For Kelli Hill and her family, ANZAC Day is more than just a moment of remembrance-it’s a deeply personal tribute brought to life through an incredible community display.
Each year, Kelli, her husband, and their family dedicate months of preparation to ensure the day is a meaningful and educational experience for all who attend.
The Dawn Service begins at 6 AM, drawing together neighbours, friends, and volunteers who come to pay their respects. Members of the community take turns reading passages from the program, and the service is made even more moving with Michelle’s beautiful performance of the Last Post on her bugle.
Following the service, attendees gather for a community breakfast, with bacon-and-egg rolls and a sausage sizzle available for purchase. A range of poppies, t-shirts, confectionery, memorabilia, and other items are also on sale, with all proceeds supporting a chosen charity. In past years, funds have been donated to the Holsworthy Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, and this year’s beneficiary is the War Widows Guild of New South Wales.
The event is designed to be engaging for families, with military vehicles on display for children to explore and get photos with, a coffee van for parents, and an ice cream truck for the kids.
At the heart of the ANZAC Day display is a collection that Kelli, her husband, and their family have built together over 13 years. It all began when Kelli’s husband started collecting military uniforms and equipment as part of his research for a book. The book, which chronicles 100 years of the Australian soldier and the evolution of their clothing and gear, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
This year marks the sixth annual ANZAC Day display, with each year offering something unique. In 2024, the exhibit featured 100 fully dressed mannequins, providing a striking visual representation of military history. Plans for this year’s display are still in progress, but it promises to be just as impactful.
Moorebank Sports Club is proud to support this incredible event and has donated vouchers for the raffle prizes to help raise additional funds for this year’s charity. The club first became aware of Kelli’s dedication when she was nominated for recognition through the Sporties’ “Nominate a Neighbour” program—a testament to her commitment to honouring our veterans and fostering community spirit.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of Kelli, her husband, their family, and the many volunteers who generously give their time to make the day a success. While the event itself lasts just one day, the months of effort behind it reflect the true spirit of remembrance, community, and respect for those who have served.
