Parkes residents and visitors are invited to remember those who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations this Anzac Day on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The day across the shire will be marked with dawn services in Parkes, Peak Hill and Bogan Gate, and will be followed by marches, wreath laying, and commemorative services in Parkes, Trundle, Tullamore and Peak Hill.
NSW Police is also reminding any community planning to commemorate Anzac Day to do so in a COVID-safe way.
Police have been working with NSW Health, Returned Services League (RSL) NSW and councils across the state to facilitate events in line with current Public Health Orders, including marches and dawn services.
While events will be on a smaller scale due to COVID-19 restrictions, a highly visible and mobile police operation will be in place to ensure COVID-safe Anzac Day commemorations across the state.
"Anzac Day is an opportunity to remember all Australians who have served and particularly those who have given their lives for our country," Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM said.
"It is also a chance to commemorate the Anzac spirit, which encompasses the qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice. These qualities form a strong part of the Australian identity and continue to be a source of national pride."
This year the principal address will be made by special guest Air Vice Marshall Leigh Gordon AO, CSM, a former Parkes man who completed his schooling at Parkes High School.
He'll be visiting his former high school and speaking to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 on Friday.
"We encourage residents and visitors to attend any of the community commemorative activities across the Parkes Shire, including dawn services, Anzac marches, civic ceremonies and wreath laying," Parkes RSL Sub-Branch secretary Paul Thomas said.
"Those who are unable to attend can participate by standing at the end of your driveway on Sunday and observe a minute's silence."
Adding to this year's Anzac Day celebrations is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
READ MORE ABOUT ANZAC DAY 2021 IN PARKES: Parkes RSL Sub Branch announces big program for Anzac Day
ANZAC DAY 2021
Parkes
- Dawn Service - 5:30am at Memorial Hill.
- Breakfast bistro - 6:30am at Parkes Services Club.
- Church service - 7am at Holy Family Catholic Church.
- Church service - 7:30am at Parkes Anglican Church.
- Anzac Day march - 8:15am outside Parkes Services Club.
- Commemorative service - 9am at Cooke Park.
- Wreath laying pilgrimage - 10:45am at Parkes Cemetery War Graves.
- Anzac Day luncheon - 12pm at Parkes Services Club.
- Sound retreat - 5pm at Cooke Park.
- The Ode - 6pm at Parkes Services Club.
Tullamore
- Commemorative service - 11am at Memorial Park.
Trundle
- March 'fall-in '- 10:30am at Central School.
- Commemorative service - 11am at Memorial Hall.
Peak Hill
- Dawn service - 5am at AIF Hall.
- March 'fall-in' - 10.30am.
- Commemorative service - 11am Services and Citizens Club.
Bogan Gate
- Dawn service and Commemoration of Names - 6am at Memorial Park.
- Following the service, a free breakfast will be served at Memorial Hall.
