By AIDAN KNIGHT, BLAKE METCALF-HOLT, KATRINA BRANDON, LIAM DURKIN and PEACE IJIYERA
LATROBE Valley residents gathered for Anzac Day services across the region, paying their respects to the fallen.
With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday this year, many local RSLs reported record turnouts.
Traralgon
THE Traralgon dawn service began at 6am sharp, with more than 200 people in attendance.
Traralgon RSL Immediate Past President, Ron Culliver, led proceedings.
The nation’s flag rose as the sun did the same, bringing with it a chill as each resident endured in memory of the harsher conditions experienced by those who served the country.
Poppies were laid only by defence personnel, cadets, and veterans, with local organisations to return for the same during the main service later that day.
This began at 10.30am, as veterans, air force cadets, scouts and guides formed a parade behind the Traralgon Municipal Band along Franklin Street.
Ahead of them was two Light Horsemen, who carried an emotive story of new beginnings. Last year, one of the horses was not able to march as it had fallen pregnant. Now, she marched alongside her foal, leading the march to the cenotaph through Hotham St.
Those marching then arranged in formation around the cenotaph, as a crowd of close to 2000 filled in around them, before the Royal Australian Air Force performed a flyover – signalling the start of the ceremony. What was at first foggy conditions cleared up to a bright, sunny day without a cloud in the sky, with many working up a sweat standing in the 25-degree warmth.
The MC briefly reflected on ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, noting how they “graphically illustrate” the experiences and anxieties that earlier generations of service personnel would have felt.
After the initial speech and prayer was delivered, the RSL was proud to present keynote speaker, Claire Lindsay, whose address took place around 11.10am.
Ms Lindsay was chosen after becoming the 2026 recipient of the Marsh/Tierney ‘Adventure Kokoda’ scholarship. This is an annual award granted to senior secondary school students, providing them with the opportunity to trek the Kokoda Track during the July school holidays.
Claire spoke of her research into the 39th Battalion, an infantry unit mostly comprised of 18-19-year-old Victorian men during Word War 1 as part of the First Australian Imperial Force.
After serving in France and Belgium, the 39th was later reorganised to form the Hawthorn-Kew Regiment, before serving in WW2 in the New Guinea Islands against Japanese Forces. This saw them involved in the infamous defence of the Kokoda Track, and Port Moresby, and what was initially 1000 odd men was diminished to 32 by the end of the campaign.
Ceremonious flag-raising was performed by the 426 Squadron of the Air Force Cadets, and Stockdale Road Primary School students kindly performed AUSLAN for both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, sung by Ashley Daniel.
Also performed were hymns such as O God, Our Help in Ages Past and Onward, Christian Soldiers, along with I Am Australian, anchoring the service in music and reflection.
Commemorations extended beyond the formal services, with an Anzac-themed football program in the afternoon and further sporting fixtures into the evening, reinforcing the day’s themes through community gathering and shared tradition.
Morwell
A STILL morning greeted a decent crowd for Morwell’s dawn service.
An estimated 800 people gathered around the town’s cenotaph to pay its respects.
The crowd was so large that Morwell RSL held some concern its venue would not be large enough to accommodate the gunfire breakfast.
Morwell started its dawn service at 5.45am – 15 minutes earlier than what is generally seen in neighbouring towns.
The earlier start meant the most solemn part of the service hit right on the traditional dawn hour of 6am.
Tina Thompson from Morwell Citizens Band played The Last Post, while Morwell RSL Sub Branch President Don Fuller led the Ode of Remembrance.
An instrumental version of Advance Australia Fair was played during the service.
Attendees placed poppies around the cenotaph, with people of all ages coming forward, young kids in attendance were well-behaved throughout the service, recognising the significance of the event from 111 years ago.
The morning march set off at 11.30am down Elgin Street.
The assembly made its way to the cenotaph, and were greeted by warm applause by a 1000-strong turnout as they circled the roundabout in front of the RSL.
Guest speaker at this year’s service was Lieutenant Commander Mark Doggett from the Royal Australian Navy.
Morwell Fire Brigade was again the flag bearers, while wreaths were laid by various schools, community groups and dignitaries. Among them was local MLCs Harriet Shing and Melina Bath, and Latrobe City Councillor Steph Morgan.
A flyover took place featuring three planes heading east.
Mr Fuller led the Ode to the Fallen, and read the names of deceased Morwell RSL members from the past 12 months.
He mentioned Morwell showed “terrific spirit”.
Music was provided by the Morwell Caledonian Pipe Band leading the march, while Morwell Citizens’ Band played the national anthems of England, Australia and New Zealand.
Vocalists Sue Townsend and Bobbi Naidu sung the Maori section of God Defend New Zealand.
Joe Bonnici played The Last Post and Reveille.
Mr Bonnici had a busy day on the bugle, called up for Mirboo North’s dawn service, and Moe Racing Club for its Anzac meeting later in the afternoon.
Moe
NO less than an estimated 3000 people gathered on Albert Street, Moe over the course of Anzac Day.
The Moe RSL was treated with exceptional weather, particularly during the delivery of the main service, which created beautiful scenes of young and old reflecting on the sacrifices made by the countless servicemen and women in battle.
Each service featured a healthy crowd, which was noted by Moe RSL President and emcee Steve Mayes and Moe RSL General Manager Brendan Farrugia as the biggest they’d seen in their time.
“The turnout just reinforces what Anzac Day is all about, especially for all the younger ones,” Mr Mayes told the Express.
“I think the turnout at the main service was just as big (as the dawn service) … just by the amount of wreathes that were made would support that.”
This was Mr Mayes’ ninth-year emceeing the Moe services, and Mr Farrugia’s third organising as a part of the Moe RSL.
For the dawn service, locals arrived at 6am sharp last Saturday morning, commemorating the ANZAC’S landing on the shores of Gallipoli in 1915.
A dozen local veterans and members of the Moe RSL were acknowledged in their passing over the last year.
Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred laid a wreath in tribute to those who lost their lives, in all conflicts, especially those who hailed from the Gippsland area.
Immediate Past President of the Moe RSL, Ian Caines, followed in laying a wreath in tribute of all members who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the dawn service, plenty of attendees lined up for the gunfire breakfast, with a gold coin donation for entry.
An equally grand gathering then took place a few hours later at the main service.
Countless wreathes were laid during this time, including in memory of relatives no longer with us.
Latrobe City Moe Ward Councillor, Adele Pugsley laid a wreath on behalf of council and Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson.
Plenty of schools, emergency services and local clubs and organisations also came forward with wreathes.
Lowanna College school captain Zane Poxon took to the dais to articulate what Anzac Day, and what the ANZAC’S stood for.
“For myself and my generation, Anzac Day is not only a time to remember, but also a chance to learn from the brave service members,” he addressed to the crowd.
“Young people grow up hearing accounts of soldiers supporting one another, no matter the conditions, and showing unwavering loyalty in the moments of fear and uncertainty.
“The ANZAC’S have taught us lessons in leadership, resilience, strength, and sacrifice – lessons that continue to shape our character and the kind of people we strive to be.”
Zane also spoke of the story of Simpson and his donkey, one of many that reflects the selflessness and persistence in the face of hardship.
The Year 12 student hopes to join the armed forces once his schooling is done, with the intent to study Aeronautical Engineering and become a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Moe RSL was also able to show off its new renovations at the first big event since its makeover.
Not renovated in around 30 years, up until a few months ago, the original paint job still laid bare across the building.
A fresh coat of paint and new signage has been completed, while refurbishments inside are soon to come at the main bar and the transformation of the members bar into a sports bar.
The new gardens at the front of the building will include RSL roses, poppies, and local and native plants.
Trafalgar
TRAFALGAR Cemetery erected more than 300 flags in honour of fallen veterans this Anzac Day.
A total of 304 flags waved proudly for veterans enlisted across World War 1, World War 2, the Vietnam War, and others in honour of their service.
Out of the 304 flags, 10 were British, one New Zealand, and the rest Australian.
This is the second year the cemetery has erected flags. Last year, with support from the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Sub-Branch, they had 156 flags set up.
A bigger operation this year, the flags were set up on the morning of April 18, where more than 50 volunteers assisted.
Grade 6 students from Trafalgar Primary School were involved in the setup as part of the Rotary Junior Community Award (RJCA).
It took about two hours to get the finished product.
Alongside the flags, details of red poppies were scattered around the ashes garden.
Trafalgar Cemetery Trust co-chairs, Robyn Gunn and Linda Davies, said it was special to honour veterans in this way.
“(We do this) in honour of our veterans who served and did so much for us,” Ms Davies said.
“It’s just a small thing that we can do … to honour them and do something for them and the family.”
Student Jondy Keay said the best part about putting up the flags, was being able to read the inscriptions on the graves and learn about the people laid there.
“I saw someone that was like 106,” he marvelled.
Ms Gunn hopes to see some form of Anzac Day service held at the cemetery.
“We’re proposing in the future, maybe we’ll just do a quick service out here on dusk,” she said.
Ms Davies added she would “love to have a bugler” in attendance.
Picture the scene; the sun setting over the hill, the wind blowing through the flags and The Last Post echoing through the trees. The solemnity.
Ms Gunn hopes the flags will allow people the chance “to think and reflect.”
The flags will be up until May 2.
Around 300 early risers gathered at the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL-Sub Branch to commemorate Anzac Day last Saturday at its dawn service.
While the formal service commenced at 6am, many people began arriving as early as 5.30am.
Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL President, Jim Crowe welcomed attendees.
People were prepared for the chilly morning and rugged up.
As the Australian flag and New Zealand flag were lowered to half mast, David Koschade played Abide with Me on the bagpipes.
Mr Crowe described the tune as a “traditional Scottish lament, song of mourning and remembrance”, after which, ‘stand-to’ was called.
Mr Crowe explained that it is a military tradition that is “called prior to first light.”
“The dawn service, observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine that is still followed by the Australian army today. During battle, the half light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn so by the time first light crept across the battlefield, they were awake, alert and manning their weapons. This is still known as the stand-to,” he said.
“After the first world war, returned soldiers sought the comradeship they had felt in those quiet, peaceful moments before dawn. A dawn vigil recalling the war time, frontline practise of the dawn stand to, became the basis of a form of commemoration in several places after the war.”
Paul Altamore, CSM (Conspicuous Service Medal) and Secretary of the RSL, was then called upon to deliver the Anzac requiem.
He read out the names commemorated on the Trafalgar Cenotaph.
Mr Koschade was again invited to play Sleep Dearie Sleep a traditional Scottish regimented tune that was used to symbolise lights out.
A minute’s silence was observed, and Mr Crowe urged the crowd to “spare a thought for those men and women in service today that continue on with that very same Anzac spirit.”
For the price of a gold coin, all were invited to come inside the RSL and partake in the gunfire breakfast hosted by Trafalgar’s Lions Club.
They made more than 150 egg and bacon rolls – which must have been good, because they were gone quickly.
Tyers
SITTING at the base of the Tyers Park, the Tyers Anzac Day service was popularly attended.
Starting at 7.45am, more than 100 people attended the service, including servicemen, local Country Fire Authority (CFA) members and volunteers, community group members, families, and local students.
Hosted by the Tyers and District Community Association at the Tyers Community Hall, the service began with a flag march and a crisp welcome from the City of Traralgon Band.
Tyers and District Community Association’s Kate Wisewould led the formalities.
“Anzac Day is more than just a date on the calendar,” she said.
“It is a moment set aside each year for our nation to pause, to remember, to reflect and to renew our gratitude in towns like Tyres.
“The names inscribed on memorials are often familiar. The stories belong to neighbours, relatives and friends; service and sacrifice are not distant concepts. They are woven into the fabric of our community.
Expanding on the meaning behind Anzac Day, Retired Australian Defence Force (ADF) Infantry and RAEME Corporal Ash Daniel spoke about his experience.
“It was a day of reverence during my service in the ADF,” he said.
“I came to a realisation, I tested on my fellow veterans through many conversations and learned experiences, a realisation that we all, in one form or another, signed our lives over to the ADF to serve, protect, and if called upon, give our lives to our nation, not for awards, not for medals or recognition.
“It is, in fact, you, our family and our community, because wherever you are, we are Australian, we are the custodians of the Anzac spirit, but it is you who fosters and nurtures it.”
Corporal Daniel expressed that the day remembers especially memories of brothers he lost in Afghanistan.
The City of Traralgon Band was accompanied by Lavalla Catholic College student Lucy Barnes singing the hymn Abide With Me, and the Australian national anthem with Tyers Primary School students.
Latrobe City Council Tyers Ward Councillor Darren Howe was also present, and laid a wreath.
Traralgon RSL, service members, Tyers Fire Brigade, Traralgon-Tyers United Football-Netball Club and Tyers Community Association also laid wreaths.
The Last Post was performed by three bugle players from the City of Traralgon Band, followed by The Ode, led by Michelle Charalambous (Cheryl Amber).
Closing the ceremony, the Tyers Community Hall opened for egg and bacon sandwiches and tea and coffee available.
Boolarra
AN early morning frost lay upon this year’s Anzac Day at Boolarra.
The cooler temperatures, dropping to two degrees, caused the Boolarra dawn service, starting at 6am, to run briskly.
Although the service lasted only 10 minutes, about 35 people attended, acknowledging the fallen.
Senior Constable Matthew Ryan led the ceremony.
The Boolarra Community Development Group organised the event – its second dawn service.
Many laid wreaths to honour those lost who called Boolarra and district home.
Relieved to be able to warm their hands, attendees had a gunfire breakfast, with warm drinks and food available.
Glengarry
A WAVE of people joined the Glengarry Anzac Day ceremony this year.
More than 250 people attended the event, which started at 8.40am.
Some gathered at the Glengarry War Memorial, while others took to the Cairnbrook Road Service Road to join the march and to take photographs from either side.
The march went on down Cairnbrook Rd, with scouts and schools in tow, and ended at Main Street.
Traralgon RSL’s Lieutenant Colonel Doug Caulfield conducted the event, welcoming the warm, sunny weather and the attendance.
Marking the 111th anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli, Lieutenant Colonel Caulfield invited Padre Pastor Randall Green to recite the hymn O God, our help in ages past.
After The Lord’s Prayer, the service went onto feature We Are Australian, the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers and the laying of wreaths. The Ode, The Last Post, a silent tribute and the New Zealand and Australian national anthems finished the event.
Throughout the event, the City of Traralgon Band played each piece alongside local vocalist Ashlea Vanyai.
Traralgon RSL Immediate Past President Ron Culliver was also invited to speak, alongside current Senior Vice President Brian Soall.
Mid-ceremony, the Latrobe Valley Aero Club flew over, sharing their recognition of the day.
After the service, Lieutenant Colonel Caulfield welcomed everyone to a gunfire breakfast.
