April 26, 2022
Wet weather and a chilly morning could not deter South Burnett residents turning out in force at Anzac Day commemorations across the region on Monday.
There were Dawn Services in most of the larger centres followed by gunfire breakfasts at local RSL clubs.
The morning commemorations were accompanied by parades of veterans, their family members and many, many schoolchildren.
This was the first year since the pandemic started that all Anzac Day services across Australia could run without restrictions, and it was obvious people have been missing the camaraderie on what has become one of the nation’s most important days.
Our wrap-up of Anzac Day:
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Kingaroy
The crowds that gathered in Kingaroy’s Memorial Park for the morning Anzac Day commemoration braved the weather with several scuds of rain sweeping the park during the service.
But no one seemed to mind, especially the catafalque party which stood unflinchingly around the monument.
Guest speaker was Lieutenant Jacob Selby, an operations officer in the Electronic Warfare Wing at the Defence School of Signals, Cabarlah.
Lieutenant Selby said Anzac Day was not about celebrating battle or glorifying war but to remember those who have served the country in conflicts and crises.
“Anzac Day is more than a national holiday but rather a fundamental Australian tradition. Wherever Australians or New Zealanders are found, it is more than likely that an Anzac Day service of some description is taking place; such is the feeling that Australians have for April 25,” he said.
South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto also addressed the crowd, noting that the foundation for the Stone of Remembrance was laid on April 25 exactly 100 years ago, Anzac Day 1922.
“The South Burnett Regional Council is in the process of developing a new master plan for Memorial Park and of course ensuring the park retains an appropriate and respectful acknowledgment and reminder of all who sacrificed so much for our community and nation will remain at the forefront of our minds throughout the park’s redevelopment,” he said.
Fr Stanley Orji, from the Kingaroy Catholic Parish, performed the opening prayer and benediction.
The Resolutions were read by Larissa Ramke, from Saint Mary’s Catholic College, and Joe Meikle, from Kingaroy State High School.
Students from Taabinga, Kingaroy and Coolabunia State schools read the Roll of Honour as wreaths were laid on the memorial.
Kingaroy State High School choir and symphonic band performed hymns and the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand.
Matt Phillips, from KSHS, played the Last Post and Rouse.
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Kingaroy Gallery
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Murgon
Murgon marked Anzac Day with a well-attended Dawn Service at the Murgon War Memorial with local residents and veterans backing up at 9:45am for the traditional march and service.
Senior Constable Brock Kiehne, from Murgon Police, was the guest speaker at the morning observance.
His speech followed a parade down Gore and Lamb streets which included old and new military vehicles, veterans, schoolchildren, representatives from local sports clubs and even “Simpson” and his (somewhat unwilling) donkey.
Church of Christ Minister Glen Vonhoff delivered prayers and the scripture reading before Cr Kathy Duff read the Resolutions.
A volley of shots and the release of pigeons have also become a tradition at Murgon ceremonies.
The catafalque party was formed by soldiers from the 26th Transport Squadron, based at Amberley.
- Related article: Heading Home To Murgon
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Murgon Gallery
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Nanango
Nanango’s Anzac Day commemorations attracted a bigger crowd than has been seen the past few years thanks to the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
The day began with a fellowship for RSL Sub-Branch members and their families and visiting ex-Defence personnel at Tara’s Hall at 5:00am.
This was followed by a march from the RSL to Nanango’s War Memorial for a Dawn Service, then a Gunfire Breakfast back at Tara’s Hall before a pilgrimage to the war graves at Nanango Cemetery.
After this, the annual Anzac Day march assembled in Howlett Lane at 8:15am to march down Drayton Street.
Veterans, their family members, schoolchildren and members the 177 Australian Cadet Unit took part, watched on by residents gathered on footpaths and balconies.
The rain came but the crowds stayed on for the traditional Anzac Day Commemoration Service held at the Nanango Memorial.
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Wondai
Wondai residents turned out in force for the Dawn Service at 5:00am and returned five hours later for the morning ceremony at the town’s monument outside Wondai Town Hall.
A parade proceeded down Mackenzie Street before the speeches and wreath-laying ceremony.
Cadet Under Officer Ally Kent, from the Wondai-based 135 Army Cadet Unit, was the guest speaker.
She spoke about Private James Slater, a farmer who had the courage and strength to fight in World War I.
Private Slater served in the 26th Battalion. He was wounded and suffered shell shock during his service.
After the war he returned to life in the Wondai area.
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Blackbutt
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Bunya Mountains
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Cherbourg
Cherbourg marked Anzac Day with a rally and service at the monument in Memorial Park.
Uncle Eric Law, who compered the morning, spoke about the community’s proud record of service in the Defence Force and how the Aboriginal men who went abroad in World War I returned home to another war, the fight to be treated equally to their white friends.
Deputy Mayor Tom Langton recited the Resolution, the “Boys From Barambah” WWI roll call was read by Aunty Aileen Bell Hegarty, and captains from Murgon State High School read out the names of community members who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts.
A number of wreaths were laid by students from Cherbourg and Murgon schools and community members.
Cr Kathy Duff laid a wreath on behalf of the South Burnett Regional Council.
After the Last Post and Rouse were played, Rocko Langton’s song, “Boys From Barambah”, was broadcast to the crowd.
[Photos by Cherbourg Radio / CASC]
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Hivesville
A large crowd gathered at Hivesville’s Memorial Park for the village’s traditional Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Students from Proston P-10 were joined by representatives from St Mary’s Catholic College, Kingaroy State High School and Murgon State High School, veterans and local residents in the chilly pre-dawn light to pay tribute to the Anzac tradition.
After the service, guests enjoyed a community breakfast prepared by volunteers from the Hivesville Progress Association.
[Hivesville photos by Kathy Duff]
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Kumbia
Kumbia residents applauded the return of the “long march” down the Bunya Highway at their Anzac Day commemoration.
The parade was shortened last year, which caused some angst among veterans.
But this year things were back to normal, led by a police car and the South Burnett Caledonian Pipe Band.
In all, roughly 100 people took part in the march, which was watched by an equal number of residents who sheltered under umbrellas or awnings along Bell Street to escape the early morning drizzle.
Afterwards, a commemoration service was held at the Memorial outside the Kumbia School Of The Arts, which was followed by a morning tea inside the hall.
This year, 20 members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club of Central Queensland were special guests at the commemoration.
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Wooroolin
Guest speaker at the Wooroolin Anzac Day service was Petty Officer David Jamieson, son of local QCWA member Janice Jamieson.
His presentation in the Wooroolin Memorial Hall followed the traditional parade along the Bunya Highway led by the Wooroolin State School band.
More music was supplied by the Wondai & District Town Band, fresh from performing at the Wondai Anzac Day ceremony.
The hall was packed for the more formal part of proceedings, compered by local resident Ros Heit, with presentations by local students and more performances by the Wondai band.
Petty Officer Jamieson was presented with a wall hanging with a naval theme, made by Noela Wingfield.
[Wooroolin photos by Ros Heit]
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Yarraman
A large crowd gathered around Yarraman’s war memorial on Monday morning for the town’s Anzac Day commemoration.
The service followed a march down the D’Aguilar Highway which included veterans, community members, schoolchildren from Yarraman P-9 and emergency services personnel.
Toowoomba Regional Council is currently gauging community support for a plan to move the Yarraman Memorial off the D’Aguilar Highway to the Yarraman Recreation Ground where there would be more room for the public to assemble.
The public survey, which has been distributed to Yarraman residents, closes on May 13.
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Thank you for such great reporting on all the Anzac Day ceremonies. Wonderful attendance everywhere. Lest we forget.
Thank you yet again for this incredible coverage of Anzac Day events right across the South Burnett. It was an incredible turn out and all those who participated or attended should be very proud.