Services will be hosted in most regional communities this Sunday.
‘‘This is the most sacred day of commemoration on the Australian calendar, and a time for us to remember the service and sacrifice of all Australian service personnel who have served our nation for over a century,’’ Ms Ley said.
‘‘Towns across Farrer have a proud history of military service and Anzac Day is an opportunity for us to pay our respects and show gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all those who have served and provided us with the freedom we enjoy today.
‘‘Last year, with the challenges of the Coronavirus, so many people found new or creative ways to honour those who have served; from driveway vigils at dawn, private floral tributes, even calling on current and former defence personnel to check in and thank them for their service.
‘‘In 2021, subject to local health advice, I encourage everyone to attend a local service where possible and again show your respect for those who have served.’’
While COVID-Safe rules apply in NSW, outdoor marches and services can accommodate gatherings of up to 5000 persons subject to the two square metre rule.
Ms Ley said this is also a timely opportunity to remind people of the Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling Service.
It provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families.
You can access the service by calling 1800 011 046, or go to www.openarms.gov.au for more information.
Local service details:
● Deniliquin: 6am – Dawn service at the Deniliquin Cenotaph, march to step off from Edwardes/Cressy Sts corner at 5.45am. Service followed by ‘Gunfire’ breakfast at Deniliquin RSL Club; 8am – War Cemetery service; 11am – service at Deniliquin Cenotaph, preceded by a march stepping off the Town Hall at 10.30am. Please arrive at all events earlier than stated to allow for COVID-19 check-in.
● Wanganella: 9am – Service at Wanganella Community Hall.
● Moama: 5.55am – dawn service at Moama Cenotaph; 9am – wreath laying ceremony at Moama Cenotaph.
● Mathoura: 5.55am – dawn service at Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens; 11am – march to start from the Shire Hall to the Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens for Commemorative Service, followed by the wreath laying ceremony.
● Moulamein: Dawn service at the Triangle; 9.50am – march down Morago St for 10am at the Triangle.
● Barham: 6am – dawn service at cenotaph followed by a ‘Gunfire’ breakfast at Barham & District Services Memorial Club; 10.45am – wreath laying ceremony at Barham Cenotaph; 11am – parade to start opposite Barham Post Office for march to Koondrook for service at RSL Hall.
● Wakool: 3pm – Wakool march.
● Piangil area: 6am – dawn service at Kyalite; 9.30am – Anzac Day wreath laying service at Piangil; 2pm – Boundary Bend service.
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