Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP is encouraging local residents across our region to reflect on the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel from all wars and conflicts this ANZAC Day.
Mr Ward said that there are a number of commemorative events being held on ANZAC Eve tonight and ANZAC Day tomorrow including:
ANZAC Eve - Wednesday 24th April:
Wollongong – ANZAC Eve Service – Vietnam Veterans Association, Illawarra Sub Branch - 6:30pm, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Endeavour Drive, Wollongong.
ANZAC Day - Thursday 25th April:
Bomaderry 5.45am Dawn Service at Walsh Memorial Park, 9.15am March from Bomaderry RSL Club (assemble at 9am) and 9.30am Service at Walsh Memorial Park in Bomaderry.
Kiama 5am Dawn Service at the Kiama Lighthouse, breakfast at Kiama Leagues Club until 8am following the dawn service, 10.30am March, assemble at Old Council Chambers at 10.15am. Service at Memorial Arch in Terralong Street, Kiama at 10.30am. Two Up at Kiama Leagues Club from 1pm to 4pm.
Nowra 10.10am March from Junction Street, 10.30am Memorial Service at Memorial Gates.
Greenwell Point 5.10am March from Greenwell Point Memorial Hall to ANZAC Park with Memorial Service to follow. You may want to try and arrive about 4.30am to ensure you get a good spot.
Berry 10.30am March, assemble in Queen Street at 10.15am, Memorial Service at 10.45 at Memorial Park.
Kangaroo Valley 10am March, assemble at Osborne Park Showground at 9.45am. Service at War Memorial.
Gerringong 6am Dawn Service at Gerringong Headland Park followed by a 12pm Service at the Gerringong Bowling Club.
Gerroa 7.30am Memorial Service, Gerroa Boat Fisherman's Club.
Shoalhaven Heads 6am March, assemble at Village Shopping Centre at 5.45am. Dawn Service at Memorial Park.
Albion Park 4.30am Dawn Service at the Albion Park RSL Club Memorial Garden.
Shellharbour 7:30am Commemorative Service, Shellharbour City Memorial, Harrison Park, at the junction of Minga and Memorial Drive, Shellharbour City Centre.
Sunday 28th April:
Kiama Anglican Church – 8am Service with Rev Ray Harding, Acting Senior Minister, Christ Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama.
“ANZAC Day gives us all an opportunity to show our eternal gratitude for their service and for the freedoms that we enjoy every day,” Mr Ward said.
“The courage shown by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps when they landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25th April 1915 is legendary.
“It was the start of a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in some 25,000 Australian casualties, including 8,700 who were killed or died of wounds or disease.
“The men who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula created a legend, adding the word Anzac to our national vocabulary and creating the ANZAC spirit.
“Travel on public transport to and from ANZAC Day events is free for current and ex-Australian Defence Force personnel in uniform, wearing their medals or have proof of military service.
“Veteran’s families, carers, widows and widowers will also travel free on our public transport network.
“Lest we forget,” Mr Ward concluded.