TOWNS across the region have added their own touches to their dawn and daytime services to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day, in a show of the freedoms the Anzacs’ sacrifices allowed for.
Following its traditional dawn service and parade, the Swan Hill RSL Sub Branch has invited two special Anzac Day guests to speak at the town’s main service, who together combine youth and history.
A young local woman serving in the Royal Australian Navy, Leading Seaman Bosuns Mate Imogen Vincent, will offer the perspective of a modern, young Anzac, while Vice Consul from the Turkish Consulate-General Kerim Birinci will speak on the close historical ties developed between the two former enemies post World War I.
Lake Boga will christen its brand new cenotaph at its memorial service, after a brand new obelisk was installed this past week for the Anzac centenary.
The football and netball clubs at Nyah and Nyah West, in conjunction with Swan Hill RSL Sub Branch, are conducting the towns’ dawn service under the newly-unveiled lights of Nyah Recreational Reserve.
Across the river, making use of Wakool Shire Council’s special Anzac centenary financial grants, Wakool has constructed a silhouette of a soldier and memorial walk revisiting Anzac history, while Moulamein will for the first time hold its ceremony around a lone pine.
Kyalite Pub will continue its tradition of shouting dawn service attendees a free drink and some breakfast.
Meanwhile, several places have promised to hold games of two-up, the gambling game played by troops in their spare time at war that has since been tightly regulated — Wakool District Services Memorial Sporting Club and Swan Hill Football Club have both offered to host the game on Saturday afternoon.
Also, this Anzac Day will be the first time the national RSL has openly encouraged descendants of World War 1 troops to march in their honour, so expect to see some new faces in your local parade.
See below for the listing of Anzac Day services across the region.
Swan Hill
• Dawn service: 5.45am, Swan Hill cenotaph
• Main service and march: 10.30am step off from McCrae St, followed by service at cenotaph
Lake Boga
• March: 10.30am, Lakeside Drive
• Service: 11am, Catalina Park
Ultima:
• Service: Sunday, April 26, 11.30am, Ultima cenotaph
Nyah District
• Dawn service: 5.50am, Nyah Recreation Reserve
Balranald
• Service: 10.45am march down Market Street to Memorial Park, with the service at the cenotaph
Moulamein
• Dawn service: 6.15am
• Main service and march: 10.45am
Barham
• Dawn service: 6am, Barham cenotaph
• Main service: 11am, Barham cenotaph
Kyalite
• Dawn service: 6am, Kyalite cenotaph
Piangil/Tooleybuc
• Service: 9.30am, Memorial Park (Hall St, Piangil)
Robinvale
• Dawn service: 5.45am, Robinvale cenotaph
• March: 8.45am step off Euston Club Car Park
• Main service: 10am, Robinvale cenotaph
Lake Charm / Mystic Park
• Main service: 11.30am, Mystic Park cenotaph
