Anzac Day service and march planned at Birdwood House for morning of April 25 to honour Aussie soldiers

With Anzac Day right around the corner, the Geraldton community is invited to come together to acknowledge and pay respect to Australian armed forces. The City of Greater Geraldton will co-host the service with the RSL Geraldton City sub-branch on Saturday, April 25. The dawn service will begin at 6am at Birdwood House, followed by a civic service at 11am. Always a site to behold, the traditional march will start at Dome Cafe at 10.40am, proceeding down Forrest Street before a wreath-laying ceremony at 11am at Birdwood House. Mayor Jerry Clune encouraged Geraldton residents to pay their respects on the special day. “Anzac Day holds a profound place in our national story and in the hearts of Australians,” he said. “It is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today.” 110 years ago, Anzac Day in 1916 was the first to take place after the sacrifices of Gallipoli. “I encourage community members to attend the services and join us in honouring the men and women who have served our country to protect the values we hold dear,” Cr Clune said. Geraldton’s Anzac Day services are typically some of the biggest crowds in the State, with several thousand people predicted to attend the dawn service. Assembled crowds are usually treated to a gunfire breakfast and a game of two-up after the service. Mullewa will also be holding an Anzac Day service, starting with a free breakfast from 7.30am and followed by a march leading into a service at 11am and morning tea. In Walkaway, a dawn service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 6am at the Walkaway Station Museum followed by a community breakfast at the Walkaway Public Hall. As Anzac Day falls on a Saturday this year, Australians will be able to enjoy a long weekend with the annual public holiday to be observed on Monday, April 27. This year in October will mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan. November 19 this year also marks the 85th anniversary of Australia’s worst naval disaster, the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II.