DEFENCE personnel from across south-east Asia and the Pacific marched in unity for the annual Anzac Day parade in Creswick.
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About 100 members based at the Defence International Training Centre in Laverton, each in their own national uniforms, stood to attention through the service before mingling with residents to learn about Anzac tradition.
Watch highlights from the Creswick Anzac Parade and ceremony below.
For Lieutenant Chetrawee Marungruang, from the Royal Thai Navy, arrived in Australia three days ago to study a combined defence and intelligence course. Being party of Anzac Day was a special starting point.
"It's very impressive to be part of this community and also part of this day," she said. "It's very impressive to see lots of people show their respects and remember those who sacrifice their life in war."
The international contingent ensured they thoroughly trained to be part of the march as one. Pulling together from 16 nations, each defence force has its own rhythm and routine to a sharp march.
Creswick-Smeaton Returned and Services League president Alan Morris said the international guests added to the occasion and helped foster relationships with other nations.
Mr Morris said many marching were from nations like East Timor and Papua New Guinea where Australian defence forces had a strong presence and this was a chance for them to better understand.
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Creswick Lighthorse Brigade, a day after featuring in AFL pre-game ceremony at the MCG, were also a popular photo opportunity for international defence personnel.
Military historian Kieth Abrams' spoke in there ceremony of General Sir John Monash and what his story meant for a modern society, defining what it means to be Australian.
This was reflected in readings from primary school pupils and had a particularly personal meaning for St Augustine's school leader Sam Crilly, whose uncle is in the Australian Army.
"Anzac Day is a day we remember those who fought to serve our country. It's really important to me because of my uncle," Sam said.
"This poppy (I'm wearing) is handmade from Gallipoli. Anyone who goes to Gallipoli gets an poppy made by ladies of Gallipoli. My uncle went to Gallipoli last year with the army.
I was very privileged . He gave it to me Easter Sunday, so I was very excited when I got to wear it.
Creswick-Smeaton RSL shared the journey of Creswick law clerk Francis Whitfield, who enlisted age 29 in Ballarat in 1916 and served in France, via Egypt. Reaching the rank of corporal, Whitfield died from a head wound on a battlefield in France.
A small white cross bearing Whitfield's name stood atop Creswick's field of crosses in wooden garden beds.
Creswick-Smeaton RSL marked 100 years since the formation of the Creswick RSL in March in what is the centenary of the end of World War 1.
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