Saluting Their Service

Saluting Their Service is a short-film that recounts the lives of local ANZAC heroes from the Shire of Dardanup, who lived in the area during the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

Local historians and polemologists, Danny Harris, Jeff Peirce and Darren? Foster, recall the stories of six ANZAC heroes, sharing personal anecdotes, heirlooms, and even personal memories in this short film.

This multimedia production dives into the lives of William and Joseph Harris, Mervyn and James Ross, John George Foster, and Elma Mary Linklater to uncover their sacrifice, achievements, and struggles.

The film was created by the Shire of Dardanup and produced by video production company, Lomax Media. Production of the film was made possible with support from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

We hope that by sharing their stories, their sacrifices are never forgotten, and their achievements are recognised as an integral testimony to the Dardanup community.

The Saluting Their Service short film will be screened for the first time at the Dardanup ANZAC service taking place on Thursday, 25 April 2024. To find more information about the service visit News Story - Two Dardanup services to honour Anzac Day » Shire of Dardanup. 

Saluting Their Service - Short Film 

Interviews 

Elma Mary Linklater

Mervyn and James Ross 

John George Foster

William and Joseph Harris

Background

The Dardanup War Memorial was updated in 2021 after receiving funding through the Department of Veterans Affair Saluting Their Service grant. This funding was used as part of the staged upgrades to the Dardanup War Memorial. This included the reconfiguration of the memorial name plaque, paving including the “Lest We Forget” feature and paving for increased wheelchair access.

The Saluting Their Service project was inspired by the visual installation, The Poppy Project which the Shire of Dardanup has proudly delivered since 2021. The Poppy Project commemorates Remembrance Day and honours the lives lost in battle, both human and animal. The installation consists of over 3,000 hand-made poppies in vibrant red and purple hues displayed at three locations throughout the Shire, forming a visually captivating and deeply moving sight.

Saluting Their Service and The Poppy Project was developed by the Shire of Dardanup to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour Australia's service personnel. It holds great importance within our community for several reasons:

  • Preserving Heritage and History: The project provides an avenue for community members to access and engage with the heritage and history of their community's wartime past. By exploring and sharing the stories of past service men and women linked to the Shire of Dardanup during World War 1 and 2, the project ensures that their contributions and sacrifices are remembered and honoured.

 

  • Fostering Community Connectedness: Engaging the community in a meaningful project like this creates a sense of connection and unity. It allows community members to come together, listen to other experiences, and collectively pay their respects. By involving groups and individuals such as the Dardanup Heritage Collective, Christine Hunter, Danny Harris, and Jeff Pierce, the project benefits from the expertise and dedication of individuals committed to preserving the stories and spirit of the service men and women.

 

  • Engaging the Younger Generation: The project's aim to explore new ways to engage the younger generation is crucial for ensuring the continuation of the stories and traditions associated with Remembrance Day. By involving young people, the project helps instil a sense of appreciation and understanding of the sacrifices made by the service personnel.

 

Overall, these projects play a vital role in preserving the heritage, fostering community connectedness, engaging the younger generation, and commemorating the service and sacrifice of Shire of Dardanup's service personnel. It serves as a reminder to the community of the significance of Remembrance Day and ensures that the stories and spirit of the service men and women remain alive and honoured for years to come.