ANZAC Day commemorations in West Arnhem

In the early hours on Wednesday, April 25, community members from across West Arnhem came together to commemorate ANZAC Day with services held in Jabiru, Maningrida and Minjilang.
In Jabiru, around 150 community members and visitors from out of town attended the dawn service which included the Navy contingent from HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin Squadron of the Northwest Mobile Force (NORFORCE), Unit 72 Kakadu Army Cadets and the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services personnel.

The cadets played a large role in the service with Officer in Command of Army Cadets Northern Territory Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Mark Christopher addressing the crowd as a guest speaker and Tayla Waterbury reading The Ode.
At the conclusion of the service, the community marched together to the Jabiru Lake and enjoyed a barbecue breakfast thanks to the Jabiru Fire Station.
West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) wished to thank all those who were involved in and supported the service, particularly Unit 72 Kakadu Army Cadets, Reverend Lindsay Parkhill, Andy Ralph, the Jabiru Fire Station, Jabiru Police, Jabiru Foodland and the Crocodile Hotel.
Approximately 30 people attended the service in Minjilang with WARC providing the wreath and breakfast. Misman Kris who is the new team leader was happy to wear his Army uniform as he is serving in NORFORCE and Traditional Owner Daisy Yarmirr laid a wreath with his support.
Maningrida held the 20th ANZAC Day service in a row in the community on Wednesday, April 25 at the West Arnhem Regional Council office.
It was a great turn out with around 100 people rising bright and early to pay respects to those who have served their country both past and present.  

As the sun came up, poems were read by students Raia Carey and Isaac Jones from the school and a historical address was made by Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation CEO Karl Dyason.  
Each year the event is emceed by Shane Bailey and supported by Maningrida Police Kim Chambers and Timothy Lyness, Principal Maningrida College Daryll Kinnane and NORFORCE member James Woods who raised the flags.  
It was a very moving service and one that was enjoyed by the community members who come year in year out as well as new members to the community and visitors.  After the service concluded everyone enjoyed a warm drink, ANZAC Day biscuits and egg and bacon sandwiches.  The organising committee would like to thank Maningrida Emergency Response Group and WARC for their continued support of this event.