Anzac Day march and reunion guide

YOUR guide to Anzac Day reunions and marches around Melbourne.

UNIT/ASSOCIATION MEETING TIMES, LOCATIONS AND STEP-OFF TIMES

Disabled Personnel meet at 0815 Flinders Street East/Princes Bridge for 0835

HQ Group meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0900

Legacy meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0901

Boer War meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0903

World War I meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0906

New Zealand meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0907

World War II

Women’s Services meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0910

Ancilliary Services 1 meet at 0845 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 0912

Navy Group meet at 0845 Flinders St West (Station side) for 0915

Navy Ships meet at 0900 Flinders St West (Station side) for 0920

2AIF,1 Corps meet at 0915 Flinders St West (North side) for 0945

6 Division meet at 0920 Flinders Street East (Fed Sq side) for 0950

7 Division meet at 0930 Flinders Street East (Fed Sq side) for 1000

8 Division meet at 0945 Flinders St East (St Paul’s side) for 1015

9 Division meet at 0955 Flinders St East (St Paul’s side) for 1025

3 Division meet at 1000 Swanston St West between Flinders St/Flinders Ln for 1030

5 & 11 Divisions meet at 1000 Swanston St West between Flinders St/Flinders Ln for 1035

2AIF, 2 Corps meet at 1010 Swanston St West between Flinders St/Flinders Ln for 1040

RAAF South East Asia meet at 1025 Flinders St East (Fed Sq side) for 1055

RAAF Europe & Middle East meet at 1025 Flinders St East (Fed Sq side) for 1058

RAAF South West Pacific meet at 1035 Flinders St East (Fed Sq side) for 1105

Post-World War II

Army Group meet at 0900 Swanston St opp Town Hall for 0935

RAAF Group meet at 1020 Swanston St opp Town Hall for 1050

BCOF, Korea, Malaya, Borneo meet at 1045 Swanston St West opp City Sq for 1115

Vietnam 1 meet at 1055 Collins St East (City Sq side) for 1120

Royal Australia Regiment meet at 1100 Collins St East (Town Hall side) for 1125

Vietnam 2 meet at 1055 Collins St East (City Sq side) for 1130

Peace Keepers & Peace Makers, Kuwait, Somalia, Iraq, East Timor, Solomon Islands and Afghanistan meet at 1110 Collins St West (North side) for 1140

Ancillary Services 2 meet at 1115 Collins St West (South side) for 1145

National Services meet at 1120 Collins St West (South side) for 1150

Commonwealth Forces meet at 1125 Swanston St East between Flinders St/Flinders Ln for 1200

Allies meet at 1130 Swanston St East between Flinders St/Flinders Ln for 1210

Scouts/Marshals meet at 1220 Swanston St West (next to Station) for 1230

REUNIONS

4 Light Horse Assn: Today, 1.30pm. Cricket Club Hotel, cnr Clarendon and Thomson streets, South Melbourne Contact: John Baker 0416 035 780

HMAS Sydney & VLSVA: Today, after march. Maori Chief Hotel, Moray St, South Melbourne. Contact: David Dwyer 9720 8183

Fleet Air Arm Assn: Today, after march. Melbourne Naval Centre (ESU), 146 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra. Contact: Ron Christie 9764 5542

HMAS Warramunga: Today, after march. Melbourne Naval Centre (ESU), 146 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra. Contact: Paul Callanan 0421 107 952.

HMAS Bataan: Today, after march. Melbourne Naval Centre (ESU), 146 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra. Contact: George Daniel 5971 2396 or 0407 804 785

HMAS Quickmatch Assn and All 'Q Class': Today, after march. Bull and Bear Tavern, 347 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Contact: Bryan Burdett 9877 4443

HMAS Manoora Assn: Today, noon. Gateway Bistro, 312 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Contact: Les Kennedy 0418 503 202

HMAS Westralia: Today, 10.30am. Botanic Gardens Caf aac (opposite Shrine). Contact: Alan Hooley 9889 7135.

Fleet Air Arm Assn (Vic Div): Today, after march. Melbourne Naval Centre (ESU), 146 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra. Contact: Ron Christie 9764 5542

HMAS Anzac/Tobruk Assn: Today, 11am. Stella Maris Centre, 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne. Contact: John Goletta, 5978 7808 or 0417 399 168

FESR Navy Assn: Today, after march. Bull and Bear Tavern, 347 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Contact: Les Bailey 0411 143 443

FESR Navy Assn: May 16-20. Outrigger Twin Towns Resort, Tweed Heads, NSW. contact: Rudi Bianchi (07) 3394 1614

Aust Survey Corps Assn: Today, noon. Bull & Bear Tavern, 347 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Contact: Bill Black 9889 2143

39 Bn Assn: Sunday, 12.30pm. Caulfield RSL, St Georges Rd, Elsternwick. Contact: Alan Jameson 9587 5365

2/7 Inf Bn: Today, 11.30am. Richmond Union, Bowling Club, 2 Gleadill St, Richmond. Contact: Roger Walker 0407 844 992

2/4 AIF BN: Today, After march, Clayton RSL, Carinish Road, Clayton Contact: Bill Panter 9557 5171

11.08 18 AUST INF BDE ASSN: Today, After march, Rats of Tobruk Hall Contact: N Fraser 9544 5478

11.10 2/16 INF BN: Today, 11.30am, Palmerston Hotel, Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne. Contact: Trevor Ingram 0419 333 347.

12.02 4 ANTI TANK REGT: Today, 11am Castle Hotel, 56 Courtney St, North Melbourne. Contact: Jim Kerr 9551 7088

12.06 2/21 INF BN (GULL FORCE): Today, noon, Royal Oak Hotel, 527 Bridge Road, Richmond. Contact: Des O'Brien 9499 9056

12.12 2/9th FD AMB: Today, noon, Tivoli German Club, Windsor Contact: Carolan Dodd 9789 1418

13.04 2/8 FD REGT: Today, noon, Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne (By Reservation Only) Contact: Helene Riedl 9766 4516

13.06 2/4 LAA REGT: Today, noon, Elsternwick Hotel, 259 Brighton Road, Elwood Contact: Fred Wells 9807 8115

13.07 9 AUST DIV SAPPERS: Today, noon, South Melbourne Town Hall, Banks Street, South Melbourne Contact: Bob Rowley 9354 6244

13.13 2/23rd BN ASSN: Today, noon, Botanical Hotel, Domain Road, South Yarra. Contact: Neil Graham 9817 4414

14.14 57/60 INFANTRY BN ASSN: Today, noon Darebin RSL, Bell Street, Preston Contact: Max Smith 9842 3811/ 0418 223 700

14.15 CITY OF ESSENDON REGT (1RVR): 23 march, 11.30am, Cenotaph Menin Barracks, 127 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds. Lunch at Brass Tavern Contact: Ian Rainford 9827 2232

14.20 3 DIV AASC: Today, 12.30pm, Celtic Club, 316 Queen Street, Melbourne. Contact: Kevin Taylor 9354 8808

2/9 ARMOURED REGT ASSN: Today; 12.30pm, Bridge Inn Hotel, Cnr Bridge & Burnley Streets. Richmond Contact: Peter Coghlan 9874 5786

16.05 13 ARMOURED REGT ASSN: Today, Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne Contact: Bruce Donelly 9714 8375/ 0419 889 182

16.17 AUST SPECIAL WIRELESS GROUP: September 12, noon, The Pumphouse, Nicholson Street, Carlton, Tram Stop 13 Contact: Steve Mason 9882 6735.

16.18 3MD RAASC/RACT ASSN: Today, 12.30, Southern Cross Hotel, Cicel Street, South Melbourne Contact: Bob Tyler 9584 3791

16.22 RAAOC ASSN: Today, Noon, Rising Sun Hotel, Raglan Street, South Melbourne Contact: Terry Bennett 5727 3760

19.05 3 SQN RAAF: Today, noon, With Odd Bods at Leonda, 2 Wallem Road, Hawthorn Contact: Jock McAuley 9877 4551

19.09 46 SQN RAAF: Today, 1pm, Leonda, 2 Wallem Road, Hawthorn Contact: John Hodson 9598 8403

19.10 ODD BODS (UK): Today, noon, Leonda, 2 Wallem Road, Hawthorn. Contact: George Smith 9847 0617.

19.11 RAF ASSN: Today, After March, Elephant & Wheelbarrow, 169 Fitzroy St, St Kilda (Cnr Princess St) Tram no 16 Contact: Vic Leigh 9379 2939.

20.02 NO 2 SQN RAAF: Saturday, noon, Milanos, 4 The Esplanade, Brighton Beach (200 Mtrs from Brighton Beach Railway Station) Contact: Wally Sherman 5282 8315

20.09 22 SQN RAAF: Today, after March, TBA Contact: Ken Pulling 9859 3016

20.31 RAAFVVA : Today, after march, 'Orient East' formally 'Citro', 348 St Kilda Rd Contact: Rick Homes 9317 7304

21.02 BCOF (JAPAN) ASSN: Today after march, Richmond Rowing Shed, 1st from Princes Bridge. Contact: James Patterson 5256 1257

21.03 KOREA VETERANS ASSN OF AUSTRALIA: Today, after march, Stella Maris, Seafarers Centre, 600 Lt Collins St, Melbourne Contact: Alan Evered 0412 521 488/ 9874 2219

22.01 AATTV ASSN: Today, 1pm, Kelvin Club, Melbourne Contact: Bruce Davies 5258 3031/ 0413 189 885

22.04 RAAC ASSN: Today, after march, Cricket Club Hotel, 435 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne Contact: John Paterson, (AH) 9465 1418.

22.06 4/19 PRINCE OF WALES' LIGHT HORSE REGT ASSN: Today, after march, Cricket Club Hotel, 435 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne Contact: Dr David Holloway 9645 3136

22.07 RAA VIETNAM VETS ASSN: Today, after march, Clocks Tabaret, Flinders Street, Melbourne Contact: Max Murray 5942 5470

22.11 RAE VIETNAM ASSN: Today, 1pm, Prahran RSL, 301 High Street, Prahran Contact: Vincent Neale 9786 1549

22.12 TUNNEL RATS ASSN VIETNAM: Today, after march, Cricketers Arms Hotel, 69 Cruickshank Street, Port Melbourne Contact: Jim Marett 0403 041 962

23.01 ROYAL AUST REGT ASSN: Today, 12.30pm, Duke of Kent, 293 La Trobe Street, Melbourne Contact: Bob Richardson 9434 2231/ 0400 648 181

23.03 FIRST BNS ASSN RAR: Today, 12.30pm, Duke of Kent Hotel, 293 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne. Contact: Bob Richardson 9434 2231/0400 648 181

23.10 8 RAR: After march, Duke of Kent Hotel, 293 La Trobe Street, Melbourne Contact: Dennis Moss 9890 5488

24.01 AUST SAS ASSN: Today, 1pm, Kelvin Club, Melbourne Place, off Russell Street, Melbourne Contact: Barry Jones 0415 569 439.

24.02 161 RECCE FLIGHT: Today, after march, Kelvin Club, Melbourne Place Contact: A Bell 0417 544 967

24.03 RAASC VIETNAM ASSN: Today, after march, St Kilda RSL, Acland Street, St Kilda. Contact: Paul Curran 9720 3860.

24.04 85 TPT PL RAASC: Today, 1pm, Emerald Hotel, 415 Clarendon St, Sth Melbourne. Contact: Robert Bruce 9889 4412 / 0417 399 200

24.19 CIVILIAN SURGINAL TEAMS VIETNAM: Today, after march, The Olive Tree, 19 Park Street, South Melbourne Contact: Dr Dorothy Angell 5192 4119

28.06 VICTORIAN SCOTTISH REGIMENT - 5th AIB: May 6, 11am at 5/6 RVR Training Depot, Surrey Hills Contact: Ed Hawkes 9898 4107/ Robyn Luckie 9598 7759

28.08 CEYLON EX-SERVICEMENS ASSN: Tomorrow, 2.30pm, St Aidens Church Hall, Wallarano, Noble Park Contact: Reg Oorloff 9700 2506

28.09 INDIAN VETERANS: Today, noon, Swanston Street East between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane Contact: Samir Roy 9356 9647

29.05 POLISH SUB BRANCH: Today, 1.30pm, STIGS 326 Church Street, Richmond Contact: S Czauderna 9898 7223

29.07 VICTORIA ASSN OF WWII VETS FROM THE FORMER SOVIET UNION: December 21, 5pm, Betty Day Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda Contact: Zymont Mos 9527 5689

Other information to note:

DAWN SERVICE

VICTORIANS will join veterans and their relatives for the Anzac Day Dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance.

The public is advised to be at the Shrine by 5.45am for the 6am service.

Parking is restricted in Birdwood Ave and Linlithgow Ave, while Dallas Brooks Drv will be closed to traffic excluding official vehicles.

Last year more than 35,000 people attended.

For information on local Dawn Services: rslvic.com.au

GUNFIRE BREAKFAST

THE Gunfire Breakfast will be open to the public immediately after the Dawn Service in Linlithgow Ave, north of Government House Drv.

More than 5000 people are expected, with the function catered by the Australian Defence Force School of Catering from HMAS Cerberus.

Breakfast is served for a $2 donation.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION MARCH

FROM 9am, veterans and their descendants will congregate at the Princes Bridge ahead of the march along Collins, Swanston and Flinders streets.

Trams will continue to run until 7.30am.

COMMEMORATION SERVICE

THE march will close with a Commemoration Service on the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance about 1pm.
Veterans and their descendants will hold reunions around the Shrine of Remembrance, while reunions will also be held across suburbs and country towns.

ANZAC DAY BLOCKBUSTER

THE annual Essendon/Collingwood clash at the MCG at 2.40pm will also recognise ANZAC Day through the sounding of the Last Post, followed by a minutes' silence.
Focus of the motorcade will be on servicewomen, with support from the Army Band.

WEATHER

FOG in some areas in the early morning before clearing. Top 21C.

TRANSPORT

EXTRA tram services will run from 4.30am.

Trains will run to a Saturday timetable.

V/Line trains and most coaches will run to a Saturday timetable.

View the original article here

Thousands gather for Anzac march

UPDATE: THOUSANDS of Victorians have lined St Kilda Road for the annual Anzac Day march, after near-record crowds attended the dawn service.

Crowds gathered from Flinders St to the Shrine of Remembrance in an emotional salute to our Diggers.

The roar of the crowd that lit up 90-year-old war veteran Ray Chamberlain's face as they spotted him reach the end of Melbourne's Anzac day parade.

"It's the best thing I've ever heard," he said afterwards, catching his breath near the Shrine, but still smiling after his long, hard march.

"There's so many people. It makes you feel so proud."

The retired sheep shearer, who survived six years in the navy during the Second World War, was just one of hundreds of veterans, their families and supporters who marched under sunny skies as others clapped and watched to mark the 98th anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli.

Vitalia Mitchell joins his and grandmother Val Mitchell at the parade.

Guide to Anzac Day services in Melbourne's suburbs

Pictures: Anzac Day across Australia and New Zealand

In the crowd was a mixture of generations, all celebrating that Anzac spirit, only to be disrupted by one minor anti-war protest that included placing a maimed dummy in camouflage and bandages on Princes Bridge.

Vietnam veteran Gerry Bruin said there was a place for protesters but Anzac day was not it.

"I don't like any protest on Anzac day," Mr Bruin said.

"It should be neutral. Leave the protest for another day."

Navy man Jack Levy, 90, before today's Anzac march in Melbourne. Picture: Jon Hargest

Caroline Mlkvy, 23, of Pakenham said she wouldn't have missed the march for anything.

"It's part of our heritage," she said.

"It's important to represent and remember the fallen. It's what Australians should do for those who served our country."

Marchers pay tribute to Boer War soldiers. Picture: Mar Wilson

Matt Boulton, 54, of Brunswick said he and his wife always enjoyed the day.

The pair attend the dawn service, parade and Anzac Day footy clash as a tradition.

"We do it to support the Diggers and all their sacrifices. But it's also a great day out."

Dawn service

About 45,000 people assembled in the dark for the dawn service and stood in silence as the Last Post rang out across the Shrine.

Thousands more gathered for services at cenotaphs across the state.

The start of Melbourne's Anzac Day parade Picture: Mark Wilson

The crowd was welcomed with stories of those who had served in past wars when the commemorations began at 5.45am.

Liberal leader Tony Abbott, Premier Denis Napthine and Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle were among the dignitaries gathered to hear tributes to the fallen from conflicts past and present.

Young people were a big part of the service with year 11 student Kate Mani reciting the poem In Flanders Fields.

Around 40,000 people paid tribute to Australia's fallen soldiers at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

The mood was best summed up by Private Gregory Williams, who served in Afghanistan in 2010 and returned to Victoria to become a police officer.

He said throughout history Australian and New Zealand men and women have stood side by side in battle.

"The word Anzac will mean something different to all of you, however it brings us all together," he said.

People gather around the eternal flame at the Shrine of Remembrance for the dawn service on Anzac Day in Melbourne. Picture: Nicole Garmston

He said many would ask whether the Afghanistan war was worth it, but today was a day to remember, not to have such debates.

"The war in Afghanistan has been controversial and costly, the price paid is Australian lives," he said.

"Many will ask if the mission has been a success or failure but on this day the answer is irrelevant.

Kim White from Geelong with his grandfather's air force medals. Picture: Nicole Garmston

"We remember what those great Australians have done, putting their lives at risk to give the Afghan people something they have never known ... peace."

Turtut Kacmaz , whose father fought for the Turks in Gallipoli, made the pilgrimage to Australia his dad never could.

The 78-year-old said he was moved by the ceremony and the huge crowd.

"My father always explained to us that Australian soldiers were very courageous and well-equipped for war," he said.

Turgut Kachaz and Ahmed Cetinkran from the Australian Turkish Institute in period costume. Picture: Mark Wilson

Mr Kacmaz said while his father Huseyin lived to 110, he never got the chance to visit Australia.

Mr Kacmaz said a great bond of friendship had developed between the nations.

"My father used to tell me no matter how fierce and ugly the war, that friendship is much sweeter and more powerful."

Brian Johnson served with the Royal Australian Mechanical Engineers, and said the dawn service was an important ceremony for the nation.

"I was amazed by the crowd and all the young people, especially the children," he said.

"Ceremonies like this are the only way they can learn about history and we don’t have too much history in this country so we should celebrate what we have."

Thousands attended the dawn service. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Jess Graham, 22, said the ceremony provided a good perspective on war.

"It was really enlightening. It made you feel empathy for what the soldiers went through at Gallipoli and other wars as well."

Many stayed for the traditional gunfire breakfast, and were expected to attend the Anzac Day march that starts at 9am at Princes Bridge down St Kilda Road and to the steps of the Shrine.

The services mark the 98th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

People remember the fallen. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Organisers pointed to the mild weather conditions for helping lift crowd numbers, but said it was also a reflection of the day's increasing significance.

Earlier, Shrine of Remembrance CEO Denis Baguley said it would be be a very traditional service, reflecting the sacrifices of Australian service men and women.

"It is a simple service, but one that is very poignant," he said.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at the cross on Mt Macedon. Picture: Jay Town

"It is a day on which Australians reflect on the Anzac spirit and its place in Australia today," he said

He said everyone from young children to veterans attended the service.

Meanwhile, former premier Ted Baillieu will head a committee to organise Victorian celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Anzac day.

Premier Napthine said Mr Baillieu will work with members of the RSL and other returned services organisations on the state's recognition of the landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli in 1915.

"This is the 98th anniversary of Anzac day and the 100th in 2015 will be very, very huge. We in Victoria are committed to that," he told ABC television at the Anzac parade.

Dr Napthine said the State Government was also making significant improvements to the Shrine of Remembrance, including a $45 million development of the undercroft to enhance its commemorative and educational capabilities.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Mt  Macedon. Picture: Jay Town

 With AAP

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