General News
2 May, 2025
Anzac Day in Willaura
Despite the damp weather, Anzac Day commemorations in Willaura remained well attended.
Despite the damp weather, Anzac Day commemorations in Willaura remained well attended.
They began with a 9am Stand To at the Cenotaph, where students from district schools read the names of the fallen, and a number of wreaths were laid.
Local students also took part in the hall service, where the Requiem was read.
The community were pleased to welcome back the Hamilton Pipe Band, whose members led the community march to the Memorial Hall after the Cenotaph Service.
This year’s guest speaker was Lieutenant Brendan Hogan, who has strong family connections to the district, and has served with distinction during his military career.
He spoke of the contributions made by the late Dr Cyril Checchi, both as a First World War Gallipoli veteran and later as Willaura’s long serving doctor.
Attendees then heard a beautiful rendition of Eric Bogle’s “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, sung by local resident Luke Spittle, whose late grandfather, Ron, was a World War Two veteran.
A wreath lying service was also held at the World War One Plantation Memorial, and at the conclusion of formalities the large crowd enjoyed morning tea together.