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Kyabram’s Lone Pine future in safe hands

By Rohan Aldous

Sep 5, 2023

Speaking from the heart: Kyabram P-12 College primary captain Flynn Burrows paid an emotional tribute to his great-grandfathers when he wore their medals and spoke of the service they had given to Australia during wartime.

A 12-year-old school captain and a 96-year-old aged care resident wouldn’t normally have too much in common.

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However, last week they shared a single focus as Kyabram further enhanced its reputation as a leader in recognising Australia’s Lone Pine history with ceremonies at the town’s two major education facilities.

Flynn Burrows stood at the rostrum of the Kyabram P-12 College Lone Pine ceremony proudly wearing a dozen medals won by his great-grandfathers, while only 20m to his right, a proud Alwyn Drysdale held the hand of her daughter as her late husband was hailed the man chiefly responsible for ensuring Kyabram continued to recognise Australia’s wartime contribution.

“Lone Pine Bob’’ was responsible for not only securing the Aleppo pine seeds that have grown into giant reminders of the World War I battle at Gallipoli, but he also ensured the sites where they were planted ensured an ongoing involvement of generations of children from the region.

St Augustine’s College and Kyabram P-12 College again accepted guardianship of the Lone Pine trees as the ceremonies entered their 25th year, ensuring a continued understanding of Legacy’s role in the community.

More photos and stories from the two events are on pages 10 and 11.