About 500 people gathered at the Mooroopna Cenotaph on Friday morning to mark Anzac Day and remember the fallen.
The day began with a march along Watt Rd, led by pipers in full regalia, followed by cadets, veterans, families and local residents. The formal service commenced at 9am.
“It’s a good opportunity to pay respect to our servicemen and servicewomen who fought for our freedom and who continue to serve,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, who was in attendance, said.
“I’m very fortunate to represent Greater Shepparton City Council.”
Master of ceremonies Ken Faulkner introduced the catafalque party and delivered a Welcome to Country.
The Anzac Day Requiem was read by Mooroopna Rotary Club’s secretary Kelvin Rogash before wreaths were laid by students, community groups, MPs and other attendees.
“I want to be thankful to all people who sacrificed their lives serving so I can live in a free country,” attendee Sharon Wilkinson said.
“We only get to honour them once a year.”
Fr Addin Doe from St Mary’s Church read the Lord’s Prayer.
Shepparton Sings then performed Abide With Me, with vocals from Clifton Boschetti, Dinah Reeve, Megan Walker and Sara Bodey, accompanied by Katherine Cartwright.
Guest speaker Sophie Birrell, a Year 12 student and 2024 Premier’s Anzac Spirit Award recipient, spoke about her recent study tour of Turkey and the impact of visiting the beach at Gallipoli.
On April 25, 1915, Australian soldiers — some as young as 15 — disembarked on a small beach in Turkey. More than 36,000 Australian and New Zealand troops were killed in the battles that followed.
When asked what attending an Anzac service meant to him, former serviceman Russ Connor summed it up simply: “Same as everybody else, remembering.”
Charlotte Cartwright read The Soul of Australia, a 1916 poem written by J.H.M. The Ode of Remembrance followed, then the Last Post, played by Katherine Cartwright.
After a minute’s silence, members of Sporting Shooters Association of Australia performed a traditional three-volley salute.
National anthems were shared among performers: students Alira Warner sang the Royal Hymn and the Australian anthem, while Tara Tafaoga delivered God Defend New Zealand in Maori and English.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell described the day as “a sombre day where we remember people who served and, in some cases, sacrificed (their lives)”.
“It’s been good to see people and young people attending and being a part of remembering and celebrating,” he said.
“That’s what we need to sustain our nation.”
As a final act of remembrance, current and former servicemen and women were invited to place a poppy at the memorial, followed by members of the public.
For Mooroopna’s George Pearse, who attended with his grandson Adam, the service was personal.
“My father Jim Pearse served all the time in Darwin and my uncle George Pearse was a lieutenant — he didn’t come back from New Guinea,” he said.
“I served in Puckapunyal and Shepparton.
“I attend services to honour their memory.”
The service concluded with attendees invited for morning tea at M.G. O’Brien Hall, provided by the Mooroopna Kiwanis.