AN embarrassed Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has apologised to RSLs around the peninsula, after contractors failed to collect Anzac Day wreaths that were laid in April.
Dromana RSL secretary Julia Edgerton said a kind volunteer was recently forced to remove and dispose of the sub branches’ wreath themselves, a task that is difficult for the mostly elderly volunteers, and costly for the RSL.
“The wreaths should have been removed two months ago…I requested it be done as soon as possible, but they sent an email saying they couldn’t do it,” she said.
“I checked on the council website and it lists the wreath removal ticket as still ’open’, so who knows? It is very disappointing.”
Vietnam veteran Roger Beacall said many people in the community were strong supporters of Anzac day celebrations, and would be disappointed by the council’s lack of action on the wreaths.
“I know many in our community were upset by them not being removed earlier,” he said.
On Thursday (4 July) the mayor Cr Simon Brooks said the delay had been cause by the “transition” to new contractors from 1 July.
“We will ensure this is a scheduled activity every year after Anzac Day,” he said.
First published in the Mornington News – July 9, 2024
