On the 25th of April, the community of Condobolin gathered to reflect upon those men and women who served and died in all conflicts for the freedom of our country.  

After spending the last two years commemorating ANZAC Day in a slightly different style due to strict lockdowns, the streets of Condobolin were once again filled with the shrill of bagpipes and the beat of hundreds of feet.  

Commemorations began with a Dawn Service at the Memorial Park, followed by a breakfast at the RSL Club for ex-servicemen and women, before many locals, school groups and organizations gathered to march without restrictions for the first time since 2019.  

IMAGE: Susan Bennett

The parade in Condobolin saw the streets "lined the whole way from the RSL all the way down to the Memorial Park" said Susan Bennett, President of the Condobolin Rotary Club and member of the State Emergency Services (SES). 

Susan attended the Dawn Service and later marched as a representative of the Emergency Services and the Condobolin Rotary Club alongside the Condobolin High School, Condobolin Primary School, St Josephs Parish School, the MET School, the Condobolin RSL Pipe Band and, for the first time in 20 years, the Condobolin Pony Club, among others.  

"What was most notable about the day was the number of young people who watched and participated – it was fantastic to see," said Susan, who also feels that "it's really important that we continue to carry on the tradition." 

IMAGE: Condobolin RSL Pipe Band Facebook Page

Anzac Day originally commemorated the Australian and New Zealand forces that landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915 during the First World War.  

The 107th anniversary of this day was acknowledged by Condobolin RSL Sub Branch Vice President, Michael Whighton, who welcomed the community to the service.  

Mr Whighton invited the congregation to "nurture the obligation of showing gratitude for the peace we enjoy" and to take "responsibility of ensuring that the freedom and liberty so costly won is not lost by our indifference." 

"We think of every man, woman and child, who in those crucial years, died so the lights of freedom and humanity might continue to shine."  

Condobolin High School studies carried the banner for the Condobolin RSL Sub-branch. IMAGE: CHS facebook

The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, and the community were encouraged to go forth into another year, always remembering to reflect upon those who are responsible for the peace and liberty we so freely enjoy.  

President of the RSL Sub Branch, Graeme Yetman, later reflected on his personal attachment to the day, stating that "it's a great opportunity to celebrate the comradeship I have with mates that I've served with."

Mr Yetman also commented on the dedication put into holding the event.

"It takes months and months of planning to organise, so it was really good to see such a big turnout and, so far, no complaints." 

Catholic School Captains with school banner. IMAGE: St Josephs Catholic School Facebook Page

Similar services were held all across the Lachlan Shire, reminding every member of the community to always remember the sacrifices made for us by our ex-servicemen and women.  

Lest we forget.

Wreath-laying at Condobolin's Memorial Park. IMAGE: Condobolin High School facebook