Collie’s Anzac Day commemorative services received a major boost in crowd numbers compared to recent years, according to the Collie-Cardiff RSL.
Tuesday, April 25 saw the Collie-Cardiff RSL host the Dawn Service at 6am.
The 11am commemorative service included speeches by Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray and Shire of Collie deputy president Glyn Yates along with presentations from school students and Pastor David Carr addressing the crowd.
Collie-Cardiff RSL president Gary Benton said around 1000 people attended each service, making for a boost over previous years.
“I suspect we had a bit over 1000 for the dawn service and probably the same during the day, that’s a fair way up on the last few years.
“We’re pretty pleased with that, it’s good to see the town still supports the idea of Anzac. Maybe 25 per cent, more people, it was a big increase from what I could see.”
The RSL’s march through town featured RSL members, Collie Police, Police Rangers, primary and Collie Senior High School groups and Collie Scout Group walking down Forrest and Steere streets before heading into Soldiers’ Park.
Collie-Cardiff RSL vice president Grahame Old said community groups participated enthusiastically in the day’s events.
“I think it’s great for the kids, we try to get the kids at the front so they can be part of the whole deal,” he said.
Mr Murray said it was pleasing to see large crowds turn out to commemorate the Anzac spirit.
“It was just great to see the people come out and honour those people, not only those that have been killed in action but also the people that served on our behalf, so it’s a special day,” he said.
The Collie-Cardiff RSL also hosted a gunfire breakfast in the morning and two-up throughout the afternoon at the Throssell and Lefroy Street headquarters.
