Commemorating ANZAC Day across the Pilbara

Dawn services and family friendly events were held throughout the Shire of Ashburton, proudly supported by Rio Tinto and the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project and well attended by both locals and tourists.

In the pre-dawn darkness hundreds of residents gathered across the Pilbara to honour the ANZAC’s, as well as the generations of servicemen and women who have served, and continue to serve in the armed forces.

Past and present members of the Armed Forces, dignitaries and community members laid wreaths in memory of all Australians and New Zealanders who have defended our freedom, while the community paused quietly to honor the fallen.

The morning continued with the traditional Gunfire breakfasts, bringing everyone together over hot coffee, warm meals and ANZAC camaraderie.

Service personnel and family members proudly participated in the ANZAC Day marches, with many community members lining the streets as a mark of remembrance and appreciation.

Shire President Kerry White said ANZAC Day is an important day of the year and in each of the Pilbara towns the community always comes together with a strong sense of commemoration and national pride.

“Each year residents, as well as visiting tourists, attend the Dawn Services and Gunfire breakfasts to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who continue to serve,” said Cr White.  “In addition to remembering our ANZAC’s it is also an important opportunity to ensure knowledge of our war history continues to be told throughout the generations.”

Rio Tinto’s General Manager Paraburdoo Operations Kent Franey said Rio Tinto is proud to support these important commemorations and it was a pleasure to be a part of this year’s tribute with the Paraburdoo community. “ANZAC day provides the nation an opportunity to come together from all walks of life and honour the Australian servicemen and women for the roles they played defending our freedoms, and those who continue to represent us today”.

Chevron Community Liaison Officer Shawn Heiderich said that as an ex-serviceman, it was moving to consistently have such a strong turn-out at the Onslow dawn service.

“ANZAC Day is such special day as it allows everyone to pause, reflect and honour those who have served our country and acknowledge those who are currently in active service.

“We are proud to support the community event in town, as well as hold a dawn service and gunfire breakfast at the Wheatstone Plant at Ashburton North to allow our whole workforce to commemorate the occasion,” Mr Heiderich said.

In each town the favourite traditions continued into the afternoon with lively games of two-up, barbecues and plenty of Anzac biscuits. 

The Shire of Ashburton would like to acknowledge the support of our partners and community groups who work together to make the ANZAC Day commemorations possible in each town.

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