Thousands honour Anzacs at Dawn Service, Anzac Parade
Thousands have paid respect to the soldiers who gave their lives in the service of their country at the Dawn Service in Toowoomba. See all the photos here.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The main street of Toowoomba filled up with hundreds of onlookers as the annual Anzac Day parade made its way to Mothers’ Memorial in East Creek Park.
Leading the parade was contingent of war veterans, or their spouses wearing medals from wars fought in Malaysia, Korea and Vietnam.
Ralph Caldwell spent 12 years in the navy spending time in Malaysia, Russian and Chinese seas, “mostly during the Cold War”, he said.
In 1958 Mr Caldwell was honoured with the rare gift of a medal from the Malaysian government for his service.
“We’ve got to teach the young people about Anzac Day and the freedom that we have because those poor men that fought for our country in all wars” Jean Dellit said who was wearing her husband’s Korean War medals and driving in the jeep convoy.
The parade ended in Mother’s Memorial for the mid-morning service.
Edward Keller led the jeep convoy with his self-refurbished World War I Model T jeep.
Earlier at the Dawn Service, thousands of people gathered at the Mothers’ Memorial in Toowoomba to commemorate Anzac Day, a time to reflect on ancestors, friends, family, and neighbours who are in military service.
Rob Warrender, a New Zealand veteran who lives in Toowoomba, attended with his daughter, Willow, and said it was important to pay respects to those who “put on the uniform” and said “if you need me I’m ready to go”.
Mr Warrender served in the New Zealand Defence Force for 30 years and spent time as a peacekeeper in East Timor.
He said a special time for him was the 100th commemoration, where he went to Gallipoli and saw the “stark” conditions the Anzacs had face.
The proceeding began the country’s national day of remembrance which commemorates Australian and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
At the Anzac Service in Cotton Tree, a World War II bomber jacket kept the granddaughter of its original Toowoomba owner warm, after being returned to Australia from its own 78-year adventure after the war.
Andrea Roberts, found out about her father’s bomber jacket going on auction in the UK in March and bought it with her family, returning it to Australia.
“Felt Dad would be amazed at the jacket at the service and proud his granddaughter and great granddaughters march every year and wear his medals,” Ms Roberts said.
“Very sad to think of how many missions dad went on in that jacket.”
The jacket was tailored for Toowoomba-born gunner, Sydney Wilfred Cheetham (1921-1996), who completed 38 combat missions, or sorties, which totalled more than 330 hours flying Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers.
Mr Cheetham enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in November 1941, was sent to Canada on the MS Klipfontein in May 1942 and trained as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner, before joining the 58 Squadron (Coastal Command) in Stornoway, Scotland.
See the photos
‘Concerned, frustrated’: $1m final hurdle for major city sports project
The future of a $1m sporting project in Toowoomba is now at the mercy of a federal minister. Here’s why.
It’s time to talk about our lady garden
A young mum whose medical concerns were dismissed by her doctors for almost a year is imploring other women to advocate for their own reproductive health.
Queensland jerky royalty hit major milestone after devastating fire
Rising from the ashes, these homegrown humble graziers turned international meat moguls have celebrated a major milestone only one year on from a shocking factory fire.
Education and wholefoods key to reducing heart disease
A Darling Downs man who’s lived with heart disease for four decades left his GP shocked when tests revealed his heart was no longer enlarged.
Best-dressed tip their hat to fashion’s unsung heroes
Toowoomba Weetwood’s best dressed have revealed the secrets to their winning outfits after taking home prestigious crowns this weekend.
Toowoomba’s wildest dreams come alive at children’s festival
An exciting exploration into the imaginative world of drop bears and stunned mullets had Toowoomba’s youngest grinning from ear to ear.