The Shadforth family at Cobram Secondary College’s 2026 Anzac ceremony.
Photo by
Abby Green
Cobram Secondary College held its annual Anzac Day ceremony at the school on Friday, April 24, with crowds of community members attending.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
College captain Ella Spencer-Wood and vice captain Kyana Magalotti led the service, guiding attendees through a solemn and respectful commemoration.
Families of fallen soldiers, assisted by house leaders, laid flowers at the commemorative plaques in the garden, paying tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
Families of fallen soldiers, assisted by house leaders, pay tribute by planting flowers in the commemorative garden.
Photo by
Abby Green
As part of the ceremony, pilots John Williams, Matt Loffler and Mark Frazer conducted a flypast in formation, and Australian Defence Force Warrant Officer Alex Walker made a special address.
Poppies were also laid by student leaders from local schools, adding to the ceremony’s sense of community involvement.
The service concluded with the national anthem, sung by student Paige Riedell, accompanied by Laura Hamilton-Watts.
Pilots John Williams, Matt Loffler and Mark Frazer conduct a flypast in formation at the Cobram Secondary College Anzac ceremony.
Photo by
Abby Green
Principal Kimberley Tempest said the college had been holding this Anzac service since 2021, and it was about educating students about the meaning of Anzac Day and the sacrifice and selflessness of service people.
All students at the school are assigned to one of four houses, which are named in honour of former students who went to war and never returned home.
The houses are named after Flight Sergeant Harold Shadforth (green house), Private Kenneth Leslie Rose (red house), Acting Corporal George John Parker Goodman (blue house) and Gunner Robert Ian Jordan (yellow house).
Warrant Officer Alex Walker makes a special address at the ceremony.
Photo by
Abby Green
“I thought we should do something to reflect on and remember who these men were,” Mrs Tempest said.
“We then made contact with family members of those fallen soldiers and explained what we were doing, and said, ‘Do you want to come?’ And they did.
“We've got people here who've come every single year.
The school band plays at the ceremony.
Photo by
Abby Green
“The families that participate in the day, their connection to their family member is so evident to our students that they can really connect that these aren't just names, these are real people.
“We also had our CFA, SES, police forces and other service people in attendance.
“We want to really honour and encourage our students to consider those occupations or to volunteer in that way.”
The catafalque party at the Cobram Secondary College Anzac service on Friday, April 24.
Photo by
Abby Green
The Shadforth family have been attending the service since the beginning, finding it very special how the school honours their loved one, Flight Sergeant HaroldShadforth.
His niece Grace and her husband, David Rew, were in attendance with Harold Shadforth.
“I personally think it's the most moving ceremony I've ever been to,” Mr Rew said.
Cobram and District Pipe Band at the Anzac ceremony.
Photo by
Abby Green
“We see things on TV, but they don't have the feeling that this school is able to bring to the people,” he said.
“I don't know that you could ever do this anywhere but in the country areas.”
Cousins Mrs Rew and Mr Shadforth weren’t born in Cobram but used to camp at Thompsons Beach with their families as kids.
Mr Shadforth said when he came to Cobram he felt like he was “coming home”.
Cobram Secondary College’s annual Anzac Day ceremony drew crowds of people.
Photo by
Abby Green
“I feel like I’m stepping back to when I was a child,” he said.
He said he served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1972 and was “very proud” of all the servicemen and their families.
Mrs Rew said the school put on a special service.
“My only regret is that our fathers didn't live long enough to experience what this school is doing,” she said.
21°C