Kyabram P-12 College community gathered for solemn Lone Pine ceremony

By Jemma Jones

Sep 10, 2024

**The Kyabram P-12 College community gathered in front of the Lone Pine tree to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Lone Pine.** Photo by Jemma Jones

Two ceremonies, at two schools, across two consecutive days at two different trees that share the same origin, history and significance to the Kyabram community.

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Dropped in between Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events, but holding as much, if not more significance to the Kyabram community, are the Lone Pine ceremonies.

Held at St Augustine’s College and Kyabram P-12 College in front of their respective Lone Pine trees, the ceremonies both commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives on Turkish soil in front of a descendant of those very trees and strives to passes on the legacy of those unfortunates to the next generation.

Each ceremony paid tribute to Robert Drysdale, affectionately known as Lone Pine Bob, for his contribution in acquiring and planting the Aleppo seeds that have now grown into the large pines that stand today.

Kyabram P-12 College marked its 26th Lone Pine ceremony on September 5, with students, staff, and honoured guests assembling under the town’s original Lone Pine.

Sitting front and centre in the ceremony was Alywn Drysdale, who is said to have never missed a single Lone Pine ceremony since the first in 1998, and positioned almost opposite her – in front of the Aleppo pine – was her husband.

In August, Robert Drysdale was memorialised in a steel statue beneath the shadows of the tree he planted. The statue was revealed in an intimate ceremony with close family, friends and Legatees were present.

The statue was unveiled in the Lone Pine ceremony, from under an Australian flag by son Doug Drysdale, friend and Legacy chair Peter Fitzgerald, and school chaplain Liz Spicer.

The statue unveiling was just one of many special moments from the day’s ceremony.

A passionate speech made by student Matilda Sowter, who recounted her recent trip to the Kokoda trail, reminded the audience to remember how we are fortunate to be living in the time that we are.

“The adventure was not just beautiful, but it was fulfilling, informative and difficult,” she said.

Matilda’s Kokoda experience deepened her appreciation for the World War II veterans who sacrificed their lives, ensuring the freedoms and comforts we enjoy today.

“They are worthy of our honour and respect, and the only way I think we can show them this is by living our lives to the fullest.”

The ceremony concluded with Legacy entrusting eight school leaders as guardians of the Lone Pine, symbolising the transfer of responsibility for preserving the tree and its history to the younger generation.

“We are so pleased to see so many in the community … take great care and reverence in looking after these trees … it’s a symbol to so many people who take great pride in these trees,” Legacy chair Peter Fitzgerald said.