Diggers prepare for Anzac Day

THE PEOPLE of Kiama are invited to remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and servicewomen at the Municipality"s Anzac Day commemorations in the coming week.

Gerringong Returned Services League Sub-Branch will hold its Anzac Day service at Gerringong Town Hall on Sunday from 11.30am.

The Royal Australian Navy will provide a Catafalque Guard.

Gilmore MP Joanna Gash, Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy and local clergy will attend the service.

Warrant Officer Mark Phillips, of the 4th Battalion of the NSW ARA Regiment, will give the address.

Gerringong Primary School student Christie Arthur will read the Prayer for Peace while Grace Stovin-Bradford will recite a Prayer to the Nation.

The service will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

On Anzac Day, Wednesday, April 25, a dawn service will be held at the Hindmarsh Park Memorial Arch from 5.45am. This will be followed by breakfast at Kiama Leagues Club for $5.

The Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch march will leave the Old Council Chambers in Manning St at 10.30am and head down Terralong St to reach the Memorial Arch.

All persons who served in the Australian Defence Forces for six months or more and relatives of deceased or frail veterans are welcome to march.

Accompanying the marchers will be the Warilla Salvation Army Band and an RAN Catafalque Party from HMAS Nowra.

A wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial arch will follow at 10.45am, with an address by new Kiama-Jamberoo Sub-Branch president Lieutenant Colonel Dave Munro.

Diggers recently returned from overseas conflicts will be special guests at the services.

From noon a flag raising ceremony will be held at Kiama Bowling Club involving the RAN honour guard.

There will be no Jamberoo Anzac Day service due to the revamp of Jamberoo School of Arts.

Anyone interested in taking part in the wreath laying ceremony at the Terralong St Memorial Arch should contact Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch secretary-treasurer Gordon Grellman on 4237 7200.

There will also be a "dawn service" at Gerroa Boat Fisherman"s Club from 7am.

There will be a free breakfast for current and ex-servicemen and their partners. A $5 charge applies to others.