Anzac commemorations at North Beach, WA
A message from the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch, Western Australia
The community of North Beach in Western Australia and surrounding districts remembered our ANZACs and veterans at two events this year. They were the annual North Beach ANZAC Football Match on Saturday 22 April, as well as a Dawn Service at 05:45am on Anzac Day at the North Beach Memorial.
This year was the 30th Annual Graeme Edwards Anzac Day game, which took place at the Charles Riley Reserve, Kitchener Street North Beach. Graham is a well-known Vietnam veteran, a long-term member of North Beach RSL Sub-Branch, former State President of RSLWA and retired parliamentarian.
The game was more than just a football match. It was a demonstration of the respect these young players have for the Australian tradition of commemorating those who served. Prior to the game, a short commemorative service was conducted by John Rolfe, President of the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch.
The Dawn Service at North Beach, conducted by North Beach RSL Sub-Branch, is one of the largest Dawn Services in Perth outside of Kings Park. The Memorial is set in Charles Riley Reserve and the rising sun over the reserve provides a stunning backdrop to the ceremony.
Mr Rolfe said: ‘This is an important community event, as it provides the opportunity for all of the community to remember and pay respects for the part played by, not only the original ANZACS, but all veterans past and present, and to give thanks to the country in which we live.’
The Memorial Precinct is highlighted by the Lone Pine, grown from seed from the original Lone Pine at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. It shades the Wall of Remembrance and the plaques commemorating the lives of our veterans.
Below: 30th Annual Graeme Edwards Anzac Day football match
Bottom: Ned Halley; North Beach Football Club Coach, Craig Dalton; Sub-branch President John Rolfe; Travis Ingleby; Bill Fielding (98-year-old Second World War veteran); Peta Connolly; Ned Halley; Graham Edwards AM; Mitchell Gill (Captain)
