2026 Year 11 ANZAC Service
On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, Mindarie Senior College held its annual ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony, marking the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and shared legacy of Australian, New Zealander, British and South African soldiers, and to recognise the enduring bonds that shaped their journey from separate colonies into a unified force and multicultural community.
The service commenced with an address from Principal Jonathan Bromage, who spoke about the significance of the anniversary and the historical context of the Boer War. Year 11 Student Councillors followed with moving narratives that highlighted the personal experiences of British and South African participants in the conflict.
Musical performances added depth to the ceremony, with Year 11 student Rafael Guzman performing the national anthems of Great Britain and South Africa on flute. Year 12 student Alyssa Roa sang the New Zealand National Anthem, accompanied by Rafael Guzman on ukulele, while Year 12 Student Councillor Layla Sawyer performed the Australian National Anthem.
A wreath-laying ceremony was led by the College Captains and invited guests at the College flagpole. This was followed by the recitation of The Ode by Year 11 student Faye Gallacher, and a moving rendition of the Last Post by Salvation Army bugler Ken Joice. The ceremony concluded with a minute’s silence and the sounding of Reveille.
Following the service, invited guests joined Student Councillors for light refreshments.
The College extends its sincere thanks to all students and staff who contributed to the ceremony, particularly James McNeill and Mrs Samantha McMullen for their organisation, as well as our valued invited guests including:
• Ms Tracey Roberts MP – Federal Member for Pearce and College Board Member
• Mr Mark Folkard MLA – Member for Mindarie
• Mayor Linda Aitken JP – City of Wanneroo Representative
• Mr and Mrs Sherman – Cambrai Retirement Village
• Mr and Mrs Hasselt – Cambrai Retirement Village
• Mr Ian Metcalfe – Quinns Rocks RSL
• Mr and Mrs Briggs – Merriwa RAAFA Estate
• Mr and Mrs Purchase – Merriwa RAAFA Estate
• Mrs Gae Shute and Committee Members – Merriwa RAAFA Estate
• Mr Ken Joice – The Salvation Army
• The Hewitt Family
• Miss Ella Trail – College Board Member and 2025 College Captain
A special thank you to Mr Ken Joice who has played his bugle for ‘The Last Post’ at our service for many years.
