2024
Mildura RSL guest speaker Rear Admiral Brett Wolski
ANZAC Day 2024
Thousands of men, women and children braved the early-morning chill to attend Mildura’s Anzac Day dawn service, silhouetted only by a full moon overhead and the spotlights shining on the hundreds of names at the Mildura Cenotaph of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in times of war.
Many of those who attended the brief yet moving service were to return just hours later for the daylight formalities, when young and old proudly wearing service medals made their way along Deakin Avenue to the applause of hundreds lining the street to remind them that their dedication to country was not in vain.
Guest speaker Rear Admiral Brett Wolski said the big turnout at the Anzac Day service was strong recognition of service in Mildura.
“The Mildura district was developed through significant soldier settlement schemes after both world wars,” Rear Admiral Wolski said.
“Many here today are in Mildura because their parents, their grandparents or great-grandparents took part in those soldier settlement schemes.
“All around Australia today, millions of people will gather in services such as this one to honour great men and women and a great tradition.
“We gather, as always, not to glorify war, but to remind ourselves that we value who we are and the freedoms we possess and to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who contributed so much to shaping the identity of our nation and to thank those that have served and continue to serve.”
Lest we forget.
2023
Mildura RSL guest speaker Major Robert Bailey
ANZAC Day 2023
Thousands gathered along Deakin Avenue and in Henderson Park on Anzac Day to honour those who served. The weather couldn’t have been better for the march and commemoration service.
Attendees stood in solidarity and listened to a moving speech from guest speaker Major Robert Bailey, before a minute’s silence and observing the placing of the wreaths by veterans and dignitaries.
2022
Mildura RSL committee member Scott Richards with his wife Rhianna and daughter, Layla
ANZAC Day 2022
ANZAC Day returned to normal this year with big crowds turning out for the Dawn Services and Marches across the nation. A large number of people, estimated to be around 5000, attended the Dawn Service in Henderson Park and an equally large crowd also gathered to watch the March down Deakin Avenue to the cenotaph in the park where the Commemorative Service was held at 11.30am.
2021
Bronwyn Low with uncle, James Keppler
ANZAC Day 2021
With strict COVID-19 compliance and crowds limited to 5000 for the Anzac Day March and Service, the Mildura RSL still saw thousands of people attended considering the event was cancelled the previous year.
It was an excellent turn out and to see everyone back in high spirits to pay their respects.
2020
Bill Burrell (Image 1)
100-year-old veteran, Mr Bill Burrell was a POW on the Burma Railway during WWII. Bill has seen alot over the last century, but he’s never seen an ANZAC Day quite like this.
ANZAC Day 2020 didn’t look like the Anzac Day that so many of us were used to participating in, there was a Dawn Service at the Mildura RSL memorial foyer, wreaths were laid, the last post was played, a minute of silence in memory of the fallen was observed, but the service community and the public were asked to stay at home.
This did not mean that ANZAC Day was cancelled. It just meant that ANZAC Day this year was different.
While you couldn’t go to the Dawn Service, the RSL asked all Australians to #STANDTO as the Last Post was played during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service walk outside, stand in your yard, driveway, or on your balcony and observe a minute of silence in respect of our veterans.
Together, the Australian community amplified their commitment to the ANZAC spirit. Lest We Forget.
2019
Mildura RSL commemorated ANZAC Day with dawn vigils and services which were attended by thousands.
A large crowd in particular gathered at Henderson Park memorial for the RSL tribute to those who have lost their lives in service of their country.
The annual ANZAC Day march down Deakin Avenue was well attended, as was the service at Nichols Point Cemetery War Graves.
The Henderson Park memorial was made even more special with the presence of former Mildura Local and now high-ranking Australia Army officer, Colonel Mitchell Kent, who acted as guest speaker.
Col. Kent was accompanied by another former local in Major
Robert “Scott” Bailey
2018
Mildura residents attended both the dawn service and the traditional march down Deakin Avenue to the Henderson Park Cenotaph in big numbers.
In accordance with tradition, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph following speeches, including that of special guest speaker Wing Commander Scott Woodland, Commanding Officer No.2 Operational Conversion Unit, Fighter Training from Williamtown RAAF, who flew an FA18 Hornet from the NSW base to Mildura on Tuesday afternoon.
For the first time St Josephs College students participated in a Commemorative Service held at the War Graves at Nichols Point. The students stood behind each of the 57 headstones of the servicemen who lost their lives in training during WWII, laying a small posy.
Wing Commander Woodland and Williamtown RAAF base technician Leading Aircraftman Randall Costello also officiated at the War Graves ceremony.
