City prepares for Anzac Day commemorations
Date published: 30 March 2016
Townsville is gearing up for another huge Anzac Day with a large number of schools and community groups already registered to participate in the program of events.
Forty-three schools and 17 community groups will join veterans and residents on April 25 to honour this national day of significance.
Mayor Jenny Hill said participation numbers were expected to be high on the back of last year’s centenary commemorations.
“Last year was the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and we saw unprecedented numbers of school children, community groups, veterans and residents participate in the Townsville events,” Cr Hill said.
“While Anzac Day has always been a huge day of national pride, I think last year’s centenary commemorations have re-ignited the community’s dedication to remember the sacrifice so many have made for our country.”
RSL president Bill Whitburn said this year’s event had its own significance because it recognised 11th Brigade’s 100 years in Townsville and the Vietnam Veterans’ 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
“For their contribution to the community both these organisations will be leading the mid-morning march. I expect the Dawn Service to be again well represented by the community and look forward to seeing large numbers attend,” he said.
Council events manager Jeff Jimmieson said this year’s program would go back to regular scheduling with a focus on the Dawn Service at Anzac Park followed by the parade along The Strand.
He said there would be no mid-morning service in the city, as the Dawn Service had proven to be the public’s preferred ceremony to attend.
“There will be a wreath-laying opportunity after the parade dismissal for those who wish to lay a wreath but who do not want to attend the earlier Dawn Service opportunity,” Mr Jimmieson said.
“The parade will change back to the usual format, from Strand Park to Anzac Park.
“There will be dawn and morning services at the Thuringowa Cenotaph as well as a parade in which veterans, schools, community groups and service organisations and the armed forces can participate in.”
City Anzac Day times:
5:30am Townsville City Dawn Service Anzac Park, The Strand
8:30am Parade Form Up Strand Park, The Strand
9am Parade Step Off Strand Park, The Strand
After parade dismissed Wreath Laying Opportunity Anzac Park, The Strand
Thuringowa Anzac Day times:
5:40am Thuringowa Dawn Service Thuringowa Cenotaph, Thuringowa Drive
10am Parade Form Up Willows Car park, Thuringowa Drive
10:35am Parade Step Off Willows Car park, Thuringowa Drive
11am Thuringowa Morning Service Thuringowa Cenotaph, Thuringowa Drive
ROAD CLOSURES
Temporary road closures will be in place along the Strand surrounding the Dawn Service and Parade on Anzac Day. More information will be available closer to the event.
Thuringowa Anzac Day times:
5:40am Dawn Service
10am Parade Form up
10:35am Parade Step Off
11am Morning Service
The parade form up will be in the Willows car park, marching along Thuringowa Drive to the Thuringowa Cenotaph. This will be a rolling road closure.
ANZAC Day 2016 - Local Services:
ALLIGATOR CREEK:
5.30am – Community Gathering, Alligator Creek Recreation and Bowls Club
6.00am – Memorial Service
BELGIAN GARDENS WAR CEMETERY:
7.30am – Memorial Service
BLACK RIVER:
5.00AM – Community Gathering - Black River Beach Residents Association Inc. (Gates open at 4.30am) – service commences at 5.45am followed by Gunfire Breakfast (gold coin donation)
CARLYLE GARDENS:
10.00am – Service at Cenotaph for residents and their families – to be seated by 9.45am.
GIRU
5.30am – Brolga Park Cenotaph
9.30am – Parade from Police Station to Cenotaph
MAGNETIC ISLAND:
4.00am – Sealink Ferry service from Townsville to Magnetic Island
5.10am – Parade forms up at the Magnetic Island RSL, 31 Hayles Avenue
5.20am – Parade steps off.
5.30am – Dawn Service at Alma Bay Memorial
ROLLINGSTONE:
5.40am – Dawn Service – The Esplanade, Balgal Beach
9.30am – Form up for the Parade – The Esplanade, Balgal Beach
9.45am – The Parade steps off.
MATER HOSPITAL:
8.00am – Service at Hospital War Memorial
PALM ISLAND
9.30am – Palm Island Parade, Police Station
ROLLINGSTONE:
5.40am – Dawn Service – The Esplanade, Balgal Beach
9.30am – Form up for the Parade – The Esplanade, Balgal Beach
9.45am – The Parade steps off.
THURINGOWA:
5.40am – Dawn Service, Thuringowa Cenotaph
10.00am – Thuringowa Parade form up, Willows car park
10.35am – Thuringowa Parade, Willows to Thuringowa Cenotaph. 11.00am – Morning Service, Thuringowa Cenotaph
TOWNSVILLE:
5.30am – Dawn Service (form up 5.20am), Anzac Park, The Strand.
6.20am – Gun Fire Breakfast, Townsville RSL
8.30am – City Parade form up, Strand Park
9.00am – City Parade from Strand Park to Anzac Park
TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL:
5.50am – Service at Hospital War Memorial – Federation Gardens
WOODSTOCK:
10.00am – Woodstock Memorial Service, Woodstock Church.
