News

Shepparton Anzac Day service unites generations in solemn remembrance

By Monique Preston

Apr 25, 2026

Shepparton veteran Peter Mansfield places a poppy. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“The number of people at services show that when we say ‘we will remember them’, it’s not just hollow words.”

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Those were the words of Captain Zac Williams during his address at the Shepparton Anzac Day commemorative service as he spoke about the number of people who had turned out to both the commemorative service, and an earlier dawn service in the town.

About 1000 people, consisting of both old and young veterans, their families, school children and members of the public, turned out to the commemorative service this year.

The sun had turned it into a lovely autumn day weather-wise, and crowd numbers were good.

Guest speaker Captain Zac Williams addresses the crowd at the Shepparton Anzac Day commemorative service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Now a captain in the Australian Army, Capt Williams grew up in Shepparton before joining the Australian Defence Force.

His return as guest speaker at the service, in front of a crowd that included several of his family members who still live in the area, was a homecoming of sorts.

“I have attended services here since I was a child,” he said.

“This community shaped who I am.”

Parade Commander Mark Stephens at the Shepparton commemorative service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Having served in the Australian Army in conflicts and peacekeeping missions including in Iraq and East Timor himself, Capt Williams’s speech told of the 2000 Australians killed or wounded on the first day alone at Gallipoli.

He spoke of 8700 Australians and 2700 New Zealanders being killed in the eight months of the Gallipoli campaign.

Capt Williams said Gallipoli was a “baptism of fire that shaped our collective identity” as Australians.

He said the campaign also created a bond of mateship between the Australians and New Zealanders that has continued ever since.

For Capt Williams, Anzac Day is a day to remember the service, sacrifices and losses of war.

Guthrie Street Primary student Cooper Smith, 11, wore his great grandfather’s medals to the service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Master of ceremonies at the service, Brian McInneny, said Anzac Day was a chance to remember all those who fought and died for Australia.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

Lasting 20 years, it was a campaign that saw 47 Australians killed and 39,000 serve their country.

This year’s service also marks 111 years since the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.

Australian Air Force Lieutenant Trevor Morrison salutes at the service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

While the Shepparton service is still led by veterans, younger people also played their parts in the ceremony, including Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s Ella Gibbs who sang Abide with me’ and singer Juliana De Quilettes who sang a special Anzac Day version of ‘I am Australian’ as well as the Australian national anthem.

Young members of Shepparton’s 419 Air Force Cadet Squadron also solemnly formed a catafalque party at the cenotaph.

Children also joined their parents as the Shepparton community remembered those who fought and died in war.