DIMBOOLA Memorial Secondary College was the backdrop for the town’s Anzac Day service.

The service started with a march including school students, Scouts, Guides, Country Fire Authority members and the Nhill Dimboola Band.

John Horan was the parade marshal.

He said he was proud of his role.

"I feel very privileged to be doing this for our past diggers," he said.

The procession walked up the school’s memorial drive, past the trees planted on behalf of the brave diggers who gave their lives in war.

A wreath-laying ceremony followed the march, with Dimboola RSL sub-branch members the first to pay their respects. 

Representatives from other groups including Dimboola Fire Brigade, Hindmarsh Shire Council, the college, Dimboola Primary School, St Peter’s Lutheran School, Dimboola Scouts and Dimboola Guides also laid wreaths.

Service leader Ivan Jones officially started proceedings by thanking those in attendance.

Reverend Tupe Ioelu followed with an address praising Australian soldiers and their families, before a hymn and a commemoration to the fallen.

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College captains Zoe Pilmore and Scott Polycarpou spoke about when and where Australian soldiers fought overseas, and how Anzac Day was a critical part of the country’s history.

Guest speakers Charles Rees and Harry John followed.

Mr John also performed The Last Post, something he has done at every Dimboola Anzac service since he was seven.

He said he could not imagine being anywhere else on Anzac Day.

“My father was a digger and I have always been playing in the brass band at ceremonies,” he said. 

Mr John said the day was not only about the men and women who went to war, but their families and friends back home.

“It’s national pride. The whole nation fought together to support the diggers in foreign countries,” he said.

Mr John said he used to knit socks with classmates to send overseas for the servicemen and women.

The service finished with an ode to the fallen and God Save the Queen.