Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor will ride his horse “Whiskey” in the centenary re-enactment of the Kangaroo March.

Mr Taylor is expected to ride several legs of the march, accompanying members of the Australian Light Horse – into Wallendbeen on Sunday 13 September, into Goulburn on Friday 25 September and through parts of the Southern Highlands on Wednesday 7 October.

“Back in December 1915, 88 recruits were seen off in Wagga by the then Federal Member for Hume Robert Patten. He walked the entire way with the Kangaroos and they collected 222 men before reaching Sydney. Their motto was: ‘I go out to return by courage & faith’ but of course many of them did not return,” Mr Taylor said.

Almost 100 years ago, as the Kangaroos marched into villages across Hume, the locals turned out in droves to cheer them on. “I know we are going to see a terrific turnout for the re-enactment. I am very much looking forward to spending the day in Wallendbeen and meeting the Governor General and his wife. Some great work and a lot of generosity have gone into preparing welcome events all the way along the route to greet the marchers.”

Mr Taylor said the Federal Government had contributed $13,319 to the Kangaroo March re-enactment through the Hume Anzac Centenary Local Grants Programme.

“Because parliament is sitting, I am unable to join the entire march. But I spent much of my childhood doing stock work on horseback and I still ride with my kids in the school holidays. Whiskey was chosen for the ride because he’s sensible and a great walker.”

Mr Taylor encouraged schools, community organisations and residents across Hume and along the original Kangaroo March route to join in and support this community-driven event.

Caption: Angus and ‘Whiskey’ will be riding in the Kangaroo March re-enactment through Hume.