Communities across the Lithgow district will come together on Saturday, April 25 to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand men and women, with a full program of commemorative services and community events planned throughout the day.
In Lithgow, the day will begin with a 6 am Dawn Service at Queen Elizabeth Park. Later in the morning, participants will assemble for the traditional march on Main Street from 10 am, stepping off at 10:30 am ahead of the 11 am commemorative service.
After the services, the Workies will open from 6:30 am with a Gunfire Breakfast, followed by Two-Up from 1 pm, live sport on the big screen and evening entertainment. While Club Lithgow will host live music from midday to 3 pm, alongside a performance by the Lithgow Highland Pipe Band.
Portland will also mark the occasion with a 6 am Dawn Service at the War Memorial, followed by a community sausage sizzle. The mid-morning march will depart Vale Street at 10:30 am, leading into an 11 am service, with refreshments to follow at the Portland RSL Club. The Club will host traditional Two-Up from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Wallerawang residents are invited to gather at the “Goods Shed” from 8:40 am for a 9 am service at the Main Street Memorial, with morning tea to follow at the Commercial Hotel.
In Tarana, a Dawn Service will be held at 5:45 am, with Blair Webb delivering the Ode. Two Mackillop College students will present readings, and Jack Rowlandson will give the General Address. The café will serve bacon and egg rolls and coffee after the Dawn Service, while the Tarana Hotel will open early, hosting Two-Up from midday and live music in the beer garden from 3 pm.
Rydal’s service will take place at 2:30 pm at the WWI Memorial at the railway station, with all welcome to attend. Across each town, the day offers an opportunity not only to reflect, but to come together in shared respect, remembrance and community connection.
