Where to attend a service in Geelong on Anzac Day

COMMUNITIES across the nation will come together on Saturday to commemorate Australians who have served in times of peace and war.

In Geelong, services throughout the day are expected to draw thousands.

Eastern Beach will host one of the region’s largest services, with the Geelong RSL’s 6.30am dawn service continuing to grow each year.

President Matthew Jack said numbers had steadily increased since the service was first held in 2019, with more young people and families taking part. About 7,000 people are expected to attend this year.

Early morning services across Geelong will bring the community together to mark Anzac Day.

The Eastern Beach service is one of five commemorations the sub-branch will facilitate on Anzac Day.

The day will begin with a pre-dawn service at 4.15am at the Geelong Peace Memorial in Johnstone Park.

A second dawn service will be held at the Boer War Memorial at 6.15am, running at the same time as the Eastern Beach service.

A gunfire breakfast will follow at 7.30am at the Geelong RSL’s Belmont clubrooms, before a wreath-laying service takes place at the nearby cenotaph at 9am.

Uniformed service members will again take part in the Geelong Anzac Day march through the CBD on Saturday. Photos: Michael Chambers.

The traditional Geelong Anzac Day march will begin at 11am from the corner of Yarra and Malop streets, making its way along Malop Street to Johnstone Park for a commemorative service at about 11.45am.

Those who wish to join the procession are asked to meet at 10.30am. Respectful attire is requested and the wearing of full-sized medals is encouraged.

In Lara, the RSL will host a march from 5.50am, stepping off from the bus shelter at 2 Rennie Street and making its way to the sub-branch’s clubrooms for a 6am dawn service.

A gunfire breakfast will follow. Later in the day, the RSL will hold a barbecue from 12.30pm.

The Norlane RSL will also host two services this year.

A dawn service will begin at 6am at St Thomas Aquinas Church on Plume Street.

A march will then step off at 9.30am from the service lane at the corner of Melbourne and Sparks roads, with participants asked to gather from 9.20am.

The march will conclude at the Norlane RSL sub-branch, where a commemorative service will begin at 10am.