ANZAC DAY 25 April 2024
Thank you to the CHP RSL Sub-Branch, CHP RSL Members, local school students, families and special guests who gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day at Bert Crook Memorial.
Here we share our story . . .
On ANZAC Day each year, as a community we gather to remember those who have fallen, pay our respects to our ex-service men and women and show our pride for those who serve today.
In keeping with our communal [CMNL] ANZAC tradition, our service is proudly hosted by our local school students.
Our collaboration with CHPRSL Sub-Branch and local school students is greatly valued, as we continue to honour our commitment to preserving the ANZAC Legend, and to foster connections with our young community.
This year more than 700 attendees gathered for our ANZAC Day Dawn Service to commemorate our Veterans.
Amongst those that attended it was great to see representation by generations young and old.
On Anzac Day, and other important days of commemoration, we appreciate their endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship. These qualities, coupled with their sacrifices and stories became the ANZAC legend.
Services held across the nation today provide opportunities for everyone to honor the contributions and sacrifices our Veterans have made.
Welcome
Uncle Michael West began his ‘Welcome to Country’ by sharing memories from his childhood in the Canterbury area, and soke of the importance of treating one and other with love, dignity and respect. He described the rich history of this land and welcomed all to Bidjigal country on this day of remembrance.
Malcom Little OAM – President of Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club Sub-Branch welcomed local Sub-Branch members and their families, and paid respects to those who had passed this year.
Reverend James Harricks conducted the Ceremony of Remembrance, and spoke to the CMNL Ode by Kerry Chisholm, before leading a prayer and introducing the Hymn, God is Our Refuge and Strength, sung by students from Canterbury Public School.
ANZAC Day is a day for reflection.
A day where we commemorate and honour the contributions made by our veterans. As the Nation pauses to respect and remember not only those who have sacrificed their lives for our Country, we also need to honour the families whose lives had been changed forever by the loss of a loved one.
CHP RSL representatives, distinguished guests and local government Members, Sophie Cotsis MP, Claire Raffan MP, Clr Barbara Coorey, Jessie Nguyen, and on behalf of Anthony Albanese – Councilor Zoi Tsardulias, laid wreaths to pay our respects and gratitude. A moving experience for all who attended the Service.
The Australian and New Zealand National Anthems were performed by Christopher Lee and Rosita Vai, supported by The Canterbury Public School Choir. It was a proud moment when the kids gathered in front of the memorial, and to see their families in attendance at our service.
Local School Students Share Their Stories
Students from Canterbury Primary School, Bella Buckland and Starvos Tsardulias, shared important stories and perspectives from our younger generation.
Stories shared today contribute greatly to our Australian history and play an important part in ensuring all generations create connections, learn, understand, acknowledge stories which helped shape Australia.
“It is important that our traditions are shared and for them to be nurtured, which is why a tradition for us is that our local schools play a primary role in delivering the service to our community.” Dean Thomas, CEO Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club | CMNL
These partnerships and collaborations with our local schools will allow us to ensure their voices are heard and stories continue to be shared within the communities.
Together we will preserve the ANZAC Legend.
Lest We Forget.
Gunfire Breakfast
Following the service everyone came together inside the warmth of the Club, for the traditional swapping of stories and memories between veterans and families.
Musical act Paul Winn Duo also joined the day’s events, performing for those who attended our gunfire breakfast following the service in The Arena.
All funds raised on the day were donated to RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, Disaster Relief Australia and Swiss 8 in support of the heroes of our frontline of defence and their families.
In recognition of the late Ken McIntyre OAM, as well as those we have lost, a Table of Remembrance was set up in The Arena and Foyer area – a place of honour to remember all those men and women who fought for and with Australia. Each item on the table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. For we will always remember them.
Acknowledgment
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely say thank you to all those who participated at the Service plus all members of staff:
Speakers
Dean Thomas – CEO | Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club
Kacey Blakeney and Irie Beall – Marrickville High School
Belle Buckland and Stavros Tsardoulias – Canterbury Public School
Uncle Michael West – Welcome to Country
Malcom Little OAM – President | Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Sub-Branch
Reverend James Harricks
Performers
Matthew Doyle – didgeridoo
Canterbury Public School Choir
Rosita Vai – NZ National Anthem
Christopher Lee – AUS National Anthem
Wreath layers
Malcom Little OAM – President Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Sub-Branch
Malcom Tyler – President CHP RSL
Dean Thomas – CEO CHP RSL
Clr Zoi Tsardoulias – behalf of the Hon Anthony Albanese Prime Minister of Australia
Sophie Cotsis – MP Member for Canterbury
Clare Raffan – MP Member for Canterbury
Clr Barbara Coorey and Jessie Nguyen – representing Canterbury Bankstown Council
Inspector Glen Knox – Burwood Police
Jason Chang – Canterbury Hospital
Ernest Newbold – WWI and WWII Veterans
Michael Dinh – Korean and Vietnam Vets
Donna O’Shea – Veterans of Post Vietnam Conflicts
Shirley Saunders – CHP RSL Sub-Branch Auxiliary
Pat Wilcock and Kaye McIntyre – on behalf of CHP RSL Sub Clubs
Noa Suzor & Carmine Giardino – CHP RSL Club
Scarlett Dawson, Afsana Kazi, Luljeta Emerton and Jaya Reddy – On behalf of Canterbury Girls High School
Ortiz Tekoronga-Riggot and Rocco Arena – On behalf of Canterbury Boys High School
Behind the Scenes
Lighting design – Michael Burton Enterprises
Musical Engineering – Sweet Sounds
Photography – Daily Press Productions
Sydney’s Biggest 2UP School
Share your story
We invite you to post your ANZAC story here to share with our community!
It is important in our Australian history for all generations to create connections, to learn, understand, acknowledge, and share the stories about ANZAC Day, stories which helped shaped Australia, a chance for everyone to honour the contributions and sacrifices our Veterans have made.
As ANZAC Day is a special day for many Australians, we want to be able to take this occasion to invite you to share your personal stories and / or journey with us and your community.
Many families also have traditions on how they commemorate, whether is attending a dawn service, baking ANZAC cookies, or making paper poppies. In what manner do you and your family commemorate this special day?
We look forward to hearing your ANZAC stories!
