General News
19 April, 2026
Veteran bugler to speak at Anzac service
Rainbow’s own Peter Gosling will step forward as guest speaker at the town’s Anzac Day service on April 25, bringing with him decades of service, family history and a lifelong connection to commemorative events.
Mr Gosling has played the bugle at Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and funeral services in Rainbow since 1969, after first learning music with the Rainbow brass band as a teenager.
He said his connection to the role began early and has continued ever since.
“I’ve been a bugler since 1969,” Mr Gosling said.
He said he started his musical journey with the local band before taking on the important ceremonial role that has now spanned more than half a century.
“I started with the Rainbow brass band in about 1967,” he said.
“That’s where I learned to play the cornet.”
Mr Gosling was only 16 and still at school when he first played at Anzac Day services in town.
Since then, he has remained a familiar and respected presence at commemorative services, sounding the bugle not only on Anzac Day but also at funerals and other remembrance occasions.
His connection to Anzac Day also runs deep through family history.
Mr Gosling said his parents were both active members of the Rainbow RSL, and military service was part of the family story across generations.
“My parents are very active members of the Rainbow RSL,” he said.
“Both servicemen and my grandfathers were also involved.”
Mr Gosling said he would share more of his personal story when he addresses the crowd on Anzac Day, encouraging people to attend and reflect.
“If people want the story, they can come along then,” he said.
The Anzac Day service is expected to bring residents together to honour service and sacrifice.
At the same time, Mr Gosling’s address and bugle playing will add a personal, deeply local touch to the commemoration.
The Anzac Day ceremony will be held at the Centoph Garden on Federal Street on Saturday, April 25.