Dawn, Diggers, and Devotion: Winton's Tribute

Unity and Remembrance as Winton Honours ANZAC Legacy with Solemn Dawn Service and Community March

Before the first light of dawn on ANZAC Day, the residents of Winton, Queensland gathered to honour the valiant spirits of their fallen. With a notable turnout of around 150 attendees, the day was marked by solemn remembrances and a strong sense of community.

As the horizon began to glow, Deputy Mayor Tina Elliott led the commemorative ceremony. The young voices of students from the State School, School of Distance Education, and St. Patrick's resonated through the air as they read out the honor roll. The names of the district's soldiers from conflicts as far back as the Boer War were remembered, bridging generations through memory and gratitude.

The ceremony was deeply moving, especially as the few remaining veterans stood among the crowd, a poignant reminder of the day's significance. The minutes silence after the Last Post played was only punctuated by the stirring sounds of magpies and galahs greeting the day.

Following the service, a march led by a diverse representation of Winton’s community showcased the unity of the town. From the Winton Devils junior and senior Rugby League clubs to the Pony Club, and from emergency service personnel to council representatives, each group paid their respects, proudly parading down the main street toward the cemetery.

Perhaps one of the most touching visuals of the day was the march passing the sea of (fake) poppies planted by residents in the main street's grassed areas, a vivid symbol of remembrance that colored the march's path.

The day in Winton was more than a remembrance; it was a profound assertion of community and continuity, echoing the spirit of the ANZACs—endurance, courage, and camaraderie.