Honouring ANZAC Day: A Tribute to Courage and Community at Girls Grammar

The Girls Grammar community gathered for a whole school assembly on 23 April to commemorate ANZAC Day. We paused to remember the courageous individuals from our past. School Captains Cadence Wone de Rungs and Ella Davison delivered a speech about the servicemen who fought at the siege of Tobruk, highlighting their resilience and defiance which has become legendary.

We sincerely thank our guests, Mr Robert Lang, representing the Rats of Tobruk Association (Rockhampton Branch), and Mr Graham Ivers from the Salvation Army, who ably played the Last Post.

It was an early start for the Year 12 students on ANZAC Day, meeting at school at a crisp 3.15am. The students donned golden berets in preparation for the Candlelight Vigil at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service held at Rockhampton Botanical Gardens. Our School Captains laid a wreath in honour of those who bravely served our country.

Rockhampton Girls Grammar is proud to have a strong connection with the Rats of Tobruk Association. Our Prefects attended their service at Jeffries Park, where School Captains Ella and Cadence delivered a speech that included diary entries from some of the 9th Division, giving personal accounts of the siege in Tobruk, Libya.

A special part of the ceremony honoured Mr Tom Wyatt for his work as a member of the Rockhampton Branch of the Rats of Tobruk, and as former Curator, Parks Director, and Councillor in Rockhampton. Tom’s granddaughter and GG student, Molly, unveiled a plaque on a beautiful seat set underneath a shady tree in Jeffries Park.

A large number of Girls Grammar students, staff, and families proudly attended the Rockhampton ANZAC parade. They marched along Quay Street, showcasing their respect and gratitude for those who have served our country. The parade was an uplifting event, with participants acknowledging the dignitaries present and paying tribute to the ANZAC spirit. The sight of our students, dressed in their uniforms, was a powerful reminder of the school's commitment to honouring our history and those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

In addition to the main parade, many other students attended local ANZAC services in their respective communities. These services provided an opportunity for students to engage with their local history and community members, further reinforcing the importance of remembrance and respect. Whether at the main parade or local services, the participation of our students and their families highlighted the strong sense of community and shared values within our school.

Lest we forget.

Kathy King

Deputy Principal - Students