Toowoomba Region war memorials, like thousands more across the country, will be the centre of community Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald is encouraging residents to join any of the services across the Region to honour the lives of the fallen and the selfless service of all past and present military and civilian personnel.
"Anzac Day is an important time to pause and pay respects to all servicemen and women," Mayor McDonald said.
Commemorative services in Toowoomba this weekend are a solemn prelude to Anzac Day services.
Mayor McDonald will lay a wreath on behalf of the citizens of Toowoomba at a commemoration service at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance Wall of Memory on Sunday, April 21. The service starts at 8am.
In the afternoon, Mayor McDonald will lay a wreath at the Solemn Service of Remembrance at the Cross of Sacrifice, Memorial Wall, Toowoomba War Cemetery at the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery. This service starts at 3pm.
Mayor McDonald said while services honoured the ill-fated Gallipoli landing and subsequent campaign in Turkey (Turkiye) in World War I, the date had become a broader national memorial day.
"These services are an important occasion for the city and Region to formally remember and reflect on the sacrifice of past generations of servicemen and women from this area," he said.
"Apart from honouring their selfless deeds, we must remember there is a new generation of men and women who recently have been involved in conflicts in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other military engagements.
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Australian-led deployment of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). Australia contributed more than 5000 personnel to the 22-nation regional force. We also mark the start of almost 14 years of Australian Defence Force deployment to East Timor (now Timor Leste)
"Australian personnel also remain on duty in peace-keeping and other operations around the world. We also thank the Navy personnel who are serving on the HMAS Toowoomba (II).
"Councillors will attend Anzac Day services around the Region along with Australian Defence Force representatives, RSL and veterans' association members, community groups and the public as a mark of respect for all civilian supporters and military personnel.
"This is in addition to many school and other community services. While the ranks of veterans might thin each year, attendances at Anzac Day services ensure current generations never forget the sacrifices of our forebears."
Mayor McDonald said Council was pleased that Cambooya's commemorations would proceed around the restored Anzac memorial, pictured below, at Cambooya Memorial Park.
For a list of regional Anzac Day services, including road closure details, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/anzacday
