Published on Wednesday, 17 March 2021 at 8:42:12 AM
Community members will be able to pay their respects to the fallen on ANZAC Day with the Geraldton City RSL announcing that a public dawn service will go ahead.
Originally a private service was to be held due to COVID event restrictions, however Geraldton City RSL have reached a solution and the dawn service will take place at Wonthella Oval.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was the best outcome given the community’s sentiment towards the service.
“ANZAC Day in Geraldton is a much loved and well-attended event in our community and we know how important it is for people to be able to pay their respects,” he said.
“There has been a huge outpour of community support for a service to be held and we thank the RSL for listening to the community sentiment and reaching a positive outcome.
“I urge our community to get behind the RSL and show respect for the event and attend.”
The City facilitates the event on behalf of the Geraldton City RSL, and have provided significant support through money and logistics in the past.
This year will be no different, and the City are now in communications with the RSL about the format for the service at the new location.
Geraldton City RSL President Barry Stinson said it was a brilliant outcome.
“It has always been RSL’s ambition to give the people of Geraldton an ANZAC Day service like we have in the past,” he said.
“It seemed impossible to be able to cater for the masses we usually get but it’s great that we now have a solution and we hope the community will get on board.
“Despite it being at a different location, I do believe we will still feel the same atmosphere as if it was held at Birdwood House.”
The dawn service will take place at Wonthella Oval on Eighth Street at 6am. A main service will not take place this year.
The dawn service will include all the usual elements including a Veteran’s March and wreath laying element.
Community members are reminded to follow direction from all event marshals and respect COVID-related restrictions.
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