Townsville will stop to pay tribute to fallen, former and current service personnel at Anzac Day ceremonies across our garrison city.
The traditional dawn service at ANZAC Park will start the day at 5:30am – Thuringowa’s commemorations begin at 5:40am at the Thuringowa Cenotaph at Riverway Parklands.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it is an important day for the community.
“Anzac Day is a key date on the calendar but it carries more meaning here in Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“We all think back to the soldiers who lost their lives on battlefields but the military is a part of our daily lives in Townsville.
“Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Base Townsville are an important part of the city.
“The Australian Defence Force helped keep our city safe by playing a key role in the evacuation process during the unprecedented monsoon.”
Cr Hill said the parade from Strand Park to ANZAC Park on The Strand begins at 9am.
“The parade is a wonderful event, it’s always great to see so many children lining The Strand,” Cr Hill said.
“This year’s parade will be led by The Black Hats from the Royal Australian Armoured Corps.
“Some of the veterans marching have served in conflicts ranging from Vietnam to Cambodia to Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Cr Hill said more than 30 schools will march in this year’s parade.
“We’ll have schools from across the city and Oonoonba State School will have the honour of leading the school groups,” Cr Hill said.
“The school was hit hard by the monsoon and it’s been a tough time for the students, parents and teachers.
“It will be great to see them coming down The Strand as the lead school.”
The Thuringowa parade will start at 9am at Weir State School – a morning Anzac Day service will be held at The Thuringowa Cenotaph at 9:30am.
