Narrabri Shire to host Anzac Day services and ceremonies on Monday

Anzac Day will be commemorated across Narrabri Shire towns and villages on Monday in ceremonies that attract a growing number of people each year.

Anzac Day nowadays has a new dimension, as the ranks of the returned servicemen and women, thinned over time, have their places in the marches and services attended by their families and community members.

In Narrabri, the national day of commemoration starts with the 5am dawn service at Narrabri West War Memorial. The dawn service at the Narrabri War Memorial in the RSL grounds will begin at 6am.

It is anticipated that Narrabri will see a large attendance at the two dawn services and the main ceremony at the RSL memorial at 11am.

Last year saw a strong turnout at commemorations after pandemic restrictions impacted services in 2020.

The 11am service will be preceded by the traditional street march which will be joined by organisations ranging from schools to emergency services, the pony club to service clubs. Community involvement in the march and service is a trend that has strengthened in recent years.

With COVID restrictions now nearly non-existent, towns and villages throughout Narrabri Shire will be able to return to normal Anzac commemorations.

In Narrabri, where the largest shire commemorations take place, the lack of restrictions means people will not have to check in as they did at last year’s dawn services and late morning civic observance.

“It will be good to have an Anzac Day without COVID restrictions,” Narrabri RSL Sub-branch president Gary Mason OAM said.

“The sub-branch is looking forward to seeing a large crowd at the Narrabri West dawn service.”

Mr Mason said the RSL Sub-branch was particularly looking forward to having ex-service personnel attend the organisation’s Anzac Day luncheon.

Mr Mason and sub-branch volunteers have been busy selling Anzac Day merchandise in Narrabri leading up to the commemorations.

Badges will be available to purchase on Anzac Day.

With a mild Anzac Day forecast on Monday, Mr Mason assured attendees there will be plenty of liquids available.

“We are looking forward to a full march,” Mr Mason said.

Ceremonies across the shire will be held as follows:

Narrabri West: War memorial, 5am dawn service.

Narrabri: RSL Sub-Branch, 6am dawn service and 11am service. Breakfast to follow the 6am service at the Narrabri RSL. Marchers to assemble in Anzac Avenue in Barwan Street at 10.10am, march to commence at 10.30am.

Wee Waa: Assemble at Wee Waa Newsagency at 5.45am for dawn service at memorial clock at 6am. Breakfast at the bowling club afterwards. Assemble at 10.30am on George Street, adjacent to medical centre, service will commence at 11am at the memorial clock.

Pilliga: Assemble at 10.45am, march commencing at 11am from the police station. Morning service at Cenotaph. Followed by light refreshments at the Community Centre and activities at the centre from 2pm.

Gwabegar: Assemble at 5:45am at Gwabegar Post Office, 6am march to Anzac Park.

Burren Junction: Assemble outside Burren Junction Public School on Alma Street at 12.45pm for march to war memorial and for service. Light lunch following the service.

Maules Creek: 11am service in the memorial grounds. Community gathering at the hall following the service. Bring your own food and drinks. Barbecue facilities will be available.

Rowena: Assemble by 1.45pm for 2pm service at Rowena Public School.

Baan Baa: 5.30am dawn service.

Boggabri: The Anzac march will assemble at 8.20am at the Boggabri Post Office to march to the Cenotaph at 8.30am with a service to follow.

Bellata: Assembly at the public school 10.15am, 10.30am march from the school to Bellata Memorial Hall for 10.45am wreath-laying and 11am service.