18 April 2018
A number of events and services will be held throughout the Gunnedah Shire on ANZAC Day to commemorate the fallen and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women of war.
Veterans and servicemen and women from across generations of armed conflicts bearing their medals will assemble and lead marches, joined by family members, school children, and emergency service personnel.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service - Gunnedah
The Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch has organised the official commemorative proceedings for ANZAC Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2018, in Gunnedah.
The Dawn Service begins at 5.30am at the Cenotaph Memorial on Conadilly Street, with Gunnedah Salvation Army Captain Richard Day leading the prayers of the ceremony.
ANZAC Day March and Mid-Morning Service - Gunnedah
The ANZAC Day March will begin at 10.30am, proceeding from Marquis Street and continuing down Conadilly Street. The official service begins at 11.00am at the Cenotaph Memorial on the corner of Elgin and Conadilly streets. The commemorative address will be led by Anglican Minister Scott Dunlop. The assembly point for the march will be the corner of Marquis and Elgin streets, outside Mitre 10 from 10.00am. The Veteran’s Cars will lead the procession, commencing at 10.30am.
ANZAC Day March and Service - Breeza
Organised by the Breeza Progress Association, the annual Breeza ANZAC Commemorative March will commence from 8.30am, with all participants asked to gather at the Old Cenotaph, before marching to the new Cenotaph near the park.
ANZAC Day – Curlewis
The march for the Dawn Service in Curlewis will proceed from the corner of Goran and Pike streets at 5.15am. Participants are asked to assemble at 5.00am. The morning ANZAC Day March in Curlewis will take place from the Commercial Hotel at 8.45am to the Cenotaph, with a service to begin at 9.00am.
ANZAC Day – Tambar Springs
The Tambar Springs Dawn Service will be held at 5.30am at the Tambar Springs War Memorial, breakfast will follow at the Royal Hotel, Tambar Springs.
A mid-morning service will take place at the Premer Lions Park from 10.45am, with lunch afterwards. Serving members will receive a complimentary lunch.
ANZAC DAY – Goolhi
Just over the border from the Gunnedah Shire, Goolhi will hold a sunset service from 5.30pm at the Goolhi Hall, followed by dinner.
2018 ANZAC Tribute Concert
The concert has been organised by the ANZAC Working Group and will be held on Sunday, 22 April at Pensioners Hill prior to ANZAC Day and aims to educate those in attendance on the effects of war. This is a free community concert commencing from 4.00pm and will include three sessions (approximately 45 minutes to one hour each, with 20 minute intermissions). The concert will include performances of traditional war tunes by the national award-winning Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, well-known songs from the last century by students of the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, and war poetry readings and extracts from letters, read by school students. A barbecue will be held by Rotary Club of Gunnedah West. A golf buggy will be available to assist people to get to the top of the hill. Community members are asked to bring a picnic rug or chair and gather together to enjoy a sunset atop one of Gunnedah’s vantage points, while paying tribute to the men and women of war.
There is also free admission to the Water Town Museum from 11.30am on Anzac Day!
Anzac Working Group Chair and Councillor Owen Hasler said it is important to recognise the effects of wartime involvement and the sacrifices of soldiers, veterans and their families.
“Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to participate in ANZAC Day ceremonies and events. We hope our community will unite to show support and pay tribute to our ANZACs and the role servicemen and women have played in defending our nation in the past, now, and into the future,” Cr Hasler said.
Photo caption: Veterans, service personnel, and community members gather in Breeza each year to march and pay their respects at a service at the Cenotaph.
ENDS
Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.