The Coast gets set to remember

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Last year’s service at Toukley

November 5, 2023

With thousands of Coasties expected to attend Remembrance Day services on Saturday, November 11, Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub-branch President Bob Dokter says it is time to clear-up some misconceptions around just who qualifies as a veteran.

Held on November 11 every year, Remembrance Day acknowledges those who have died while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Most people think veterans are those defence force personnel who have served in the two world wars, while others use the term to identify people over a certain age,” Dokerty said.

“The Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Act 2019 cites a veteran as ‘a person who has served, or is serving, as a member of the Permanent Forces or as a member of the Reserves’.

“This change was brought about due to the varying nature of day-to-day operations that the Australian Defence Force now undertakes and has undertaken.

“As Remembrance Day approaches and we acknowledge those who have gone before us, we should also acknowledge those veterans who have served or are still serving our country.”

  • The Sub-branch will hold a Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday, November 11, at 10.45am at the Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club (Doylo).

Wreath laying by members of the public is welcome.

A previous Remembrance Day service at The Entrance
  • At Toukley, the Remembrance Day Service will commence at 10.45am at the Cenotaph in Main Rd.

Master of ceremonies will by Toukley RSL President Ian Collier and participants will include 236 Army Cadets, the Warnervale Public School Choir and Toukley RSL Pipes and Drums.

  • At Davistown RSL, there will be an 11am service at the Remembrance Wall.
  • At Ourimbah RSL, a service will be held at 10.45am in the bowling green in the club grounds.

Students from Lisarow High and Ourimbah Public schools will attend, along with Erina Air Cadets with Rev Hilary Wong offering the prayer.

Other Remembrance Day services on November 11 will be held at:

  • 10.30am in Gosford Memorial Park;
  • 10.50am at both Terrigal Beach and the Breakers Club;
  • 10.40am in the grounds of Club Wyong;
  • 11am at Memorial Park, The Entrance;
  • 11am at Memorial Park, Woy Woy; and
  • 11am on the Copacabana waterfront.