Woorinen
ONE thousand hand-stitched purple poppies were woven into a blanket and draped over a horse and dog during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Woorinen.
A striking tribute to the animals who served, suffered, and stood faithfully beside soldiers in war.
Woorinen RSL treasurer Cheryl Hayes said she got the idea from her friend Laurice Collins.
“Laurice said she could do it, and I told her, ‘If you make it, I’ll organise the poppies’.
“Some people made hundreds, others made 20 or 30, but every poppy made a difference.”
The dawn service in Woorinen has grown to become more than just a moment of remembrance, but a part of the town’s identity, she said.
Despite the town’s small population, the community continues to turn out in force each year.
Young people, school groups, and even international guests have been known to make the journey to participate in the town’s remembrance.
“We’re seeing more and more young ones come along,” she said.
“And if we don’t foster that interest now, it’ll fade away.”
The morning service was followed by a warm breakfast courtesy of the Woorinen football club.
“Without them and without the community, we couldn’t do it,” she said.
“The Woorinen Dawn service is a place where stories are shared and sacrifices are honoured, and for a brief moment, the past stands shoulder to shoulder with the present.”
Swan Hill
MARGARET Treseder, 90 years young, donned her father’s war medals for the first time at the Swan Hill ANZAC Day service.
Under the threat of rain Swan Hill’s ANZAC day march was called off with the service held at the Swan Hill RSL.
For Mrs Treseder, this year’s ceremony was especially meaningful.
“I had the honour of wearing my father’s war medals for the first time,” she said.
Mrs Treseder’s father, sergeant Stephen Parish, served in World War I and survived both Gallipoli and the Western Front in France.
His bravery and survival shaped generations to come, but until this year his medals remained out of reach.
“My nephew brought them down for me,” Mrs Treseder said.
“He was given them as the eldest grandson, and it meant a lot for me to wear them.”
Mrs Treseder said the confident performances of the local school children left a lasting impression.
“The way the little ones handled themselves on stage was just so special,” she said.
“They’re so self-assured now.
“I remember being that age and so shy.
“Times have really changed.”
Mrs Treseder’s son Myles Treseder accompanied his mum to the service.
“I hadn’t seen those medals in over 35 years,” Mr Treseder said. “I know it meant so much to her. She was very moved.”
Mrs Treseder also carried the medals of her brother Fred Parish, a World War II soldier taken prisoner in Singapore who survived a POW camp.
“This was also the first time I’d seen her brother’s medals as well,” Mr Treseder said.
“They were beautifully polished. I just cried.”
Mr Treseder said even though the service was moved inside it remained a respectful and moving tribute.
“The service was very moving,” Mr Treseder said. “Everyone did an excellent job. The president (Viv) was very kind, it all went as I hoped it would.”
Mr Treseder said he was honoured to still be sharing his ancestors’ stories.
“My grandfather was born two centuries ago, my father in 1902, and here I am, 62 years old and still carrying on their stories,” he said.
“That’s really what ANZAC Day is about.
“Not just remembering the wars but carrying forward the lives and memories of those who served.”
Nyah District
A RECORD crowd gathered on ANZAC Day for the Nyah District dawn service held at the Nyah Recreational Reserve.
Dawn service organiser Harry Schlegel said the crowd was boosted this year by the timing of the town’s heritage weekend.
“It was massive, and honestly, just so powerful,” Mr Schlegel said.
A highlight of the morning was a speech delivered by navy veteran Reg Robins who shared a family diary entry that left many in the crowd emotional.
“It really brought the ANZAC spirit to life,” he said.
“It gave me goosebumps.”
The Girl Guides, the Nyah Nyah West District Primary School, and the Nyah-Nyah West United Football and Netball Club were the driving forces behind the service.
What began years ago as a grassroots initiative has grown into a cherished tradition.
“Eight years ago, it was looking like the service wasn’t going to continue,” Mr Schlegel said.
“Luke (the school principal at the time) and I just knew we couldn’t let it go,
“It’s now a strong community-led event.”
The football club provided a hearty breakfast after the ceremony, and the children participated in readings and wreath laying.
“They’ll be the ones who’ll carry this forward,” he said.
“It just gets stronger every year.”
“We’re proud of what we’ve built,” Mr Schlegel said.
“This is for everyone, no matter how small your town is, you can make a difference.”
