Surf Coast Anzac services scaled down

ANZAC Day services on the Surf Coast will go ahead on Monday next week, but in a much smaller way than in previous years.

The annual April 25 observance commemorates not only the Australians who died in the Gallipoli landings on that date in World War I but also all Australians killed in military operations since.

The dawn service at Point Danger in Torquay has been cut back, returning to the format of a simple commemorative service.

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said there would be no choir, no march, no large screens and no gunfire breakfast, but the service would be amplified for those who did attend.

“The main role of the RSL, and especially Torquay Sub-Branch, is to provide support and welfare to our veterans and their dependants.

“Commemorations, too, play a big part in our program, as we must never forget the sacrifices made by Australians serving our country.

“However, we are not into staging commemoration extravaganza.

“The cost is far too high, and this year Torquay RSL has received only limited support and government grants to enable anything but a limited service.”

Anzac Parade at the roundabout will be closed from Sunday, April 24 at 6pm and reopen on April 25 at 9am.

There will be a service for Torquay RSL members, especially veterans, at the RSL Memorial Garden in Taylor Park at 7am.

“This service has been arranged for the health and safety of our veterans,” Mr Tyler said.

The commemoration will also include participation from local students.

Following the service, veterans, club members their families, and friends will gather inside the Torquay Bowls Club from 8.30am. The traditional game of two-up will begin at 9am.

This year, Torquay RSL is encouraging the community to continue their driveway memorial services and “Light up the Dawn”.

Mr Tyler recommended the driveway services as being more personal and meaningful to those who took part.

“In the past couple of years, these street services have proved to be very popular and well planned by many residents who use their radios to tune into the national service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, or the service at Victoria’s Shrine of Remembrance,” he said.

In Anglesea, the Anglesea RSL will not hold a dawn service but will host a commemorative service at their sub-branch at 30 Murray Street.

This year, the Anglesea RSL is commemorating Australian service in Somalia between 1992 and 1995.

Australian peacekeepers first deployed to Somalia in 1992, beginning a commitment that involved each of the three services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and helped make possible the delivery of humanitarian aid to a civilian population suffering from famine and civil conflict.

“We are also pay homage to our servicemen and servicewomen who have served in wars and armed conflicts and to those Aussies in far off places still making us proud,” organisers said.

Attendees are invited to lay a wreath at the new war memorial in Cameron Park and also join the march from Anglesea Memorial Hall in McMillan Street (9.30am for 9.45am step off), followed by a service and refreshments at the Murray Street sub-branch.