Commemorating ANZAC Day 2021

In the early hours on Sunday, April 25, West Arnhem community members commemorated the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli known as ANZAC Day.
Commemorative services were held in Warruwi, Maningrida, Minjilang, Gunbalanya and Jabiru to honour the memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country all those years ago as well the following generations of servicemen and women who have defended our values and freedoms, in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
In what was a pleasant surprise, Alan Middleton did a special flyover Jabiru and Gunbalanya to commemorate the day – thank you so much Alan for this incredible effort.
In Gunbalanya, a commemorative service was held in the morning with a barbecue breakfast following. Afterwards the community continued the commemorations at a footy match with the Bombers vs Magpies playing. 
A big thank you to all the stakeholders that made today possible to come together to remember the ANZACS – WARC, SCFC, CDP, the Shop, Meatworks, Community Care, Gabby, Church for the service, AFL - James, Stevie and team, School - Lochie and Josh, Diondre, Jabiru Bombers.
In Minjilang, a lovely and very moving dawn service was held with around 50 stakeholders and community members in attendance. Wreaths, including handmade native flower wreaths were also laid at the flag poles. The community then came together for a community breakfast to commemorate.
In Jabiru, around 150 community members and visitors from out of town attended the dawn service which included the Navy contingent from HMAS Coonawarra, Northwest Mobile Force (NORFORCE) Darwin Squadron, Unit 72 Arnhem Land Army Cadets, Australian Army Cadet National Assistant Commander Colonel David Hill, Commander Australian Army Cadet Brigadier Michael Ashleigh and the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
The cadets formed the catafalque party Cadet CUO and Kia Gowler read The Ode, while Reverend Lindsay Parkhill addressed the crowd with prayers.

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 wish to thank special guests, the Army Cadets, Jabiru Fire Station, Navy, NORFORCE, Peter Keepence, Sodexo and Foodland.
The Maningrida dawn service was once again a very moving event for the community. 
The morning’s service included poems, prayers and songs for the community to participate in following by the wreath laying. The national anthems were song and the service concluded with everyone being invited to tea, coffee and ANZAC Day biscuits following the service.  WARC wishes to thank all stakeholders involved and for the generous donations.