Echuca’s Anzac Day dawn service took place at the war memorial.
The service was conducted by Echuca RSL sub-branch members Stephen Harris, Denis Shanahan and Ron Wood.
It featured speeches, prayers, the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post, a moment’s silence and the Australian national anthem, which closed out the ceremony.
A crowd of about 700 people turned out for the dawn service, standing in a large horseshoe shape occupying the outer perimeter of the war memorial near the Campaspe Shire Council offices.
Among them was Steve Mahoney.
The Echuca resident was a peacekeeper, who served in the Australian Army from 1985 to 1993.
“It’s the one day where we, the public, can give thanks to people who gave their lives for this country,” he said.
Mr Mahoney’s grandfather, Russ Stephens, also served in the military during World War II, first in Darwin, then Papua New Guinea.
Following the dawn service, Mr Shanahan, the Echuca RSL sub-branch president, shared his thoughts on the servicemen and women who lost their lives for our country.
“It’s a time for the public to reflect on the men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and a time where we give thanks,” he said.
Mr Shanahan also remarked on one of our most trusted allies, New Zealand.
“We have fought alongside each other since World War I, with the two nations forging an incredible bond between the men and women who have shed their blood,” he said.
“The young soldiers of both nations will continue to fight long into the future as they have done in the past, and we as a public will provide everything returning soldiers will one day need.”
Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos was among the crowd and attended as a member of the general public rather than in an official capacity.
“The people of Echuca and the local region have a strong affinity for the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and that the community comes out to recognise and support the efforts of the servicewomen and servicemen,” he said.
The crowd had patiently stood in largely sombre colours, reflecting the tone of the annual Anzac Day service, and just after 6:30am the event finished, with the crowd slowly dispersing.