Workshops for Sub BranchesEmu Park
Emu Park Sub Branch will hold its AGM on Sunday 19th February 2012 at the Sub Branch at 1 Emu Street, Emu Park.
For more infrmation please contact the Sub Branch on 4939 6785.
The Emu Park RSL Sub Branch is located in a beautiful spot on the Emu Park coastline. We overlook the ocean from the beachfront deck and enjoy some of the most spectacular sunrises anywhere in the world. The full moonrise is also worth seeing each month for a few days when the moon rises shortly before and after sunset. Every year hundreds of people on ANZAC DAY arrive very early for the sombre Dawn Service and the the ensuing sunrise which appropriately reflects the essence of the first landing on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
New members who meet the relevant criteria are always very welcome to join the Sub Branch and Club membership is also available. As an initiative any recently discharged service member is offered free membership for the first year. Appropriate forms may be obtained from the the Secretary or from the RSL Hall when open.
On our website you will find information for the public and branch members. There are also stories and photos from events throughout the year. The events calendar will keep you up to date with everything happening in our branch.
ANZAC DAY AT EMU PARK 2011
The commemoration of ANZAC Day at EMU Park was once again a very successful day of remembrance.
Proceedings commenced at 0500 hours with the Dawn Service held outside the Emu Park RSL Memorial Hall on the beach front. A large number attended to pay tribute to the original ANZACS who fought and died at Gallipoli. Sub-Branch President, Barry Vains, in his address, spoke of the ANZAC fighting spirit which was forged on the beaches and slopes of Gallipoli and how this spirit has permeated to all Australia’s fighting forces since. He gave examples such as the fighting spirit displayed by Australian forces at Tobruk, Kokoda, Kapyong, Long Tan, and Fire Support Base Coral.
Prayer was offered by Padre Bill Power who is a veteran of the Malayan Emergency and a Sub-Branch member. The poem, “In Flanders Field” was read by Yeppoon State High School Year 12 student, Keegan McLay. Dr. Bill Lang, a well known member of the Emu Park community, told the story of Sapper Wakefield who is named on the Emu Park Cenotaph and was killed in action during World War 1. The Ode was recited by Korean veteran and Sub-Branch member, Neville Wust and was followed by the playing of the Last Post by bugler, Charlie Glass, a moments silence and then the playing of Rouse.
At 0900 hrs, veterans and ex and current servicemen and women marched through the streets of Emu Park to the RSL Memorial Hall. For those who could not march, transport was provided in a number of restored World War 2 jeeps and a Dodge truck. The two Light Horse troopers looked splendid on their horses and in their Light Horse uniform. Other organisations such as students from the Emu Park State School, Emergency Services, Emu Park RSL Women’s Auxiliary, and others were represented in the street march.
Emcee Col Singer then commenced the Main Service outside the Memorial Hall. The RSL President, Barry Vains welcomed everyone and Padre Lieutenant Matthew Moore from the Salvation Army lead the gathering in prayer. Hymns and the National Anthem were sung during the service and were led by the Keppel Choir and accompanied by the Keppel Band. The ANZAC Day address was given by Colonel Mark Flanagan CSC who spoke of the courage of the Original ANZACS and the reason for the commemoration of ANZAC Day which was to remember all those Australians who have lost their lives in war and all those who have since passed on. Lament was played by the Lone Piper and Emcee; Col Singer recited the Resolution of Loyalty. The Ode was recited by Emu Park State School Captain, Cameron McMurtrie, and was followed by the playing of the Last Post by bugler, Ken Diefenbach, a moment’s silence, and then the playing of Rouse.
Then in a solemn ceremony, wreaths were laid on behalf of the Sub-Branch, RSL District, all the armed services, and community groups. The service ended with Padre Matthew Moore giving a prayer of benediction and RSL President inviting everyone to the ANZAC Day traditional entertainment from 1300hours.
The RSL President, Barry Vains said that he was amazed by the number of people in attendance. Many were young people, who later turned up in the afternoon to also participate in the traditional ANZAC Day activities, particularly the two-up. All those who attended appeared to have a good time and their behaviour was commendable. He thanked them for their support, generosity, and good behaviour.
Mr. Vains emphasised that the Sub-Branch welcomed the increased number of young Australians who choose to attend the ANZAC Day service and pay their respect to our war dead and he was confident that these people would ensure that the meaning and purpose of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day is never forgotten in this country, and future Australians will never forget what these brave young men and women did.
Contact Details
- Postal
- PO BOX 11, Emu Park Qld 4710
- Phone
- (07) 4939 6785
- emupkrls@bigpond.net.au
