Locals are encouraged to “embrace the ANZAC spirit” by attending a local service this ANZAC Day.
On Monday, April 25, members of the community will be able to attend and commemorate ANZAC Day at multiple events across western Sydney.
Although still mindful of COVID, Merrylands RSL are looking forward to getting back to a “normal” service.
“We’re treating it like a normal Dawn Service, [like the one that was] done in 2019,” Merrylands RSL Group Marketing Manager Jane Smith said.
“Before the Dawn service, we have a march starting at 5am outside Merrylands RSL, then finishing at Charles Mance [Reserve] at 5:30am for an hour Dawn Service. After the service, it’s back to the Merrylands RSL for a full complimentary hot breakfast.”
Merrylands RSL will also honour the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, sinking of the HMAS Perth and Battle of the Coral Sea. Alongside the march and Dawn Service, Merrylands RSL will also hold an ANZAC Sunday commemorative day.
For one local veteran ANZAC Day will be even more special, as he stands side-by-side his newly enlisted granddaughter at a Dawn Service in the City of Parramatta.
Epping RSL sub-Branch president and veteran, John Curdie OAM, said he was incredibly proud that his granddaughter has been inspired to follow in his footsteps and join the defence force.
“We always attend Dawn Service together, but this will be our first now she is a fully-trained Australian defence force member, and the newest and youngest member of our Epping RSL sub-Branch,” Mr Curdie said.
“ANZAC Day is a big day, where we all pause to remember those who have served – and particularly those who have given their lives. It can be hard to understand, but when we look at what’s happening in Ukraine, it gives people a sense of the price of liberty.”
City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch president and veteran Ron Grace encourages communities to attend a local service.
“ANZAC Day means remembering sacrifices made by all those involved in the First World War and subsequent wars. It’s the preservation of our democratic and peaceful society,” Mr Grace said.
To mark ANZAC Day, Council’s Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre has created an ANZAC Day online experience, which features photos and stories about local soldiers.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.