YESTERDAY was a gathering for missionaries in Benalla, according to former Victorian premier and Anzac Day Centenary Committee chairman Ted Baillieu.
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Member for Benalla Bill Sykes was on a military mission, Euroa candidate Steph Ryan was on a parliamentary mission and former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer was on a Monash mission.
Mr Fischer launched his new book Maestro John Monash in Benalla to recognise “the greatest Australian citizen general”.
Sir John Monash was a former Jerilderie man and one of Australia’s most highly regarded generals.
“Monash stood his ground,” Mr Fischer said.
“He learnt from his mistakes at Gallipoli and stood up to British generals to show them how it was done.”
Mr Fischer said the book would correct decades of discrimination against Monash and half of the proceeds would go towards General Sir John Monash Scholarship.
To coincide with the book launch, Mr Sykes also announced his commitment to create a military history trail from Seymour to Wodonga, which he planned to see through even after he retired from State Parliament.
“There are three Victoria Cross winners at Euroa and Weary Dun-lop and the aircraft museum at Benalla,” he said.
“There is also the post war migration camp at Bonegilla.”
Mr Sykes said the proposal had already received backing from Regional Development Victoria.