GALLERY | Kyabram honours fallen heroes

Despite the crisp November morning, attendees wrapped themselves warmly in coats, beanies and blankets to ward off the biting cold wind as they settled in to listen to each speaker, with proceedings opened by Greg O’Connell.

Veterans representing each major conflict stepped forward to lay wreaths at the cenotaph, before community groups and individuals paid their own tributes.

A minute’s silence was observed when the clock struck 11am, each member of the crowd bowing their head to remember the fallen soldiers.

The guest speaker for the service was Campaspe Salvation Army Major Greg Turnbull, who delivered an address about the Salvation Army's long-standing connection to veterans through its dedicated chaplaincy services.

He highlighted the remarkable service of chaplain William McKenzie, who served alongside soldiers in the dangerous trenches during World War I, offering spiritual and emotional support to anyone who needed it.

“When he was at Lone Pine and (soldiers) were going over the trenches, some said, ‘please don't go over the trenches with us’,” Mr Turnbull said.

“And he said, ‘I've lived with you, boys, I've preached you and boys, I've prayed with you — do you think that I am afraid to die with you?’”

Another minute’s silence was observed towards the end, with Mark Turner playing the Last Post and the Reveille, as the Australian flag was lowered to half-mast.