Bunbury commemorates Anzac Day

Anzac Day will be commemorated at local RSL halls and war memorials across the Greater Bunbury Region on Monday, all WA residents able to commemorate Anzac Day in person for the first time since the pandemic began.

Services in 2020 were cancelled, prompting heartwarming driveway commemorations across Australia, while the Perth and Peel regions were plunged into a three-day lockdown at 12.01am April 24 in 2021.

This year, the State Government’s easing of Level 2 restrictions from March 31 means Anzac Day services can be attended in person by everyone in WA, although there will be some limits.

Despite the easing of Level 2 restrictions on March 31, Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi said the Bunbury services will remain ticketed events.

Attendance will be capped at 3000 people for each service, and Mr Gelmi asked attendees to follow COVID-safe protocols, even if it is not mandated.

“I advise people to wear masks for their own safety,” he said.

“And please observe the 2m rule as much as is possible.”

The Bunbury RSL Hall opens at 4.30am for tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits, ahead of the dawn service.

Attendees will assemble at the front of the RSL hall and march to the War Memorial in ANZAC Park on Stirling Street for the memorial service at 6am.

The March the War Memorial for Bunbury’s Morning Service will begin at 10.30am, the service will starting at 11am.

Wheelchair accessible parking is available at the Blair Street Carpark behind the RSL Hall.

A Dawn Service will be held at the Dardanup War Memorial at 6am, then a morning service at 9am, following a parade that starts at the Dardanup Tavern. Morning tea is available after the 9am service.

The Brunswick Morning Service will be held at 7.30 am, the March heading from the Ambulance Hall to the War Memorial for the wreath-laying ceremony and flag raising. A service will then be held in the Brunswick Town Hall followed by a sausage sizzle.

A 6am dawn service will be held at the Peppermint Grove Beach Foreshore, at the end of Peppermint Grove Road. The event, and the parking at the Peppermint Grove Beach Community Centre, are wheelchair accessible.

A morning service will be held in Capel, the attendees to gather at 10.30am from the Post Office on Forrest Road, and the march will head to the Capel RSL hall and cenotaph at 10.45am where a commemoration service will be held at 11am, followed by refreshments.