General News
9 October, 2025
2015 Coo-ee March Reunion
Nearly 30 members of the 2015 Coo-ee and Kookaburra March Re-enactments reunited in Gilgandra over the long weekend to commemorate the original 1915 Coo-ees and celebrate 10-years since the centenary re-enactments.
On Friday night, October 3, attendees gathered for a catch up dinner at the Gilgandra Services Club.
Then on Saturday, prior to the Goin’ to Gil Festival Street Parade, the marchers held a commemorative service in Miller Street, in front of the Coo-ee Bronze Statue.
The service was led by 2015 Coo-ee marcher, Paul Mann. He told the crowd about the history of the 1915 Coo-ee March and Gilgandra’s subsequent two march re-enactments in 9187 and 2015.
He also acknowledged the passing of members of the re-enactments - march captain Brian Bywater OAM, Jack Burrell, and Don Kennaugh - (all three 1987/2015 marchers) - 2015 marchers/support crew members John Thompson, Ian Howard, and Geoff Kiehne.
In following with the 2015 service order, the Australian National Anthem was sung by Lucie Peart with Janet Cheal playing the accordion. A wreath was laid at the foot of the Coo-ee statue by Bruce Tyler, and Warwick Butler recited his father’s poem ‘Mates’ and ‘The Ode of Remembrance’. A minute’s silence was also observed.
The flags were lowered and raised while Gilgandra’s David Lamb played the ‘Last Post’ and the ‘Reveille’.
The marchers gathered for some commemorative photos in front of the Hitchen House (“birthplace of the 1915 Coo-ee March”) and the Coo-ee statue before taking their place as co-leaders in the street parade behind the ‘Phat Brass’ band.
