Tallygaroopna pays its respects on Anzac Day

By Tyler Maher

Apr 25, 2024

Almost 100 people gathered around the Solders’ Memorial Hall in Tallygaroopna to honour, respect and learn about the town’s connection to war history.

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The mid-morning Anzac Day commemoration highlighted Tallygaroopna’s role in numerous war efforts, tracing back to the town’s inception.

Bev Moss from the Tallygaroopna and District Historical Society, and author of a soon-to-be-released history book, shared stories from the display at the hall’s entrance, honouring residents who served in The Great War.

“Their lives were torn apart by the First World War,” Ms Moss said.

“The magnitude of the loss to World War I — so many of the youth of the community with such hope for the future — was cause for widespread and deep (lament).

“The population of Tallygaroopna was just 351 people in 1911, just before the war, (and) 43 locals are recorded on the Tallygaroopna war memorial as serving.”

John Pettigrew shared the extensive and rich history of his family’s service in the armed forces.

“The Pettigrew names, you might see up on the plaque, that’s almost an entire generation of Pettigrew boys at that stage,” he said.

Participants also delved into a range of historical and war-related artefacts showcased within the hall.

A commemorative plaque about the hall, arranged together with the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee, was unveiled to attendees before an official ceremony scheduled for a later date.