With Remembrance Day approaching, the trust is working to ensure every returned service person buried at the cemetery has been identified and their service recognised.
Cobram Cemetery Trust secretary, treasurer and administrator Rachel McKay said each person had a story worth remembering.
“Each of these men and women served our country during times of war, and each has a story that deserves to be remembered,” she said.
“Please speak with your relatives and friends and share any information you may have.
“Even a small detail, photograph or family story could help us confirm that your loved one is included on our list.”
A Remembrance Day service will be held at Cobram Cemetary on Wednesday, November 11 at 11am, with representatives from the RSL and a local priest paying tribute to those who served.
Members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.
The trust intends to place a poppy on the grave or headstone of every identified returned service person.
“At the conclusion of the Remembrance Day service, members of the community will be invited to walk through the cemetery, reflect upon those who served and recognise many familiar local names,” she said.
Among those buried at the cemetery are several well-known members of the local community.
Frederick May was a World War I soldier who came home to Koonoomoo and established an orchard.
Kevin Lonergan was Cobram’s original General Motors Holden dealer, whose garage and showroom stood on the site now occupied by Woolworths.
Fred Winter was a Yarroweyah farmer who, together with his wife, Jean, became closely involved with the RSL and the Cobram community.
The trust is also working to confirm the service histories of other well-known local residents, including William ‘Plugger’ Bourke, Cobram’s local barber, and John Buncle, remembered for Jay Bee Soft Drinks.
“There are so many stories and so much of Cobram’s history resting within our cemetery,” Rachel said.
“We want to recognise these people properly and honour the contributions they made to our country and our community.”
Looking towards the future, the trust hopes to publish a small book in 2027 telling the stories of Cobram’s returned service personnel and celebrating their contributions to the town.
“To make this possible, we will need family histories, photographs, service information and personal memories from the community,” Rachel said.
“Please contact us so that together we can ensure your family members, friends and loved ones are remembered with the respect and honour they deserve.”
Anyone with information, photographs or stories about returned service personnel buried at Cobram Cemetery is encouraged to contact Rachel on 0418 306 265 or call Vivien Day on 0402 030 829.
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