Sutton Grange shows Anzac spirit

AS Anzac Day services took place across the country, a very special ceremony was held in Sutton Grange.

In just the 10th service organised by locals, the small country town with a population of less than 200 commemorated 100 years of its war memorial located on the corner of Faraday and Sutton Grange Roads.

About 80 people turned out as Glen Rieschiek, a member of the Bendigo RSL who served 17 years in the army led them through the ceremony.

“I was involved in the army with many Anzac Days and it was always in big towns or with large crowds and you don’t get that feeling you get here,” he said. “It’s the feeling of community.

“When we talk about people who are descendants of the people on the memorial, it crystalises what Anzac Day’s about.”

Vietnam veteran with three generations of service history, John Bower, unveiled the 100th anniversary plaque, and organiser Noel Davis said it was great to have him in attendance.

“He’s the last surviving member on the monument and we welcome him with open arms to come to our Anzac Day service,” he said.

Mr Davis enlisted the support of his first cousin, The Age journalist Tony Wright, to deliver a special address.

Mr Wright said he’s been to many Anzac Day services across Australia and the world but finds small country towns encapsulate the community spirit the day is all about.

Local residents enjoyed a complimentary morning tea in the Sutton Grange Hall, coming together for one of the few major events held in the town.

“We’ve got no school now, we haven’t got much to bring us together,” Mr Davis said.

“Anzac Day service certainly brings the district together, everyone’s very friendly and it’s just a terrific morning.”