ANZAC Day commemorative services in Gawler will be bigger this year, with the local RSL Club partnering with the Town of Gawler, Australian Air Force Cadets, Gawler Apex, the Gawler Town Band and the Rotary Club of Gawler to host a number of events that the community can engage with.
On Sunday 21 April the RSL Gawler will be holding the 2024 ANZAC Day Commemorative March. The March will commence at 10:30am from Walker Place, heading north along Murray Street and conclude at Pioneer Park with a wreath laying and benediction service.
On Anzac eve from 4:30pm to 10:30pm, the 608 Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets will conduct a Vigil at Pioneer Park. The Cadets will stand guard on all four points of the cenotaph, honouring the fallen soldiers and commemorating their sacrifice through ceremonial practices.
Commanding Officer Michael Molloy said “608 Squadron AAFC is proud to support the RSL Gawler for the ANZAC Day March, Vigil and Dawn Service.
“This provides our cadets with the opportunity to learn about the ANZACS as well as support our community,” said Mr Molloy.
In a major commemorative innovation, while the vigil is being held, the RSL in conjunction with Gawler Apex Club and the Rotary Club of Gawler will host a film screening of 1981 Australian classic, Gallipoli, with a BBQ for the community to enjoy. The movie will start at approximately 7.30pm.
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo who is providing promotional support for the commemorative events, said he hoped that the new commemorative program attracts a significant attendance.
“The RSL Gawler should be commended for arranging this free, community event on ANZAC eve,” said Mr Piccolo.
“I encourage people to bring a chair or a blanket, grab a snag from the BBQ and experience this free film screening as a part of the local ANZAC Day event program.”
“It’s an occasion for the whole family to reflect upon the experience of our Anzacs.”
Apex Club President, Mr Bronte Rhodes said his club were honoured to be assisting by providing the big screen, cameras and the sound.
Steve Barilla, Past President of the Rotary Club of Gawler who will run the BBQ, said the movie represents why those young people sacrificed their lives for our democracy.
The Dawn Service will commence at 6.00 am sharp, Thursday 25 April 2024 at Pioneer Park, followed by a morning of activities at the RSL Gawler Clubrooms.
RSL Gawler President Colin Wardrop said he was honoured to have known veterans who returned from Gallipoli.
“Gallipoli the movie is a fitting tribute to those who served and fell for ANZAC Day”.
The Town of Gawler have provided funding, administration support, traffic management and other services to facilitate the ANZAC event program.
Executive Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Whendee Young said the Town of Gawler is “delighted as always to support ANZAC Day for our veterans, their families and the broader community”.
LEST WE FORGET