2024 ANZAC Day commemorations

Maningrida

Maningrida’s ANZAC Day service was well-attended by 50-60 Community members on Thursday, 25 April.
Killa, Rani and Deb had a 4:30am start setting up the barbecue and for the ceremony itself.
Mayor James Woods took the lead with Jo Killmister for the morning’s ceremony.
At the close of the ceremony, everyone had bacon and egg sandwiches and Dama Stride supplied ANZAC biscuits to have with their cuppa.

Warruwi

On Thursday, 25 April, Warruwi honoured our service men and women with a dawn service in front of the WARC office (Beachfront). 
Veterans marched into the venue and throughout the service there was a 2 minute silence, Acknowledgement of Country and an acknowledgement of service to all service men and women.
There was also the playing of a hymn, reading of an ANZAC Day poem, commemorative address, wreath laying and the veterans were dismissed to conclude the service.
Thank you to our staff members and veterans Lance Corporal, Misman Kris and Sergeant, Ida Waianga. 
The service was followed by a bacon and egg breakfast. While attendance was lower, it was still a beautiful morning in Warruwi.

Minjilang

The ANZAC Day Ceremony in Minjilang was well-received by the Community with a great turnout and lots of comradery following the service.
Councillor Henry Guwiyul opened the ceremony and welcomed the Community. Students from Mamaruni School read a poem and placed poppies and an amazing handmade wreath. 
Acting Council Services Manager Rick Withers conducted the formal address of the ceremony as an active Naval Officer whilst our local WARC ex-service woman Lee Kirschner presented ’The Ode.’  
We were also fortunate enough to have one of our local NORFORCE service members attend the ceremony in uniform.
Once the ceremony was complete, we had a community barbecue breakfast with bacon and egg rolls and lots of fruit. 
Then with some great tunes in the background, we had a big game of cricket.
We had fantastic feedback from everyone and considering the staff circumstances, the team really pulled together to produce a great event.
I want to thank Lee, Shane, Kenny, Charles and Clint from WARC, Kenny and Louise from ALPA, Brian and Nancy from Garngi Rangers, and the staff and students from Mamaruni School for all of their assistance and support.

Gunbalanya

Council linked in with SCFC Adjumarllarl in hosting the Gunbalanya dawn service, barbecue and watching the traditional ANZAC football match between Collingwood and Essendon on the inflatable screen.
The service was held at the front of Adjumarllarl Store and Adjumarllarl Recreation Hall, and around 40-60 Community members came together as one to honour those who lost 
their lives at Gallipoli.
As not many turned up for dawn service, the barbecue was held later on at Adjumarllarl Rec Centre.
Ralph McCoy (SCFC) was given the honour of raising the flag and Amanda Roberts-McCoy had the honour of laying the ANZAC wreath.
It was a warm heart felt moment, when a member of the Community 
laid a native plant beneath the flag post.

Jabiru

On Thursday 25 April, Jabiru held a Dawn Service followed by a march to the lake for a barbecue breakfast prior to a RAAF flyover.
A volunteer group was established and thanks to the following people for the input prior to the day, as well as on the day:  Deputy Mayor Liz Williams was MC for the Dawn Service. Jabiru thanks Reverend Rodrigo from St Peters Catholic Church Jabiru for giving a prayer reading and Lance Corporal Ortega from NORFORCE delivered a guest speaker address. Numerous local businesses and organisations participated in laying wreaths. The Ode was read by Ameilia Nagawalli, an Army Cadet of Unit 72 Arnhem Land Army Cadets.
The Dawn Service had over 200 people in attendance. There was representation from residents, contractors, management from ERA, current and ex-service personnel (from both Australia and New Zealand Armed Forces), even an ex-serviceman from Sydney.
There was less attendance at the barbecue after the dawn service, but still over 100 people.
The RAAF flyover was at 0835 over the lake, with the jet doing a loop around. This excited the entire Jabiru Community who heard or saw it.
Special thanks to Ashleigh, Heidi, volunteers, Porridge, John, Deputy Mayor Liz Williams, Flag Bearers Gwynn, Lajane, Karen, Charlotte (local Fire Station), Unit 72 Arnhem Land Army Cadets, Jabiru Fire Station and Volunteers, Jabiru Supermarket, NORFORCE, Greg from Sodexo.