ANZAC Commemorations are well under way for the local RSL Sub-Branch. Two years of hard work will be unveiled when the 100 year centenary of ANZAC is to be commemorated in the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest area this year.

A huge amount of work has been done behind the scenes with a combined effort from the RSL Sub-Branch, Lions, Lionesses, Rotary, and Red Cross all chipping in to make this a most appropriate commemoration.

Researching the history of the 30 known local men who served during WW1 was a task overseen by Leslie Turner and Margaret Munwright who were instrumental in the production of a commemorative booklet “We Will Remember Them”.

The booklet will be available for purchase for $5 from the Tea Gardens Library during the ANZAC Commemorative Exhibition which will be open to visitors from Monday 13 April until 8 May with the official opening taking place on 24 April.

In attendance at the official opening from 11 am will be Federal Member Bob Baldwin.

RSL Sub-Branch Events Coordinator Norm Webber stressed at a meeting on 7 April that, “This is a commemoration as we do not celebrate war in any form.”

Norm said, “Thanks to all the community groups who acted with a ‘give, give’ nature towards the planned events.”

The Commemoration includes an ANZAC Centenary Bowls Competition at Tea Gardens Country Club on Thursday 16 April and the ANZAC Centenary Golf Competition at Hawks Nest Golf Club on Thursday 25 April.

The culmination of 2 years work begins on Friday 24 April with the unveiling of the Centennial Commemorative Plaque from 11am at ANZAC Memorial Park.

6am Saturday sees the traditional Dawn Service at ANZAC Memorial Park followed by the ANZAC Day March and Service from 10am.

The March will start at the Corner of Ogden St and Marine Parade moving along Marine Parade to ANZAC Memorial Park for the Commemorative Service.

The Service will include a register for descendants of the 30 known district men who served as well as a sand tray where 31 Remembrance Crosses will be placed recognising the sacrifice of those men as well as ‘The Unknown Soldier’.

The Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch invites all people to attend and join in the Commemoration of the Centenary of ANZAC to ponder the sacrifices of those who served their country and gave their lives so that we all may live in a free and peaceful society.

‘Lest We Forget’