At dawn’s first light, the Girgarre community remembers

By Jemma Jones

Apr 25, 2025

A few technical difficulties didn’t stop hundreds of early risers from paying respect to the Anzacs at the annual Girgarre Anzac Day dawn service.

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Progress Park in Girgarre saw several hundred people gather at 5.50am as RSL president Gary Kitt commenced the dawn service on Friday, April 25.

He welcomed everyone to take the half an hour service as time to reflect about the people who sacrificed their lives so they could stand where they were at that moment.

Hundreds turned out to Progress Park at the cenotaph to pay their respects to fallen soldiers at Girgarre’s Anzac Day dawn service. Photo by Jemma Jones

RSL secretary Bill Perry recited the World War I poem In Flanders Fields, penned by John McCrae in 1915 after witnessing poppies blooming amid the war-torn battlefields.

Mr Kitt read The Ode before The Last Post was played by bugler Mark Bray.

A minute’s silence was observed, and Girgarre Primary School students Zara McKenzie and Roxanne Clark lowered the Australian and New Zealand flags to half-mast where they would stay for the rest of the day.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by Stanhope RSL president Phillip Chapman, Kyabram Legacy chair Don Cook, Miss McKenzie and Miss Clark for Girgarre Primary School, and on behalf of Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and Campaspe Shire Council.

Wreaths laid by community organisations and attendees. Photo by Jemma Jones

Attendees were then asked to come forward with any wreaths or poppies they had before they were invited to a gunfire breakfast hosted by the Girgarre RSL.

During the traditional breakfast, conversation buzzed with anticipation for the Girgarre Bowls and Golf Day — which was held later that day — a popular annual event that raises vital funds for the RSL.

Mr Kitt said he was happy with the service despite issues with the microphone cutting out, as it was an important event to have in Girgarre’s calendar.

“It was still a good service, and we had a great turnout,” he said.