Anzac Day commemorative service draws Moama together

By Emily Donohoe

Apr 25, 2024

Inclusion: This year’s Anzac Day commemorative service brought all corners of Moama together. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Moama’s commemorative service was a community affair, with representatives from all corners of town uniting for the event.

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Ushered in by the inaugural Moama Anzac Day March, the service was led by Moama sub-branch RSL president Ken Jones.

Mr Jones, who also led the dawn service and marched to the Moama Cenotaph, welcomed the large crowd, before RSL secretary Bob Johnson delivered the opening prayer.

Proud: Moama RSL sub-branch president Ken Jones organised and led the event. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The crowd joined in singing Abide With Me, a hymn often played at Anzac and Remembrance Day ceremonies, followed by the Lord’s Prayer.

NSW State Member for Murray Helen Dalton was the guest speaker, and reflected on the importance of Anzac Day.

Decorated: Bryan Pickthall and John Tinkler, both a part of the Moama RSL Sub Branch. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“This town recognises the young and not-so-young men and women who gave their lives,” she said.

“From the conflict in Sudan in 1855, the two world wars, other major conflicts, and, most recently, Afghanistan.

“The names of the fallen are proudly recorded on the monument before us.

“I’m honoured to be standing here today as your representative to acknowledge and reflect on the sacrifices these brave service people made.”

Across the community: Helen Dalton, NSW State Member for Murray, Moama RSL sub-branch secretary Bob Johnson, and Korean War veteran John Munro OAM RFD ED. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Mrs Dalton told of her grandfather’s experience as a World War I veteran and how that connection stays with her today.

“My grandfather, Geordie Groat, served in the 23rd Battalion, Australian Infantry, during World War I,” she said

“His unit trained at Broadmeadows in Victoria and then Egypt prior to the Gallipolli campaign in 1915.

“The 23rd Battalion’s motto was ‘forward undeterred’ and it is a motto that inspires me daily.”

Big and small: Moama Public School choir performed *Can You Hear the Children Marching?* Photo by Aidan Briggs

An Anzac Requiem was delivered by the Echuca College school captains, before Moama Public School Choir performed Can You Hear the Children Marching?

Many community groups came up to lay wreaths, with more than 25 contributed to the event from RSL groups, councils, schools, public service groups, and other organisations.

Paying tribute: NSW Police Chief Inspector Paul Huggett lays a wreath. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Ode of Remembrance was recited, followed by the Last Post, minute of silence and Rouse, played by Echuca Federal Band bugler Laticia Tomkinson.

A closing prayer was delivered by Bob Johnson, and the event finished with St Joseph College’s Georgia Armstrong singing the New Zealand national anthem, royal anthem, and Australian national anthem.