RSL calling out for Kiwi singer to perform at Dawn Service

TORQUAY RSL has put the word out for a willing singer to perform the New Zealand National Anthem at this year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service.

The service, held at Torquay’s Point Danger Memorial, attracts several thousand people each year with top crowds reaching 15,000 in past years.

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said planning for this year’s service had already begun, but had so far been unsuccessful in getting a New Zealand singer to perform this year’s anthem.

“Planning for the well-loved and attended Dawn Service is moving ahead smoothly, except we cannot find a local to sing the New Zealand national anthem,” he said.

“Australia’s anthem will be sung again this year by Georgia Nichols who has performed it so well in previous years. We are desperate for someone to perform the New Zealand anthem in person to add to the reverence of our commemoration service.”

Last year’s Dawn Service was Torquay’s first public event to mark the commemoration of Australia and New Zealand’s fallen soldiers in three years.

To accommodate the service’s large numbers, Torquay RSL deliberately limited its service at Point Danger last year. The 12-minute event featured no choir, no march, no large screens, and no gunfire breakfast.

Mr Tyler promised this year’s service will be more similar to services pre-pandemic.

“This year, we are planning a Dawn Service more like we had before the COVID pandemic hit,” he said.

“And once again, veterans will be marching to Point Danger from their assembly point at the corner of Bell Street and the Esplanade.

“If anyone knows the New Zealand anthem and can sing it well, please contact Bob on 0417 142 156, or email him at [email protected].”

Torquay’s Anzac Day Dawn Service this year will begin at 6am. April 25 will fall on a Tuesday in 2023.