Tuesday, 28 April, 2026
Tougher vandalism penalties proposed
Dreaded varroa mite found in Yarra Valley
Festival to bring music and community spirit to town
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Wreaths were laid at the Wandin Cenotaph to pay respects to those who fought in Gallipoli. (Oliver Winn: 549238)
The main street of Healesville saw hundreds gather for the 10am service. (Gabriella Vukman: 549272)
We will remember The sun shone brilliantly over the Yarra Valley for Anzac Day this year, where people gathered for dawn and midday services across the townships to commemorate and honour the sacrifices made by those who served. In Healesville, the day began in darkness at 5.45am, as the Dawn Service gathered locals in solemn tribute. Later in the morning, among those watching the march was Geoffrey White, an 80-year-old veteran whose reflections carried both humour and depth. In Yarra Glen, crowds gathered along Bell Street and Melba Highway for the 10.30am march toward the cenotaph at McKenzie Reserve.
Treasurer at the Yarra Glen RSL Ed Bartosh described the day as something uniquely Australian. In Wandin, a steady crowd of community members, veterans, rotarians and school students gathered at the Wandin Cenotaph for the Rotary Club of Wandin’s Anzac Day service. Rotary Club of Wandin foundation chair Brian Hodgson led the ceremony and he reflected on those who’ve served valiantly for Australia. “Today we acknowledge that 111 years ago we had the first instance of an Anzac service on the shores of Gallipoli,” he said. In Seville, a dawn service was held at the magnificent Seville War Memorial, where an intimate
and moving ceremony casted a solemn, yet grateful feeling over the attending crowd. Lilydale RSL member Jack Brunker led the service in Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer’s absence, and he said if it weren’t for the Anzac diggers, we wouldn’t be here today. “It’s our culture, it’s history. It’s where we’ve come from, where we’ve devised from.” Millgrove’s dawn service was one for the record books, with an estimated 2000 people attending. Not bad for a town of 1700 people. Hosted by Millgrove Resident’s Action Group (MRAG) and led by Wesburn-Millgrove CFA president Andrew Bennett, he said the devotion of the
locals was incredible. “Just to see a little town like Millgrove host something like this and to get those numbers is quite extraordinary,” Mr Bennett said. In Warburton, Australian Defence Force personnel led the Anzac Day parade through the town, walking with pride and honour as locals watched on. Warburton RSL member Wayne Morgan led the service and said Anzac Day was incredibly important for keeping communities connected. “It just brings all the community together to commemorate each other and embrace one another for the sacrifice they gave for the township and the country,” he said.
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