General News
18 April, 2024
One week until Anzac Day
Preparations for local Anzac Day services are all but complete, with large crowds once again expected to attend commemorations across the district. Services will return to a number of local communities next week including Maryborough, Carisbrook...
Preparations for local Anzac Day services are all but complete, with large crowds once again expected to attend commemorations across the district.
Services will return to a number of local communities next week including Maryborough, Carisbrook, Majorca, Dunolly, Talbot and Bealiba, as well as further afield in Avoca, Rheola, Tarnagulla and Clunes.
There were over 300 residents who attended Maryborough’s mid-morning service last year, as well as an additional 100 who paid their respects at the Dawn Service and given recent history,
Maryborough RSL sub branch members are expecting strong crowds again this year.
“The mid-morning service has been excellent the last couple of years and even the dawn service has been very well attended,” the sub branch’s Lee Turton said.
“We’re really proud of the services that happen here and we think the community are proud to commemorate Anzac Day the way we do.”
An active member of the military for over 40 years, Maryborough RSL sub branch president Roy ‘Shady’ Lane said increasingly, he’s experienced an outpouring of respect from the community, particularly young people.
“I notice more and more that young kids in particular will come up to you and say ‘thank you for your service’,” he said.
“I notice too that when we’re selling badges, young kids will give you their lunch money — there’s respect there and it’s great to see.
“It’s really quite touching to have people come up to you and do that, I certainly notice young people doing it more, but it’s something I think everyone is doing.”
Until the eve of Anzac Day, local veterans will be selling badges to raise funds and support veterans and their families.
From 8.30 am until 4.30 pm on weekdays and 8.30 am until 12 pm on Saturday, badges will be available to purchase outside newsXpress in High Street and Woolworths in Tuaggra Street.
“Selling badges is an important part of what we’re about, the support we’re able to provide does mean a lot to veterans and their families,” Mr Turton said.
“If anyone would like to help out that would be great, get in touch on 0422 825 381.”
Maryborough’s Dawn Service will commence at 5.45 am next Thursday, April 25 at McLandress Square (outside the Maryborough Post Office) before the march commences at 10.30 am followed by the mid-morning ceremony at McLandress Square from 10.45.
Unlike previous years, the usual morning breakfast at the Maryborough RSL Hall won’t go ahead due to the renovations currently underway.
The march will be led by current military personnel and veterans followed by family, emergency services, Scouts and Girl Guides, schools and non-veterans, with crowds asked not to congregate outside the Shell service station.
Maryborough’s Campbell Latch will return from the RAAF for the day to lead part of the mid-morning service, along with several other young people in uniform.
A number of speakers will also be involved in the service, including students Khoa Do and Matilda Davis, local business owner and veteran Rick Townsend, mayor Liesbeth Long and Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken.