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Commemorating Anzac Day and Centenary of the Battles on the Western Front
Michael Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin, said the Deakin community will pause on Anzac Day to honour the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women who served in defence of our country.
Mr Sukkar said Anzac Day is one of the most important dates in our calendar.
“On Anzac Day, I encourage Australians to take a moment and reflect on the brave men and women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts and on peacekeeping operations,” Mr Sukkar said.
“I encourage everyone in Deakin to attend a service on Anzac Day or take time to pause, reflect and remember those who have served and those who have given their lives for our country.
“We are forever grateful to the men and women, past and present, who have served in our Army, Navy and Air Force.
“This year also marks the centenary of the Battle of Bullecourt in France, the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Battle of Beersheeva, as well as the 75th anniversaries of the Fall of Singapore, the Bombing of Darwin and the Kokoda campaign — they are all important events from our history that this nation will never forget.
Mr Sukkar said any current or former Australian Defence Force personnel who was affected by Anzac Day should contact the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, which provides free and confidential counselling 24/7 on 1800 011 046.
Details of local Anzac Day services
RINGWOOD
Sunday, 23th April
9:30am ANZAC Sunday March, assemble at corner of New / Seymour Streets (Target Square). March to the Memorial Clock Tower on Maroondah Highway.
10:30am ANZAC Sunday Memorial Service, Memorial Clock Tower on Maroondah Highway. Service followed by refreshments at Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch Club Rooms (16 Station Street).
Thursday, 20th April
1:00pm Maroondah Schools ANZAC Service, Ringwood Lake Sound Shell.
Tuesday, 25th April
5:30am Dawn Service, Memorial Clock Tower on Maroondah Highway. Service followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch Club Rooms (16 Station Street).
BLACKBURN
Sunday, 23rd April
2:20pm ANZAC Commemorative March, assemble outside IGA Blackburn (66 South Parade). March to the War Memorial in Morton Park (Central Road), followed by wreath-laying ceremony.
3:00pm ANZAC Commemorative Service, Blackburn RSL Sub-Branch Club Rooms (2 Diggers Way) with guest speaker. Service followed by afternoon tea.
Tuesday, 25th April
5:45am Dawn Service, War Memorial in Morton Park (Central Road). Service followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Blackburn RSL Sub-Branch Club Rooms (2 Diggers Way).
Mitcham
Tuesday, 25th April
5:50am Dawn Service, War Memorial in Halliday Park (Mitcham Road). Service followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Mitcham Bowling Club (306 Mitcham Road).
Croydon
Sunday, 23rd April
2:15pm ANZAC Sunday March, assemble at corner of Hewish Road/Croydon Main Street. March to James Stevens Memorial Lawn in Civic Square.
2:45pm ANZAC Sunday Memorial Service, James Stevens Memorial Lawn in Civic Square. Service followed by afternoon tea at Croydon RSL Sub-Branch Club Rooms (1 Civic Square).
Tuesday, 25th April
5:45am Dawn Service, War Memorial in Anzac Square (Kent Avenue/Croydon Road). Service followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Croydon RSL Sub-Branch Club Rooms (1 Civic Square).
Australians are invited to share how they mark Anzac Day on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnzacCentenary, or on twitter.com/DVAAUS with #AnzacDay.
Further information about Anzac Day and the Anzac Centenary can be found on the Anzac Centenary website at anzaccentenary.gov.au and at anzacportal.gov.au.
Support for Veterans
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) — 1800 011 046
VVCS can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling.
If you would like to connect to VVCS while overseas please call +61 8 8241 4546 (please note that standard international call costs will apply).
Department of Veterans’ Affairs At-Ease mental health web portal —
Media contact: Joshua Bonney 03 9874 1711