Lockhart’s ANZAC Day commemoration commenced at 9 am at the Lockhart Cemetery, featuring a brief service and the reading of ex-Defence members’ names on the obelisk by students from Lockhart Central School and St Joseph’s School. This gesture was warmly received by all attendees.
The main service in Lockhart began on Green Street, proceeding with a march to the Cenotaph on Hebden St. The procession was led by drummers from the Lockhart Town Band, followed by veterans, their families, emergency services, school children, and community groups. Crowds lined the entire route to the cenotaph, with Mr. Bob Reed serving as parade commander.
At the cenotaph, the catafalque party from RAAF Base Wagga Wagga took their positions, and Mr. Stephen Goodwin, MC for the Lockhart RSL Sub-branch, led the service with a brief introduction. Flight Lt Joanne Fields from RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, the guest speaker, shared stories about local servicemen from Lockhart who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Students from Lockhart Central School (Montana Aylett and Kaitlyn Widdup) and St Joseph’s School (Charlie McPherson and Liam Gleeson) delivered readings and poems to the audience. A wreath-laying ceremony followed, culminating with Rachel Westblade playing the Last Post.
Mr. Goodwin concluded the service with gratitude to Lockhart citizens for their ongoing support of this significant day. He encouraged attendees to take a moment to reflect on the 91 names from WW1 and WW2 who made the supreme sacrifice, shaping the area’s history.
Glen-Lea Images and Emm’s Wicked Weather Photography captured photographs of the event, now available on the Lockhart RSL Sub-Branch Facebook page.
