After two devastating floods and two years of Covid restrictions, Lismore RSL sub-branch secretary Wilson McClelland is getting ready to commemorate Anzac Day in a way that’s as close to normal as he can get.

Anzac Day is the solemn day of remembrance of those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country, and is marked annually on the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.

As Anzac Day approaches on Monday April 25, Wilson sees the commemoration as an opportunity for our community members to have an hour or two, to focus on something other than the loss and impact of the biggest flood in Lismore’s recorded history.

“The Committee has decided to proceed with normal Anzac Day commemorations, but we are aware that the recent devastation suffered by our community will still be at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts,” Wilson said.

“Anzac Day is time for us all to show respect for another section of our community who have also sacrificed so much. We are all in this together.”

For Wilson and other local wartime veterans, the connection, camaraderie and resilience shown by the local community now, is something they understand.

Veterans

Along with so many others in Lismore’s February 28 flood, 17 local RSL sub-branch members also lost everything they owned.

“My wife Di has been helping them apply for small amounts of funding to get back on their feet again,” he said.

“This is all about community pulling together to help each other build a safer future.

“One of the things we are looking forward to this year is the breakfast after the march.

“It will be held at the Lismore City Bowling Club and this is an extremely generous offer in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods had on their small club.”

Covid

While the flood has pushed thoughts of the COVID-19 pandemic into the back ground, Wilson said Covid precautions are still important.

“The health and safety of veterans and ex-service persons, current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and NSW communities is a priority for RSL NSW,” he said.

“If you do not feel well, please do not attend, and see your local doctor or have testing done.”

Fundraising - buy a badge

Wilson said fundraising is the principal method of income for the sub-Branch and there will be ANZAC badges on sale from Wednesday 20th April - at Woolworths Goonellabah and Central, Spar Wyrallah Road, Workers Sports Club Goonellabah.

“Whilst badge selling is important to us, we fully realise the trauma and financial hardships suffered by the community will influence many in their ability to support us and we as a sub branch fully understand that,” Wilson said.

ANZAC day timetables for Lismore and surrounds

Lismore

4.50 AM assemble at the Old Post Office Corner for the march to the Lismore Cenotaph.

5:00 AM Dawn Service at the Lismore Cenotaph followed by breakfast at the Lismore City Bowling Club for Veterans, families, and community members.

8.30 AM Form up at Browns Creek Car Park for the main march along Molesworth Street

9:00 AM ANZAC Day Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph. 

All Veterans within the area are welcome to join the March and Service.  

Nimbin

05:30 AM Dawn Service - Nimbin District Great War Memorial, corner of Cullen Street and Sibley Street.

10:40 AM Parade participants to assemble Nimbin Hospital Carpark on Cullen Street

10.50 AM Main March to Nimbin Memorial.

10:10 AM Commemorative Service.

Kyogle

05:30 AM Dawn Service - Kyogle Cenotaph, Memorial Park, 161 Summerland Way.

09:15 AM Parade participants to assemble for March, Geneva Street (opposite Exchange Hotel).

09:30 AM March through the centre of Kyogle to the Cenotaph.

10:00 AM Service and wreath laying at the Cenotaph.

Clunes

09:00 AM Commemorative Service - Clunes Park.