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Anzac Day: Williams community gathers to pay tribute

Daniel RooneyNarrogin Observer
The Williams cenotaph.
Camera IconThe Williams cenotaph. Credit: Daniel Rooney

Despite a cold morning, about 100 Williams locals gathered at the Williams RSL at 8am on April 25 to commemorate Anzac Day.

A crowd of about 100 gathered at the Williams RSL.
Camera IconA crowd of about 100 gathered at the Williams RSL. Credit: Daniel Rooney

Shire of Williams president Jarrad Logie led the ceremony and welcomed the community before Vern Sattler from the Anglican church and Janette Liddelow from the Catholic church came forward to deliver a prayer.

Jake Hardie, Gretel Tinley, Elsie Ford and Evie Macnamara.
Camera IconJake Hardie, Gretel Tinley, Elsie Ford and Evie Macnamara. Credit: Daniel Rooney

Following a group reading of Lest We Forget, Williams Primary School Leaders Elsie Ford, Evie Macnamara, Jake Hardie and Gretel Tinley stood at the podium and read a poem dedicated to the memory of the Anzacs.

Elsie Ford
Camera IconElsie Ford Credit: Daniel Rooney

Elsie then paid tribute to her grandfather, the late Neale Francis Ford of the Royal Australian Navy by delivering a moving speech that described the events that led to the outbreak of World War I and the influence it had on Williams’ farming families.

Williams' police Constable Mark Osbourne.
Camera IconWilliams' police Constable Mark Osbourne. Credit: Daniel Rooney

Following the wreath-laying and the Ode, the assembly stood together and sang the Australian National Anthem before retiring to the RSL hall to enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit.

Clive Hamilton
Camera IconClive Hamilton Credit: Daniel Rooney
Shire of Williams president Jarrad Logie welcomes the community.
Camera IconShire of Williams president Jarrad Logie welcomes the community. Credit: Daniel Rooney
Constable Mark Osbourne, Sergeant Rob Shields and Constable Neil Fletcher.
Camera IconConstable Mark Osbourne, Sergeant Rob Shields and Constable Neil Fletcher. Credit: Daniel Rooney
Shire of Williams president Jarrad Logie.
Camera IconShire of Williams president Jarrad Logie. Credit: Daniel Rooney

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