Ararat Legacy hosted a contingent of students, teachers and legatees at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for the 92nd Annual Legacy Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students on April 19. 

Leading up to Anzac Day each year, Melbourne Legacy hosts a commemoration service for the students of Victoria, with this year involving the return of larger attendances, not seen since COVID restrictions, with about 500 gathering.

The ceremony honours the service and sacrifice of all those who have served. 

Fifty-one students from year seven to 12, together with supervising teachers from Ararat College, Marian College, Stawell Secondary College, Beaufort Secondary College, Lake Bolac Secondary College and Avoca Primary School, attended to pay their respects, including five Ararat Legatees. 

Organised by Melbourne Legacy, the day is an opportunity for the younger generation to remember and give thanks to the men and women whose love of their country and sacrifice in wartime enabled Australians to live in peace and freedom today. 

The commemoration ceremony was attended by Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner along with other dignitaries. 

As part of the ceremony, wreaths were laid by student representatives from all colleges and schools in attendance. 

Following the service, students, teachers and legatees spent time viewing the many exhibits within the Shrine of Remembrance. 

Ararat Legacy Shrine trip co-ordinator and Legatee Kevin Bowles, who attended the ceremony, said it was pleasing to continue to offer the annual trip to students from across the region, with the support of funding through the Victoria Government Remembrance Program.

“It was also pleasing that three of our five Legatees had not been before to experience the occasion and now have a greater understanding not only of keeping the Anzac spirit alive for our younger generations, but also how the Shrine is so symbolic as Victoria’s national memorial to Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations,” he said.

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