As most local residents would be aware, there are some changes in the way that the Bargara ANZAC Day Dawn Service will be conducted this year. These only apply to the way that the Parade forms up in front of the new memorial and the general location and Order of Service will be similar to previous years.
A Bit of Background
For the past 18 years the Parade has marched east in Bauer Street before entering the parkland near the Turtle Playground and forming up behind the Beaufort Bomber Memorial. The problem with this has been that the men and women that we gather to honour have been located at the most northern end of the Service with the attending crowd stretched southward away from them. As a result (and with no other option at the time) this also meant that the official party had their backs to the Diggers and many within the crowd could not see them under and around the trees in that area. Also, it meant that many within the parade could not get a good view of the fly-pass salute because of the canopy formed by the trees.
It was time for a change and we wanted to bring the Diggers into a central position where they could quite rightly be the focus of attention.
After consulting with various stakeholders groups I recommended the site of the new memorial to Council and received its unanimous support. With the strong support of former Member for Hinkler, Paul Neville MP and his successor Keith Pitt MP, the Council was successful in gaining nearly $45,000 through the Federal Government’s ‘Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program’ with the balance contributed by Council.
The New Format
5.00am – As in past years, the Parade will assemble at the corner of Bauer & Tanner Sts. (Lapel pins will be available for purchase at the assembly point for $5).
5.15am – The Parade will form up into ranks of four under the direction of Parade Marshall Max Francis and his Assistant Parade Marshall Errol Taylor. Please note that it is essential that marchers line up in four ranks. (Mates wishing to march together should occupy either the two left or the two right ranks as the centre ranks will split when reaching the Service site).
Please click on any of the following images to enlarge
5.30am – Parade marches off east in Bauer Street
On reaching the intersection with The Esplanade, the Pipe Band and (centre) Australian Flag Bearer will form up behind the main stage which will be located in the centre of the intersection. This will be the point where the Parade splits.
The Parade will then split left and right with the left two columns following Max Francis and the New Zealand Flag Bearer and the right two columns following Errol Taylor and the Queensland Flag Bearer.
Each of the two columns will then march north and south respectively for a distance of about 60 metres before turning to march in the opposite direction where they will form-up facing east.
The third & forth ranks will follow suit and form-up behind the first two.
The fifth & sixth ranks will simply form up behind ranks four & five.
Please note that several Event Controllers will be in place to usher and assist the Parade through the new format. Please follow their directions.