At a stage set up on the shore of Lake Wendouree, at 11.00 am, a short service to honour the Bondi tragedy was held. Two local councillors came straight from a citizenship ceremony to take part, and prayers were offered

Vale Valerie Claire McMahon 2/2/1935 – 10/1/2026   Val’s Mass of Thanksgiving was held on Friday 23 January 2026 at St Therese’s Church, Essendon. Presided over by Fr John Hannon, there was a very large congregation and a VicWelsh presence

A number of choirs, as well as mixed groups of singers, took part in the Plygain service. Under the direction of Rushan, the VicWelsh choir was Rhys Parry (Bendigo), Lynton Wade (Ballarat), Alan Thompson (Blackburn), George Dingli (Bla), John Reid

Vale Eric Billingham 13 February 1933 – 4 January 2026 The funeral service was held at Springvale Cemetery on 11 January 2026. Eric’s very full life and long marriage to Ruth featured in daughter Karen’s loving eulogy with younger family