Totally and Permanently Disabled Ex-Service Persons Association Townsville Incorporated donate three new benches in ANZAC Park

Three uniquely designed benches have been installed in Townsville’s ANZAC Park, each a permanent fixture to commemorate the army, air force and navy.

Vice President Steven Walker Ken Onslow, Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, President Warren (Pop) Duscha and Darryl Nichols with the new benches installed at ANZAC Park in Townsville.

Three uniquely designed benches have been installed in Townsville’s ANZAC Park, each a permanent fixture to commemorate the army, air force and navy.

Donated by the Totally and Permanently Disabled Ex-Service Person Association Townsville Incorporated, the benches were made in South Australia and shipped to Townsville and are sure to get a lot of use at the upcoming Anzac Day Dawn Service on Friday.

Each chair represents one group of defence services and have symbols such as poppies and The Rising Sun badge.

President of the association Warren (Pop) Duscha said the benches were a ‘gift for the citizens of Townsville.” and would be of great benefit to older diggers at the upcoming Dawn Service and service in the future

New benches installed at ANZAC Park in Townsville.

“Usually in this area there’s all the blokes standing up and they getting into there 70s, 80s now … it’s a bit harder [to stand for long periods of time], this will help a lot,” he said.

The association, which has been in Townsville since 1951 and provides “support, comfort and camaraderie” to ex-servicemen and their families who suffer from permanent disabilities as a result of their service.

“We do anything to help men, women, widows … We look after their welfare until they go,” Mr Duscha said.

New benches installed at ANZAC Park in Townsville.

He said Anzac Day is a big day of camaraderie.

“We reflect on our mates that aren’t here anymore and later on we have a talk about it and then a few drinks,” he said.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the installation of the benches was another ‘great tribute” to Australia’s largest garrison city.

“I think it’s lovely for people to be able just to sit, perhaps it’s a place of solace for them,” she said.

“Also young families, for parents to explain the story to a young child who might be sitting on the chair. ANZAC Park has a very tender spot for most people in Townsville .”

Cr Greaney said with large crowds expected at the park early Friday morning, the chairs would be well used by those wanting to pay they respects and honour their fallen mates.

“The Dawn service is a very, very solemn occasion … It’s a really nice and fitting way for us to commemorate Anzac Day in Townsville.”

Originally published as Totally and Permanently Disabled Ex-Service Persons Association Townsville Incorporated donate three new benches in ANZAC Park