April 26, 2016
Wooroolin may be one of the South Burnett’s smaller villages, but it retains its strong connection with the Anzac tradition.
Every Anzac Day the Bunya Highway is blocked for fifteen minutes to allow the town to stage its annual Anzac Day parade, which is followed by an Observance at the Wooroolin Memorial Hall.
And for the last 14 years, one of the proudest marchers has been Wooroolin youngster Taylor Stead.
Taylor has been marching in Wooroolin’s parade in honour of his grandfather Laurie Jones since he was just a babe in arms.
Laurie passed away around the time Taylor was born, and he was carried in his grandmother Dulcie’s arms until he was old enough to walk in the Anzac Day parade himself.
Now Taylor is passing on the Australian spirit of remembrance to his brothers Lachlan, 8, and Matthew, 6.
On Monday all three boys marched down Wooroolin’s main street to the Observance, Taylor proudly wearing his grandfather’s military ribbon bar while Lachlan and Matthew carried photographs of their grandparents.
They formed part of a procession that included students from the Wooroolin, Tingoora and Crawford State Schools, local veterans, the Wondai and District Brass Band and the Wooroolin Ladies Choir, watched by about 100 onlookers.
This year’s Observance service was led by Cr Ros Heit, with former councillor Damien Tessmann the special guest speaker.
Wooroolin State School students read the 1st and 2nd resolutions; Tingoora State School the 3rd and 4th; and Crawford State School the 5th, as well as the Names Of The Fallen from Wooroolin and Tingoora.
Musical items were performed by the Wooroolin State School Choir, the Wooroolin Ladies Choir and the Wondai and District Town Band, while Noel Selway oversaw the wreath laying and recitation of the Ode.
I thank you for the inclusion of two photographs of Wooroolin Scouts and Leaders in this coverage of the ANZAC Day march at Wooroolin. The youths pictured come from a large area to attend Scouts in Wooroolin and are proud to participate in this activity to honour our fallen and wounded soldiers.