Defence personnel pay their respects as they place wreaths at Gawler RSL sub-branch clubrooms. PHOTO: Brendan Simpkins
Brendan Simpkins
IT wasn’t the usual setting, or the usual attendance, but the Last Post still rang out in Gawler on Anzac Day.
Members of the local Returned and Services League subbranch gathered around the old war memorial outside the RSL clubrooms on Overway Bridge Road for the traditional dawn service on Sunday, while others paid their respects from afar in the vacant green space directly across the road.
About 150 people were in attendance, considerably less than the 400 the RSL club had been approved for.
The Gawler RSL had to make the switch away from the traditional home of the dawn service, Pioneer Park, because of restrictions in line with the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID marshals were on scene and attendees were required to check in using QR codes or signing the register.
Members of the 608 Squadron stood guard at the war memorial, while wreaths were placed.
Gawler RSL president Paul Little said it turned out to be a “reasonable day” for the club, despite the hand it was dealt.
“We finished up about 6pm; we had food all day and we had the usual thing, two-up and stuff like that,” he said.
“All in all, we were quite pleased considering last year. It was a reasonable day.
“We would’ve still liked to have had it at Pioneer Park, of course, but other than that, at least our local veterans did have something to go to and most have appreciated it.”
Across town at Pioneer Park, wreaths were placed at the war memorial and a candle was left at its base.
Following the dawn service, RSL members and their families headed inside for a gunfire breakfast.
The clubroom was open to the public to attend from 7.30am onwards.
Mr Little said that it was well attended throughout the day, with people dropping in following the Anzac Day march in Adelaide’s CBD.
He said eyes were now turned towards Remembrance Day in November, when he hoped attendance could improve to allow the public to pay its respects.
Other local dawn service commemorations were well attended, with Williamstown, Tanunda, Kapunda, Mallala and Elizabeth all holding events.
An overnight vigil was held at the Smithfield Memorial Gardens on Saturday.
Freeling, Nuriootpa, Two Wells and Wasleys encouraged communities to take part in the Light up the Dawn initiative after cancelling their dawn services
