News

Anzac Day draws hundreds to Cobram and Strathmerton

By Abby Green

Apr 28, 2026

Cobram SES members marched at the Cobram Anzac Day service. Photo by Supplied

Services across the region were held in commemoration of Anzac Day on Saturday, April 25, with ceremonies in Strathmerton and Cobram drawing crowds of hundreds.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Cobram Barooga RSL member John Hanlon said the Cobram service went “very well”.

“The day started off with a dawn service at 6am, followed by a gunfire breakfast put on by the Sporties Group,” Mr Hanlon said.

“Then we had a march starting at Federation Park, followed by a service at 10am and more food put on by the Rotary Club.

Father and daughter Paul and Hope Goldsmith attended the 10am Anzac Day service at the Cobram War Memorial. Photo by Supplied

“The numbers that came out were good, and we were well supported by the ADF Defence School of Health ... people have said to me, it’s the biggest service they’ve seen.”

It was a real community effort, with the Cobram Barooga Apex Club, Cobram CFA and SES marching alongside local primary and high schools.

Former Cobram student and warrant officer class two Hayley Cornish CSM was the guest speaker at the Cobram 10am service and spoke about the Anzac spirit.

Mr Hanlon said 40 wreaths were laid by community members and organisations and the Murray Border Flying Club did a flypast

Guest speaker at the Cobram Anzac Day service warrant officer class two Hayley Cornish CSM. Photo by Supplied

“The number of people who turned out is always encouraging,” he said.

“It makes our day to see people come and pay their respects to the fallen and those who’ve passed away since.”

The Strathmerton Anzac Day ceremony also drew a huge crowd, starting with a march at 9.15am, followed by a service at the Strathmerton Hall.

Guest speaker at the service was Picola local Gavin Vale, a member of the 8th Indi Light Horse Troupe and of the Australian Light Horse Society.

He spoke about the Chauvel Anniversary Light Horse Memorial Ride that he took part in last year.

Also in attendance was Deborah Birrell (née Bennie), granddaughter of World War II veteran Stanley Bennie, who served in Papua New Guinea and passed away at the age of 95.

Together, the communities of Cobram and Strathmerton once again demonstrated that the legacy of the Anzacs lives on through remembrance, respect and unity.