Poignant commemorative events receive unanimous praise

Poignant commemorative events receive unanimous praise

The 100th anniversary of the departure of Australian and New Zealand troops to the First World War from Albany, Western Australia has been marked in spectacular fashion.

An estimated 40,000 people paid their respects to the bravery and sacrifice of the first ANZACs over a four-day period of poignant commemorative events in Albany between 30 October and 2 November.

Praise for the Anzac Albany events from visitors, dignitaries and media has been unanimous.

City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the event program had been a massive success, beyond what he could have expected.

"This was an extremely complicated event to deliver and it has involved a huge amount of organisation across all levels of government and the Australian Defence Force (ADF)," he said.

"It is a testament to the significance of Albany and the Anzac story that these events have been delivered without a hitch.

"I sincerely thank our partners in the Federal and State Governments and the ADF for working with the City of Albany to make Anzac Albany such a successful commemoration.

"I would also like to thank the Albany RSL, the myriad other community groups, and our event sponsors, for being so supportive.

“We had a 400-strong volunteer force who embodied the Anzac spirit and, with smiles on their faces, worked tirelessly over the three days of the event.

"Lastly I would like to thank the Albany community and the thousands of visitors for turning out in such numbers to pay their respects to the first ANZACs."

About 20,000 people attended the Commemorative Service at Albany Peace Park on Saturday morning, and an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people gathered in the same location for the Ceremonial Sunset, with big crowds on Princess Royal Ave for the Harbour Lights show. About 12,000 people attended the Community Concert last night.

Today’s Naval Ship Open Day attracted approximately 12,000 people who pre-booked free tickets to attend. Visitors were treated to tours on five of the seven vessels in Albany for the Symbolic Departure yesterday.

A Nurses Memorial Service was held in the memorial rose garden which was created in 1937 and is dedicated to the nurses who have served in the Boer War, World War One and subsequent conflicts.

The day finished on a sporting note with a friendly footy match between a combined Australian Navy and NZDF team and the local side, the Albany Sharks. The Sharks took out the match by 38 points.

WA Police remind drivers to take care on the roads over the coming days as thousands return home from Anzac Commemorative events in Albany.

WA Police Commander Murray Smalpage said while traffic congestion in the region had been lower than expected over the course of the week, there was still a need for caution, care and courtesy on the road.

The Anzac Albany commemorative events have been hosted and delivered by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian Defence Force, the Western Australian Government, City of Albany and the Returned and Services League WA Branch.

The commemorations were also made possible thanks to Lotterywest, Tourism Western Australia, RAC, BGC Australia Pty Ltd, Western Power, Royal Australian Mint, Telstra, Rio Tinto, LandCorp, Silver Chain, The West Australian, mix94.5, RadioWest, Albany City Motors for Holden, Water Corporation, and Coates Hire.

To see the full program of Anzac Albany events that took place, visitwww.anzacalbany.com.au, and see images of the event on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

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