In what is now custom, the Dawn Service began with the War Memorial highlighted by 21 candles, one for each of the Wilcannia men who died during the World War One. When Nicole Seekamp, “Coonoolcra” Station, read out each of their names and ages, a sobering moment, especially for the younger ones – the youngest was Christie Walter Allison Jones, aged 18.

In keeping with 2025 Anzac Day attendances across the country, there were many young people who came out for both the Dawn and Morning services to pay their respects to all those impacted by wars across the years.

Only one Kookaburra joined the bugle’s rendition of Reveille, and then along with around 50 people, attended breakfast but was denied access to the rum ration.

This year’s Morning Service theme was the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War (The Forgotten War), where 340 Australian service personnel died, Wilcannia’s only enlisted serviceman, Hughie Woodberry, being one of the fortunate ones who returned to establish a family and business life. His daughter, Lee Anne Williams, read his story in conjunction with Senior Constable Sean Tilley’s reading of the history of the War, and particularly the role of, and dangers faced, by stretcher bearers in that war, of which Hughie was one.

Nineteen wreaths were laid, and once again Russell Martin was on flag duty. Morning tea in the park followed.

There were between 50-60 at the morning service, including a larger than normal number of tourists, many commenting that it is the small country towns who seem to put on the most moving and meaningful services and are the most welcoming.

Organisers thank everyone who pitched in to help set up, the breakfast BBQ cooks Kerrie Pearson and Jody Pearce, the Auld father and daughter team Jeremy (MC duties) and Zahlia who ran the wreath laying portion of the service, the small army of women who supervised the morning tea, and the extended Howard family who packed everything up in no time flat. Thanks to the Shire for having the Memorial ready, the Golf Club for printing the programmes, Wilcannia Police for stepping up to read the prayer and address, Greg Barraclough and Jane Bates – march marshals; Sister Elizabeth Young, RSM., Cliffie Awege for organising the power, Christian Stang for the ‘Moorabin’ rosemary, and those who organised and laid the record number of wreaths. Although the rain on Friday night was welcome, 45mm on the wreaths did not leave them in lasting condition.

This article appeared in Wilcannia News, 29 April 2025.