ANZAC Day commemorations on the Peninsula

The 1951-72 National Service Re-enactment Unit will be parading and mounting the catafalque party at the Ettalong Foreshore memorial on ANZAC Day Photo: John Baxter

With ANZAC Day fast approaching, community groups and local veteran associations have shored up their plans to help commemorate the day.

A main service will be held at the Empire Bay Cenotaph at Sorrento Rd on 11am.

The Empire Bay Progress Association said the Service will include a flag and wreath laying ceremony as well as several speeches and singing.

Children from Empire Bay Public School and the Coast Christian College are expected to join the Rural Fire Brigade in the march to the Cenotaph and wreath laying.

After the service a BBQ has been organised by the Fishing Club with all proceeds donated to the Vietnam Vets in Ettalong.

The service has been a tradition in Empire Bay for over 20 years.

From 10:45am, Sorrento Rd will be closed from the boat ramp entry to the intersection of Shelly Beach Rd and Kendall Rd.

The 1951-72 National Service Re-enactment Unit will be parading and mounting the catafalque party at both the Ettalong Foreshore memorial and the Empire Bay Cenotaph, with the unit including a colour party, rifle squad and World War One nurses.

Ettalong Diggers will host a Dawn Service in the Woy Woy Memorial Garden on Brick Wharf Rd at 5:30am after a short march from Woy Woy Railway Station at 5:15am.

A bus will leave Ettalong Diggers at 4:45am however this will hold limited seating.

A 6am breakfast will then be held at Ettalong Diggers for those who attend the Dawn Service.

The Vietnam Veterans will then hold a wreath laying service at the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial on the Ettalong Waterfront at 8am.

For the morning service, a bus will leave Ettalong Diggers at 9:15am with a march to commence at 10am to Woy Woy Memorial Garden.

The mid-morning service will begin at 10:30am before the club bus will return to the Diggers at 11:15am.

Ettalong Diggers will then host an Anzac luncheon from 11:45am which will feature a live show and a two-course meal.

Tickets are priced at $31-$33 for the general public, and $28 for returned Servicemen and Servicewomen and their partners – these can be purchased from the Club’s reception, or over the phone with sales closing at noon on April 18.

From 4:45am, Brisbane Water Dr will be closed from Blackwall Rd to The Boulevarde.

Brick Wharf Rd will also be closed until the carpark entry past Memorial Park.

From 9:45am, Blackwall Rd will be closed from the roundabout at Victoria Rd to Oval Ave.

Oval Ave, Chambers Ave and The Boulevard will be closed with no access.

Brick Wharf Rd will also be closed until the carpark entry past Memorial Park.

Maisy Rae