The anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I will be commemorated on Anzac Day, April 25. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, known as the Anzacs, left a legacy of pride that endures to this day.
Residents across the Cairns region are preparing to honour the fallen and those still serving. Here is the complete list of services and parades scheduled for this weekend.
Babinda
Dawn Service
4am: Parade assembles at RSL Memorial Hall. 4.15am: Parade falls in and community assembles at ANZAC Park, Munro Street. 4.20am: Commemorative March to Anzac Park (Cenotaph) followed by service and wreath laying.
Morning Parade and Commemorative Service
9.45am: Parade participants assemble at RSL Memorial Hall, School Street. 10am: Commemorative March along Munro Street and onto Anzac Park (Cenotaph) followed by service and wreath laying.
Road closures will be in place from 9.30am to 10.30am at School Street (from Church Street to Munro Street) and Munro Street (from Knowles Street to Mill Street).
Cairns City
Dawn Service
5.25am: Live-streamed from Council’s YouTube. 5.30am: The Dawn Service commences at the Cenotaph on the Cairns Esplanade. Officer Commanding of the 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment Major Catherine McDermid and HMAS Cairns Commanding Officer Commander Andrew Thorpe will represent the Australian Army and Navy respectively, with Major McDermid delivering the official address.
Services March
7.30am: The Parade commences at Fogarty Park, heading to the Esplanade past the RSL. Road closures will be in place from 2.30am to 12.00pm on Cairns Esplanade (from Spence Street to Minnie Street). The section between Spence Street and Aplin Street will reopen at 8.30am.
Edge Hill
Dawn Service
4am: Start arriving at the Martyn Street Cemetery. 4.20am: Assemble at the Australian War Graves site. 4.25am: Service commences at the War Graves section. No road closures are in place.
Edmonton
Dawn Parade
5am: Assemble at the Cenotaph at Fuller Park. 5.30am: Bugler sounds the long “G” for service to commence. 6.30am: Parade assembles at Fuller Park Cenotaph, march proceeds on Wolff Street, east on Cattle Street, south on the Service Road to the Fuller Sport Club Parking lot. 7.30am to 8am: March concludes. Road closures from 5am to 8am at Wolff Street (Fuller Park to Cattle Street), Cattle Street to Bruce Highway (Service Road), and Service Road (part closure).
Gordonvale
Dawn Parade
3.30am: Gunfire breakfast at Gordonvale RSL Annex. 4am: Parade assembles on Gordon Street. 4.15am: Dawn Service begins at Norman Park cenotaph followed by service and wreath laying. 6am: Breakfast for guests, service, ex-service, and RSL members at Norman Park.
Commemorative Service
9am: Parade assembles at Gordonvale State Primary School on George Street. 9.30am: Commemorative March to Norman Park (cenotaph) followed by service and wreath laying. 10am: Commemorative Service with morning tea available. Road closures from 9am to 12pm at Gordon Street (Mills Street to Norman Street), Norman Street (Gordon Street to Cannon Street), Cannon Street (Norman Street to George Street), and George Street (Cannon Street to Sheppards Street).
Stratford
Commemorative Service
9.30am – 9.50am: Parade participants form up in Magazine Street. 9.54am: Cenotaph Guard is mounted and Spirit of Anzac is played. 9.55am: Street March steps off. 10am: Master of Ceremonies commences greeting. 10.05am: Commemorative service commences. Road closures from 8am to 11.15am at Magazine Street (Arnold Street to Rinks Close), Rinks Close (Stratford Parade to Magazine Street), no access to Arnold Street from Captain Cook Highway, and no access to Stratford Connection Road railway crossing.
Trinity Beach
Dawn Parade
5.30am: Commemoration service. 5.45am: Catafalque party takes post, service and wreath laying at Trinity Beach memorial. March past to conclude ceremony. Road closures from 5am to 8am at Vasey Esplanade (from Trinity Beach Road to Possum Street).
Yorkeys Knob
Commemorative Service
8.30am: Commemorative service at Yorkeys Knob Boating Club – Memorial Garden. Breakfast for guests, service, ex-service members in Boaties Bar & Grill Restaurant (bookings essential, www.ykbc.com.au). Free shuttle bus service available. No road closures.
