By Afraa Kori
As part of the 2025 Anzac Day dawn service, a large crowd gathered at the Rob Porter Recreation Reserve Memorial Gates in Officer to honour the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—Australia in war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
The Officer & District Community Association, Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club, Officer-Woorinyan-Upper Beaconsfield CWA, along with local scouts, schools, emergency services, volunteers, musicians, and many others all played a vital role in bringing today’s service to life.
Many shared heartfelt tributes to the veterans and serving Defence Force members within the Officer community. To their families, the message was clear: your sacrifices are deeply felt throughout Officer and the district. The community stands with you—in both grief and gratitude.
ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the cost of service – lives lost, wounds both seen and unseen, and families forever changed.
Cardinia Shire Council Officer Ward Cr Samantha-Jane Potter added that it’s also a time for healing.
“Healing that begins through remembrance, through our shared gratitude, and through the peace that their sacrifices made possible,” she said.
“While we honour the bravery and resilience of the ANZACs, we are reminded that peace is not just the absence of war—it is the bond we build in our community.
“It is in how we care for each other here in Officer and our surrounding district, how we support one another, and how we come together in respect and understanding.
“The spirit of the ANZACs lives on in the everyday actions of our community— in the kindness we show, the support we offer, and the unity we foster.
In 1939 while still recovering from the aftermath of World War I, the unthinkable occurred. The world had once again descended into war – World War II. Almost one million Australians enlisted, including 82 brave, honourable citizens of Officer and surrounding districts – 77 men and 5 women.
At the time, Officer and the surrounding area’s population was just 800–1000 people, meaning nearly 10 percent of the community enlisted to fight in the war, leaving a profound impact on both those who served and the town itself.
Officer and District Community Association member Annette Aldersea shared “6 of our brave Officer local men made the ultimate sacrifice and sadly, never returned”.
“They lie at rest in Papua New Guinea, Egypt, England, Ceylon, and at sea,” she said.
“76 made it home to their families and loved ones, forever changed by the unimaginable horrors of war.
“2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War Il. It seems fitting given the world we live in now, that we acknowledge the importance of the end of a war, not the beginning of one.”
One of the highlights of the dawn service was the unveiling of two plaques by Cr Potter, who was joined by Officer and District Community Association President Tammy Radford.
The community gathered for the unveiling of a plaque that commemorates and honours those 82 brave men and women from Officer and District. Including the unveiling of a second plaque at the head of the lovely avenue of oak and maple trees within this reserve along the Starling Road fenceline.
Annette reflected on the emotional significance of the new memorial space, describing it as “an area of reflection” where people can “come and just reflect on the sacrifice that people have made and how fortunate we are.”
“Honouring all who have served from Officer and District in all conflicts of war,” she said.
“Who fought so valiantly in World War II to allow all of us to live with the freedom we now enjoy. We shall remember them!”
She emphasized the impact on families, noting, “families can now see the names of their loved ones — the entire 82.”
For newer residents, the site serves as a powerful reminder: “New people to our town can sort of realize the impact it would have had and how important it is to the Officer community to remember them.”
The late Rob Porter was one of the driving forces in the installation of these plaques.
“Just four days before he passed away in December 2023, he was still thinking about the location and wording of the plaques,” Annette said.
“Typical of Rob to put his community first. Rob, I know you are looking down on us today. I promised I would get them done, I hope you are pleased with the outcome.”
The research, design, and installation of the plaques were made possible by Penny Harris Jennings, Carol Porter, Geoff Porter, Grant Tivendale and Rob Aldersea.
