Moama unites to honour Anzacs

By Lua Ikenasio

Apr 27, 2025

The Army Apprentices School 23rd Intake members gathered to recognise an anniversary for the group by attending the Moama Anzac Day service. Members made the trip from all over Australia, including as far as Queensland. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Moama residents and visitors were up early on Friday, April 25, to pay their respects to soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict.

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At 5.55am, the Anzac Day dawn service was held at the Moama cenotaph, followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Moama RSL Club.

Veterans and community members then re-assembled at the Moama post office at 8.15am to prepare for the march.

At 8.40am, the procession set off towards the Moama cenotaph, led by NSW Police Inspector Paul Huggett and (retired) Major Rabia Siddique.

NSW Police Inspector Paul Huggett and (retired) Major Rabia Siddique led the Moama Anzac Day march. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Moama RSL sub-branch president and MC for the day Ken Jones welcomed all to the service.

Mr Jones said the service gave community members the chance to pay their respects to the soldiers who keep Australia safe.

“This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing,’’ he said.

‘’Every year on this day, we come together to show our respect for the military personnel whose service keeps our country safe.’’

Moama RSL sub-branch president Ken Jones was the days presenter. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

He also shared some words about John Courtenay Chanter, a World War I soldier from Panoomilloo, near Rochester, and who was educated in Moama in his younger years.

Mr Chanter had a long military history, including serving with the ‘D’ Squadron, NSW Citizen's Bushmen Regiment during the second Boer War.

He also served with the Light Horse Regiment of the First Australian Imperial Force during the Gallipoli and Damascus campaigns of World War I.

Following the address, Cohuna Secondary College student Georgia Armstrong sang the Anzac version of I Am Australian.

Moama RSL member Col Perkins opened the service with a prayer before Ms Armstrong sang the hymn Abide with me.

Guest speaker, retired Major Rabia Siddique, who served as a legal officer in the British Army Legal Service, shared some of her story with the crowd.

Retired Major Rabia Siddique gave a powerful address at the ceremony. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mrs Siddique is well known for successfully suing the British Armed Forces and British Government for discrimination.

Among other highlights of her accomplished life and extensive career, she also received a medal from the late Queen Elizabeth and worked as an international criminal prosecutor.

During her address, she emphasised what it means to have the Anzac spirit.

“My story and the story of so many others who serve today are a continuation of that same journey,” she said.

Mervyn and Charica McCormack and Leanne and Gary Fisher at the service. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“Anzac Day for me is not about glorifying war, it's about honouring peace.

‘’It's about committing ourselves, every single one of us to be worthy of their sacrifice.

“It's about recognising that when we stand together across difference across generations, we become the very best version of what our Anzacs fought to protect.”

After Mrs Siddique’s address, St Joseph’s College Echuca school captain Olivia Batchelor read the Requiem before community members, business people and organisation representatives came together to lay wreaths.

Truciana and Peter Dove, John Davies and Jane Rampton were visiting from Queensland and Melbourne. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Ode of Remembrance was then read, followed by the Last Post, a minute’s silence and the Rouse.

Ms Armstrong once again took centre stage to sing the national anthems for New Zealand, Australia and the royal anthem before Mr Perkins led the crowd in a closing prayer.