Published on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 at 2:30:22 PM

Before dawn on Friday, 25 April 2025, silence fell across town as hundreds of locals, Wheatbelt residents, and travelling visitors gathered at the Merredin Cenotaph to honour the legacy of the ANZACs and all who have served our country.

The ANZAC Day commemorations began at 5:45AM with a parade, led by the stirring sound of bagpipes played by Reagan Jones. Veterans, current service personnel, cadets, and members of the Merredin Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs marched from the Australia Post building to the Cenotaph, where approximately 400 people assembled for the Dawn Service.

Shire of Merredin Councillor and Captain of Merredin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Phil Van Der Merwe, who served as MC for the Dawn Service, welcomed those in attendance and shared the story of the ANZACs, honouring the courage and sacrifice of our veterans.

“We gather here, at this early hour, on this day every year, to honour the memory of those gallant men and women who willingly sacrificed and risked their lives in the fight for the safety and freedom of their beloved homelands of Australia and New Zealand.”

Following this tribute, Mr Joel Hammen lead the ANZAC Prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer before community groups and organisations were invited to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph. Aub Tompkin then delivered a heartfelt reading of the Ode, followed by Natalie Warnock’s performance of the Last Post and Reveille. The service concluded with a beautiful rendition of the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems, sung by Jade Healy-Ratima.

After the service, attendees were invited back to the Tivoli Room for a traditional Gunfire Breakfast, kindly provided by Collgar Renewables and Merredin IGA, and prepared by the members of the Merredin Men’s Shed.

Later in the day at 11:00AM, a Mid-Morning Service was held at Cummins Theatre, which was attended by approximately 80 people. This service was also led by Councillor Van Der Merwe, and followed a similar format to the Dawn Service, with the addition of Guest Speaker veteran Frank Weber and performances by A Choired Taste, while the ANZAC and Lord’s Prayers were led by Father Philip Perreau.

Following the service, a light lunch was held in the Tivoli Room, once again provided by Collgar Renewables, and prepared by the CWA, Frank Weber, and the Merredin Community Garden.

The Shire of Merredin would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations, from our veterans and guest speaker to our committee volunteers, community groups, performers, and attendees. Your involvement ensures that the ANZAC legacy continues to be remembered with honour.

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