General News
2 May, 2025
ANZAC Day 2025
Two local war heroes were spoken about at the 2025 Nyngan ANZAC Day ceremony, which drew a large crowd in warm conditions.
Fletcher Jackson read excerpts from a diary kept by his great-grandfather Private Sidney Denson Wye, who was a member of the Second Infantry Battalion during the First World War.
Private Wye was involved in the Gallipoli campaign and his diary recorded a first-hand account of the April 25 battle.
Following the war, Wye was awarded a soldier settlement block near Nyngan, and later gave land for the Nyngan Showground to be built for which he was been recognised with the Arts and Crafts Pavilion bearing his name.
Private Wye’s daughter, Betty Jackson also played a role in the 2025 ANZAC Day service, wearing a replica 1915 nurse uniform in the March, and joining grandson Fletcher whilst he delivered his address.
Students from the Hermidale and Girilambone Public Schools gave a speech on Lieutenant Arthur Charles Hall from Coolabah, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on the Western Front during the First World War. The Nyngan march and cenotaph service drew a large crowd. All five schools in the Bogan shire, as well as Marra Creek and various private schools were represented.
The march was again led by a riderless horse – a symbol of mourning and respect for soldiers who have passed.
Three riders in replica Australian Light Horse uniform followed, and then a procession of military vehicles and – for the first time – the restored Garford fire engine.
Nyngan RSL sub-Branch president Derek Francis led the service, which also included an address from Bogan Shire Council mayor, Glen Neill.
Vice-president of the RSL Sub-Branch, Don Simpson recited ‘The Ode of Remembrance’ before a minute of silence.
There were five ANZAC Day services in the Bogan shire this year.
There was a dawn service in Nyngan, followed by a service at the Nyngan cemetery and, for the first time in years, there was also an ANZAC Day Service at Girilambone.
Residents of Coolabah also held their traditional noon service and lunch.
This year marked the 75th anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War, at which four local men served.
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