About 100 people gathered at the Bendigo Town Hall on Monday to listen to former premier Ted Baillieu give a presentation on ways in which local residents could commemorate the Anzac Centenary.

The committee was set up to help people understand the role of the state in the war and how communities contributed to the war efforts. 

In August last year, people across the country commemorated 100 years since the start of World War I.

On April 26, Australia will mark a century since the landing of Gallipoli. 

Mr Baillieu said commemorative events served five purposes - to honour, educate, pass the torch, leave a strong legacy and strengthen alliances. 

He said it was a chance to share stories and discover past connections. 

"This is a chance for Australians to honour the sacrifices of our war heroes and make a connection between themselves and our Anzac veterans," he said. 

City of Greater Bendigo councillor Lisa Ruffell encouraged residents to trace their family histories. 

"A generation of men signed up to serve the nation and the centenary will be personally meaningful to many people. It's important to not only start the conversation but keep it going over coming years," she said.   

"Bendigo and surrounding areas first offered 93 men to the war effort before many more would follow, while 72 local women worked as nurses and cared for them as they came off the battlefields.

"There would be many untold stories."

As part of the federal government's Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, a tram used by soldiers during World War I is being refurbished in time for the April 26 commemoration. 

The tram's external and internal body will feature graphics and photographs from WWI, while a soundscape will recreate the experiences felt by war veterans of the time.

The Bendigo Historical Society will also launch an album titled, Coo-ee, Songs of the Anzacs.

For more information, visit www.anzaccentenary.gov.au