Strong Community Turnout for ANZAC Day March & Memorial Service

On Friday 25 April, the Returned & Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) Lakemba Sub-Branch of The Lakemba Club held its annual ANZAC Day March and Memorial Service at the Lakemba War Memorial.

This year’s event drew a strong crowd of around 300 people from the local community and featured a notable presence from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, reinforcing the strong bond between the Club and the local area. “We were fortunate to enjoy clear weather, and greatly appreciated the strong presence of the Bulldogs, represented by their senior pathway’s teams and staff,” said Chris Taylor, Venue Manager at The Lakemba Club.

ANZAC Day is a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifice, courage and mateship of the men and women who served and continue to serve our country. Chris Taylor further emphasised “We honoured the fallen and acknowledged the service of all who have served and continue to serve. We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended and paid their respects, and to the community leaders who contributed to the service.”

Leading this year’s march was the 22/29 Army Cadet Unit from Holsworthy, under the leadership of Captain Lyndelle Fleming. The cadets also proudly fulfilled the role of the catafalque party, standing with discipline and reverence at the Lakemba War Memorial.

A key part of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths, a moving tribute to fallen service members. Wreaths were placed by a wide cross-section of community leaders and organisations, including Peter Winchester, President of Canterbury League Club; Ann Garland OAM, President of Lakemba RSL Sub-Branch; Noel Whipp, Committee Member of Lakemba Services Social Club; and Christopher Taylor, Venue Manager of The Lakemba Club. Representing the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were Football Operations Manager Lauren Milner and First Grade player Blake Wilson, who together laid a wreath on behalf of the Club.

Other wreath layers included The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury; Karl Saleh OAM, Deputy Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown; Inspector David Williamson from Campsie Police Area Command; as well as students and staff from Holy Spirit Catholic College and St Therese’s Catholic Primary School. Representatives from Embassy Church, Punchbowl, and the wider faith community also took part in this important tradition.

The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP gave a heartfelt reading of the poem In Flanders Fields, while Peter Evangelidis, a student from Holy Spirit Catholic College, delivered the poem Mates. He then assisted Ann Garland OAM in reciting The Ode of Remembrance, a deeply moving conclusion to the official proceedings.

The service was a powerful display of unity, reflection, and shared respect. “We are proud to see the continuing strength of our community ties and the support shown on this important day,” said Chris Taylor. “We remain committed to deepening community engagement and encouraging the involvement of young veterans in future commemorations.”