A time to never forget

Big turnout expected at this year’s services and events across Far Northern region

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THOUSANDS are expected to attend Cairns’ ANZAC Day service on Tuesday next week (April 25) for the first traditional services post-COVID and the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Cairns RSL sub-branch president Nathan Shingles said this year it was expected more would attend after the elimination of COVID restrictions.

“It’s a time for all of our veterans to feel seen and valued,” Mr Shingles said.

“We’re going back to a more traditional ANZAC Day this year after COVID, and we’re looking forward to having record numbers in attendance, weather permitting.

“Having no restrictions will allow more veterans to gather, and that gathering is significant for their mental health and their pride in their service and feeling of comradery.

“We’re expecting thousands of people at the Cairns Cenotaph. It’s one of the largest gatherings in Far North Queensland.”

This year, the Cairns RSL sub-branch is ensuring the services would be more accessible for veterans in a city first.

“We have assembly commencing at 5.15am at the Cairns Aquarius Apartments for veterans that have registered with the sub-branch,” Mr Shingles said.

“The purpose of this is to have the veterans march onto the cenotaph into VIP seating. This is the first time this has been done in Cairns. “Our aim is for those registered vet- erans, the elderly and medically incapacitated veterans to have priority seating and make the parade more comfortable for them.

“The rest of the parade will assemble at the Cairns Cenotaph for the commencement of the dawn service at 5.30am.

“Council will run a second service, at 6.45am. The parade forms at Fogarty Park and at 7.30am, the parade will step off.”

ANZAC Day 2023 will also mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and an occasion to commemorate the Vietnam veterans.

“Vietnam veterans will certainly be recognised,” Mr Shingles said.

“Throughout the year, their service will be highlighted for their significant contribution.”

Mr Shingles encouraged the Cairns community to make an effort to wake up early and pay their respects.

Rotary Cairns Northern Beaches is also encouraging people to join their dawn service, one that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Event coordinator at Rotary Cairns Northern Beaches Majella Fallon said between 2012 and 2015 participation had doubled and it was expected to keep growing.

“The inclusion of school choirs and students in the dawn service provides the opportunity for new generations to be involved, to recognise and remember the service and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Force,” Ms Fallon said.