Services took place in Ararat and Stawell at 11am with the wider community invited to pay their respects with a minute silence.

Ararat RSL Committee president Frank Neulist delivered a speech to the gathered crowd at Soldiers Memorial Park. Mr Neulist talked about the right to free speech and to protest that our servicemen and women fought to protect.

During the event Stawell resident Peter Dignum placed a photograph of his grandfather, Alfred Dignum, who fought in France against the Germans at the base of the cenotaph with the wreaths.

"He was one of the lucky ones that got to come home - if he didn't come home I wouldn't be here," he said.

"He stayed in the army and was in the army reserve for World War Two but didn't serve overseas; he stayed on the home base."

Stawell RSL president Graeme Cox spoke about peace and reminded attendees of the reasons they were there on the day.

"We pay tribute to those who fought for peace and in many cases gave their lives for peace," he said.

"As everyone goes about their lives I would like to think about that peace.

"It's not just between nations or religions, but between neighbours, families, relatives, the person right next to you or the one driving with you on the road.

"If we can't organise working peace between ourselves and our neighbours in this country, how can we expect other nations to have a just peace with us?"

Mr Cox reminded residents from across the region to keep sharing stories of history as it was an important way to preserve the history and honour those who had served for their country.

More coverage from across the region

Remembrance Day 2019 marked in Horsham with a service at Sawyer Park