Deputy Mayor Tony Flanery with Nyssa Stadtmiller laying wreaths on behalf of Council.
Tim O’Keefe, representative of the Murrumburrah Harden Chapter of the Cootamundra RSL Sub Branch said “I’m not sure how many people attended as it’s impossible to do a count, but the dawn service was probably the biggest one I’ve ever seen and some-body quoted over 150. It went off well, the weather was lovely it was very good. The day service was very well attended.
“The amount of school kids was phenomenal seeing it was the end of the school holidays. The schools are so supportive of the Anzac Day ceremony and the March.
“We had a very good guest speaker in Martin Holzberger, AM, CSC. He was a Naval Commander and is currently chief of staff to the Director General Joint Transitions Authority and will take up command of the Navy recruit school at HMAS Cerberus in December.”
Martin Holzberger’s speech was that of reflection: “I ask you all to reflect back 110 years ago here in Harden, what the town would have been like, what the people would have been like at that time, battlers, hardworking Australians who’d set themselves up for a better life. Many of them had no idea what was going on overseas, but a country like Australia that had just short of 5 million people in it at the time had about 500,000 people serving in the First World War. Harden put a number of those people on the fields of Gallipoli, Flanders and other areas of the First World War and the names and stuff that are inscribed on your catafalque are actually very much part of that community back then.
“So today when we sit here and reflect on 110 years ago, what it would have been like here in Harden thinking to yourself, what’s my son, my grandson doing right at this moment? Well, at this moment, for some of them, they were landing on the shores of Gallipoli under great fire, probably scared to death, many of them knowing that they weren’t going to come back.
“Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve asked brave men and women to put service ahead of self.
“Soldiers, sailors and aviators, the Australian Defence Force have answered the call to defend Australia, promote security and stability in our region and across the globe. Across different eras, conflicts, a nation has remained steadfast in commitment to collective security of international cooperation. From the hills of Gallipoli to the Owen Stanley ranges, from the fields of Long Tan to the Roshan province, and across the wide expansive oceans and seas Australia’s Defence Force is committed to promoting peace and stability.
“In 2025, along with the 110th anniversary of Gallipoli landing, we commemorate a number of other significant anniversaries of Australian military engagements.
“We remember the 80th anniversary at the end of World War II. The 50th anniversary at the end of the Vietnam War and the 35th anniversary since the start of Gulf War I.
“In 2025, we also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. In 1915, Australian forces joined the United Nations coalition to defend South Korea from the invasion of the north. This marked the first time Australian forces had deployed under the United Nations banner, Australia’s involvement in the Korean War was also contributed by the formation of the Anzacs treaty, solidifying our partnership with the United States, New Zealand, bonds that remained steadfast to this day. Often referred to as the forgotten war, today we remember the courage of Australian soldiers who braved harsh winters, rugged terrain and fierce battles in places like Kapyong and Maryang San. We recall the daring RAAF air crew and flying almost 19,000 sorties in conditions that melted the bitumen and the tyres on their aircraft and froze thick ice to their aircraft. We reflect the bravery of the crews of Her Majesty’s Australian ships, Sydney, Warramunga, Anzac, who provided support patrolling the Korean coast to enforce blockades in heavy mined areas and we remember the 340 Australians who made the supreme sacrifice.
“This year, we recognise the 25th anniversary of the end of Interfed. The international force in East Timor, a multinational peacekeeping mission led by Australia to restore peace and stability in East Timor, following the violence that erupted after the independence referendum in 1999. In effect was a landmark operation that again demonstrated Australia’s commitment to supporting our regional neighbours and promoting peace and stability in the IndoPacific. This year and every day of every year, we give our heartfelt thanks to the families of our servicemen and women who sup-port and sacrifice and are integral in the strength of the Australian Defence Force.
“Defence families endure disruption to their own lives and plans, long periods of separation, uncertainty of deployments, and the challenges of reintegration. Their unwavering dedication and resilience are a resource of inspiration to all who serve.
“As we reflect on those who have served before us, we honour their service, strength and resolve to up-hold the principles of which they fought for. Their legacy continues to guide us as we work together to achieve our mission, to advance our security and prosper our nation’s future. Lest we forget.”
Tim O’Keefe reported that there was lots of people wearing their own medals, more than normal in their own medals, that’s as many as I’ve seen since the older ones stopped marching.
“The Dawn service was a recorded Last Post. Our normal bugler, Hayden Dalton, who I express a thanks to because he’s been coming for years to do it. Our bugler at the day service was Liz Whitechurch and she was from Young. Liz actually played a bugle not a trumpet. I think she might be part of the town band at Young because she did have a band uniform on. She did a very good job and she was accompanied on drum by Keith Doldissen. Keith is the one that teaches the drummers at the Public School. The Public School Drum Corps was there again for the second year. It’s so good to have the drums behind us.
“I approach the different schools and organisations personally, but this year Carrie did it and she sent some emails.
“We had our Ensemble, which was Stewart Bruce, his daughter Alison Knox, Debra DeGraf and Leah Miller-Locke. Then we had Barry Woolridge, Oscar Smith and Jenny Lawler singing.
“I personally went down to the Murrumburrah ceremony as well, because I normally go down there and recite the Ode for them and then I go to Jugiong and recite the Ode for them.
“It was an excellent service at Jugiong. Tim said
“I thank the community for the wonderful support and we hope the services continue to grow in numbers.”
-Robyn Atherton
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