Expect record crowds at Anzac Day services

AFTER visiting schools and nursing homes last week to host early ceremonies, RSL Sub-branches are gearing up to host bumper crowds ahead of Anzac Day this Sunday as well as on the day itself next Thursday, April 25. Cumberland RSL Sub-branch has taken responsibility for commemorative activities across Lidcombe following the dissolution of Lidcombe RSL Sub-branch due to lack of members able to take on volunteer executive roles. Cumberland RSL Sub-branch president Matt Jones says this has resulted in some changes in 2024. “There are key activities being conducted along with smaller, yet equally as important, activities contributing towards Anzac remembrance,” he said. Cumberland RSL Sub-branch: • Anzac Vigil wreath laying on Tuesday, April 23, at the many smaller memorial locations such as the Clyde Railway Workshops War Memorial Wall and Garden, but also the many civic and church memorials. • Anzac-Kapyong Commemorative Service at Lidcombe Remembrance Park on Wednesday, April 24, at 10.30am followed by a light lunch at Dooley’s Lidcombe. • Auburn Anzac Dawn Service at Auburn Memorial Park on Thursday, April 25, at 6am followed by a breakfast at Granville Diggers Club. • Granville Anzac Dawn Service at Granville War Memorial Park on Thursday, April 25, at 6am followed by a breakfast at Granville Diggers Club. • Lidcombe Anzac Dawn Wreath Laying at Lidcombe Remembrance Park on Thursday, April 25, at 6.30am followed by breakfast at Granville Diggers Club. • Dooleys Regent Park wreath laying service on Thursday, April 25, at 1pm at the Anzac Memorial at Regent Street Pavilion held in partnership with Heartbeat Church. Merrylands RSL Sub-branch: • March from Merrylands RSL Club at 5.15am to Charles Mance Reserve for a full Dawn Service from 5.30am followed by a complimentary hot breakfast and Two-Up from 1-4pm. Guest speakers at the service – themed Local Legends – include Wendy Hudson, daughter of famous Merrylands digger Wilbert ‘Darky’ Hudson, who was awarded the Military Medal for shooting down a Japanese plane in the attack on Darwin, and Charles Mance’s grand-daughter, Eva, 8, who will speak about his heroism in WW2, with all invited to hear these special addresses.