The march was led by the Gunnedah Shire Band, starting in front of the school and moving into the grounds. Students and staff in period dress were joined by students from other schools in the district, as well as community members and a representative of the Gunnedah Police .

The Wallaby March was named after the group of young men who called themselves the “Wallabies” and marched from the north-west to Newcastle to enlist for service in World War I. 

The men marched through Gunnedah in December 1915, obtaining 18 new recruits to add to the 22 locals who had signed up before the procession came through the town. A total of 256 recruits were gathered from the march, making it one of the most successful recruitment efforts in WWI.

Among those attending were Gunnedah Shire mayor Owen Hasler, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and representatives from the Gunnedah RSL and Gunnedah Red Cross.

Following the re-enactment, an Anzac service was held in which students laid wreaths in memory of local serviceman. Wreaths were also laid by Gunnedah Red Cross, Cr Owen Hasler and Kevin Anderson. Students read poems and words were shared by veteran Don McDonagh, Cr Hasler and Mr Anderson.

Mr Anderson spoke about the important role the Red Cross played in the war and the impact their assistance had on the imprisoned soldiers. This year, Red Cross is celebrating 100 hundred years since its inception. In special commemoration of this, they presented the school with an inscribed WWI book.

Following the service, morning tea was served as the students performed a medley of Anzac songs, which were widely enjoyed by those attending.

Organiser and teacher Margaret Amos said it was a “beautiful morning”.

“It was a big team effort,” she said.

“I’m so proud of [the students]. They were brilliant.”

Mrs Amos said the students had been learning about WWI, particularly the concept of mateship. 

“I think by bringing back that concept of mateship, they could relate to it in the broader context and the importance it played in the war.”

Mrs Amos said the Wallaby March was chosen because of its impact in the local district.

“It was a very important event in Gunnedah’s history. By dressing up and becoming a part of that era, we hope the children were better able to understand the emotion and how the Wallaby March played out.”

Mr Anderson echoed this sentiment in his speech when he commended the school for acknowledging such an event.

“We need students to continue to remember and continue to commemorate these events.”