Scroll to the bottom for a list of services and marches across the Illawarra on Anzac Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of Anzac Day services and marches in 2020, Bill Dean is hopeful a "real good crowd" will turn out this year.
"It was very disappointing last year," Mr Dean, 89, and a former RAAF warrant officer said.
"My Dad Harold was in World War II, he served in New Guinea.
"He came home but he wasn't the same, and Anzac Day every year is me reflecting on him."
The Albion Park RSL Sub-Branch will conduct a COVID-Safe ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the memorial in the car park of the Albion Park RSL club.
The Dawn Service begins at 4.30am, with a small march within the car park starting at 4.25am.
I have read about Anzacs and how they had no food or water for three days, and I'm not too proud to shed a tear on Anzac Day.
- Bill Dean
All members of the community, veterans and Sub-Branch members are welcome to attend.
Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day, April 25, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Commemorative services are held across the nation at dawn, while later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches.
Albion Park RSL Sub-Branch life member Mr Dean, a veteran of the Malayan Emergency, said Anzac Day was a "very sad day in (the) respect that the Diggers lost their lives so that we Australians can live a normal life".
"I have read about Anzacs and how they had no food or water for three days, and I'm not too proud to shed a tear on Anzac Day," the Albion Park Rail resident said.
Bob Minns, Albion Park RSL Sub-Branch honourary secretary said after last year's cancellations, the Sub-Branch was determined to have a COVID-Safe service this year.
Although he didn't expect to draw such attendance numbers this year, Mr Minns told the Mercury in the past the Sub-Branch's Dawn Service had attracted up to 1500 people.
"We wanted it outside, and we've gone through about five different plannings to get to here," he said of the service.
"We're going to have our march in the carpark.
"It's a good-sized carpark, so everyone can get the feeling again of what Anzac Day is.
"Anzac Day to me is all about service, it's all about what those in our past have given.
"Last year, people were standing on their driveways or on their balcony, and that was a success.
"But we want them now to come to a service and be part of what we provide for the community."
After the service, a limit of 500 members of the community will be able to visit the RSL Club for breakfast.
The breakfast will be provided free of charge by the Sub-Branch, the RSL Memorial Club and the community.
A list of Anzac Day events ...
Illawarra residents not attending events are being encouraged to mark Anzac Day with a moment of reflection at 6am in their own driveways, lawn, balcony or living room.
Meanwhile, official events include:
Wollongong: Service at City Diggers for sub-branch members and invited guests only. March starts at 10am in Crown Street Mall facing Kembla Street and disperses in MacCabe Park.
Wollongong: Vietnam Veterans Association - Illawarra Sub-Branch will host their ANZAC Eve Service on Saturday, April 24 at 4pm. The service will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Endeavour Drive, Wollongong Harbour. All are welcome, subject to COVID-19 rules in place at the time.
Austinmer and Thirroul: Combined service at Club Thirroul, ticketed, at 6am.
Corrimal: Assemble outside Corrimal RSL at 5.30am for march. Service in Anzac Grove at 6am, 7am breakfast (tickets available at club).
Towradgi: Service at Towradgi Park Bowls & Recreation Club at 8am, followed by breakfast.
Woonona: Service at 7am at Woonona Bulli RSL, limited to 300 people. Members of the public are asked to email or phone the sub-branch to check if spare seats are available. Assemble in Church St Mall for 10am march.
Helensburgh: Service at 5.45am in Charles Harper Memorial Park, brekkie roll at Helensburgh Hotel.
Coledale: March at 5.50am from Coledale RSL, 6am service. Limited seating.
Windang: Service at Club Windang at 7am.
Shellharbour: Service at Shellharbour City Memorial, Harrison Park from 7.40am to 8.40am. As a result of limited capacity due to COVID-19 regulations, residents are encouraged to watch the service via a livestream on council's Facebook page.
Albion Park: March at 4.25am outside Albion Park RSL, 4.30am service, 5am breakfast.
Warilla: Small wreath laying service in Caroline Chisholm Park at 6am. March at 9.45am at Warilla Bowls, 10am service at the cenotaph.
Kiama: Dawn service starts at 5am at Blowhole Point. Marchers are asked to assemble by 10am in front of council chambers in Manning Street for 10.30am start. Main service in Hindmarsh Park about 10.45am.
Jamberoo: March planned for Saturday, April 24, at 10.30am. The march will commence at 10.30am from Reid Park and proceed east along Allowrie Street to the Memorial at the front of the Jamberoo School of Arts building. The March and Service are expected to take about one hour.
Gerringong: The Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch will conduct its traditional Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Headland Memorial, adjacent to the Gerringong Cemetery, on the corner of Tasman and Belinda Street, starting 6am.
Have we missed any Anzac Day services in the region you know about? Do you have an Anzac Day story you would like to tell us about? Email cos@illawarramercury.com.au
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.