Community & Business
2 May, 2025
ANZAC spirit lives on
On the 110th anniversary of the ANZAC’s landing at Gallipoli, the Pittsworth community came together to honour those whose courage and resilience have shaped our great nation’s history and identity.
At the time the ANZACs would have been rowing toward the shores of Gallipoli, a crowd gathered in the darkness before dawn at the Soldiers Memorial School of Arts.
Attendance was strong, despite a light shower of rain.
The sombre and reflective atmosphere was heightened by the melodies of lone piper Rob Loch.
The commemoration was opened by Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch President Allan Petersen who said ANZAC Day was about reflection, remembrance and gratitude.
“We remember the sacrifice of those forever changed by the horrors of war, and the families of those not returned,” Mr Petersen said.
“Our service men and women continue to carry the torch of honour.”
Principal of Pittsworth State High School, Dan Norris, gave the commemorative address in which he said the ANZAC spirit of courage, tenacity and mateship was alive in our community.
“The ANZAC legend is alive in Pittsworth, it’s in emergency services personnel, and in the farmers battling a drought,” he said.
“By lifting each other up, we build a strong united community.
“Resilience is found in unity.
“When a community faces difficulties we support and endure,” Mr Norris said.
“The ANZAC spirit is not just remembered, it’s lived.”
After the ceremony, the Pittsworth 19 Army Cadet Unit (19ACU) prepared an outstanding gunfire breakfast with buns from the local bakery and meat from Ashton’s Butchery.
A Kenworth truck parked opposite the Soldiers Memorial School of Arts gained much attention on ANZAC Day.
As part of the MFT Hughenden fleet, the truck has undergone extensive paintwork which tells the story of some of Australia’s most infamous military engagements.
The passenger’s side boasts an illustration of the Australian Light Horse in the Charge of Beersheba during World War I.
The driver’s side highlights our involvement in the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War.
Co-owner Robert Mills said the truck was purchased with the idea of creating a memorial masterpiece and calling it ‘Remembrance’.
“Too many people now don’t think about what these people did for us, and we wouldn’t have what we have now without them,” Mr Mills said.
Later in the morning, a service was held at the Pittsworth Cemetery which included the laying of poppies on the graves of veterans by the Pittsworth Scout Group.
By 10am, community groups began to gather outside Lindenbergs in Yandilla Street in preparation for the march.
The RSL’s 1944 Army Jeep was driven by Nev Cullen, as he chauffeured Amanda Burcher and Leigh Glasser, who made the special trip to Pittsworth from Goondiwindi to be part of the commemorations.
This was the first ANZAC Day without their father, the late Trevor Saal, who donated the restored Army Jeep to the RSL in 2021.
The community band, Black Inc. played a joyful tune as members marched, and an impressive turnout by the Kurrajong Pony Club followed in the wake of other sport clubs, schools and community groups.
Once the parade reached the Soldiers Memorial School of Arts, ANZAC Day Committee chair, Ros Scotney, greeted the crowd.
"These soldiers [at Gallipoli] created a legend, adding the word ANZAC to our vocabularies, thus forging the spirit of this great nation.
"We acknowledge the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and all Australian soldiers serving overseas with the same determination and great bravery as their former comrades," Ms Scotney said.
"...We here in Pittsworth draw together with pride, honouring those men and women who gave their lives and those who returned to our shores.
"They are the ANZAC legends, making them the most respected and revered personnel in the world.
"Time fails to delete the ANZAC spirit and we should never forget, and be thankful for the freedom we all enjoy here today," Ms Scotney said.
Tony and Carol McEwan sang the national anthems Advance Australia Fair, God Defend New Zealand and God Save The King, accompanied by the community band.
Rev. Willie Liebenberg of the local Uniting Church said a prayer of gratitude for the bravery and sacrifice of those who’ve served.
"May we strive to embody the values they uphold: strength in adversity, unity in diversity and hope in the face of hardship," Rev. Liebenberg said.
Bugler Ashford McEwan of the 19ACU played The Last Post and Rouse.
Wreaths were laid in front of the memorial by Toowoomba Region Councillor James O'Shea and Captain Henry Jeffers of the armed forces.
There were 70 donations and books by community groups.
The Civic Ceremony in the Town Hall followed and included a brief address by Capt. Jeffers.
Despite the allure of a long weekend, attendance at all local commemorations was strong.
At 1pm, the community had a choice of golf or bowls with the Stirling family sponsoring the annual golf day and the Bowls Club open for trading.
Both were raising money for Legacy to support the widows and families of fallen or injured veterans in our community.
