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Warrant
Officer Jim McLellan with the key to Ilfracombe.
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Photo
by CPL Craig Sharp
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THE tiny town of Ilfracombe in western Queensland and RAAF Base
Townsville have formally recognised each other.
Mayor John Back recently presented Warrant Officer Jim McLellan
(OAM) with a bronze key to the town – the first person to receive
such a gift – in recognition of the support of Townsville personnel
for the town’s Anzac Day services.
In return, WOFF McLellan gave the Ilfracombe community a framed
photograph of the Townsville base. For the past five years, WOFF
McLennan has been taking small groups to the Anzac Day service
at Longreach and Ilfracombe.
He delivered this year’s formal Anzac Day address at Ilfracombe.
The Air Force’s presence has led to increased interest in the
ceremonies.
WOFF McLellan said that on one occasion, the Mayor was the only
person in Ilfracombe to march but the event had now grown to about
300 people – practically all of the town’s 350 people.
“We shouldn’t forget that most people in this region do not see
or hear of Defence personnel,” he said. “It’s their Defence Force
and we being members of the Air Force are one element that can
contribute to a military presence for their Anzac Day.
“It should be remembered that a number of men from this region
paid the supreme sacrifice in service for their country. “It’s
a day that brings the community and the Defence Force together.
“It’s great to go to a little area like that. I do hope we are
able to continue to provide a military presence in the area in
years to come.”
