Murchison remembers at Anzac Day dawn service

By Jay Bryce

Apr 25, 2024

Lest we forget: Crosses lit up at the service in memoriam of lives lost. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

More than 100 people gathered to remember those who fought and lost their lives for their country at Murchison Public Gardens at 5.30am on Thursday, April 25, for Murchison’s Anzac Day dawn service.

A time to be grateful: Despite being a bit nippy it was a fine morning at the public gardens. Photo by Jay Bryce

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Crosses and torches lit up the early morning air, with trees and sunrise the backdrop, as the crowd rugged up around the memorial in a fitting setting for reflection and gratitude.

Good turnout: The crowd circled around the memorial with at least 100 people in attendance. Photo by Jay Bryce

The formal proceedings were led by Murchison RSL president Brian Carlon, kicking the morning off by speaking about the significance of Anzac Day.

“Today marks the 109th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 1915,” he said.

“ANZAC spirit has become a symbol of our nations’ identity and strength.

“It represents the values we hold dear.

“Courage, loyalty, mateship and sacrifice.

The morning’s MC: Murchison RSL president Brian Carlon led the dawn service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“We should try to carry on their legacy to honour their memory, uphold their values and to work for a more peaceful world.”

The proceedings featured many different speeches, poems and anecdotes about what Anzac Day meant to the different members of the community.

City of Greater Shepparton councillor Fern Summer gave a speech and laid a wreath on behalf of the council.

Paying respects: Cr Fern Summer shared a poem and what Anzac Day means to her. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Murchison Primary School captains Wally Ewart and Stella Balmer spoke about their family and community ties to the day.

Personal connection: Murchison Primary School captain Wally Ewart. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Wally shared that his great-grandfather went to France to serve his country and never returned.

Reflecting: Murchison Primary School captain Stella Balmer. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Stella spoke about the significance of holding the dawn service at Murchison’s memorial, honouring community members who served and gave their lives for the nation, their families and their friends in their hometown.

The sun rises on a new day: The site after the dawn service was finished. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A prayer was given, wreaths were laid before the Ode of Remembrance, Last Post and national anthem were played.

There was also a catafalque party comprised of members of the Australian Defence Force stationed at the memorial during the service.

At just 19 years old, army trainee and Corowa native Jackson Parmenter was given the opportunity to be a part of the catafalque party.

An honour: Military trainee Jackson Parmenter was part of the catafalque party. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“At first, it was just cool,” Mr Parmenter said.

“But now it’s really hit me, it’s a big honour.

“People have been in the army for years and don’t get the chance, but I’m getting the chance now as a trainee.

“I’m the first in my family to be in the army, so it’s a pretty big deal for them.

“My mum was very proud, she wanted to be here but couldn’t.

“You’re representing the army, the people that have come before you and the people that will come after you.”

After the service, attendees headed over to the community service for breakfast cooked by the Murchison Men’s Shed and other community members.

For the first time, the Murchison Community Centre unveiled historical murals from Murchison’s prisoner-of-war camps for the community to observe, which will be permanently displayed as part of the Murchison RSL.