Read about our events:
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!

Bugle across the hills for Remembrance Day - 11 November 2020
The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been felt throughout 2020 and the Remembrance Day service was held in isolation. RHCA President David Maddocks led the service and Bugler Anthony Pope played the Last Post and Rouse. The event was filmed on Facebook Live and a copy of the video can be viewed on the Red Hill Community Association page.
The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been felt throughout 2020 and the Remembrance Day service was held in isolation. RHCA President David Maddocks led the service and Bugler Anthony Pope played the Last Post and Rouse. The event was filmed on Facebook Live and a copy of the video can be viewed on the Red Hill Community Association page.
Bugle across the hills for Anzac Day - 25 April 2020
Anzac Day 2020 was a little different this year due to coronavirus and social distancing requirements. The service was conducted online and via video. Anthony Pope was our special guest, filmed by RHCA president David Maddocks.
Anzac Day 2020 was a little different this year due to coronavirus and social distancing requirements. The service was conducted online and via video. Anthony Pope was our special guest, filmed by RHCA president David Maddocks.
Free community barbecue Saturday 25 January 2020
Many thanks to the Mornington Peninsula Shire grant for enabling RHCA to host its fourth annual free community barbeque.
Many thanks to the Mornington Peninsula Shire grant for enabling RHCA to host its fourth annual free community barbeque.
Lest we forget - 11 November 2019
November 11 is ‘a day to remember because if we ever forget then they died in vain’, appealed Roger Stuart-Andrews in his Remembrance Day service address.
Roger, a long-time resident, historian and RHCA committee member gave some poignant examples in his address of individuals ‘who gave everything’ in conveying the tragedy of World War 1 and the 10 million soldiers and seven million civilians who died. From John Kipling, the son of Rudyard, who died shortly after arriving in France aged 18, to the ‘1200 Aboriginal men who fought for Australians who did not recognise them as citizens in spite of having farmed their land, our country, for more than 40,000 years’.
Roger’s words resonated with around 40 locals who joined to pay their respects at the Remembrance Day service.
Local resident Phil Davies addressed the group with the story of his grandfather, Herbert Thomas Percival Davies who served in WW1 in Belgium and France and was also the bugler for ceremonial occasions. Phil’s father, Tom Davies, was with us and they were proud of Herbert’s contribution in the first AIF, 6th battalion. The bugle is still in the family and it was very poignant for the bugle to be used for the Last Post and Rouse by bugler Anthony Pope.
Special thanks also to Alex Campbell who gave the Ode and Rouse and the 1st Red Hill Scouts members who tendered the flag on the day. Wreaths were laid by Red Hill Lions, Minister Greg Hunt’s representative Lisa Burgess, Ist Red Hill Scouts, Red Hill Fire brigade, RHCA, personal contributors and the Shire’s CEO John Baker.
November 11 is ‘a day to remember because if we ever forget then they died in vain’, appealed Roger Stuart-Andrews in his Remembrance Day service address.
Roger, a long-time resident, historian and RHCA committee member gave some poignant examples in his address of individuals ‘who gave everything’ in conveying the tragedy of World War 1 and the 10 million soldiers and seven million civilians who died. From John Kipling, the son of Rudyard, who died shortly after arriving in France aged 18, to the ‘1200 Aboriginal men who fought for Australians who did not recognise them as citizens in spite of having farmed their land, our country, for more than 40,000 years’.
Roger’s words resonated with around 40 locals who joined to pay their respects at the Remembrance Day service.
Local resident Phil Davies addressed the group with the story of his grandfather, Herbert Thomas Percival Davies who served in WW1 in Belgium and France and was also the bugler for ceremonial occasions. Phil’s father, Tom Davies, was with us and they were proud of Herbert’s contribution in the first AIF, 6th battalion. The bugle is still in the family and it was very poignant for the bugle to be used for the Last Post and Rouse by bugler Anthony Pope.
Special thanks also to Alex Campbell who gave the Ode and Rouse and the 1st Red Hill Scouts members who tendered the flag on the day. Wreaths were laid by Red Hill Lions, Minister Greg Hunt’s representative Lisa Burgess, Ist Red Hill Scouts, Red Hill Fire brigade, RHCA, personal contributors and the Shire’s CEO John Baker.

New RHCA committee welcomed at Annual General Meeting
Around 60 locals joined us for our annual general meeting on Saturday 12 October. We were also delighted to have the Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO, John Baker, as our special guest speaker along with the Mayor and Red Hill Ward Councillor, David Gill, joining us.
Our incoming committee are President and Treasurer, David Maddock,s Vice President Bruce Kiloh, Secretary John Eldridge and committee members Kerry Watson, Roger and Hannah Stuart-Andrews. We thank outgoing committee members Tom Orr, Libby Gott, Monique Somes and Felicia Virgona.
Read the Chairman's Report for an overview of activities in the past year.
The Shire's introduction of a 20 per cent Rural Living Rate to properties under two hectares in the Green Wedge was a major topic of conversation. If you would like to get involved to get action about the Rural Living Rate, contact Peter Shaw on 0428 825 467 or Robert Clark on 0419 152 154.
Around 60 locals joined us for our annual general meeting on Saturday 12 October. We were also delighted to have the Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO, John Baker, as our special guest speaker along with the Mayor and Red Hill Ward Councillor, David Gill, joining us.
Our incoming committee are President and Treasurer, David Maddock,s Vice President Bruce Kiloh, Secretary John Eldridge and committee members Kerry Watson, Roger and Hannah Stuart-Andrews. We thank outgoing committee members Tom Orr, Libby Gott, Monique Somes and Felicia Virgona.
Read the Chairman's Report for an overview of activities in the past year.
The Shire's introduction of a 20 per cent Rural Living Rate to properties under two hectares in the Green Wedge was a major topic of conversation. If you would like to get involved to get action about the Rural Living Rate, contact Peter Shaw on 0428 825 467 or Robert Clark on 0419 152 154.
Bunnings Barbeque - June 2019
For the third year now, RHCA has secured a spot for a Bunnings Barbeque in Rosebud to raise funds for future projects.
Ably led by John Eldridge, there were plenty of sizzling snags and onions served (underneath the sausage) and enjoyed despite the gloomy weather. We made a $1040 profit on the day and special thanks go to the team of supporters!
For the third year now, RHCA has secured a spot for a Bunnings Barbeque in Rosebud to raise funds for future projects.
Ably led by John Eldridge, there were plenty of sizzling snags and onions served (underneath the sausage) and enjoyed despite the gloomy weather. We made a $1040 profit on the day and special thanks go to the team of supporters!

Anzac Day Service
A young school student reading, a moving Anzac Day address and a bugle from WW1 captured the attention of the large crowd at the sunny Thursday Anzac Day service hosted by RHCA.
Well-known local identity David Gibb gave the address reminding us of the freedoms many Australians take for granted that were defended by the Anzacs and the importance of passing on the spirit to the next generation.
As a special element to this service, and representing a younger generation, year 6 Red Hill Consolidated student Fenella Collins read the poem “Sir”.
On display was the bugle of Thomas Herbert Percival Davies who served in France and Belgium during WW1 as a company bugler. His son Thomas Davies and grandson Phil Davies were at the service and later were treated to an impromptu playing of the bugle by both Anthony Pope and Lewy Coard. “It was the first time we’d heard the bugle played properly,’ Phil said.
Locals Melissa Zerbe read the poem “The 25th of April” and Kerry Watson read a letter from soldier in the Dardanelles that captured a moment in the trenches in 1915. Keith White treated us to his song “On the Ridge and the Hill”, a crowd favourite, with Russell Joseph reciting the Ode of Remembrance.
A beautiful selection of wreaths were laid in memory and Lewy Coard’s stirring bugle playing of the Last Post and Rouse echoed across the hills.

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.
Remembrance Day Service 2018
Around 100 locals joined us to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day which ended WW1. The event was MC'd by David Maddock with the poem Perhaps by Vera Brittain read by Libby Gott and the poem In Flanders Field by John McCrae read by Kerry Watson. Local singer songwriter Keith White sang and played his beautiful rendition of On the Ridge and the Hill and the stirring Remembrance Day address was delivered by Russell Joseph. After the wreath laying by many community organisations and rosemary spreading by the local children, the Ode of Remembrance was cited by Robert Malone and Lewis Coard sounded the Last Post and The Rouse on his bugle. The sunny morning's service was finished with locals singing the National Anthem.
Annual General Meeting 2018
Thank you to all those who joined us for our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 25 August.
You can read a copy of the Acting President's report for the past year.
David Maddocks presented on the controversial new planning legislation and effect on our Green Wedge protection. View a copy of the Green Wedge presentation.
Thank you to all those who joined us for our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 25 August.
You can read a copy of the Acting President's report for the past year.
David Maddocks presented on the controversial new planning legislation and effect on our Green Wedge protection. View a copy of the Green Wedge presentation.
Anzac Day 2018
It was great to see such a large crowd at the Red Hill war memorial for the traditional Anzac Day Service.
David Maddocks led the service, Carolyn Massola recited an extract of The 25th of April, by Roderick Quinn, The Reverend Fiona Goy delivered the Prayer of Remembrance and local musician and song writer Keith White once again sang 'On the Ridge and the Hill', which has become a crowd favourite.
David Maddocks delivered a AB Banjo Paterson poem 'We're all Australians now' followed by an address by local Kerry Watson. Wreaths were laid by many members of the community including the Lions and local kindergarten.
The service concluded with the Ode to Remembrance by Phil Board and Anthony Pope played a poignant Last Post and Rouse on the bugle that echoed across the community gathering.
It was great to see such a large crowd at the Red Hill war memorial for the traditional Anzac Day Service.
David Maddocks led the service, Carolyn Massola recited an extract of The 25th of April, by Roderick Quinn, The Reverend Fiona Goy delivered the Prayer of Remembrance and local musician and song writer Keith White once again sang 'On the Ridge and the Hill', which has become a crowd favourite.
David Maddocks delivered a AB Banjo Paterson poem 'We're all Australians now' followed by an address by local Kerry Watson. Wreaths were laid by many members of the community including the Lions and local kindergarten.
The service concluded with the Ode to Remembrance by Phil Board and Anthony Pope played a poignant Last Post and Rouse on the bugle that echoed across the community gathering.
Annual General Meeting 2017
RHCA Annual General Meeting was held on 12 August with 30 interested locals in attendance.
A copy of the President's report with our year in review can be read here. Local Aboriginal man, Lionel Lauch was a special guest and warmly received by all in attendance.
Mark Stirling was re-elected unopposed, David Maddocks was elected unopposed as Vice President and Treasurer, Secretary role is jointly held by Carolynn Massola and John Eldridge.
RHCA Annual General Meeting was held on 12 August with 30 interested locals in attendance.
A copy of the President's report with our year in review can be read here. Local Aboriginal man, Lionel Lauch was a special guest and warmly received by all in attendance.
Mark Stirling was re-elected unopposed, David Maddocks was elected unopposed as Vice President and Treasurer, Secretary role is jointly held by Carolynn Massola and John Eldridge.
Community Safety Meeting
Around 25 keen locals joined us for an update on crime and crime prevention in the Red Hill area on Friday 26 May. Victoria Police presented and a representative from the Somers community to discuss their experiences in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group.
RHCA is in the process of setting up a rural watch group as a sub-committee.
If you are interested in being involved please contact us for more details.
Around 25 keen locals joined us for an update on crime and crime prevention in the Red Hill area on Friday 26 May. Victoria Police presented and a representative from the Somers community to discuss their experiences in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group.
RHCA is in the process of setting up a rural watch group as a sub-committee.
If you are interested in being involved please contact us for more details.

Community Barbeque
About 150 locals stopped by to the Red Hill Community Park for a free community barbeque hosted by RHCA.
Free sausages and hamburgers were on offer, there was a face-painter and balloons for the kids and local musician Keith White donated his time playing live background music for all to enjoy.
‘It was great to see so many locals and families in particular stop by and have some lunch with us and meet other locals’, said Mark Stirling, President of the Red Hill Community Association.
‘The park is being used by so many people since it opened last year and the planting is starting to settle in nicely. It’s a real asset for the community’, he said.
In true community fashion, the First Red Hill Scout group helped out at the barbeque setting up and serving food. Red Hill Ward Councillor David Gill, Councillor Rosie Clarke and Russell Joseph, Nepean electorate office manager, stopped by to meet some of the locals and the Red Hill CFA fire truck also paid a visit during the afternoon.
The free barbeque will be a regular event for the next two years at least and was hosted by RHCA with triennial grant funding from the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
About 150 locals stopped by to the Red Hill Community Park for a free community barbeque hosted by RHCA.
Free sausages and hamburgers were on offer, there was a face-painter and balloons for the kids and local musician Keith White donated his time playing live background music for all to enjoy.
‘It was great to see so many locals and families in particular stop by and have some lunch with us and meet other locals’, said Mark Stirling, President of the Red Hill Community Association.
‘The park is being used by so many people since it opened last year and the planting is starting to settle in nicely. It’s a real asset for the community’, he said.
In true community fashion, the First Red Hill Scout group helped out at the barbeque setting up and serving food. Red Hill Ward Councillor David Gill, Councillor Rosie Clarke and Russell Joseph, Nepean electorate office manager, stopped by to meet some of the locals and the Red Hill CFA fire truck also paid a visit during the afternoon.
The free barbeque will be a regular event for the next two years at least and was hosted by RHCA with triennial grant funding from the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Anzac Day 2016
Anzac Day 2016 dawned bright and sunny. The service began at 11 am with an introduction from RHCA President David Maddocks. Rev Fiona Goy did the reading and prayers, Jenny McIlroy read a poem, Cr Tim Wood gave an address, Kobi Watson read a letter from the front and local musician Keith White sang a song he'd written especially for the day. You will find the words on our Anzac Day 2016 page.
A deeply touching moment occurred when a tiny toddler trotted onto the memorial and went up to the dedication column, where he ran his fingers over "Lest We Forget" before his father took him back into the crowd.
We were pleased to see over 200 people at the Anzac Day service this year and proud to show off the Red Hill War Memorial which was completed in time for the day. The concrete slab is now coated with Pebble Mix in two shades which blend beautifully with the Corten columns, two bench seats are in situ and we even have our own flag pole. Job done!
However, we still need to repay the loans which enabled us to do this, so please donate if you can! This is your war memorial and your heritage. Donations can be sent to us by cheque or direct debit. See our Projects page for details.
A deeply touching moment occurred when a tiny toddler trotted onto the memorial and went up to the dedication column, where he ran his fingers over "Lest We Forget" before his father took him back into the crowd.
We were pleased to see over 200 people at the Anzac Day service this year and proud to show off the Red Hill War Memorial which was completed in time for the day. The concrete slab is now coated with Pebble Mix in two shades which blend beautifully with the Corten columns, two bench seats are in situ and we even have our own flag pole. Job done!
However, we still need to repay the loans which enabled us to do this, so please donate if you can! This is your war memorial and your heritage. Donations can be sent to us by cheque or direct debit. See our Projects page for details.
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.
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.