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Anzac spirit is still strong

WWII veteran Brian Walley and Margaret River Primary School’s Year 6 councillors Sam McInerney, Archie Dowden and Emily-Rose Lochore, are gearing up to host a special Anzac Day ceremony on Tuesday. Picture: Gordon Becker

The 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings will bring young and old together as services in Margaret River and Augusta commemorate the historic occasion tomorrow.

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Strong crowds are expected at a 6am dawn service at Margaret River's Memorial Park and an 11.30am parade, as people around Australia pay respects to those killed in conflict.

Returned and Services League Margaret River sub-branch president Keith Simmonds said it was important to remember all Australia's conflicts.

"Although we have gone to extra lengths to hopefully make this year's commemoration service a memorable one to our local community, we will not be losing sight of the bigger picture," he said.

"That is that this year's Anzac Day, like all Anzac Days, is an opportunity to commemorate all those who have given their lives in service to our country in all conflicts."

Busselton Brass Band member Stuart Hair will play The Last Post on a 100-year-old bugle owned by fellow player John Piper.

Mr Piper said the band decided to use the instrument as a tribute.

"It's definitely a First World War one," he said. "Whether it got to the battlefield, we don't know."

Mr Hair said he had played Anzac services for 30 years, but the centenary was special.

"I've played in these bands since I was seven," he said.

"It's just that bit extra, being able to do it for the Diggers. "I just hope I can do it justice."

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, the Margaret River District Club and the Historical Society helped the RSL prepare the services, with a gunfire breakfast at the club and a memorabilia exhibition at the Old Settlement to be held on the day. Margaret River Senior High School student Kiera Smirke and New Zealand-born singer Michelle Spriggs will join the Busselton Brass Band to perform the Australian and New Zealand national anthems. Shire of Augusta-Margaret River deputy president Lyn Serventy said the services attracted "a great deal of community inter- est". "It's an opportunity to revisit our past, share stories and preserve memories," she said. South West MLC Barry House will give a commemorative address, while Cr Serventy will lay a wreath at the memorial.