Council and the RSL is calling on the community to register to pay their respects to the past and present veterans by taking part in this year’s Anzac Day Parade.
Registrations are now open for organisations, veterans, descendants of veterans and schools to take part in the parade on April 25.
A Council spokesperson said Anzac Day was a significant day for all Australians, particularly in Townsville, being Australia’s largest garrison city.
“As a garrison city Townsville has a long and proud role at the core of our nation’s defence and it is always humbling to see the community come together on days of commemoration like Anzac Day,” they said. “Townsville hosts the largest Army Base in Australia as well as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base, Townsville Field Training Area and Port of Townsville’s Berth 10 designed for the Royal Australian Navy. Schools, organisations and veterans and descendants of veterans are encouraged to sign up to take part in this special day to help remember the lives lost in conflict, while also showing support for veterans in our city. Council is committed to supporting events throughout the city that enhance a sense of belonging, while also paying respect to our defence community.”
President of the Townsville RSL sub-branch, Wayne Preedy ESM encouraged veterans and veteran affiliated organisations as well as descendants of those who had served to sign up today to march proudly on A
“This year signifies 109 years since the Gallipoli landings in 1915, and while we commemorate those who have served in military operations ever since, each year unfortunately we see less and less of those who served in wars gone by still with us. So it is always heartening to see the younger generation, the descendants of those who served take on the baton to pay their respects and keep the tradition alive.” Wayne said. “We know we always have great representation from our schools as well as many veteran affiliated organisations who want to show their support for our servicemen and women by marching on Anzac Day, so my message to them is register as soon as possible.”
Thuringowa RSL sub-branch president Jeremy Browne said Anzac Day was incredibly important to many of the residents of our garrison city.
“The RSL sub-branches have been working hard to ensure as many people as possible can participate this year,” Mr Browne said.“We always encourage as many people to participate and attend our Anzac marches in homage to those who have served, those serving today, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 2024 also marks the 25th anniversary of Operation Stabilise and Operation Warden, where on 15 September 1999, the UN Security Council authorised the formation of a multinational force known as INTERFET. It was headed by Australia, with a mission to restore peace and security in East Timor.
“This was the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam War, with the Australian Government sending about 5,500 service people to East Timor as part of its contribution to INTERFET.”
The Townsville City Parade and Thuringowa Parade both step off at 9am, with both events having access to accessible toilets at Anzac Park and Riverway
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)
Registrations to take part close Friday 15 March. Members of the public will be able to watch a live broadcast of the event through the Townsville City Council website.
To sign up or find more information, visit Council’s What’s On Townsville website.