A full program of Anzac Day services will return to the Hunter region this year after two years of commemorative events were disrupted by COVID-19.
City of Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch President, Ken Fayle, said veteran organisations and committees across the Hunter were pleased to host unrestricted events again.
“As restrictions have been lifted, we’re all looking forward to having a full range of programs, from the dawn services to the services that start from 10 am and onwards,” Fayle said.
“I think I can speak for all RSLs when I say that when COVID-19 stopped everything, it was gut-wrenching for all of us.
“Last year, many smaller RSLs tried to host something, but the whole range of events that we normally do was still disrupted.”
Minister for Transport and Veterans, David Elliott, said Anzac Day 2022 would be a moving and significant occasion for many veterans who had previously missed out on marching or attending a reunion.
“This year not only marks the first year since the Australian Defence Force’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, but it’s also the first time since 2019 that veterans will be able to reconnect with mates to attend their annual reunions free of restrictions,” Elliott said.
Fayle said the range of ages that attend services was a testament to the region’s support of the national commemorative holiday.
“Anzac Day is not just to acknowledge and commemorate the fallen and those who have served, but it is also an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to our country,” he said.
“We live in a strong democracy, and the strength of the democracy is born out of the strength of the people who defended us, especially in World War II.”
Following the recent conflict in Ukraine, Fayle said Anzac Day was a timely reminder of the peace and freedoms we currently enjoy.
“I often say to people that peace comes at a cost, and that cost is all too often paid with the lives of our defenders,” he said.
“The people who are defending you so that you can live in peace often pay the ultimate price.”
Fayle added that the peace and freedom Australians had experienced would not be possible without a viable defence force and the volunteers who sustain it.
As a veteran who served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, Fayle was required to enlist after his birthday was drawn in the birthday ballot system.
He said he was all too familiar with the consequences of conscription and valued the courage displayed by volunteers in the Australian armed forces.
“Our armed forces are made up of volunteers, and we must always be mindful and thankful for that,” he said.
To attend services on Monday, Fayle encouraged Newcastle residents to take advantage of the increased public transport options available.
Newcastle Transport will run additional bus, ferry and light rail services from 3:30 am on Anzac Day to help people travel to and from services at Nobbys Beach and other commemorative events.
A free Park and Ride bus service will also run from McDonald Jones Stadium to Queens Wharf, with services operating on a continuous loop from 3:30 am to 12 pm.
Light rail services will run every 7.5 minutes and ferry services will operate every 20 minutes from 3:30 am.
There will be additional services on bus routes 11, 13, 14 and 23 from 3:20 am.
Public transport will be free for all veterans, families and individuals attending Anzac Day events across the Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra areas.
Dawn services, main services and marches will be proceeding at the below times and locations:
Pre- Anzac Day Services
Friday, April 22
Sunset Memorial Walk Service
5 pm to 6 pm
Encompassing Strzelecki Lookout and car park, Shepherds Hill, and Memorial Drive
Road closures at Memorial Drive and connecting streets will be in place for the service.
Sunday, April 24
Candlelight Vigil
5 pm to 6 pm
Memorial Grove, Civic Park
Laman Street adjacent to Civic Park will be closed for the service.
Dawn Services – Monday, April 25
Camp Shortland/Nobbys Beach
5 am to 6 am
Road closures will be in place during the service.
This service will be broadcast by NBN.
City of Newcastle will run a free Park and Ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, commencing at 3.30 am. Additional public transport services will also commence at 3.30 am.
Stockton March
5.30 am
Club Stockton to Cenotaph, along Clyde and Mitchell Streets
Stockton
Approximately 5.45 am (following the conclusion of march) to shortly after 6 am
Cenotaph at the intersection of Mitchell and Hereford Streets
Hamilton
6 am
Gregson Park War Memorial, corner of Tudor and Steel Streets, Hamilton
Merewether
6.30 am
Mitchell Park Memorial Gates, Mitchell Street
Adamstown
8.30 am
World War I Memorial, 282 Brunker Road, Adamstown
Stockton March
8.30 am
Marching along Mitchell Street from Hunter Street to Cenotaph
Stockton
At approximately 8.45 am (following the conclusion of march)
Cenotaph at the intersection of Mitchell and Hereford Streets
Newcastle City March led by Afghan veterans
9 am to 10 am (step off at 9.15 am)
Marching along King Street between Perkins and Auckland
Road closures are in place during the march, along with Hunter, Perkins and Brown Streets from 6 am
Newcastle United Commemoration Service
10 am to 11 am, with a flyover at 10 am sharp
Civic Park
Free Park and Ride from McDonald Jones Stadium and additional public transport services running as noted above
Additional events
Fort Scratchley Open Day
12 pm to 4 pm (gun firing at 1 pm and 3 pm)
Pipe Band Display
12 pm to 4 pm
Queens Wharf Hotel, 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
Maia O’Connor