Ex-servicewoman leads local Dawn Service

Today's Dawn Service at New Norfolk.

ONLOOKERS burst into a round of applause as a parade of about 100 veterans and community members approached the New Norfolk Cenotaph this morning.

The New Norfolk RSL Club's Anzac Day Dawn Service attracted a crowd of several hundred which started to gather around 5.30am while Derwent Valley Council workers were setting up for the 6am service.

Before the parade set off from the RSL Club in George St, parade marshal Dale Britten called for a female veteran to lead the parade for the first time. Ex-servicewoman Zoe Baker answered the call and took her place at the front for the short march to the Cenotaph in Circle St.

The Reverend Celia Hooker led the prayers and reflected on the sacrifice of the Derwent Valley’s servicemen and women in the quest for world peace.

The list of the fallen from World War I and II was read out by Dallas Baker OAM and The Last Post was sounded by Arthur Jones from the Derwent Valley Concert Band.

All is now quiet at the Cenotaph but from about 10.30am participants in the main Anzac Day parade will start to assemble at Arthur Square at the corner of High and Stephen streets. The parade will set off at about 10.45am for the main service at the Cenotaph at 11am.

There will also be an 11am service at the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool, Gordon River Rd.