Though the Birchip Cenotaph stood in quiet solitude at 11a.m. on the 25th April, 2025, the spirit of ANZAC was alive and well within the walls of the Birchip Public Hall, where a community united in remembrance, gratitude, and hope.
Moving the service into the Hall due to the threatening skies proved a thoughtful choice, allowing attendees to be seated in one place, creating a united and solemn atmosphere that underscored the significance of the occasion.
From 11 a.m. to the final rendition of the Australian National Anthem the spirit of remembrance was profound as the community came together to mark the 110th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli.
Defining Moment
ANZAC Day commemorates a defining moment in a major military campaign for soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. The young men who landed that day at Anzac Cove handed on a torch of service and sacrifice passed across the generations of Australians who honour them.
Birchip RSL President Shane McLoughlan opened the Birchip ANZAC day service, welcoming the crowd and inviting Sammy Floyd to read a heartfelt poem written by his brother Graham, also a veteran. Graham’s poem set the tone for a service marked by dignity, reflection, and shared memory.
Guest Speaker
This year’s guest speaker was Kylie Walsh, granddaughter of Warrant Officer Kenneth Kemp, who served with the Royal Australian Air Force in the Second World War.
A man of quiet strength and deep commitment, Ken served his country with courage and dedication and this legacy lives on not only through his military medals, but through the stories shared by his family.
Kylie delivered a moving tribute to her grandfather’s service, offering personal insight to his time at war from extracts from his diary. A full account of Ken’s story, as presented by Kylie, will feature in an upcoming edition of the “Buloke Times”.
Wreaths were respectfully laid on a makeshift cenotaph by representatives of the Buloke Shire, Birchip P-12 School, local emergency services, Victoria Police, RSL, Legacy, and the Kemp family in honour of all who have served.
Xavier Liston recited the Ode of Remembrance, which was followed by the playing of “The Last Post” and the New Zealand National Anthem and a minute’s silence was observed, allowing attendees to reflect deeply. The service concluded with Birchip P-12 student Bambi Nevaro’s touching rendition of the Australian National Anthem, accompanied by her own guitar playing.
In his final remarks, Shane McLoughlan thanked all who contributed to the service and encouraged the community to support the RSL through membership. Shane informed the audience that the Birchip RSL Sub-Branch, and in particular Noeline Hogan and Debbie McLoughlan, are working on a major project to refurbish and reinvigorate the Birchip Cenotaph area at the entrance to the Birchip Memorial Park.
Shane thanked Birchip Cargill Cares and cropping managers Andrew Lee and Andrew Barber for their generous donation of $25,000 towards the project which has been matched by a further $27,000 grant from Department of Veteran affairs.
Call for Peace
As has become customary Shane concluded the service with a heartfelt call for peace, expressing hope for a swift end to the conflicts currently unfolding around the world.
Following the services RSL members, families and guests adjourned to the RSL clubrooms for refreshments, a chat and a game of Kelly pool. Some stayed on to watch the traditional Collingwood v. Essendon ANZAC day match.