Now immortalised on the Barham water tower, the Koondrook Barham ANZAC Day march once again drew a huge crowd to commemorate those who served our nation.
Hundreds of people awoke early for the dawn service at the Barham cenotaph, and returned mid-morning for the brief wreath laying before the march. Celebrating her 100th birthday, Shirley Sartori received special mention prior to the wreath laying. A life-sized George Rathbone and Tuff then led the march down Murray Street and over the bridge and on to Koondrook. NSW and Victorian Police cars provided traffic control to enable the marchers to traverse the spectator-lined streets, before the procession arrived at the Koondrook RSL hall. Koondrook RSL Sub-Branch stalwart, and Vietnam veteran, Noel Lake OAM. Upon returning from Vietnam in 1968, Noel spent 10 years serving as the secretary of the Koondrook RSL and in 1986 took on the role of President – a position he still holds today. Noel welcomed attendees and introduced the guest speaker Cr Lisa Farrant.
“ANZAC Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.”
“The ANZAC spirit is characterised by courage, mateship, and perseverance. These values were exemplified by the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.”
Cr Farrant had three great uncles involved in the First World War. The family, first farming at Leneva in Victoria had moved across to pioneer and farm in Western Australia. The drought struck, and the boys signed up to go to War.
“The two oldest boys joined the 10th Light Horse. One brother was trooper number 501. They travelled to Egypt and were later at Gallipoli.”
“The 10th Light Horse was famously involved at the charge of the Nek. This was immortalized in the movie Gallipoli. Together with the 8th Light Horse from Victoria they charged a very narrow spot on a ridge that was very heavily defended, an impossible task.”
“Most were slaughtered.”
“Luckily for my family , our uncles were not in that action and remained at Gallipoli until the evacuation. They were reunited with their horses in Egypt , and answered a call for assistance in France. They joined a field artillery unit and saw action on the Western Front transporting artillery with horses and limbers.”
Both survived and returned to Australia, with one of the brothers, David Williams serving in a commando unit in the Second World War.
The third, and youngest brother wasn’t so lucky paying the ultimate price.
“He joined up and was in the AIF. When attacking, the Australians used a creeping barrage where infantry followed closely behind artillery fire and advanced towards the enemy. Unfortunately, my uncle and another were a bit two keen and were killed by their own friendly fire.”
When the Second World War came, Cr Farrant’s Grandfather, Albert Farrant was too old to join, but lied about his age to join. A bullocky by trade he unhitched his Mallee roller and left his family at Fish Point to join the campaign.
“He was active in the island campaign to the immediate north doing his bit to defend Australia. A bulldozer driver, his role was to build landing strips for planes to land and deliver much needed supplies on the tops of mountains.”
“Armed only with a rifle and a single bullet, he spoke fondly of the “Fuzzy Wuzzy’s” who saved him from Japanese ambushes.”
Cr Farrant also paid tribute to the families of our servicemen and women, whose support and love have been unwavering.
Lest we forget.
See all the pictures and ANZAC Day coverage from Koondrook, Barham, Wakool, Kerang, Cohuna in the issue.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 1 May 2025.
