THE towns of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands are ready for the annual observance of Anzac Day on Tuesday, April 25.
In New Norfolk, the region’s major place of remembrance, the New Norfolk Cenotaph (pictured), has had a $10,000 restoration funded by the federal government. “The very least we owe the men who died in war is to maintain and restore the memorial we built in their memory and honour,” the federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, said.
Elsewhere in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, the smaller communities have also been preparing for Anzac Day.
ANZAC DAY PROGRAM
- New Norfolk: The RSL Club in George St will open in the early hours to prepare for the 5.45am march to the Cenotaph via Tank St. Public participation is invited. The Dawn Service will start when the parade enters Circle St. Breakfast will be available afterwards at the RSL for $5.
- New Norfolk: Special service at Corumbene at 9.30am dedicated to the late Greg Batchelor.
- New Norfolk: At 10.30am, the town’s main Anzac Day parade will be held. The Derwent Valley Concert Band will lead veterans and community members marching from Arthur Square up High St to Circle St for the civic service. Anyone wanting to march should assemble at Arthur Square by 10.30am. The civic service at 11am will feature Rodney Bester as master of ceremonies; the St Matthew’s Singers will perform with the concert band; and speeches will be given by Ivan Davis and the Reverend Celia Hooker. Lunch will be available at the RSL Club after the service.
- Fentonbury: A Dawn Service will be held at 5.45am at the local monument. Afterwards, breakfast will be available at the Westerway Hall.
- Maydena: Meet near the Fika Time Cafe at 5.45am to march to the RSL for the Dawn Service, followed by breakfast in the club.
- Gretna: A Dawn Service will be held at the war memorial, Lyell Hwy, at 6am, followed by breakfast at the Gretna Green Hotel.
- Arthurs Lake: A Dawn Service will be held at the roadhouse at 6am, with free breakfast afterwards.
- Bushy Park: An 11am community service will be held at the War Memorial Swimming Pool, Gordon River Rd, hosted by the Loyal Glenora Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A light lunch and social afternoon will follow.
- Hamilton: A civic service will be held at the war memorial, Tarleton St, at 11am.
- Bothwell: An 11am civic service will be held in Queen’s Park.
NEW NORFOLK ROAD CLOSURES
Dawn Service and March: Circle St will be closed to all traffic between 5.40–7am. Richmond St, Tank St, and High St from Burnett St will also be closed.
Main Service and Parade: High St including access from all side streets will be closed to all traffic from 10.30am–noon. There will be no vehicular access to High St between Stephen St and Circle St. Richmond St, Circle St and Tank St will also be closed to all traffic during this time.
The council chambers car park will be closed to vehicles from 8pm on Monday night until 1.30pm on Tuesday.
COMMUNITY RADIO BROADCAST
Community radio station Tyga-FM will broadcast the Reverend Celia Hooker’s Anzac Day message at 9am this Sunday, April 23. Tune in to 98.9FM or listen online.
