West Arnhem commemorates the ANZACs

While ANZAC Day was a little different this year, our West Arnhem communities commemorated the day in their own special ways on Saturday, April 25. 
A great number of residents across the region participated in ‘Light Up The Dawn’ which involved observing a minute silence, reciting the Ode and listening to the ‘Last Post’ at home.
The Kakadu Army Cadets (Unit 72 Arnhem Land), participated in the first ‘Army Cadets Anzac Day Exercise 1:6,000 photo competition’ alongside U78 ACU Broome, U70 ACU Darwin and U73 ACU Tennant Creek with Army Cadet Officer Lieutenant Andy Ralph coordinating the efforts.
With approximately 300 cadets in the Battalion and an area that expands to approximately 23 per cent of Australia’s land mass, there is 1 cadet per 6,000 Square kilometre, LT Andy Ralph said the competition name ‘Ex 1:6,000’ was very suitable and reflected the unique nature of the NT and Kimberley while emphasising the ‘every day’ social distancing. 
A number of local cadets participated in the competition and took fantastic photo entries which showcase the local region. This included Sgt Catherine Ralph who appeared at Burrungkuy - Nourlangie Rock, Sgt Kia Gowler and Cpl Mim Gowler attended the Jabiru cenotaph and Cpl Jesse Hunter was on country at Mudginberri where his father was born under a tree. The cadets all did incredibly well and Catherine took first place and Jesse received third place in the photo competition. 
LT Andy Ralph congratulated the cadets and also said that it was great to get out on country and commemorate ANZAC Day.

Commander of NT Army Cadets Lieutenant Colonel Mark Christopher said, “The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) play a very large role inassisting the Australian public celebrate ANZAC Day each year. Typically we hold ceremonies in small communities which would otherwise have minimal if any Australian Defence Force (ADF) presence,” LTCOL Christopher said.
“The Northern Territory Australian Army Cadet Battalion (NT AAC Bn) which includes the Kimberley region of WA and the NT were disappointed we could not actively participate and assist this year due the COVID-19 restrictions. While a number chose to take part in the RSL Driveway vigil, and would take some photographs, it was decided to offer the Battalion cadets something a little more while still obeying all COVID-19 restrictions from the Army, Cadets, State and Territory (as applicable) and National Governments.

“As you can imagine both Catherine and Jessie are very proud to mix the ANZAC legacy and the modern Australian Army through the cadets with their own personal and ancient stories which has such significance to them,” LTCOL Christopher said.
West Arnhem Regional Council also held an ANZAC Day wreath making competition in Jabiru and there was a fantastic response from individuals and community groups. Council wishes to give a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to create a wreath for the special occasion.

Congratulations to the following prize winners:
Overall Winner - Amanda Nietvelt ($50 Crocodile Hotel voucher)
‘ANZAC Spirit’ Award - Reed Chapman ($25 Foodland voucher) 
Junior Wreath (group) - Miss Maddy's 5/6 class (Craft Hamper) 
Adult Wreath (group) – Leona and Sandra (ANZAC Hamper)