakery for a huge supply of bread and rolls, Cellar and Pantry for ice, and Redi coolroom hire to keep it cool on the day
Despite misty rain, many locals turned out for the annual Red Hill community barbecue held on Sunday 3 April.
For the first time, the event featured an Indigenous smoking ceremony hosted by local resident and Gunditjmara Kirraw Wurrung – Bundjalung man, Lionel Lauch.The ceremony is both an ancient and contemporary custom that involves smouldering native plants to produce herbal smoke. Locals were invited to walk through the smoke which is believed to have both spiritual and physical cleansing properties and ward off bad spirits.
The Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh, introduced Lionel’s ceremony and welcomed all the residents and friends, along with the CEO of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, John Baker and our Red Hill Ward councillor David Gill.
The sausages sizzled away and many toe taped to the live music and singing by Chris Hoffman.
Local artist Michael Leeworthy once again lent his support and painted a scene from the beginning of Red Hill to Merricks rail trail, as inspiration for budding younger artists.
There were close encounters with the lizards, snakes and wombats and Lionel also led of a one-hour walk On Country and a didgeridoo meditation session, which returned as a popular part of the event.
The Red Hill CFA were in attendance, and fortunately not needed, despite the smoke!
This successful day is made possible through the generous support of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, local graphic design artist, Robin Griffiths, Sommerville meats for their hamburgers, Red Hill Bakery for a huge supply of bread and rolls, Cellar and Pantry for ice, and Redi coolroom hire to keep it cool on the day
2021 Annual General Meeting - Renewable energies in Red Hill ?
Saturday 20 November via Zoom
Our community update and President's report was provided by our President Carolynn Massola, who was re-elected unopposed along with the other eight committee members: Kerry Watson returned as Vice President, David Maddocks as Treasurer and we welcomed Jan Reynolds as Secretary. The committee comprises Bruce Kiloh, Hannah Stuart-Andrews, Roger Stuart-Andrews, Robert Commerford and John Eldridge.
Our guest speakers were Jacqui Salter, Community Environmental Education Coordinator for the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Jim Goddard from eMPower, a new local organisation whose mission is to reduce carbon emissions and provide equitable access to renewable energy across the Peninsula. You can find out more about eMPower on their website. They spoke about climate change and their vision for renewable energies, energy savings and provided an update on eMPower. You can view Jacqui's presentation and Jim's presentation. Read the audience questions and answers provided.
Remembrance Day Service - Thursday 11 November 2021 - Late changes in COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, meant the Remembrance Day event was filmed on Facebook Live. RHCA Committee member David Maddocks led the service and Bugler Anthony Pope played the Last Post and Rouse. The event was filmed on RHCA Facebook Live and you can watch the recording on Facebook. Special thanks to our bugler Anthony Pope once again.
Anzac Day Commemorative Service - Sunday 25 April 2021
A large crowd gathered for our Anzac Day service. Led by David Maddocks, the service featured an address by Roger Stuart-Andrews, with readings by Anika Sullivan (the 25th of April), Poppy Moser (And the band played Waltzing Matilda) and Kerry Watson (to the Anzacs), Alec Campbell said the Ode of Remembrance and Anthony Pope played the bugle of the Last Post and Rouse.
Free Community Barbecue and Indigenous Walks - Sunday 7 March 2021
A fabulous event all round from perfect Autumn weather to a crowd of locals and lots of activities. The annual event normally takes place during the January long weekend and was rescheduled due to the impact of COVID-19.
Highlights included:
Red Hill Ward Councillor David Gill joined us along with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Despi O'Connor. Generous locals dropped $218 in the the Red Hill Lions defibrillator donation boxes which was much appreciated!
A large crowd gathered for our Anzac Day service. Led by David Maddocks, the service featured an address by Roger Stuart-Andrews, with readings by Anika Sullivan (the 25th of April), Poppy Moser (And the band played Waltzing Matilda) and Kerry Watson (to the Anzacs), Alec Campbell said the Ode of Remembrance and Anthony Pope played the bugle of the Last Post and Rouse.
Free Community Barbecue and Indigenous Walks - Sunday 7 March 2021
A fabulous event all round from perfect Autumn weather to a crowd of locals and lots of activities. The annual event normally takes place during the January long weekend and was rescheduled due to the impact of COVID-19.
Highlights included:
- Scrumptious barbecue - hamburgers, sausages and vege burgers - special thanks to Sommerville Meats for the hamburgers and Red Hill Bakery for the bread
- Two sensational Indigenous walks through the adjoining reserve with a didgeridoo mediation hosted by Lionel Lauch from Living Culture
- Toe tapping music provided by the Chris Commerford Band - guitar and sax
- Children's animal art cartoons hosted by the talented artist Michael Leeworthy
- Close encounters of the wildlife kind with snakes, wombats, black cockatoos and other creatures
Red Hill Ward Councillor David Gill joined us along with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Despi O'Connor. Generous locals dropped $218 in the the Red Hill Lions defibrillator donation boxes which was much appreciated!
Red Hill Community Barbeque and Indigenous Cultural Walk
Around 100 locals joined us on Sunday 27 January 2019, our third free community barbeque and our inaugural Indigenous cultural walk. The sun was shining and it was a great fun day all round.
Thank you to all from near and far that came along. We are especially grateful to Lionel Lauch and team at Living Culture for the excellent bush walk and tucker talk. Indigenous land is where we stand, and the more that is understood and celebrated by our communities, the more we can care for each other, this beautiful land, and precious waterways for years to come.
The CFA (Country Fire Authority) Red Hill team were at hand and a great help, as were the Scouts Victoria 1st Red Hill Scouts BBQ crew! So much appreciation for this wonderful community. We were also grateful to have Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr. David Gill and CEO, John Baker with us for the day.
Acclaimed local authors Wendy Orr and Hugh Dolan with local musician song writer Keith White were excellent entertainers and our face painting guru Megan Masefield was in high demand all afternoon.
Around 100 locals joined us on Sunday 27 January 2019, our third free community barbeque and our inaugural Indigenous cultural walk. The sun was shining and it was a great fun day all round.
Thank you to all from near and far that came along. We are especially grateful to Lionel Lauch and team at Living Culture for the excellent bush walk and tucker talk. Indigenous land is where we stand, and the more that is understood and celebrated by our communities, the more we can care for each other, this beautiful land, and precious waterways for years to come.
The CFA (Country Fire Authority) Red Hill team were at hand and a great help, as were the Scouts Victoria 1st Red Hill Scouts BBQ crew! So much appreciation for this wonderful community. We were also grateful to have Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr. David Gill and CEO, John Baker with us for the day.
Acclaimed local authors Wendy Orr and Hugh Dolan with local musician song writer Keith White were excellent entertainers and our face painting guru Megan Masefield was in high demand all afternoon.
Red Hill Community Park opens
There were some who doubted it would ever happen, but finally on Sunday 24 January the Red Hill Community Park was declared open. The ceremony began with Bob Austin representing the Bunurong Land Council, who gave a short address to the crowd of 250 people. Speeches then followed from Greg Hunt MP, Martin Dixon MP, RHCA President David Maddocks and Mayor Graham Pittock who cut the ribbon helped by colleague and Red Hill Ward Councillor, Tim Wood.
Before, during and after the ceremony, one factor was unmissable and that was the excited squealings of children using the playground for the first time. For those not in the playground, RHCA held a free BBQ for all attendees who hoed into sausages, hamburgers, veggie burgers cooked by an army of volunteers and served with panache by members of 1st Red Hill Scouts.
RHCA would like to publicly thank everyone who gave their time to make the event such a great success, in particular those who donated their expertise or product: Cellar and Pantry for free soft drinks, Red Hill Trading for the loan of the coolroom, Red Hill Consolidated School for the loan of their marquee and the Red Hill Epicurean for slicing 20 kg of onions for no charge. Music was provided by local resident Keith White, who waived his fee and entertained the crowd with a great selection of old and new songs.
Before, during and after the ceremony, one factor was unmissable and that was the excited squealings of children using the playground for the first time. For those not in the playground, RHCA held a free BBQ for all attendees who hoed into sausages, hamburgers, veggie burgers cooked by an army of volunteers and served with panache by members of 1st Red Hill Scouts.
RHCA would like to publicly thank everyone who gave their time to make the event such a great success, in particular those who donated their expertise or product: Cellar and Pantry for free soft drinks, Red Hill Trading for the loan of the coolroom, Red Hill Consolidated School for the loan of their marquee and the Red Hill Epicurean for slicing 20 kg of onions for no charge. Music was provided by local resident Keith White, who waived his fee and entertained the crowd with a great selection of old and new songs.
Anzac Day 2015
On the Ridge and the Hill - An ANZAC Day reflection by Keith White
From orchard and farm they heard the alarm
That rang round the eucalypts tall
On the Ridge and the Hill they shut down the mill
And went off to answer the call.
'Gainst the Boers there went two, and they saw it through
And came back to their children and wives
Then to fight for the cause in the War To End Wars
Some paid the price with their lives.
And the call came again when the tyrant insane
Threatened to conquer the world
The crowds cheered hurray as they sailed down the Bay
To follow the banner unfurled.
Then the Vietnam War - when the call came once more -
They laid down their tools and they went
And in jungle and field to fight and not yield
To the dark force's stubborn intent.
Let's raise a glass then to the women and men
Who offered their lives for us all
On the Ridge and the Hill let us honour them still
In this place 'neath the eucalypts tall.
And when evening draws nigh you can hear if you try
In the gullies on the Ridge and the Hill
In the rustling breeze in the whispering trees
Their voices speak to us still.
"We went away" you might hear them say
"So you could have lives to fulfil."
With gratitude deep we pray that they sleep
In peace on the Ridge and the Hill.
From orchard and farm they heard the alarm
That rang round the eucalypts tall
On the Ridge and the Hill they shut down the mill
And went off to answer the call.
'Gainst the Boers there went two, and they saw it through
And came back to their children and wives
Then to fight for the cause in the War To End Wars
Some paid the price with their lives.
And the call came again when the tyrant insane
Threatened to conquer the world
The crowds cheered hurray as they sailed down the Bay
To follow the banner unfurled.
Then the Vietnam War - when the call came once more -
They laid down their tools and they went
And in jungle and field to fight and not yield
To the dark force's stubborn intent.
Let's raise a glass then to the women and men
Who offered their lives for us all
On the Ridge and the Hill let us honour them still
In this place 'neath the eucalypts tall.
And when evening draws nigh you can hear if you try
In the gullies on the Ridge and the Hill
In the rustling breeze in the whispering trees
Their voices speak to us still.
"We went away" you might hear them say
"So you could have lives to fulfil."
With gratitude deep we pray that they sleep
In peace on the Ridge and the Hill.
