Posted on April 25th, 2022

Expectations were high for the Dawn Service this year as this was the first event after 2 years of the COVID pandemic. The weather was foreboding leading up to the morning and we did indeed receive a light shower of rain for about 20 minutes during the service.

In the early hours of the morning before the sun came up, the bagpipes entered the park announcing the start of the Dawn Commemoration Service for 2022. A solemn hush fell over all in attendance in the Cabra-Vale Memorial Park . The Commemoration Service commenced at 6.00am after the march from the club lead by Major Edwin Chan, Australian Army. The 142 Signal Squadron from Holdsworthy Barracks presented the Catafalque Guard.

Dignities attending the service were club Patron Chris Hayes, Australian Army Chaplain Rev Maumau Monu, Warrant Officer Class One Dean Gebert, Warrant Officer Class Two David Joliffe from 142 Signal Squadron, Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone, Deputy Mayor Dai Le and the Hon Senator Kristina Keneally. The Club was honoured to have Major Paul King (NZL) represent the New Zealand government. It was also very pleasing to see so many local primary and secondary schools supporting the important commemoration service. It is so important to see young students proudly joining with the war veterans proving the ANZAC Legacy will continue.

Over 1100 people attended the Dawn Service with over 60 wreaths being laid.

At the conclusion of the service, the community who attended were invited into the club for a hot breakfast, following on with the traditional 2 up game being played in the Club’s Auditorium.
This year, The City of Campbelltown RSL Sub-Branch, after restrictions because of COVID 19, were able to conduct ANZAC DAY in Mawson Park in Campbelltown.

The Dawn service commencing at 0530 and was attended by approx. 5,000 people. The march commenced at 0830 with veterans accompanied by over 20 local schools and the local cadet units from NAVY ARMY and AIR FORCE marching along Queen Street to Mawson Park for our main service at 0900. It was inspiring to have over 3500 locals gathering to watch the parade. A little rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of those attending the services which were attended by many of our local elected dignitaries as well as high ranking serving ADF Members.