‘LEST WE FORGET’… 2026 ANZAC DAY IN ESK

 

Esk Cenotaph ANZAC Day 2026

When you go home, tell them of us, and say, for your tomorrows these gave their todays...  

an epitaph which has become synonymous with wars and words which echoed through the Esk Memorial Park on ANZAC Day 2026.  While this day in Esk may have lacked the scale and spectacle of ceremonies around Australian cities, the meaning of the day was no less powerfully felt by those who gathered around the cenotaph in the Esk Memorial Park on this cool and blustery morning. 

Piper Joe McGhee

A large crowd gathered as the service unfolded with the steady rhythm of tradition. Church and community leaders, politicians, and RSL Subbranch executives delivered their prayers and opening addresses with a simplicity that underscored their sincerity.    Esk Choir’s Susie and Maree sang the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems as families and community members assembled in respectful silence.   The laying of wreaths, Matthew Lukritz’s resounding delivery of the Last Post, the shared pause of reflection followed by Rouse, Piper Joe McGhee’s Going Home as veterans gathered to honour the fallen, all carried out in a stillness which allowed the significance of remembering to resonate around the park.

A highlight of the service was the ANZAC Day address delivered so eloquently by the two Toogoolawah High School Captains, Grace Jardine and Lily Eggleston, their words speaking to the enduring importance of remembering sacrifice and the connection to the responsibilities of the younger generations and communities in preserving those stories.

Despite the challenging conditions in blustery winds, Choir Director and accompanist, Alexis FitzGerald remained composed and committed at the keyboard while the Esk Community Choir delivered their moving musical contributions to this ANZAC Day service, performing a selection of reflective and inspiring songs. Their performance surely an understated reminder of perseverance in the face of difficulty which ANZAC Day seeks to honour.

RSL Subbranch President 
Charlie Elwell

Adding a distinct local flavour to the ceremony was the presence of Esk RSL Subbranch President, Charlie Elwell. Known around town as something of a ‘character’, Charlie’s address brought warmth and a balance between reverence and familiarity, serving as a reminder that ANZAC Day is as much about people as it is about history.

Though simple in its form, 2026 ANZAC Day in Esk demonstrated that the power of remembrance does not depend on scale, that the meaning of the day is still felt just as strongly through family and community connection and a deep understanding of the sacrifices that define this day.

By: Sue Walker

Esk Community Choir

Maree Lansdown

Veteran's Prayer for the Fallen

2025 - REMEMBERING THE ANZAC IN ESK

 

It is difficult to ignore the warble of magpies, lunatic with life in the park’s large trees which seem to have exploded with all the rain which has fallen of late.  Magnificent!  Just as magnificent as the sky, a hopeful bright blue, which turned out in Esk on April 25^th along with the masses at Memorial Park for the morning service on ANZAC DAY. 

Unless you arrived early you would have missed the procession of servicemen and women, both ex and serving, led by Piper, Joe McGhee and the singing of the New Zealand and Australian Anthems by Sue and Maree from the Choir.  The local scouts were there, the rural firies, ambos, police, representatives of the SES, children from Esk and Toogoolawah with mums, dads and friends and, at the ready to lead in song, members of the Esk Community Choir.

Prior to the service, a welcome by RSL President, Charlie Elwell BM and prayers by Pastor Gordon Millerick, both of whom struggled to put the human experience of horror and loss in a context primary children would understand. The eloquent ANZAC address by Toogoolawah High School’s Captain, Eloise Alderson may have been enough.  

A small company of soldiers from 2^nd/14^th Light Horse Regiment (QMI) stood, heads bowed, one on each corner of the memorial.  The soldiers looked solemn but sure in their polished black boots, their weapons across their chests.  As they looked up, they were noticeably young, probably not much older than the young men known to have served in World War 1. It is hard to believe 14-year-old soldiers existed.  But they did.

To Alexis’s consummate accompaniment, the Choir’s songs Soul of Australia and The Last ANZAC gave deeper meaning to the lyrics which speak of and celebrate the freedoms afforded Australians by the sacrifices of so many of those men and women.

Esk’s War Memorial was built in 1920 with money raised by the community, just two years after the first world war ended.  Many of Esk’s young men who went to war suffered casualties and, engraved on the memorial are names of those who died in the two Great Wars, in Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam.  On this day following Matthew Lukritz’s flawless playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and the offering of wreaths, the veterans and others serving gathered before the steps of the memorial to honour those whose lives were lost.  Though it is unimaginable that young men and women should go away to fight, never to return, it is easier to remember something awful if there is hope.

The landing on the beaches of Gallipoli took place 110 years ago.  We in Esk were just one of the dozens of communities who came together to remember a war that has no longer a living memory and to remember all those wars that have followed.  In 1933 Queensland Premier, Ned Hanlon stated that ANZAC Day is not a day to glorify war. ‘The hope is to make war impossible’.  Let us all continue to hope.

By: Sue Walker

Esk Community Choir

Di Chaplin and Marina Crichton

Maree Lansdown 

Susan Walker 

A JOYOUS 2025 ‘EASTER CELEBRATION’ IN ESK

It was the week prior to Easter known as Holy Week commencing on Palm Sunday, April 13^th when, in an affirmation of their Christian faith, a multi denominational congregation filled the auditorium at the Somerset Civic Centre for an ‘Easter Celebration’. 

At this celebration, the  fundamentals of which were implemented by the Anglican Church’s Reverend Loretta Tyler-Moss, and in the company of the Brisbane Valley Churches Together and the Esk Community Choir, those present were captivated by the portrayal in actions, word and song of Christ’s triumphant palm waving  entry into Jerusalem, His affirmation of love at the  last supper, the betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, death, and burial, culminating in His glorious resurrection.

The narrative of the Easter Story has inspired some most magnificent choral works.  To the outstanding musical direction by Alexis FitzGerald OAM, and impeccable accompaniments by Alexis, Ruth Skippen, and Suzanne Clemence, fused with the elements of the story of Easter, the Esk Community Choir uplifted the congregation with some celebrated works;  Steven Moore’s Magnificat, G F Handel’s Hosanna!, the beautiful arrangement of Kyrie by Jerry Estes, the passion of Mendelssohn, and Eugene Butler’s Agnus Dei, a sublime arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer sung by Roland Cox,  that well-known, well-loved  Old Hundredth Psalm Tune, and a final inspiring crescendo by choir and congregation with Lift High the Cross.

These great moments in the life of the church and of Jesus provide powerful lenses through which each of us can envision our own lives, perhaps differently, expanding our understanding of ourselves and of others. 

To Reverend Loretta Tyler-Moss for her invitation to choir and to all who shouldered the task of bringing a Christian community together to celebrate this story of Jesus’s sacrifice for all humanity, Alexis and her Esk Community Choir give their heartfelt thanks.

By: Sue Walker

A CELEBRATION OF WHAT IT IS TO BE AUSTRALIAN IN 2025

On a steamy hot Friday on January 24th this writer was privileged to be seated on the stage in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk as part of the Esk Community Choir to observe as Aussie flag-bearing Australians and soon-to-be Australians made their way to their seats for a celebration of all that it means to be Australian.  Two little boys lolling on the floor at the feet of their parents, were clearly oblivious of the tough decisions made by their family and so many others there, to leave family and friends behind to make a new life in Australia, this region now so enriched having embraced these new citizens from so many backgrounds and traditions.

Suzanne Clemence

Brady Schultz

Energetic emcee, Brady Schultz, certainly a personification of his Healthy Lifestyles Australia, opened the proceedings with a spirited welcome to a capacity audience together with so many local and state dignitaries.  Though Waltzing Matilda is a song about a bloke who pinches a sheep then commits suicide, it was like a great breath of Aussie fresh air to embrace the day’s celebration with A.B. Patterson’s most famous verse, this day, a ‘gold winning’ performance by Suzanne on flute, in alliance with Alexis on piano.

Helen from the Somerset Regional Council officiated the Citizenship ceremony, each individual pledging their patriotism and proudly receiving their Citizenship certificates from Mayor Wendt and Shayne Neumann M.P., their ‘kodak moments’ captured by the bevy of clicking cameras.  The singing of the Australian National Anthem led by the choir was again an endorsement of the Australian way.

Representatives of so many worthy categories, nominated from their various fields of high achievement were in turn, called to the podium to be presented with an Australia Day Certificate of Achievement, each category winner, awarded with their winning medal.  Amongst an extensive list of deserving nominees all of whom have given outstanding service to their community over many years, Denise Modistach for her years of community service in the Kilcoy region was conferred with the title, ‘Citizen of the Year’.

Denise Modistach  'Citizen of the Year’.

Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow

Somerset’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador, Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow, Senior Training Officer for Queensland Health and Australian Powerlifting Para Olympian, was a true representation of what it means to be Australian.  A victim of an horrific motorcycle accident at 16, and faced with a dubious future, William was the epitome of resilience, a determination to keep moving forward no matter the hurdles and to be stronger than his fears.

The choir’s singing of ‘I Am Australian’ was the culmination of a magnificent day of celebration of everything that brings Australians together, a reflection of a future with optimism and determination.  Why even the very polite but distinctive Australian reptiles all the way from Geckoes Wildlife appeared to be enjoying all the attention as everyone thronged to the rear of the Centre to enjoy a sumptuous, very Aussie morning tea sourced from  Toogoolawah’s unique one stop Picnic Shop, The Picnic Society and, from Niki’s Esk Fruit Shop,  some luscious fruit skewers and free ice creams, always ‘top shelf’ on any Aussie Day..

Australian Wildlife

To Jo Maxwell and her team from the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.                    

By: Sue Walker

‘I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU’ - THE ESSENCE OF THE ENTERTAINMENT BY OPERA EAGLE’S NEST AND THE ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR

While the Esk Community Choir has been for the term of its 46 years generously living  its mantra ‘Service in Song’ there are some moments when an event has been neither a gift of song, nor  one of their own making and Sunday, 22^nd September when Opera Eagle’s Nest came to town was yet one more serendipitous opportunity to bring the joy of singing to an audience at the Somerset Civic Centre.

Howard Edmunds and his wife, Tania along with Glen Lorimer and Jenny are ‘Opera Eagle’s Nest’, the performance group who boast many years of international experience, who hail from Tambourine Mountain in Queensland.  Performing in venues and settings as diverse as their repertoire, Opera Eagle’s Nest have, since 2019, been bringing their brand of Operatic arias, Operettas, well-loved Broadway hits and lots in between to audiences in and around southeast Queensland. 

On this day, from the stage of the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk, Soprano Tania, Tenor Glen interspersed with Howard’s witty comic relief and some spectacularly colourful chorus and inspirational individual performances by members of the Esk Community Choir, the appreciative audience was left elated having been thoroughly entertained.

By: Sue Walker  

 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - 2024

 

World Day of Prayer is a day observed in more than 170 countries each year on the first Friday in March. Since its origins in 1887, it has been a day urging Christians, predominantly women, to observe this special day of spirituality and belief.  The theme, worldwide in 2024 was ‘Palestine – I beg you…bear with one another in love’. 

And so it was that on yet one more hot and humid day in Esk, large numbers of both women and men gathered in the cool comfort of St Mel’s Hall to learn about this ‘Palestine’ theme, firstly through the symbols depicted on both a consummately created illustration, and on the service booklet’s artwork…Three Palestinian women praying.  The olive tree, a sign of everlasting and abundant life; golden roots symbolising their quest for precious freedoms and rights; poppy flowers a reminder of loved ones who have given their lives for their country; the key a symbol of the hope to one day return to homes from which they were driven.  Hosted this year by the kindly women and men of St Mel’s Catholic Church, Three Stories from Palestinian women were echoed by three women of Esk, bible readings delivered by representatives of other Christian denominations, and prayers offered, all punctuated with the beautiful singing by the Esk Community Choir. 

In support of Christians in Palestine, ‘living stones’ encouraging all families with God’s word were a parting gift.  To complete an inspiring service, the delicious morning tea was a testament to the warmth of the Christian welcome to all those who came to celebrate and learn.  We of the Esk Community Choir would like to thank the ‘Angels’ of St Mel’s for their hospitality and the privilege of leading in song this memorable service.

By: Sue Walker  

THERE ARE MORE THAN THE HOURS AT DAWN TO A ‘SUNRISE’ IN ESK

 

Some ‘locals’ were kind enough to offer an empty bed or two to the travellers; some workers arrived early enough to sing, safe in the knowledge that they would still make it to the coalface on time; others just a short car ride away and one choir member who managed to avoid an early shift call up with a ‘No way Jose…I’m just about to appear on National Television!’.  This was the morning at the Esk Caravan Park when Alexis and her Esk Community Choir were about to put a little piece of Esk on the nation’s bucket list with a crew from channel 7’s ‘Sunrise’ who came to town.

There’s no doubt under normal conditions, 5.30am would be the time a significant portion of the residents of this picturesque place would still be asleep; others just stirring to the call of the kookaburras and contemplating the course of their day.  However, with the aroma of hot coffee, and tasty toasties wafting from the tables of the Brisbane Valley Roasters, this caravan park was already a hive of activity when the choir rocked up for their 7.15am 20 second performance…( not to be confused with their 22^nd performance which would have happened around 1978), but for just 20 seconds, between an introduction and the delivery of ‘Capital City temperature forecasts’ it was a beautiful choir bringing their dulcet sounds into the homes of ‘Sunrise’ viewers across Australia, with page one of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.

Now while this may seem trite to some, this writer is here to tell you that it was an amazing experience.  The crew, comprised of the lovely, bubbly Katie Brown on microphone, Sean the ‘Director’ who appeared to run the show along with a very accomplished camera man, created a fascinating window into the mechanism of making a TV show, albeit the Weather segment of a very popular Morning TV presentation and one in which this choir was privileged to play a part. 

The choir, together with a large portion of park residents, rallied for an on-camera ‘goodbye’ as the last of the Weather segments completed.  Then as people disbursed, it was with the promise of a hot coffee gratis of a very kind and grateful Alexis, that the choir headed off to Brisbane Valley Roasters to cling a little longer to the moments just shared.

by Susan Walker

Esk CWA 100 Year Anniversary

 

The town of Esk, population 1641, might be tiny by metropolitan standards, however, there is nothing tiny about the activities of their branch of the Country Women’s Association which celebrated its centenary on Saturday 21^st October at a gala dinner event at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.  At its CWA Heap Street Headquarters, members have been meeting monthly for all these years, catering to a community, creating craft, fostering companionship, conviviality and that cornerstone of CWA legends, uncomplicated cooking, though the most magnificently decorated birthday cake placed prominently at the foot of stage was certainly anything but effortless.

Following a cheerful meet and greet around canapes and complimentary drinks, patrons and guests made their way to their places in this exquisitely bedecked auditorium, complete with inventive table centre pieces of vintage repurposed cups and saucers.  Subsequent to The Choir’s singing of the Australian Anthem, the CWA’s Creed, Rev. Loretta’s delivery of Grace, and a warm welcome by emcee Bruce McConnel, to some delightful ambient piano music by Jenny Ballinger, all settled back to feast on a delicious two course dinner catered for by the Toogoolawah Show Society’s Vern Doyle.

With first course finished it was on with the entertainment as members of the Esk Community Choir prepared to transport the expectant audience on a journey through the decades which have framed this CWA Centenary.  Ragtime songs from the 1920s, sentimental sounds of the war years through the timeless tunes of ‘song and dance’; 1950s, ‘60s and Broadway to the upbeat sounds of Aretha Franklin and memorable songs from musical theatre were the backdrops for some sassy, some very sweet, some downright cheeky paragons of fashion who paraded the styles of the times, all to the impeccable accompaniment by Alexis at the piano.

A delicious dessert followed these inspired performances by choir members and the drawing of some amazing raffle prizes, all interspersed with meaningful words of appreciation by dignitaries including Hon. Shayne Neumann and Mayor Graeme Lehmann.  Then who better than CWA President and dedicated 60-year member, Estelle Drynan, to deliver a walk through the rich history of the Esk CWA and acknowledge those wonderful women who have kept this organization going gangbusters into the 21^st century?

By: Sue Walker