Anzac Day in Shepparton: youth embrace legacy with respect

By Monique Preston and Megan Fisher

Apr 25, 2025

Vietnam veteran Norm Groves pays his respects at the Shepparton Anzac Day commemorative service. Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton’s Anzac Day commemorative service this year had a distinct feel of handing the baton on to younger generations.

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While veterans were still the ones who led the service, younger people were also called on to take some of the main roles.

Guest speaker was Year 12 student Sophie Birrell, while student Lexie Parnell also sang the hymn ‘Abide with me’ as well as the Royal Hymn.

The 419 Squadron of the Australian Air Force cadets also formed the catafalque party throughout the service, and youngsters from schools laid wreaths — some of which they had made themselves.

Guest speaker Sophie Birrell told of her experiences of visiting Gallipoli. Photo by Megan Fisher

Ms Birrell told the crowd of about 700 of her experiences in Turkey after winning the Premier’s Spirit of the Anzac Award last year.

“While I stood at Anzac Cove, with the gentle waves lapping up the sand, it felt a world away from the horror-filled stories we hear,” she said.

“But imagining the enemy hidden behind the rugged hills, and the steep terrain the soldiers had to climb, filled me with fear — and a deep respect.”

Veterans Dan Gleeson and Bob Wilkie at the Shepparton Anzac Day commemorative service. Photo by Megan Fisher

While exploring Commonwealth cemeteries in Turkey, Ms Birrell laid a poppy at the graves of several Goulburn Valley residents.

She spoke of one story that left a lasting impact — that of Murchison’s Private John Thomas Lyons.

He had ridden his bicycle 740km to Sydney to enlist in a place where he could lie about his age, saying he was 19.

He was killed in action on May 19, 1915, at 17 years and two months.

Oliver Watts, 3, holding the hand of his grandfather Ian Richardson, in the parade to the Shepparton Anzac Day commemorative service. Photo by Megan Fisher

“The exact same age as me,” Ms Birrell said.

She also spoke of the Anzac spirit.

“The Anzacs taught us courage, looking out for one another and honouring those who came before us; something embedded in our everyday life,” she said.

Notre Dame student Lexi Parnell sang the Royal Hymn at the Shepparton Anzac Day commemorative service. Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton RSL Sub-Branch president Bob Wilkie told the crowd that Anzac Day was a day to remember all of those who had served and died for Australia, as well as those currently serving.

He said 102,000 Australians died in battles from Gallipoli to the war in Afghanistan.

He said many still grieved today for the loss of a spouse, a parent, a family member or a friend.

The crowd stood silent as the Last Post rang out, and everyone remembered those who had served.