Tudor Village came together in a powerful show of community spirit this ANZAC Day, with a record crowd of more than 180 residents filling the community centre for what has become one of the most meaningful dates on the village calendar.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the village’s ANZAC commemoration, this year’s service carried a special significance. With every seat taken and each one adorned with a sprig of rosemary, there was a shared sense of reflection, respect and quiet pride among those gathered.
Led by resident Paul Jones, the ceremony opened with a heartfelt reading of A Tribute to ANZAC Day followed by the lowering of the flag to half-mast and a warm welcome to all in attendance.
Music played a central role throughout the service, with the Tudor Village choir, led by Wendy Scott, delivering a stirring rendition of Advance Australia Fair. Residents also shared moving readings, including the ANZAC Requiem, In Flanders Fields and the Ode. The ceremony provided a moment to recognise five Tudor Village Legacy Ladies and ten ex-service personnel, with their names read aloud, along with those who are no longer with us.
A particularly poignant moment came as wreaths were laid at the base of the flagpole by Dawn Rooke - one of the village’s Legacy Ladies who will celebrate her 100th birthday later this year - and Eric Howatt, one of the village’s later service men.
The service continued with the haunting sound of the bugler performing the Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence that brought a hush across the room. The flag was then raised to full height by two ex-service personnel, and the ceremony concluded with Rouse, a choral performance of I Am Australian, and a recitation of Banjo Paterson’s We’re All Australians Now.
Following the service, residents gathered for morning tea provided by the social club, with the bar opening for a relaxed social hour. Homemade ANZAC biscuits were shared and enjoyed, rounding out a day that balanced solemn remembrance with community connection.
Special thanks to Ros Waghorn and the Tudor Village craft group whose work with the striking poppy display added a powerful visual tribute surrounding the centre. Additionally, the commemoration was enriched by a wonderful display of photographs, newspapers and memorabilia generously shared by residents.
Behind the scenes, the day was made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers and staff. From the ANZAC committee and the Tudor Village Men’s Shed, to those who set up and packed down the room, every contribution ensured the event ran smoothly and with dignity.
With its largest attendance to date and a deeply moving program, this year’s ANZAC Day commemoration at Tudor Village was a fitting tribute to those who served, and a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of the community that continues to honour them.
