ANZAC Day Parade and Commemorative Services for 2023

The Ceremonial Committee of Cowra RSL sub-Branch have finalised the ANZAC Day preparations for 2023. On behalf of the President and Members of the Cowra RSL sub-Branch and the Mayor and Councillors of the Cowra Shire, we welcome all Service members, Ex-Service members, visitors and the people of Cowra to participate in Commemorating ANZAC Day this year.

There are five Commemorative Services in Cowra on ANZAC Day with the first one being the Dawn Service. The Service starts at 0550 hrs (5:50 am), with Veterans, Ex-Service Personnel and cur-rent Serving men and women forming up in Bartlett Street and then march down to the Cenotaph in Brisbane Street. The Dawn Service will commence at 0600 hrs (6:30 am) and will be hosted by Ms. Lesley Marshall, Cowra RSL sub-Branch President.

Following the service breakfast will be served at the Railway Hotel from 0630 hrs (6:30 am) for Members, members family, Veterans, Ex and Serving Personnel and Guests. The breakfast will cost $20.00 per person. To get to and from the Railway Hotel a bus has been donated by Cowra Bus Service to the RSL sub-Branch. The first trip will be at the end of the Dawn Service and will return to the Cenotaph. RSL members must advise the Secretary by COB Thursday 20th if they intend to have breakfast.

War Cemetery: 09:30 hrs (9.30am) a short service will be held at the Cowra Australian War Cemetery and will be hosted by Mr Tony Mooney, OAM member of Cowra RSL sub-Branch.

Morning Service: Parade Formation and Community Wreath Laying. At 10:20 hrs (10.20 am) in front of the Cenotaph, participants under the command of Parade Commander Vic Capare, are to form up, in the pre-determined “Order of March”. Please respect the requests from the Parade marshal’s if you are asked to move or shunt your contingent to the back or front, if required.

Our Guard of Honour this year is Alamein Company of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, under the command of Captain Grant Winks and Sergeant Nicholas Ryan-Collins. We have hosted Alamein Company for many years now and we look forward to hosting them again. The Flag Party, consisting of Flags, Banners and Pennants respective of those marching, will be provided by Cadets from 200 Australian Army Cadets, South West Slopes, 2 platoon Cowra, under the command of Lt (AAC) Matt Swains.

A taxi has been provided by Lachlan Radio Cabs free of charge to convey disabled veterans in the march. Please speak to the driver if you require this assistance and the taxi also has wheelchair access. The Wreath Laying Service will commence when the Parade is assembled and when concluded, the march to River Park will take place.

Every man, woman and child will commemorate those who served and still serve in our Army, Navy, and Airforce in their own way. There will be many who will join the ranks at the Cowra Dawn Service in front of the Cenotaph and those who live in the smaller villages and communities will commemorate at their local Memorial. But wherever your services are held we are all their for the same reason.

River Park Service will commence at 11:00 hrs (11.00 am) and this year the President of Cowra RSL Sub-Branch, Ms Lesley Marshall will be the MC for the Service. Officiating at the Service will be Auxiliary Lieutenant Jodie McInnes from the Salvation Army who is the Padre for Cowra RSL sub-Branch. Guest Speakers will be Captain Alastair Cooper, Royal Australian Navy and Staff Cadet Angus Garraway from Alamein Company, Royal Military College, Duntroon. Mrs. Lisa Flanagan will provide the vocal lead for the singing of hymns and the School Captains from St. Raphael’s and Cowra High Schools will participate by reading from the Order of Service.

Railway Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 hrs (12.30pm) with a wreath laying service conducted at the Railway Memorial situated at the Rail Heritage site. All Service and Ex-service personnel who are participating in any of the ANZAC Day services are reminded to wear Full Size Medals & Decorations; Miniature Medals should not be worn. PLEASE NOTE: The Cowra RSL sub-Branch will not be providing a luncheon, however meals can be purchased from the Cowra Services Club Bistro.

• Topics:
• Anzac Day