Local contingent: Strathmerton RSL sub-branch president Brad Church and secretary Joanne Donelan with local soldier Private Billy Madgwick after the Strathmerton ceremony.
Photo by
Murray Silby
The district around Strathmerton has seen its fair share of heartache in recent times, the latest instance a fatal road accident a few kilometres outside the town less than a week before Anzac Day.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Despite the rawness of that tragedy, residents turned out in their hundreds to mark Anzac Day at the Strathmerton Public Hall and cenotaph.
The guest speaker, Vietnam veteran Peter Dealy, from Numurkah, spoke of the importance of passing the Anzac message down to younger generations.
“They need to know. Not to glorify war, but the reason they are free Australians today is because of what happened as part of those stories in different parts of the world,” he told the crowd.
There were plenty of signs of the following generations acknowledging those deeds, with home-grown soldier Private Billy Madgwick in attendance and saying what an honour it was to be involved.
“It means to me not only to represent our fallen soldiers, but also our present soldiers, and also to usher in a new generation of soldiers as well,” Private Madgwick said.
“That is why I love to come down here to my home town, not only represent my town, but even the next generation from my home town as well.”
School children took up prominent roles in the ceremony, including twin sisters Lara and Abbie Graham, of Strathmerton Primary School.
School captain Lara laid a wreath during the ceremony.
“It's a very special day and we respect it,” she said.
House captain and Student Representative Council member Abbie said she appreciated the benefits the sacrifices of those in war had brought today’s generations.
“They’ve done something good for our lives so that we get to do stuff peacefully,” she said.
Poignant message: Guest speaker and Vietnam veteran Peter Dealy emphasised to the crowd the need for the Anzac story to be passed down through the generations.
Photo by
Murray Silby
Getting involved: Strathmerton Primary School captain Lara Graham and twin sister Abbie, who is house captain and an SRC member, both took part in the ceremony.
Photo by
Murray Silby
Respect: One of the wreaths laid at the Strathmerton cenotaph during the ceremony.
Photo by
Murray Silby
Marching: The Strathmerton parade was led by the Cobram Pipe Band.
Photo by
Murray Silby
Big crowd: About 200 people at the Strathmerton ceremony.
Photo by
Murray Silby
In formation: Planes fly over the Strathmerton ceremony to mark Anzac Day.
Photo by
Murray Silby
