Before Kyabram residents celebrate one of their most cherished traditions, captains from the district’s two colleges, Kyabram P-12 and St Augustine’s met with Legacy members and widows to learn and understand the significance of the ceremonies.
On Wednesday August 28, Legacy chatted to young leaders in the Kyabram community about the upcoming Lone Pine ceremonies with St Augustine’s College captains Ethan Ciavarella and Isla Carver and Kyabram P-12 College captains Michael Keegan and Huon McIntosh in attendance.
Legacy held a lunch at the Kyabram Club where the leaders could mingle with Legacy members and widows and absorb the tradition that is about to be passed down to them when they take to the stage at their respective school’s ceremonies.
The two Lone Pine ceremonies, taking place in front of each college’s own Aleppo pine, takes place on September 4 for St Augustine’s and September 5 for Kyabram P-12.
The significance of the ceremony is a reminder of the soldiers who lost their lives on the Turkish battleground where the battle of Lone Pine took place, and where the original trees stand.
Legacy, an organisation that provides support to veteran’s widows and families, played an essential role in bringing Aleppo seed, a descendant of the Lone Pine tree, to Kyabram – planting the first at Kyabram P-12 College in 1998.
It was also a chance for the senior leaders, who are heading into their final weeks of school to take a break from their studies - with all four students pursuing ambitious careers in the science fields, from veterinary science to astrophysics.
Legacy chairperson Don Cook said the lunch was a way to connect and chat with the captains about the upcoming Lone Pine nuptials.
“It’s hard because they’re a different generation ... so just before the Lone Pine ceremonies we get them together and chat with them, and if they have any questions we can talk them through it,” he said.
The lunch was attended by around 50 Legacy members, family members, and school staff who enjoyed a meal and a few drinks.