On Anzac Day, community members gathered at Kyabram’s Memorial Gardens to mark the 111th anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landings and to honour and commemorate the service and sacrifice of all Australians in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The service began with a march, led by flag bearers Bob and Ian Troy, followed by veterans, emergency services personnel and Scout troops as they made their way from Memorial Walk, across Allan St, to the Memorial Gardens for the formal ceremony.
Emcee David Blake welcomed attendees and introduced Kyabram RSL Sub-branch president Greg O’Connell, who acknowledged a recent tribute by Kyabram P-12 College students who placed Australian flags beside veterans graves at the Kyabram cemetery.
Local singer Sarah Mott performed a moving rendition of the national anthem, together with Kyabram P-12 College students who performed using sign language.
RSL member Chris Hunter led the service through the hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past, before Kyabram Legacy president John Lilford recited the Anzac Requiem.
“On this day, above all, we recall those conserved in war and who did not return to receive the grateful thanks of the nation,” Mr Lilford said.
“We remember those who still sleep where they were left, in the holy scrub in the valleys and on the ridges of Gallipoli and on the rocky and terraced hills of Palestine and in the lovely cemeteries of France.”
“May we and our successors, in that heritage left to us, prove worthy of their sacrifice.”
St Augustine’s College captain Dylan Priest and Kyabram P-12 College captain Ava Turner also addressed the crowd.
Royal Australian Navy veteran and RSL member Annita Wilkinson shared her experience leaving behind her home and family to begin a career in the Australian Defence Force.
Mrs Wilkinson gave a powerful speech about what it was like being a woman in the ADF during her service.
“We walked a fine line back then, quietly completing our tasks and duties whilst trying to fit in, but at the same time, not ruffle any feathers,” she said.
She also shared with attendees that distance made commitment to the defence force and home life quite difficult, with the only option of communication being written letters.
“For our loved ones on deployments, this was the only link to home, to family and to the life and friends and family they had left behind,” she said.
Mrs Wilkinson shared with everyone her commitment at that time to never missing a mail drop, explaining that she would never leave a doubt in her husband’s mind that he was missed and needed.
Speakers and attendees then paused to acknowledge a flyover by Echuca Aero Club, in remembrance of the many planes that flew during battles.
Mr O’Connell recited The Ode before The Last Post played.
To conclude the service, attendees were invited to enjoy tea, coffee and a sausage sizzle provided by the Kyabram Rotary and Lions clubs, along with The Kyabram Club.
Anzac services were also held in Tongala, Girgarre, Rushworth and Colbinabbin throughout the day.