Tatura gathers at dawn to ‘keep the Anzac spirit alive’

By Grace Carter and Rechelle Zammit

Apr 25, 2025

Peter Wallace laying the legacy wreath at the Tatura Anzac Day dawn service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A large crowd of young and old gathered in the crisp autumn air as Tatura held its annual Anzac Day dawn service.

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More than 100 people gathered at the Robert Mactier Memorial Garden on Friday morning, April 25, for the 110th Anzac Day anniversary.

All was quiet at 6am as Tatura RSL president and Midland Ward Cr Rod Schubert began the service, inviting people to lay wreaths on the cenotaph.

Tatura RSL president and Midland Ward Cr Rod Schubert led the service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Wreaths laid on the cenotaph at the Tatura Dawn Service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Cr Schubert said it was “great to keep the Anzac spirit alive”.

“The spirit of Anzac is as relevant today to all of us as it was all those years ago,” he said.

“They gave up their normal lives in the peace and quiet of the bush, country areas and cities of pre-war Australia because they felt it was their duty.

“They looked after each other and would never consider leaving a comrade behind.

“They were men and woman of great character, resilience, selflessness and perseverance.”

Attendees were solemn as Tatura RSL member Mal Watts read The Anzac Spirit, followed by Tatura RSL secretary Sarah Tee reading the poem In Flanders Fields.

Tatura RSL treasurer Mary Coad reciting the Anzac Ode. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Cr Schubert then read The Lord’s Prayer, before Tatura RSL treasurer Mary Coad read the Anzac Ode.

Sarah Clack performed the Last Post on her bugle, before everyone paid their respects to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died at war with a minute of silence.

Sarah Clack playing the Last Post on her bugle. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mal Watts and Robert Mathieson during the minute’s silence. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Greater Shepparton Senior Citizen of the Year Vince Vincitorio raising the flag. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Australian flag was raised, and the national anthem was sung after “Lest we forget” echoed across the crowd.

The service ended with a traditional gunfire breakfast prepared by the Lions Club of Tatura, a long line of attendees queuing for a bacon and egg roll, and the sun rising on Anzac Day.