Koroit residents Kate and Neale Dobson and their four children Majella, 8, Zoe, 7, Isla, 4, and Jobe, 22 months, paid their respects at the service.

“It’s a special day for me because it’s my birthday and I like to come along and remember the people who made Australia what it is today,” Mrs Dobson said.

“It’s important that we don’t lose our history.”

She said she hoped that as her children grew up they would continue to pay their respects to Australian service men and women.

Koroit resident Barbara Brooks performed the Australian national anthem at the Port Fairy and Koroit services.

Her father Doug Nolte led the services and she said it was an honour to be part of the day and to bring her sons Angus, 7, and Dominic, 5, along.

”There’s so many terrific and horrific stories,” Mrs Brooks said.

“It’s beautiful to be a part of it and then teach my kids to be a part of it every year. I love being able to bring the kids. It’s important to allow the next generation to understand and continue the tradition. I’d hate for all this to be forgotten.”

Brauer College assistant principal Anthony Jones said 220 of the college’s students marched and spoke at five south-west services.

They also laid poppies and recognised 33 men, many who hailed from the south-west, from the lighthorse brigade in World War I. A few of the men from the fourth and the eighth regiment were the great grandfathers of some of the students involved. 

“I think it’s important for the community to understand that the children value the sacrifice and contribution that our Anzacs have made,” Mr Jones said.

Port Fairy’s St Patrick’s Primary School and Consolidated School students spoke at the Reardon Theatre, sharing their interpretations of war through readings and poems. St Patrick’s principal Sue Paulka said it was an important part of the curriculum and Australian history.