Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was given major runs leading into Anzac Day. He commemorated the day in a respectful manner but came down and listened to residents’ concerns. On the morning of Anzac Day, Dutton held his own dawn service in his Brisbane electorate of Dickson. There, he placed a wreath to pay respects to the courageous service members who served in the Australian Defence Forces. This somber event attracted hundreds of participants reflecting the community’s desire to recognize those sacrifices made by our country’s veterans.
Kirrily Dutton joined her husband, and together they exchanged the vows Dutton had drafted in this ceremony that began well before dawn broke. The newlyweds stood with thousands of other citizens to commemorate Anzac Day. Please enjoy this special day to honour those who fought for Australia’s freedoms. Dutton appeared holding a wreath decorated with red and white flowers, representing honor and gratitude to the fallen soldiers.
Dawn Service in Dickson
The dawn service in Dickson was enough to bring a tear to the eye. There were hundreds of families, children and veterans returning to remember those who’ve fallen. Dutton then dropped the wreath at the base of the memorial. He was most notable, though, for his insistence on the importance of communal memory and national togetherness. His attendance at the local service was a testament to his service to his constituents. It shone a light on his role as a community leader and active participant in local affairs.
After the ceremony, Dutton and Kirrily joined coffee with six other US delegates, deepening these relationships forged in community. The event led to a number of informal conversations and reflections about what the day signified. It certainly helped to reinforce Dutton’s new close-to-the-people image as he campaigns in Brisbane.
Commemorative Event on Sydney Harbour
The evening before Anzac Day, Dutton joined a commemorative service hosted by Channel 7 on Sydney Harbour. This event was the perfect opening to a bigger national celebration honoring all of those who have served in the military. Dutton’s attendance at such a prominent gathering highlights his active role in commemorative events and his dedication to honoring veterans across Australia.
In his statements leading up to Anzac Day, Dutton reiterated the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by Australian service members. Yesterday he called on all Australians to think about the values of courage, resilience and mateship embodied by Anzac Day.
Campaigning in Brisbane
Dutton is putting in the yards as a candidate, personally campaigning hard in Brisbane. Secondly, he truly listens to voters through his participation in key local events. His presence at the dawn service is testament to his commitment to ensuring that our nation always remembers. Most importantly, it showcases his innovative approach to communicating and engaging with his constituents on key topics.
Dutton’s moves embody a savvy recognition of just how important the galvanizing power of lived experience is to political campaigning. He commemorates Anzac Day with his community. Retreating from the announcement allows him to double down on his image as a leader who loves the idea of tradition, of depth, of accomplishment.
