The Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Service will mark a remarkable milestone in 2026, honouring its 70th anniversary.
And, students behind next year’s ceremony have already begun the task of bringing history to life.
Twelve upcoming Year 11 pupils from across public, Catholic and independent schools gathered at Newcastle Museum on Wednesday 26 November to officially launch the 2026 theme, LEST WE FORGET – Carrying the Flame of Remembrance.
As artistic director Dr Shane Brandson told the group, “we are here for a very important birthday”.
The event is unlike any other in the county.
Each year, students lead research, writing, narration and performance of full theatrical service for more than 2,500 primary and high school pupils.
It is an approach City of Newcastle (CN) councillor Winney-Baartz believes makes the local tradition especially powerful.
“Children are more receptive to information about our history when it comes from their peers,” she said.
“It’s less of a lecture and more of an engaging learning experience.
“It helps young audiences gain a much deeper understanding of the sacrifices that were made and why remembrance matters.”
CN has maintained long-term sponsorship of the project, alongside Newcastle Permanent and the Catholic Schools Office.
Cr Winney-Baartz explained council was committed to seeing the service continue to grow.
“It’s a uniquely Novocastrian project – one that officials at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs want to replicate across the country,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“So, it’s important we continue to show leadership by supporting something so meaningful for our community.”
Among this year’s student cohort is Ivy Jones, a Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown, drama pupil selected to join the 2026 committee after performing in the 2025 service.
Representing ASPIRE, the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese’s performing arts program, she said being able to tell local stories was what made the Combined Schools ANZAC Service stand apart from other productions.
This year she portrayed a Merewether woman who served in the gunnery unit at Stockton Beach during WWII.
When young people understand why we remember, the symbols, the traditions, the stories, they understand the meaning behind Lest we Forget.
Cr Peta Winney-Baartz
“These aren’t just stories, these were people’s lives,” Ivy said.
“Learning about someone from my own suburb and then helping share that story on stage was incredibly meaningful.”
As one of the 2026 student researchers and narrators, Ivy is now taking on new responsibilities.
“We’re only just starting to unpack the theme, but learning about local stories, about real people from our community, is the most important part,” she said.
“It’s how we pass on that legacy.”
Dr Bransdon said the pupils would begin months of workshops exploring the origins of Anzac traditions, significant symbols of remembrance and historical artefacts.
This includes treasured items housed in Newcastle Museum, such as Walter Barton’s bugle.
The service, to take place at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday 31 March, will also highlight contemporary acts of remembrance and personal stories from war widows, blending past and present to show how remembrance continues to evolve.
For Winney-Baartz, the message is simple.
“When young people understand why we remember, the symbols, the traditions, the stories, they understand the meaning behind Lest we Forget,” she said.
“That’s what this service is all about.”
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