ANZAC Day commemorations across Mitchell Shire on Saturday, April 25, drew strong crowds, with many towns reporting increased attendances and a renewed sense of community pride.
From pre-dawn gatherings to late morning services, residents turned out in large numbers to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand troops, with ceremonies held across Seymour, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford, Beveridge, Pyalong, Tooborac, Wandong and Lancefield.
Seymour once again hosted one of the region’s largest commemorations, beginning with a dawn service at the gates of Seymour District Memorial Hospital at 5.45am. Hundreds attended the moving service before gathering for a gunfire breakfast at the Seymour RSL Sub-Branch. The mid-morning march, departing from the Repco carpark to the cenotaph, saw a strong showing from veterans, community groups and school students, culminating in a well-attended 10am service.
In Wallan, large crowds gathered at Hadfield Park for the 6am dawn service, followed by a community breakfast. The morning march through Queen Street and subsequent service also attracted significant participation, reflecting growing community engagement.
Kilmore’s commemorations were similarly well supported, with early risers attending the dawn service at Hudson Park before returning later for the march and 11am service hosted by the Kilmore Wallan RSL Sub-Branch. Broadford and Beveridge also recorded strong turnouts at their respective marches and services, while smaller communities such as Pyalong and Tooborac delivered heartfelt and well-attended ceremonies.
A standout feature of this year’s commemorations was the strong involvement of local schools. Students participated in marches, readings and wreath-laying ceremonies, helping to ensure the legacy of the ANZACs continues to be passed on to younger generations.
Another notable highlight was the visible and meaningful contribution of the Sikh community at several services. With a long and proud history of service alongside Australian forces in both World Wars, Sikh Australians were warmly acknowledged during ceremonies. Community members attended in traditional dress, paid their respects and, in some locations, assisted with event support, reflecting the inclusive and evolving nature of modern ANZAC commemorations.
The Wandong and Heathcote Junction service at the local memorial park, along with Tooborac’s dawn gathering and Beveridge’s dual services, all contributed to a full day of remembrance across the municipality.
Across Mitchell Shire, the 2026 ANZAC Day services were marked not only by respectful reflection, but by a strong sense of unity. Increased attendance, diverse community involvement and the active participation of young people highlighted the enduring significance of the day.
The president of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia’s (VVAA) Mitchell Branch John Phoenix OAM laid a wreath on behalf of the VVAA at both the dawn and morning services in Seymour.
A veteran of the Australian Army, Mr Phoenix served between 1965 and 1991, and said ANZAC Day is, in simple terms, “a day of remembrance”.
“It’s a heartfelt day and it’s (a time) that you remember mainly the mates that you’ve lost and the mates that you’ve served with, especially if you’re a returned serviceman.”
President of the Broadford RSL Iain Roberts led proceedings in Broadford where more than 300 people attended the official morning service.
With nearly 20 years of service in the Australian Army including overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Indonesia, Mr Roberts affirmed that the day was about the memory of those who have given their lives for the country, and those still serving today.
A small crowd congregated for a short unofficial dawn service, which Mr Roberts said will become an official event as of next year.
A commemorative flypast from the Kyneton Aero Club kicked off a memorable mid-morning ceremony at the Lancefield cenotaph.
A large crowd gathered to commemorate, including Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Kate Kendall.
Vice-president of the Romsey Lancefield RSL Ron Cole was joined by veterans from wars past and present, as well as members of local CFA brigades who took up positions in the ceremonial guard of honour and praised for their work during this summer’s bushfires.
As the crowds gathered across Mitchell Shire, from the first light of dawn to late morning ceremonies, one message was clear, the spirit of the ANZACs continues to resonate strongly throughout the community.