Ararat Rural City will be able to honour the sacrifice of our service men and women at one of the many Anzac Day services and marches held across the municipality.
April 25 marks 108th anniversary of the landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli, where the first battle was fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
The Ararat Rural City community is invited to pay tribute at one of services being held across the municipality in Ararat, Elmhurst or Willaura next Tuesday, 25 April.
Mayor Cr Jo Armstrong reflects on the importance of observing Anzac Day – one of our most important national days - to honour and reflect on the sacrifices of all Australians who have served in conflict or on peacekeeping operations.
“With several local services being held across Ararat Rural City on Anzac Day, I encourage our whole community to commemorate – as we have done every year – to remember the bravery of the nation’s service men and women,” Cr Armstrong said.
“Anzac Day is especially important for my family and I as my father served as an officer in the New Zealand Army, including in Malaya and Vietnam. In a sign of respect, I will wear his service medals with pride on 25 April.
“It’s important that we come together as a community for mourning, quiet reflection, and to remember their sacrifice for generations to come.”
Anzac Day services across Ararat Rural City:
Ararat Anzac Day Servcies
The Ararat RSL will hold two services this year, the Dawn Service begins at 6am in front of the Cenotaph (War Memorial), with visitors encouraged to arrive from 5:45am onwards. There will be a gunfire breakfast after the ceremony at the RSL.
The main ceremony starts at 10am, with the Anzac Day march stepping off at 9:45am from the Edith Cavell memorial, giving participating veterans and the general public an opportunity to honour those who served in the defence of Australia.
A formal laying of the wreaths will occur, with visitors encouraged to register with the RSL should they wish to lay one formally. Contact the RSL for more information 5352 2794.
For the safety of participants and road users, traffic changes will be in place on Anzac Day – Barkly Street between Vincent and Queen Streets will be closed from 5:15am to 6:30am and 9.45am to 11:30am on 25 April.
Willaura Stand To at 9am
In Willaura, there will be a 9am Stand To at the Cenotaph which will be immediately followed by a march to the Memorial Hall for a commemorative service.
The Hamilton Pipe Band will lead the march and students from the Willaura Primary School will take part in the commemorations.
Following the service in the Memorial Hall a short ceremony will be held at the Plantation Memorial, and all are invited to attend.
Guest Speaker at the Hall Service will be Mrs. Marlene Day from Beaufort, who will speak about her late father, Edward (Ted) Kenna.
Mr. Kenna was awarded a Victoria Cross during the Second World War; the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
Following the service in the Memorial Hall a short ceremony will be held at the Plantation Memorial, and all are invited to attend. A Morning Tea will follow at the Memorial Hall, with community members attending are encouraged to contribute a plate. All are welcome to stay and enjoy the refreshments.
For more details, please contact Colin Holmes on 53 541 465 or 0428 541 469.
Elmhurst ANZAC Day Service
The Elmhurst community will gather on ANZAC day for a 10:30am service in front of the Mechanics Hall organised by the Development Group.
Newly elected chairperson of the Community Development Group, Christine Baines, will lead proceedings, and be assisted by some community members.
Guest speaker this year will be Cr Peter Beales. Community members are invited to lay wreaths during the service.
Following the service a plaque will be unveiled to acknowledge four former servicemen who lived in the Elmhurst area at the time of their enlistment and served overseas post World War II.
A community morning tea will be served at the conclusion of formalities.