POLITICS
Ray Williams pictured with Ralph Warren .
ANZAC Day 2024 – we will remember them
with Alex Hawke MP
For over a century Australians have fought in conflict and peace operations around the world , protecting values of freedom and democracy . Our national spirit of remembrance has found a home on Anzac Day which marks that brave and fateful moment in 1915 when 16,000 Australian and New Zealand troops landed half a world away , on the shores of Gallipoli .
That spirit was replicated on the Western Front and subsequent conflicts such as World War II , the Korean and Vietnam wars , Afghanistan , and our global peacekeeping missions .
This year marks the 80th anniversary of what many consider was the turning point of World War II , D-Day . Hundreds of Australians were on the ground as waves of Allied troops landed on the shores of Normandy to commence the liberation of Western Europe , while thousands more Australians were in skies above providing vital air cover .
This year also marks significant anniversaries for our peacekeeping and humanitarian work in Rwanda and East Timor ; and we celebrate the advancement of women through our defence force and the role they have played in securing our nation , our region and our values . with Ray Williams MP
Senior Local Achievement Award
Ralph Warren has been recognised for his valuable contribution to The Hills community , receiving a Local Achievement Award as part of the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival . I congratulate Ralph , a long-standing volunteer in The Hills Shire community , and an incredibly active volunteer with Computer Pals for Seniors and the Glossodia Rural Fire Service . I thank you for your generous and remarkable contribution . Pawsitive Steps festival Four-legged companions play a vital role in many lives , contributing significantly to mental health awareness . Pawsitive Steps is the only festival dedicated to celebrating dogs as champions of mental health .
To all those who have served our nation : their sacrifice is why Australia has the freedoms we all enjoy today ; and why we have our sovereignty . Many words are associated with Australians at war and on peacekeeping missions : bravery , camaraderie , mateship , service , loyalty , honour , heroes and heroines . But there is one common word - one goal - that brings them all together : peace .
This Anzac Day we remember and give thanks for the service of all those who have fought for our freedoms ; and we give thanks for all those serving our country today .
PLEASE CONSIDER ATTENDING A LOCAL SERVICE .
The ANZAC Day Dawn Service hosted by the Castle Hill & District RSL Sub-Branch will be held at Centenary of ANZAC Reserve , Wrights Road , Castle Hill commencing at 6am . The Dawn Service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend .
Type into your browser : www . chrslsubbranch . org . au / 2024anzacday
The Hills Club is hosting the ANZAC Day Commemoration Luncheon and Wreath laying Ceremony from 12:30pm at 6-18 Jenner Street , Baulkham Hills .
To learn more about the Anzacs , please visit www . anzacportal . dva . gov . au
Mindconnections Foundation champions dogs as advocates through this incredible initiative and the festival offers diverse programs promoting holistic mental well-being by providing enjoyment , physical activity , and valuable insights into mental health challenges .
Join in the fun on 27 April 2024 from
9am-5pm at Rouse Hill Town Centre . Anzac Day On Anzac Day , we honour people who have served , and those who continue to serve , in Australia ’ s armed forces . We gather together , attend a dawn service or Anzac Day march , and we wear a sprig of rosemary as a symbol of remembrance . Be part of the tradition at one of the local Anzac Day Dawn Services – Thursday 25 April 2024 .
CONGRATULATIONS : Robert & Pamela Sampson 65th Anniversary Bruno & Susan Guarna 50th Wedding Anniversary
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 106 // APRIL 2024 21