ANZAC DAY 2023
Dawn and Commemoration Service
The Spirit of ANZAC continues to live on at Cabra-Vale Ex Active Servicemen’s Club. Looking back in recent history, we can see the increase in recognition of the important day in our military history. In 2014 for example, the community laid 45 wreaths, in 2023 there were 92 wreaths laid. Attendance by the community in 2014 was 280 persons to now exceeding 1,400 in 2023.
Local public and secondary schools’ interest has also increased. In 2014, 9 schools attended to 19 schools attending in 2023. It is a testament to the community showing respect to our veterans and their families in our local district.
We would like to acknowledge the support from the New Zealand Consul General in Sydney Mr. Bill Dobbie who every year ensures that the New Zealand representatives are present at the Dawn Service. Their inclusion highlights the importance of the founding ANZAC spirit and ideals that we hold so dearly today.
The morning commenced with the parade from the Club to the Cabravale Memorial Park lead by Major Jonathan Broz 142 Signal Squadron and the Catafalque Guard followed by the flag bearers and the Blacktown City Pipe Band. It was a foggy start to the morning at 5.55am with over 750 people from all walks of life joining in the march.
At 6.00am, the Dawn Commemoration Service commenced. The President of Cabra-Vale Ex Active Serviceman’s Club Major Walter Robinson, OAM (Ret) was MC. The President organised and conducted the complex commemoration service with military precision and without any prior rehearsal. The wreath laying was delivered by Vice President Ronnie Moore. Other Club Directors participating in the service were Lindsay Sharp reciting the Ode, Shane Burette reading the Prologue as well as Directors Joe Farrugia & Chris Weeks assisting as Wreath Marshalls. Joe Farrugia also led the park meet and greet for the VIPs on the morning.
Over 1,000 community members returned to the Club for the ANZAC Breakfast. The club hosted the game of 2-Up in the morning which was well attended and enjoyed by the participants on a beautiful sunny day.
A special thanks to our management and staff who worked tirelessly in orchestrating the service, and a special mention the Cabra-Vale Diggers Ladies Auxiliary volunteers who were in the club from 4.30am assisting the patrons and then moving on to the breakfast support team.
The President Walter Robinson OAM and the Board of Directors would like to sincerely thank all of the club members and community who attended and supported this important commemoration service.