To commemorate Anzac Day, Axedale put on a service in the centre of town with many in attendance.
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Event organiser Phil Hughes said it was a very important event for the community.
“It’s very important that we commemorate this day and to remember those that have served and those that are currently serving in the defence force,” Mr Hughes said.
“And also for the many people that never returned to our shores and are still on foreign soil.”
More coverage: Your guide to Anzac Day 2018 in Bendigo and central Victoria
Wreaths were laid by representatives from federal, state and local governments and by members of the public before attendees were also invited to lay a poppy as a way of paying their respects.
During the service the Last Post was played followed by a minute of silence.
The service also included performances from the Axedale Primary School Choir and the Axedale Harmony Choir, both singing together to recite the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
The crowd included a mixture of young and old, with many children there experiencing their first ever Anzac Day service.
Mick Francis travelled from Eltham to pay tribute to his father who was born in Axedale and served in the defence force.
“It’s great for people to have the opportunity to come together and remember the service and the sacrifice that these people made,” Mr Francis said.
Rheannon Willoughby said it was important for her children to experience an Anzac Day service.
“I want my kids to realise what has happened in the past and where we are today is a whole different story to what it was in the past,” she said.
“I want them to enjoy what they have and not take anything for granted.
“In a small country town like Axedale, you don’t really think a lot of people would turn up, but to see a big turnout like there was today shows that people are really getting behind country towns.”
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