Harvey and Waroona Shires prepare to commemorate Anzac Day with services across region

It is a day in which we honour those who have served in the Australian defence forces and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives on the battlefield. On April 25, residents across the South West and Peel regions will pause to reflect for the 108th Anzac Day. For many living in Waroona, this year’s services will be extra-poignant. This Anzac Day marks the first since the Waroona-Hamel RSL closed its doors in October after 103 years of service to the community. With the local sub-branch gone, the Shire of Waroona will deliver the commemorations for the first time. Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said the council was happy to take on responsibility for the service. “We are well supported with this year’s service by the Lions Club, Waroona Bowling Club and the Waroona Agricultural Society,” he said. “It is still a community event and it makes it special that other groups have chipped in to make sure the community still has an Anzac Day event.” The dawn service will take place at 6.15am at the Waroona War Memorial, followed by a free gunfire breakfast at the Memorial Hall. At 10.45am, there will be a parade from the Memorial Hall to the War Memorial before a morning service takes place from 11am. There will be a number of speakers at the service, with local veteran Barry Austin to read the Ode of Remembrance. South Western Highway will be partially closed from 10am to 12.30pm for the commemorations. Down the road, a 40-minute dawn service will be held at Harvey War Memorial from 6am. Major Laurie Fraser (retd.) will deliver the main address, followed by a gunfire breakfast. Those wanting to take part in the march later in the morning are advised to be there by 10am for formation, before stepping off at 10.15am. The morning service follows at 10.30am, with Colonel Michael Page (retd.) will deliver the keynote address. This year marks 70 years since the Korean War armistice and 50 years since Australia ended its involvement in the Vietnam War. RSL WA said this year’s services were the first full commemorations of Anzac Day in the State since 2019. Services are planned in seven towns across the Harvey and Waroona Shires. Full list of Anzac Day services Harvey – Harvey War Memorial, Corner of Uduc and Young Streets 6.00am: Dawn Service, followed by Gunfire breakfast 10.15am: Anzac Day March begins 10.30am: Morning Service Waroona – Waroona War Memorial, Corner of South Western Highway and Parnell Street 6.15am: Dawn Service, followed by Gunfire breakfast 10.45am: Veterans Parade begins (at Waroona Memorial Hall) 11.00am: Morning Service Brunswick Junction – Brunswick War Memorial, Ommaney Road 7.30am: Anzac Day March, followed by the Anzac Day Service and Sausage Sizzle Preston Beach - Preston Beach Community Centre, Panorama Drive 11.00am: Anzac Day Service, followed by lunch Binningup – Binningup Country Club, Lakes Parade 6.00am: Dawn Service Yarloop – Yarloop War Memorial, Railway Parade 5.45am: March and Dawn Service Lake Clifton – Lake Clifton Community Hall, Tuart Grove Avenue 10.00am: Anzac Day Service, followed by Morning Tea