Seymour honoured the Anzacs in a rainy day of services

By Billie Davern

Apr 28, 2025

Leading the Seymour march was piper Paul Karalis and drummer Dylan Breed of Rats of Tobruk Pipes and Drums. Photo by Wayne Herring

As commemorations were made across the country, a crowd of around 500 gathered at the Seymour Memorial Hospital Gates.

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In a day of tribute, ceremonies and services took over the town on April 25.

Anzac Day began just before the break of dawn, where community members and attendees hailing from far and wide flocked to Bretonneux St for a dawn service lit by the soft blue lights of the war memorial.

Members of the 53rd Batallion School of Armour Puckapunyal prior to forming the catafalque party. Photo by Wayne Herring

Following this was a well-enjoyed breakfast at the Seymour RSL, where attendees shared a moment of reflection.

Mid-morning, marchers made their way down Anzac Ave to the Cenotaph, where the skies began to turn grey.

Seymour RSL led the march down Anzac Ave. Photo by Wayne Herring

Despite the sprinkle of rain, Seymour RSL sub branch president Matt McLaughlin said the weather didn’t stop attendees from showing their support.

“It went really well, both services were excellent,” Mr McLaughlin said.

“Even with the rain, it was still good.”

Seymour RSL president Matt McLaughlin addressed the crowd. Photo by Wayne Herring

Although the services this year were smaller than many before, the spirit was still just as high.

With about $20,000 raised for the Seymour RSL’s Anzac Appeal fundraiser, the Seymour community has proved once again that the support it is willing to give is significant.

The 1st Puckapunyal Scouts, Cubs and Joeys were proud to march through the town. Photo by Wayne Herring

“The strong community support was great,” Mr McLaughlin said.

The morning march ended at Total Sports on Anzac Ave at around 10.40am.

Mr McLaughlin extended his gratitude to everyone involved on the day, as well as to the Victorian Government for the Saluting their Service Grant, which aided the Seymour RSL in facilitating the services and ceremonies.