General News
28 April, 2026
Carisbrook community reflect
A century-old Anzac Day tradition continued in Carisbrook with the support of the local community.
The residents of Carisbrook continued a more than century-old tradition on Saturday, gathering in front of the local World War I cenotaph to show their appreciation on Anzac Day.
Perfect conditions welcomed attendees at the 11 am service, a welcome change for organisers after last year’s commemorations were cut short due to torrential downpour.
It was a true community event, as representatives from Central Goldfields Shire Council, Carisbrook Historical Society, Carisbrook Primary School, Maryborough Education Centre and local soldiers all laid down wreaths at the base of the cenotaph.
Carisbrook Fire Brigade Captain Ian Boucher did the reading of the names of the fallen, ensuring their bravery would never be forgotten.
Carisbrook Primary School leaders Archer Hurse and Kenzie Calder, as well as Central Goldfields Shire councillor Grace La Vella, all made powerful speeches at the service, detailing personal stories of ancestors in battle.
For event organiser Alex Stoneman, those family anecdotes signify the importance of the local service.
“As we heard, many of the crowd that attended had family who are on the memorial, those who don’t still have family who served, and they still should never be forgotten,” he said.
“There’s a feeling of community in Carisbrook. Lest we forget means something in the community to recognise their service.”
After helping to preserve Carisbrook’s Anzac Day service as part of the Carisbrook Historical Society when it was under threat 12 years ago, Mr Stoneman said Saturday’s service will be his last as an organiser.
While he’s stepping aside from organising a day he cherishes, Mr Stoneman said community engagement will keep the local service flourishing.
“It would’ve been a terrible shame (if it disappeared) because so many people are committed to the Anzac service here because it’s personal,” he said.
“I feel pretty proud of it, I think I know just about everyone who attended.”