Lest We Forget
Here’s what’s happening across the Illawarra on ANZAC Day 2023.
And how we can say thank you to those that laid down their lives for us and those who came back with scars in their soul, memories on their minds and hope in their heart.
ATTEND A SERVICE
Local RSL Branches and Sub-branches will be hosting commemorative events right across the Illawarra.
Head here for a list of marches and services.
One of the most attended events is the Wollongong ANZAC Day Dawn Service which will be held at the Cenotaph at the north-east corner of MacCabe Park. It starts at 5.00 with organisers asking everyone to be in place by 4.50am. It’s quite a moment being there as the sun rises from the ocean…..goosebumps.
The Wollongong ANZAC Day March is also one of the larger events in the Illawarra. The march will commence at 10am in Crown Street Mall and finish at the Cenotaph in MacCabe Park. Spectators are absolutely encouraged to line the route and show their support.
There will be a special service at Shellharbour City Memorial with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society honouring our servicemen and women with a flyover during the service which starts at 7:30am.
There are road closures in place across the three councils of Wollongong, Kiama and Shellharbour before and during the marches. Your local council website is the best place to go for updated info on which roads are being closed locally and when.
LAY A WREATH
You can lay your own wreath at your local village or town war memorial before or after scheduled services.
Get in touch with a local florist – here’s a list – and ask them to create something special for you.
And you can pick some rosemary from the herb garden and pin it to your chest for the day too.
TOAST OUR DIGGERS
Head to a local pub or club to toast our incredible diggers – quite a few of them are getting into the spirits with running two-up.
The Towradgi Beach Hotel hosts arguably the biggest two-up sesh in the Illawarra in a special arena – it’s loud and fun and kicks off at 12pm.
There’s plenty of other pubs, clubs and bars hosting two-up, live music and more. Head here for a list of ANZAC Day events.
And all our local RSL clubs will be hosting a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner events as well as providing a spot for us to gather and just be with our friends and family.
COOK A BATCH OF ANZAC BISCUITS
The hardy [and delicious!] ANZAC Biscuit was used to feed our soldiers because they didn’t spoil easily, didn’t go mouldy and lasted the weeks of food transportation required to get them to the frontline.
Bake your own ANZAC Biscuits with this recipe thanks to our sister website, The Fold Southern Highlands shared.
This ANZAC Day let’s reflect, remember and thank our returned servicemen and the ones who didn’t make it home in our own special Illawarra way.
