Gallery: Anzac Day services across the Fraser Coast

A young student has stunned the crowd with her incredible rendition of Hallelujah during an emotional Anzac Day ceremony. GALLERY, VIDEO

Carlie Walker and Phillip Fynes-Clinton

2 min read

April 25, 2025 - 2:28PM

Fraser Coast

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The young singer who won the hearts of the Fraser Coast at the Hervey Bay Anzac Day services after stirring renditions of the veteran’s version of Hallelujah.

17-year-old Mia Hinsch from Fraser Coast Anglican College gave two stellar solo performances in front of thousands of Hervey Bay locals at this morning’s services in Freedom Park.

“It was such an honour to sing for our Anzacs on a really special day,” she said.

Starting singing lessons at eight, Mia has always performed as a solo artist, but admits this morning’s performances were extra special.

“They were easily the biggest crowds I’ve ever performed in front of,” she said.

She normally performs gigs at Tannins at Torquay, a wine bar and restaurant on the Esplanade.

Mia Hinsch’s performance today when viral on the school’s Facebook page on Friday, with many commenting and saying it was a “flawless” performance.

Mia Hinsch sing Hallelujah during the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Hervey Bay.

“Absolutely amazing,” Michelle Evans wrote.

Margeret Marlow also commented on Mia’s performance.

“Oh my goodness, that song is stirring at any time but in that setting even more poignant,” she wrote.

“Bet there wasn’t a dry eye.”

Anzac Day services are held across Fraser Coast

As the sun rose on Anzac Day on the Fraser Coast, thousands gathered around the region’s cenotaphs to remember those who served their country 110 years ago.

In Maryborough, the sounds of the Last Post rang out and dozens of crosses were placed near the cenotaph - one for every man listed on the memorial.

Riverside Christian College’s choir sang the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.

Many of those gathered were wearing the war medals of loved ones, including Rocky Benbow, who grew emotional when talking about wearing his dad’s WWII medals.

“I take them for a walk every 25th of April,” Mr Benbow said.

He said today’s service had been “very special”.

Back at Maryborough Services and Citizen’s Memorial Club’s gunfire breakfast, Ashley and Raul Le Boydre were proudly wearing the medals belonging to their family.

The main Anzac Day service in Hervey Bay.

In addition to his own medals, Ashley was wearing his great uncle’s WWI medals.

His son Raul was wearing his great, great uncle’s WWII and Korean medals.

Ashley said it was “extremely important” for people to attend Anzac Day services to remember the sacrifice of those who had served their country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In Hervey Bay, schoolchildren marched in the parade along Torquay Rd and Main St ahead of the main service.

The streets were lined with thousands of spectators, parents, and friends of servicemen and women, all eager to catch a glimpse of their loved ones, including many of the Bay’s schoolchildren, walking on such a special day.

The procession led to Main St’s Freedom Park, where a large service was held for those in attendance.

Brian Tidyman, president of Hervey Bay RSL sub-branch, opened proceedings, before a prayer was recited to the crowd gathered at the park.

A rousing rendition of Hallelujah was sung by Fraser Coast Anglican College student Mia Hinsch before wreaths on behalf of every school and association attending were placed in front of the Light Horse Memorial.

Roy and Judy Munnich - both served in the sixties. Roy was born in wartime Germany to polish parents before immigrating in the early '50s and enlisting in his teenage years.