Anzac Day is observed nationally as a solemn day of remembrance held on the anniversary of the landing of the First Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Army troops, at Gallipoli in 1915. Tuesday 25 April is set aside to remember all Australian and New Zealand service men and women who have served their country and to pay respect to those who lost their lives in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The Townsville City Dawn Service and the Townsville City Parade are family-friendly events and will be also available to watch live online for members of the community who may not be able to attend in person. Mayor Jenny Hill said Anzac Day was especially poignant for the people of Townsville due to the city’s proud links to the defence forces.
“As Australia’s largest garrison city, home to Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Base Townsville, Anzac Day takes on an extra special meaning for Townsville,” Cr Hill said. “Over the years, thousands of Australian servicemen and women have deployed to conflicts and on peacekeeping missions from Townsville. Tragically, many did not return, leaving a hole in their family, circle of friends and our community. Some of those who were fortunate to return from their deployment made their home here and have helped make our community what it is today.”
Here are events in Townsville you can attend to celebrate and observe ANZAC Day:
Saturday, April 22
|
NRL ANZAC Rd Match (QLD Countrybank Stadium)
|
|---|
|
6:50pm | 1RAR Band live performance
7:25pm | ANZAC Tribute ceremony 7:35 | NQ Cowboys v Newcastle Knights kickoff |
Tuesday, April 25
|
Watch Online
|
|---|
|
Live from 5am | WATCH HERE
Live from 6am | LISTEN LIVE ON AIR (99.9 LIVEFM)
|
|
Thuringowa Services
|
|---|
|
5:40am | Dawn service, Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct
8:30am | Parade form-up (Weir School carpark) 9am | Parade step-off (Parade proceeds along Ross River Road into Riverway Precinct) 9:30am | Mid-morning service, Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct |
|
Townsville City Services
|
|---|
|
5:20am | Dawn service, Anzac Park Cenotaph
8:15am | Parade form-up (Strand Park)
9am | Parade step-off (Parade proceeds along The Strand to Anzac Memorial Park)
|
|
Townsville RSL
|
|---|
|
6:30am | Gunfire Breakfast
11am – 6pm | Biggest Two-up in Townsville (18+) 11am – 8pm | Live Music
4:05pm | ANZAC Day NRL: Roosters v St George 7pm | ANZAC Day NRL: Storms v Warriors |
If you wish to hear stories from the war, Collected is a podcast series exploring the artefacts that make up the National Collection of the Australian War Memorial. Through conversations with historians and curators, and first-hand accounts from the people connected with these artefacts. You can listen here.
