General News
30 April, 2026
Hopetoun rallies for Anzac Day
More than 200 people attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Hopetoun RSL Hall, marking a strong show of community support after recent uncertainty about the future of the local RSL.
Committee member Cynthia Maiden acted as master of ceremonies for the service, which brought together veterans, community groups, local school representatives and members of the public.
Attendees laid wreaths at the cenotaph in honour of those who served and sacrificed.
Hopetoun P-12 College captain Jakob also addressed the ceremony, with some attendees describing his speech as a highlight of the morning.
New Hopetoun RSL president Hayley Smith said the turnout showed the strength of the town’s connection to Anzac Day and the local RSL.
“Just weeks ago, there was uncertainty and talk of the local RSL closing for good,” she said.
“A place built on remembrance and mateship came dangerously close to fading away.”
Ms Smith said this year’s Anzac Day service showed a clear change in community support.
“But this Anzac Day was different.”
She said the Dawn Service was not only about remembrance, but also about unity and standing together as a town.
“As we gathered at dawn, we didn’t just come to remember - we came to stand together, just as the Anzacs once did,” she said.
“The crowd was larger than anyone had seen in years, a quiet but powerful reminder that their spirit still lives on in us.”
Ms Smith said the silence and bugle call reminded attendees of the values that continue to shape the Hopetoun community.
“As the bugle sounded and silence fell, it wasn’t only for the past,” she said.
“It was for the courage, sacrifice, and unity that continue to shape our community today.”
She said the Anzac spirit remained alive through the town’s resilience and mateship.
“Because the Anzac spirit isn’t just remembered - it’s carried forward,” she said.
“In resilience. In mateship. In the strength of a small town that refuses to let go.”
Ms Smith said the experience had reminded the community of the value of its local RSL.
“Sometimes, it takes coming close to losing something… to truly understand its value," she said.
She thanked the community for its strong support.
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible support of our community.”