Anzac Day is a day the nation remember Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
This year, to mark the centenary of the landing of Gallipoli, Tewantin Noosa RSL has organised a once-in-a-lifetime Gallipoli landing tribute on Noosa Main Beach.
Anzac Day traditionally begins with the Dawn Service, a reminder of the dawn landing on Gallipoli in 1915.
This year the Noosa Dawn Service commences at 4.30am on Noosa Main Beach in front of the Noosa Surf Club.
A few additions have been included into the Dawn Service this year to mark the significance of the centenary.
There will be a slide show on the big screen; a theatrical performance underscoring the spirit of Anzac and performances from the Noosa Chorale and Mic Travers and an appearance by the New Zealand Veterans Band. Tewantin Noosa RSL president Steve Drake OAM said it was important to mark such a significant occasion with something special for Noosa.
“We know this year’s Dawn Service will be both touching and memorable and are humbled by the support and involvement from throughout the community,” Mr Drake said.
“We wanted to ensure the day was special for those who have served and their families while also sharing the stories with the broader community.”
Playwright and Noosa councillor Frank Wilkie, who wrote the script for the performance, said the aim was to highlight the popular myths and personal sacrifices of the Gallipoli campaign.
“It’s difficult to research this topic and not be deeply moved, like many of their allies were at the time, that these men would volunteer for such a hellish task,” Cr Wilkie said.
“It’s important we honour them, not by glorifying war, but by what is hoped to be an honest testament to their courage and dedication to their mates.”
The Anzac Day Parade is another tradition that stirs the heart and the Tewantin parade will start at 9am with a route from Sidoni Street to the Cenotaph in Memorial Avenue.
The parade this year will include the New Zealand Veterans Band to underscore the meaning of the “NZ” in Anzac as well as the Tewantin State School Band and the Noosa District Pipe Band.
As an additional highlight this year there will be riders from the Australian Light Horse Brigade included in the parade. The parade is followed by a morning service at the Cenotaph with the traditional service and a warbird flyover.
The day wouldn’t be complete without a game of Two Up which was played extensively by Australia’s soldiers during World War I.
Two Up will be held at the Tewantin Noosa RSL from 10am to 2pm.
There are several other aspects of the day being hosted for sub-branch members and their families including a cemetery service at Tewantin Cemetery with courtesy buses leaving Noosa Main Beach at the conclusion of the Dawn Service; a breakfast in The Bistro at Tewantin Noosa RSL; and a ticketed luncheon at Tewantin Noosa RSL for current and past servicemen and women and their families.
Inquiries and ticket bookings for these aspects of the day can be made with the Tewantin Noosa RSL sub-branch office on 5447 1981 or armnavair@westnet.com.au.
While organised by the Tewantin Noosa RSL sub-branch, the 2015 Noosa Anzac Day is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, Tewantin Noosa RSL and Citizen’s Memorial Club, Noosa Coast Guard, Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, Kennards Hire, Noosa Sea Scouts, SES and Noosa Council.
