Women centre stage in Hobart Anzac march

The role and contribution of past and present servicewomen was centre stage at commemorations in Hobart.

Maureen Murnane

Maureen Murnane's marched in memory of her grandparents, who both served in World War I. (AAP)

In Maureen Murnane's mind, her grandparents were always equal.

As done at Anzac Day marches across Australia, the role of servicewomen past and present was centrestage during Hobart's morning parade on Wednesday.

Thousands lined the city streets under warm sunshine to pay their respects to veterans, descendants and serving personnel.

Among the onlookers, proudly adorned with medals was Mrs Murnane, whose grandparents both served in World War I.

He grandfather Edwin Green fought in Gallipoli, while her grandmother Daisey was a nurse.

"It's a day of reflection," she told AAP.

But the 61-year-old was circumspect when asked whether servicewomen should be at the front of marches.

"I think they were equal. All of them should be considered equal. But it's good to see the women recognised, especially the nurses," she said.

"Some of the paid their own way but they didn't get the recognition when they came back."

Remarkably, Mrs Murnane's grandparents met during the war.

"We know she went (to Gallipoli) but we don't think she went in the military," Mrs Murnane explained.

"We think it was as a private nurse. But that's how she met my grandfather, she nursed him.

"We're not sure where exactly though because there's no one left to ask and the records aren't so good."

A mixture of generations stood together in silence through the last post once the march reached the Hobart Cenotaph, which overlooks the city and River Derwent.

Premier Will Hodgman was one of several dignitaries including Senator Eric Abetz and the Greens' Nick McKim to lay a wreath.

"Their (servicewomens') selfless and proud contribution is beyond question but out proper recognition of it sadly is not," Mr Hodgman said.

Thousands had earlier rugged up in darkness for a chilly dawn service at the Cenotaph.


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Published 25 April 2018 2:28pm
Source: AAP


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