Planning is well under way for the 2026 Mount Macedon ANZAC Day Dawn Service, with the volunteer organising committee announcing the theme for this year’s event.
The theme for 2026 will be ‘Passing the Torch, Enduring Bonds’, reflecting the way remembrance and service is carried forward by new generations, while recognising the unbreakable connections between those who have served and sacrificed.
President of the Mount Macedon ANZAC Day Dawn Service Committee, Leona Latcham, said preparations were progressing well, despite recent uncertainty surrounding works at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross site.
“While the Memorial Cross is managed separately from our Dawn Service organising committee, we understand there has been some community concern about the delays to the current restoration works,” she said.
“It is encouraging that works have resumed and are expected to be completed before ANZAC Day. However, regardless of the project timeline, the Dawn Service will go ahead at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve.
“We will ensure the 2026 service takes place to honour those who have served — that is our promise to the community and our supporters. Even if minor adjustments are required to the format or positioning, the Dawn Service will proceed unchanged in its purpose and significance.”
The 2026 service will include reflections from local veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and will also commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916 — one of the darkest days in Australia’s military history. In just 24 hours, more than 5500 Australians became casualties, almost 2000 of them killed in action.
“Nearly a century later, a mass grave was uncovered, allowing the remains of 249 soldiers to be reinterred with full military honours in a new military cemetery — a powerful reminder of remembrance and respect enduring across generations,” Leona said.
The organising committee has also recently farewelled a long-serving member, with Alan Mitchell-Lappin stepping down after a decade of dedicated involvement. Leona thanked Alan for his outstanding contribution.
“We are deeply grateful for Alan’s long-term commitment. He has played many vital roles over the years, most recently serving as Vice President and emceeing several of our Dawn Services. We extend our heartfelt thanks for everything he has given to this event and this community.”
Community members wishing to support the 2026 Mount Macedon ANZAC Day Dawn Service can make a donation via www.mtmacedondawnservice.org (click Donate).
Visit the website for more information or follow updates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MountMacedonAnzacDayDawnService
