At its magnificent location around the Memorial Plaque and Flagpole at the Eastern Headland overlooking the ocean, the Gerringong Anzac Day Dawn Service was both beautiful and moving.

On a fine, clear morning, under a bright, full moon, I was completely taken aback when sudden, spontaneous tears rolled down my cheeks while listening to the powerful rendition of Redgum’s ‘I was only 19’, performed by locals Merryn Lee Perez and Chris Cutting.

It left me contemplating music’s well-documented role as a catalyst to elicit emotions not readily revealed and just beneath the surface - to link us to our memories, stories, past experiences and to each other.

It turns out that Merryn, the singer whose voice had evoked such a strong visceral response, had been instrumental in bringing a program of music to the Dawn Service in 2017. Working with Gerringong RSL sub-Branch President Michael O'Leary, she introduced musical tributes into the ceremony in memory of her late father. They had also been keen to include music as a means of attracting more young people, so as to educate them about Anzac Day and keep its spirit and significance alive.





There are many examples of brave locals who have served our nation. Merryn’s father, beloved local RSL member and highly-decorated war hero Wing Commander Roy Walter (Nugget) Hibben DSO AFC, commanded a helicopter squadron in Vietnam in 1969-1970, flying a number of very dangerous missions, and had previously served in Korea. Merryn spoke of her father’s bravery in war, his humility and his kindness.