News

Katamatite honours the Anzac spirit

By Abby Green

Apr 24, 2026

Warrant officer Mathew Williams with Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and the Katamatite Primary School Year 6 students. Photo by Abby Green

The Katamatite Anzac service drew strong community support on Thursday, April 23, with local schools and residents gathering at the Katamatite and District War Memorial.

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The service was led by Katamatite Primary School captains Stella Monk and Emmett Smith, while the Katamatite Kindergarten delivered an Acknowledgement of Country.

A special Anzac address was given by warrant officer Mathew Williams, who grew up in Wangaratta and has served as a member of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps for 18 years.

His service has included postings across Australia and deployments to Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and the Solomon Islands.

Katamatite Primary School marched with a school banner and an Australian flag to the Anzac service at the memorial. Photo by Abby Green

“I've met a lot of great people while serving in the army, men and women from all different backgrounds and cultures that all bring different skills and perspectives,” Mr Williams said.

“We have shared great experiences and work through tough times together as a team.

“The one thing we all have in common is the desire to serve our nation and continue the Anzac spirit.

“The World War I and World War II veterans are no longer here to tell their stories, so we have to keep telling them on their behalf. It's the least we can do after they have done so much for us.”

The service was led by Katamatite Primary School captains Stella Monk and Emmett Smith. Photo by Abby Green

Katamatite Primary School principal Jason Whiteley said he was impressed by how the school and kindergarten students represented themselves at the service.

“I am so proud of the respect that they show and the Anzac values that our community shows, demonstrates and lives,” he said.

Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell attended the service, laying a wreath at the memorial, alongside the Cobram Anglican Grammar School’s Year 12 history class students.

Wreaths were also laid by representatives from the Cobram Barooga RSL, Youanmite CWA, Katamatite Community Social Group, Uniting Church, Lions Club, Police, CFA, local sporting clubs, and the primary school and kindergarten.