Anzac Day commemorations see record turnout in Ararat Rural City
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Ararat Rural City residents gathered to honour the sacrifice of our service men and women at Anzac Day services and marches held across the municipality last Thursday.
One of the largest crowds seen in several years braved the early morning cold weather to pay their respects at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in front of the Cenotaph (War Memorial), followed by a Gunfire Breakfast, hosted by the Ararat RSL.
Anzac Day marchers later stepped off from the Edith Cavell Memorial at 9:45 am, where the public were invited to march alongside veterans to honour those who served in the defence of Australia. The main ceremony began at 10 am and included a keynote address from Moyston local and veteran, Tim Clark. Community members were invited to lay wreaths during the service, which was then followed by a morning tea at the Ararat RSL.
In Willaura, community gathered for ANZAC Day commemorations beginning with a 9am Stand To and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph, followed by a march to Memorial Hall for a commemorative service.
Students from the Willaura district took part in the service and presented a special piece of artwork. The community welcomed the Hamilton Pipe Band as well as guest speaker Commander Mick Brice. Following the Memorial Hall service, a short ceremony was held at the Willaura cemetery to view the restoration work completed on the Checchi graves by the Willaura Historical Society. The Willaura Primary School Parents then welcomed the community to a morning tea.
The Elmhurst community assembled for a 10:30 am service in front of the Mechanics Hall hosted by the Elmhurst Development Group. Guest speaker Cr Jo Armstrong lead proceedings and community members were invited to lay wreaths during the service. Following the service, the community was invited to attend a morning tea.
April 25 marked the 109th anniversary of the landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli, where Australian and New Zealand forces fought their first battle during the First World War.
Ararat Rural City CEO, Dr Tim Harrison, reflected on the day: “It’s wonderful to see so many members of our community coming together to commemorate those who fought for our freedom.”