News

Lifestyle Shepparton honours soldiers in Anzac Day ceremony

By Caleb Francis

Apr 25, 2023

Speech: Neil Siddall addresses the crowd at Shepparton Lifestyle Villages. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

On the morning of April 25, Lifestyle Shepparton held a solemn and moving Anzac Day ceremony to commemorate the brave soldiers who have fought for our country in various conflicts and wars.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

“We met at the pool and marched down to the clubhouse to our cenotaph, and then we had the ceremony,” organiser Pauline Pritchett said.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome by Gavin Pritchett, who acted as the master of ceremonies. Its highlight was the speech delivered by Neil Siddall, who spoke about the life and legacy of Sir Murray Bourchier.

Image 1 of 10
People at Shepparton villages remembered the dead on Tuesday morning Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 2 of 10
CUO Patrick Sharp at Lifestyle Villages Service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 3 of 10
Jillian and Neil Siddall at Lifestyle Villages Service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 4 of 10
Leading cadet Seth Turri at the flagpole. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 5 of 10
MC Gavin Pritchett speaking to the crowd. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 6 of 10
Ian Craine.Glenys Craine.Lifestyle Villages Service.Lifestyle Villages Service at 11am. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 7 of 10
Neil Siddall addressing the crowd at Shepparton Lifestyle Villages. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 8 of 10
In memoriam Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 9 of 10
CUO Patrick Sharp at Lifestyle Villages Service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Image 10 of 10
CUO Patrick Sharp at Lifestyle Villages Service. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“We had Air Force cadets from the region here, and they do it every year,” Mrs Pritchett said.

“We had beautiful weather, and the day was really good. There were a few hiccups, but overall it was really good.”

During the ceremony, wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen soldiers, and the Ode was recited, followed by the playing of the Last Post and a minute’s silence for those who have lost their lives in wars.

The ceremony ended with the raising of the Australian flag and the singing of the national anthem.

The ceremony at Lifestyle Shepparton was a touching and emotional tribute to the brave soldiers who have served and sacrificed for our country.

“It’s important that we never forget the sacrifices that have been made for us,” Mrs Pritchett said.