ANZAC Day 2025
Soldiers Grave Service - Creswick Cemetery
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, on this ANZAC Day, we gather here in this graveyard to pay our respects and honour those who gave service to our nation and lay at peace here. As we stand before these headstones, each one a testament to a life of service, we are reminded of the cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who fought for it.
ANZAC Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity. It is a time when we come together as a nation to acknowledge the courage, the sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of our servicemen and women. From the shores of Gallipoli to the Fields of Flanders, from the deserts of the middle east, the jungles of Southeast Asia, and the hills and plains of Korea, all-over our globe, our service personnel have stood tall, defending the values we hold dear.
As we look upon these graves, we see more than just names and dates. We see stories of larrikinism, and camaraderie. We see days of laughter and friendship, punctuated with memories of service. We hear a harmonica and songs sung with gusto. Today, we honour their memory by living the values they fought to protect. we honour the by striving for peace, by standing up for what is right, and by never forgetting the price their generation paid. We honour them by ensuring that all they went through was not in vain, by working towards a future where no more lives are lost to the horrors of war.
To the families of those who lie here, we extend our deepest gratitude and condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, and your strength in the face of such is an inspiration to us all. Know that your loved ones will never be forgotten that their names will forever be etched in the annals of our nation's history.
As we lay wreaths and observe a moment of silence, let us remember that the spirit of resilience, of mateship, courage, and sacrifice that they held dear, lives on within each of us. It is a spirit that binds us together as a nation, reminding us of the importance of unity and the power of collective action.
On this ANZAC Day, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals for which these brave people fought. Let us work towards a world where peace is not just a dream, but a reality. and let us never forget the debt we owe to those who lie here.
The ODE
They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, no the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Last Post
Minute's silence
Lest We Forget
Rouse
Australian and New Zealand National Anthems.
Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen, that concludes our service for here today.
Photos courtesy: Phil Greenbank
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, on this ANZAC Day, we gather here in this graveyard to pay our respects and honour those who gave service to our nation and lay at peace here. As we stand before these headstones, each one a testament to a life of service, we are reminded of the cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who fought for it.
ANZAC Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity. It is a time when we come together as a nation to acknowledge the courage, the sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of our servicemen and women. From the shores of Gallipoli to the Fields of Flanders, from the deserts of the middle east, the jungles of Southeast Asia, and the hills and plains of Korea, all-over our globe, our service personnel have stood tall, defending the values we hold dear.
As we look upon these graves, we see more than just names and dates. We see stories of larrikinism, and camaraderie. We see days of laughter and friendship, punctuated with memories of service. We hear a harmonica and songs sung with gusto. Today, we honour their memory by living the values they fought to protect. we honour the by striving for peace, by standing up for what is right, and by never forgetting the price their generation paid. We honour them by ensuring that all they went through was not in vain, by working towards a future where no more lives are lost to the horrors of war.
To the families of those who lie here, we extend our deepest gratitude and condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, and your strength in the face of such is an inspiration to us all. Know that your loved ones will never be forgotten that their names will forever be etched in the annals of our nation's history.
As we lay wreaths and observe a moment of silence, let us remember that the spirit of resilience, of mateship, courage, and sacrifice that they held dear, lives on within each of us. It is a spirit that binds us together as a nation, reminding us of the importance of unity and the power of collective action.
On this ANZAC Day, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals for which these brave people fought. Let us work towards a world where peace is not just a dream, but a reality. and let us never forget the debt we owe to those who lie here.
The ODE
They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, no the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Last Post
Minute's silence
Lest We Forget
Rouse
Australian and New Zealand National Anthems.
Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen, that concludes our service for here today.
Photos courtesy: Phil Greenbank
ANZAC Day March
ANZAC Day Service
MC - Alan Morris President Creswick-Smeaton RSL
The Hon Catherine King MP – Federal member for Ballarat
Ms Martha Haylett MP - State member for Ripon
Hepburn Shire Mayor and Councillors
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and girls
Good Morning
Welcome to our 2025 Anzac service
Today, we gather to honour the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, or ANZACs, who served and sacrificed during times of war. ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th each year, marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, when thousands of ANZAC soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli in Turkey.
Although the Gallipoli campaign was not successful, the bravery, comradeship, and resilience of the ANZAC soldiers became the foundation of the ANZAC spirit—a symbol of courage, honour, and selflessness. ANZAC Day is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom, and to remember those who gave their lives, not just in Gallipoli, but in all conflicts.
This day is also a reminder of the importance of peace and the need to support those who serve our country, both in times of war and peace. It is a day of remembrance, where we pause to reflect on the extraordinary courage of those who fought, and to ensure their legacy lives on for future generations.
Let us stand together, as one, to honour the ANZACs—past and present—and to express our gratitude for their service.
Lest we forget.
The Hon Catherine King MP – Federal member for Ballarat
Ms Martha Haylett MP - State member for Ripon
Hepburn Shire Mayor and Councillors
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and girls
Good Morning
Welcome to our 2025 Anzac service
Today, we gather to honour the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, or ANZACs, who served and sacrificed during times of war. ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th each year, marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, when thousands of ANZAC soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli in Turkey.
Although the Gallipoli campaign was not successful, the bravery, comradeship, and resilience of the ANZAC soldiers became the foundation of the ANZAC spirit—a symbol of courage, honour, and selflessness. ANZAC Day is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom, and to remember those who gave their lives, not just in Gallipoli, but in all conflicts.
This day is also a reminder of the importance of peace and the need to support those who serve our country, both in times of war and peace. It is a day of remembrance, where we pause to reflect on the extraordinary courage of those who fought, and to ensure their legacy lives on for future generations.
Let us stand together, as one, to honour the ANZACs—past and present—and to express our gratitude for their service.
Lest we forget.
As is our custom, today we honour another of our local heroes.
Gunner Reginald Graham LINDSAY,
Service No - 11867
Reginald was born in Creswick and was almost 28 years old when he enlisted on 11 August 1915. He had previous experience in the 9th Light Horse and was appointed to 3rd Field Artillery Reinforcements. 4th Brigade. He was appointed as a Gunner and transferred to 4th Field Artillery Brigade on 8th March to 12th May.
He sailed from Alexandria on 14th March 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles om 19th March.
He was killed in action in France on 31st December 1916, and is buried at the Guards Cemetery, Le Boeufs, 4.5 miles south of Bapaume.
His mother was granted a pension of £2 per fortnight.
A Memorial scroll & Plaque were sent to mother 1921-22.
MEDALS RECEIVED - British War Medal, Victory Medal
Gunner Reginald Graham LINDSAY,
Service No - 11867
Reginald was born in Creswick and was almost 28 years old when he enlisted on 11 August 1915. He had previous experience in the 9th Light Horse and was appointed to 3rd Field Artillery Reinforcements. 4th Brigade. He was appointed as a Gunner and transferred to 4th Field Artillery Brigade on 8th March to 12th May.
He sailed from Alexandria on 14th March 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles om 19th March.
He was killed in action in France on 31st December 1916, and is buried at the Guards Cemetery, Le Boeufs, 4.5 miles south of Bapaume.
His mother was granted a pension of £2 per fortnight.
A Memorial scroll & Plaque were sent to mother 1921-22.
MEDALS RECEIVED - British War Medal, Victory Medal
Abide with me.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, O abide with me
I need Thy presence every passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like Thyself, my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, O abide with me
I need Thy presence every passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like Thyself, my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me
Phil Greenbank - 3rd Keeper of the Field of Crosses
60th Anniversary of the Field of Crosses
Today we are commemorating a legacy that started 60 years ago
Arthur Bellingham served in the Citizens Military Force from 25th March to the 28th July 1942. On the 29th July 1942 he enlisted at Mount Martha as a Private (AIF, 17th Brigade 6th Division) at the age of 29 years and 5 months with service number VX84546
Arthur was station in New Guinea from the 20 November1942 for 653 days.
Towards the end of his time in New Guinea, he took the time to further his education with some correspondence courses. It had always been Arthur’s ambition to own a grocery store, so he undertook business studies and sign writing via correspondence. The latter was to start that legacy.
Arthur joined the Creswick RSL in the 1950’s
In 1964 Arthur proposed that we have a Field of Crosses which he would hand make and using his signwriting skills wrote the names using calligraphy. The criteria for a cross was that they were either RSL members or ex-service personnel who were living in Creswick and have passed away.
On ANZAC Day 1965, the first Field of Crosses was displayed behind the Cenotaph on the north side of the Fountain where the crosses form the shape of a cross. This included two Remembrance crosses one at each end of the crosses’ display.
Arthur recorded the names for the crosses in a red notebook in blue pen.
In the 1980’s the layout changed so that the path was in the shape of the cross and the crosses were placed on the four sides.
Arthur continued to look after the Field of Crosses until his passing on the 24th September 2007. His notebook had recorded 232 names.
Arthur became our First Keeper of the Field of Crosses
Stanley Hepper known as Stan enlisted at the No.2 Recruiting Centre in Sydney on the 16 February 1943 aged 18 as an Airman with the RAAF with Service No: 131182
He completed his Flight Rigger course and later became an instructor.
He left the Air Force on 10 April 1946 and joined the Coolamon RSL before moving to Victoria and Creswick and joining the Creswick-Smeaton RSL
After Arthurs passing Stan looked after the crosses. Stan did not do calligraphy so had someone print the names on a clear sticker and placed these on the crosses.
Each year Stan would be assisted by his wife Enid especially when packing up, as the crosses, which were mounted in the ground and had to have the bottom points of the crosses washed before being put away.
In 2011 due to poor health , the RSL made a request to the Creswick Fire Brigade for some members to assist Stan in putting out the crosses that year. Six CFA members assisted. I was one of those.
After ANZAC Day, I helped Stan and his wife Enid to clean and pack away the crosses. And made the offer that if he could not continue looking after the crosses that I would like to take on role.
In 2012 when I met Stan to put up the crosses for ANZAC Day, he asked me if my offer still stood, and I said yes. Stan said that the RSL had accepted my offer and made me set up the Field of Crosses by myself so that he was satisfied that I knew what I was doing.
After ANZAC Day, he made me pack up by myself to again be satisfied that I knew what to do. Stan retired that day. Stan recorded his names for crosses in Arthur’s book and wrote in black pen and added an additional 12 names. Stan was our 2nd Keeper of the Field of Crosses and for a period of 4 days in 2012 there were two Keepers of the Field of Crosses.
Stan passed away two years later.
Each year on ANZAC Day the Dawn service and the ANZAC Service were held in front of the Cenotaph but the Field of Crosses were at the back of the Cenotaph.
In 2014 the Field of Crosses were relocated to the right of the cenotaph and where they could be seen during both services. For ANZAC Day 2014 there were 256 Crosses
As we approached 2015, Centenary of the Great War, Margaret Fulwood of the Creswick Museum worked on a project to identify the men and women born in the shire and borough of Creswick and who enlisted in the Great War. 868 names had been identified and the RSL decided to have a one off display by having a cross made for each name to be include in the Field of Crosses display on ANZAC Day 2015.
Following Anzac Day, the community liked the display so much that the crosses of the Great War became a permanent part of the display.
The display took the current configuration that you see today but like previous years, were mounted in the ground.
So many families had connections to relatives in the Great War, with many being senior citizens, who had difficulty getting down to place poppies in the crosses. Following a suggestion from RSL member Ken McMillian, in October 2015 the current Field of Crosses Memorial Garden boxes were built, to have a raised bed for the crosses and make it easy for everyone to see and place poppies on the crosses, and this is what you see today.
In 2016, the Creswick and District Historical Society approached the RSL re complying a book on the enlistees from the Great War. Once the names already identified had been researched, a check of the local honourboards identifying additional names totalling 980 enlistees. The book “Reflections” was launched in 2021.
Over the years many members of the public moved into Creswick and have asked about having a cross added to the display to remember a family member. Due to the original criteria for a cross, this was not possible. In 2020, the RSL added a new section to the Field of Crosses called The Family Memorial Crosses where members of the public can make a donation for a cross, and where each year they have a place to come and remember a loved one.
In 2025, including the Remembrance, defence forces and conflict crosses as well as the memorial crosses, we have a total of 1289 crosses on display.
It is fitting with this 60th anniversary today, that Mike Brady from “Up their Cazaly” fame has written a song several years ago for the RSL, called “This Place” and has given permission for our RSL to play it today. “This Place’ is wherever you remember a loved one or those who served and those who have fallen. For us today "This Place" it is our Cenotaph and the Field of Crosses.
Today we are commemorating a legacy that started 60 years ago
Arthur Bellingham served in the Citizens Military Force from 25th March to the 28th July 1942. On the 29th July 1942 he enlisted at Mount Martha as a Private (AIF, 17th Brigade 6th Division) at the age of 29 years and 5 months with service number VX84546
Arthur was station in New Guinea from the 20 November1942 for 653 days.
Towards the end of his time in New Guinea, he took the time to further his education with some correspondence courses. It had always been Arthur’s ambition to own a grocery store, so he undertook business studies and sign writing via correspondence. The latter was to start that legacy.
Arthur joined the Creswick RSL in the 1950’s
In 1964 Arthur proposed that we have a Field of Crosses which he would hand make and using his signwriting skills wrote the names using calligraphy. The criteria for a cross was that they were either RSL members or ex-service personnel who were living in Creswick and have passed away.
On ANZAC Day 1965, the first Field of Crosses was displayed behind the Cenotaph on the north side of the Fountain where the crosses form the shape of a cross. This included two Remembrance crosses one at each end of the crosses’ display.
Arthur recorded the names for the crosses in a red notebook in blue pen.
In the 1980’s the layout changed so that the path was in the shape of the cross and the crosses were placed on the four sides.
Arthur continued to look after the Field of Crosses until his passing on the 24th September 2007. His notebook had recorded 232 names.
Arthur became our First Keeper of the Field of Crosses
Stanley Hepper known as Stan enlisted at the No.2 Recruiting Centre in Sydney on the 16 February 1943 aged 18 as an Airman with the RAAF with Service No: 131182
He completed his Flight Rigger course and later became an instructor.
He left the Air Force on 10 April 1946 and joined the Coolamon RSL before moving to Victoria and Creswick and joining the Creswick-Smeaton RSL
After Arthurs passing Stan looked after the crosses. Stan did not do calligraphy so had someone print the names on a clear sticker and placed these on the crosses.
Each year Stan would be assisted by his wife Enid especially when packing up, as the crosses, which were mounted in the ground and had to have the bottom points of the crosses washed before being put away.
In 2011 due to poor health , the RSL made a request to the Creswick Fire Brigade for some members to assist Stan in putting out the crosses that year. Six CFA members assisted. I was one of those.
After ANZAC Day, I helped Stan and his wife Enid to clean and pack away the crosses. And made the offer that if he could not continue looking after the crosses that I would like to take on role.
In 2012 when I met Stan to put up the crosses for ANZAC Day, he asked me if my offer still stood, and I said yes. Stan said that the RSL had accepted my offer and made me set up the Field of Crosses by myself so that he was satisfied that I knew what I was doing.
After ANZAC Day, he made me pack up by myself to again be satisfied that I knew what to do. Stan retired that day. Stan recorded his names for crosses in Arthur’s book and wrote in black pen and added an additional 12 names. Stan was our 2nd Keeper of the Field of Crosses and for a period of 4 days in 2012 there were two Keepers of the Field of Crosses.
Stan passed away two years later.
Each year on ANZAC Day the Dawn service and the ANZAC Service were held in front of the Cenotaph but the Field of Crosses were at the back of the Cenotaph.
In 2014 the Field of Crosses were relocated to the right of the cenotaph and where they could be seen during both services. For ANZAC Day 2014 there were 256 Crosses
As we approached 2015, Centenary of the Great War, Margaret Fulwood of the Creswick Museum worked on a project to identify the men and women born in the shire and borough of Creswick and who enlisted in the Great War. 868 names had been identified and the RSL decided to have a one off display by having a cross made for each name to be include in the Field of Crosses display on ANZAC Day 2015.
Following Anzac Day, the community liked the display so much that the crosses of the Great War became a permanent part of the display.
The display took the current configuration that you see today but like previous years, were mounted in the ground.
So many families had connections to relatives in the Great War, with many being senior citizens, who had difficulty getting down to place poppies in the crosses. Following a suggestion from RSL member Ken McMillian, in October 2015 the current Field of Crosses Memorial Garden boxes were built, to have a raised bed for the crosses and make it easy for everyone to see and place poppies on the crosses, and this is what you see today.
In 2016, the Creswick and District Historical Society approached the RSL re complying a book on the enlistees from the Great War. Once the names already identified had been researched, a check of the local honourboards identifying additional names totalling 980 enlistees. The book “Reflections” was launched in 2021.
Over the years many members of the public moved into Creswick and have asked about having a cross added to the display to remember a family member. Due to the original criteria for a cross, this was not possible. In 2020, the RSL added a new section to the Field of Crosses called The Family Memorial Crosses where members of the public can make a donation for a cross, and where each year they have a place to come and remember a loved one.
In 2025, including the Remembrance, defence forces and conflict crosses as well as the memorial crosses, we have a total of 1289 crosses on display.
It is fitting with this 60th anniversary today, that Mike Brady from “Up their Cazaly” fame has written a song several years ago for the RSL, called “This Place” and has given permission for our RSL to play it today. “This Place’ is wherever you remember a loved one or those who served and those who have fallen. For us today "This Place" it is our Cenotaph and the Field of Crosses.
Today, as part of our anniversary commemoration we have a pictorial display of the Field of Crosses design changes and locations, located at the end of the far box and we have many of the original crosses as made and written by Arthur 60 years ago, still being used in the Field of Crosses. A static display in the RSL Hall has on display, Arthur’s red notebook, several of his original crosses and the smaller of the two original Remembrance crosses. Arthurs original larger Remembrance Cross is still in use today as the Remembrance cross located in front of the Lone Pine at the head of the Memorial Gardens.
The book Reflections is also available for purchase and the monies raised go towards the upkeep of the Field of Crosses display and the Memorial Gardens.
The book Reflections is also available for purchase and the monies raised go towards the upkeep of the Field of Crosses display and the Memorial Gardens.
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Laying of wreaths
The Hon Catherine King MP, Martha Haylett MP, Hepburn Shire Mayor Don Henderson Creswick-Smeaton RSL, Creswick Smeaton RSL Keeper of the Crosses
Creswick Municipal Band, Creswick Legacy, Australian Red Cross
Community Bank Creswick & District, Creswick CFA, Creswick Lions Club
Creswick IGA, Creswick Railway Workshop Association, Anglican Parish of Springmount
Creswick Senior Citizens, John Curtin Aged Care Centre, Creswick Probus Club
Creswick U3A, Creswick Football & Netball Club, Creswick Garden Club
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, Creswick Scouts and Cubs, Creswick Primary School
Creswick Nth Primary School, St Augustine's Primary School, Mt Blowhard Primary School
Newlyn Primary School, Creswick Woollen Mills, Friends of Park Lake
RACV Goldfields Resort, Creswick Bowling Club, Creswick Historical Society
Creswick Museum
If there are any members of the public who wish to lay a private wreath, please come forward now.
The Hon Catherine King MP, Martha Haylett MP, Hepburn Shire Mayor Don Henderson Creswick-Smeaton RSL, Creswick Smeaton RSL Keeper of the Crosses
Creswick Municipal Band, Creswick Legacy, Australian Red Cross
Community Bank Creswick & District, Creswick CFA, Creswick Lions Club
Creswick IGA, Creswick Railway Workshop Association, Anglican Parish of Springmount
Creswick Senior Citizens, John Curtin Aged Care Centre, Creswick Probus Club
Creswick U3A, Creswick Football & Netball Club, Creswick Garden Club
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, Creswick Scouts and Cubs, Creswick Primary School
Creswick Nth Primary School, St Augustine's Primary School, Mt Blowhard Primary School
Newlyn Primary School, Creswick Woollen Mills, Friends of Park Lake
RACV Goldfields Resort, Creswick Bowling Club, Creswick Historical Society
Creswick Museum
If there are any members of the public who wish to lay a private wreath, please come forward now.
Bugler Craig Latrobe
Ladies and gentlemen, we have now come to the observance part of our commemoration, those who are able to stand, please do so. Those gentlemen wearing a hat, please remove it.
The ODE
Last Post.
Minute Silence
Lest We Forget
Rouse.
National Anthems
New Zealand National Anthem
Australian National Anthem
As is our custom, we will now make a presentation of books to the students of the Primary Schools who have given their time to support us again.
Thank yous
Creswick Municipal Band
CFA Driver - Damian Knowles
Ed Koene and helpers for Gunfire Breakfast
Bugler Craig Latrobe
Australian Red Cross
Creswick Senior Citizens
Creswick Scouts
Creswick Police
Ladies who made wreaths
Neville Keen - RACV for buggy
RSL members
Hepburn Shire – gardeners / traffic management
Public for support of Anzac Appeal
A special thankyou to Community Bank Creswick & District and the Railway Workshops Assoc. for their donations which has enabled us to purchase this new PA system.
The ODE
Last Post.
Minute Silence
Lest We Forget
Rouse.
National Anthems
New Zealand National Anthem
Australian National Anthem
As is our custom, we will now make a presentation of books to the students of the Primary Schools who have given their time to support us again.
Thank yous
Creswick Municipal Band
CFA Driver - Damian Knowles
Ed Koene and helpers for Gunfire Breakfast
Bugler Craig Latrobe
Australian Red Cross
Creswick Senior Citizens
Creswick Scouts
Creswick Police
Ladies who made wreaths
Neville Keen - RACV for buggy
RSL members
Hepburn Shire – gardeners / traffic management
Public for support of Anzac Appeal
A special thankyou to Community Bank Creswick & District and the Railway Workshops Assoc. for their donations which has enabled us to purchase this new PA system.