Jefferson Smith plays the trumpet at the Gunbower Anzac Day commemoration service. Photos: Nicholas Rowlands
A commemorative service was held at Gunbower RSL hall on Friday, April 25 to mark Anzac Day.
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Around 300 community members gathered alongside veterans to remember those who have been lost in war.
Around 300 people attended the Gunbower Anzac Day commemoration service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Event organiser and the day’s master of ceremonies Mick Farrant said the local ceremonies had been growing each year, especially from school students.
“I think if we look at the compass around the state or across the country, in particular little country towns, I think it’s gaining numbers every year. It’s almost Australia’s new Australia Day,” he said.
“We love having the schools involved, we have Moama Grammar kids come and lay a wreath and our local school has been involved now for six or eight years.
“We’re happy the kids get involved, they’re the future of Anzac Day.”
Gunbower Primary School students lay a wreath at the Gunbower Anzac Day commemoration service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
The service started at 10am and included two speakers, Cora Wilson and Steven Jerome.
Ms Wilson was chosen last year to visit the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea and experience the track that soldiers fought on many years ago.
Cora Wilson spoke about her journey to the Kokoda Track last year.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Mr Jerome, an ex-sniper for the Royal Australian Regiment, travelled from Queensland to be part of the service.
Among community members and groups paying their respects and laying wreaths were Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Moama Anglican Grammar deputy principal David Frazer.
Jefferson Smith played the Last Post before his father, Graham Smith played the Rouse.
To finish off the service, Ms Wilson was chosen to fire the canon, something which is done each year following the service.
Steve Jerome was also a guest speaker at the service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
It is Gunbower tradition for guest speakers to fire the cannon. This year, Cora Wilson had the honour.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Val Rowlands and Mick Farrant at the Gunbower Anzac Day commemoration service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell lays a wreath at the Gunbower Anzac Day commemoration service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Graham Smith at the Gunbower Anzac Day commemoration service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Moama Anglican Grammar deputy principal David Frazer lays a wreath at the Gunbower service.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
Gunbower Primary School students Chase, Alana and Jazz at the commemoration service in Gunbower.
Photo by
Nicholas Rowlands
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