General News
4 May, 2026
Rainbow honours Anzac spirit
Rainbow’s Anzac Day service drew a strong crowd this year, with around 100 people attending the cenotaph service on Saturday, April 25.
Friends of RSL Rainbow president Peter Gosling said the community again showed strong support for the annual commemoration.
“I think the service was well attended as usual,” he said.
“It might have been 100 people at the cenotaph service and probably a few less inside the RSL Hall.”
The ceremony included participation from the Cubs and Scouts, Rainbow P-12 College senior and junior captains, CFA members, and Hindmarsh Shire councillor Tony Clark, who laid a wreath before travelling to Jeparit for another Anzac Day service.
Mr Gosling said the Cubs and Scouts led the march, with Peter “Gunner” Pearce helping guide the group.
“The Cubs and Scouts led the march. Peter Pearce, one of the leaders in the Cubs and Scouts, said, ‘By the right, quick march,’ and away we went,” he said.
Marching music was provided by Ben Gosling and his son, Tom, through an amplifier, adding to the atmosphere of the morning.
Mr Gosling, who also served as guest speaker and bugler on the day, reflected on his long connection with Anzac Day services.
He said his family had always attended Anzac Day commemorations and that his own involvement began when he was young.
“My parents were active members, and my family always attended Anzac Day services from as far back as we can remember.”
After moving to Rainbow and attending high school, Mr Gosling joined the Rainbow Brass Band with several young friends.
He said they learned on older instruments, but their enthusiasm carried them through.
“By the time I was 16 years old, I was confident enough to play the Last Post on Anzac Day.”
Mr Gosling again played the Last Post at this year’s service, although he said the responsibility of both conducting the service and playing the bugle had become more challenging.
“I’d like to keep playing, but perhaps it’s a little bit hard for me to conduct the service on the day as well as play.”
The commemoration continued with morning tea and a luncheon at the RSL club rooms, organised by members of the Friends of RSL group.
Mr Gosling said the gathering included plenty of food and gave people a chance to come together after the service.
The day also raised strong financial support for the local RSL group.
Mr Gosling said the plate collection at the MECCA raised $890, which the Friends of RSL Rainbow will use locally.
“The plate in the hall, which we get to keep, was $890, and that was very generous.”
Mr Gosling hoped more young people would continue to take part in future Anzac Day services, including as speakers and active participants.
He said Rainbow P-12 College continued to support student involvement, and he praised principal Colleen Petschel for encouraging students to participate.
“I’d like them to take more of a part in the services,” he said.
Mr Gosling said Anzac Day remained deeply important to Rainbow and the wider community.
“People have strong feelings and are very supportive,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s losing, as Anzac Day is a very important day in our culture.”