THIS year’s Anzac Day marks 100 years since the first battles of the Western Front in World War I, including Somme and Fromelles.
The Somme offensive, also known as the Battle of the Somme, was the series of battles fought between 1 July and 18 November 1916 along the Somme Valley in France.
Fromelles was the first major battle fought by Australian troops on the Western Front.
Anzac Day services will be held throughout Yarra Ranges on Monday 25 April, recognising the sacrifice made by generations of Australians at war.
For many, the day will start with the dawn service, followed by a gunfire breakfast. Anzac marches, reunions and the odd game of two-up continue a growing tradition of commemoration.
Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join RSL members at the services listed below.
Wandin Yallock
THE Rotary Club of Wandin is hosting the Anzac Day Service at the War Memorial on the corner of Hunter and Beenak roads in Wandin Yallock with a public wreath-laying ceremony at 8.30am in memory of the service men and woman of the Seville and Wandin districts, followed by a community morning tea.
Dandenong Ranges
THE Dandenong Ranges RSL will hold a dawn service at the Anzac Avenue memorial on the corner of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Sherbrooke Road from 6.30am. A march will begin at Wallaby Avenue in Sassafras at 10.30am, with a service to follow.
Emerald
EMERALD RSL will hold a dawn service from 5.30am, followed by a 10am march from the town’s cenotaph before a 10.55am morning service.
Lilydale
LILYDALE RSL will host a dawn service from 5.45am at the town’s war memorial, which will conclude at 6.45am and be followed by a family sausage sizzle at the RSL, with two-up to follow.
Monbulk
THE Monbulk RSL will host a dawn service from 6am, followed by a morning march from 9.30am at Mitre 10, with a service at 10am to follow.
Mount Evelyn
MOUNT Evelyn’s dawn service will begin at 5.45am at the town’s war memorial, on the corner of Wray Crescent and Birmingham Road, followed by a free community breakfast, with two-up from 1pm at the York on Lilydale.
Silvan
A MORNING service will be held at Silvan’s new war memorial, at the Silvan Primary School, on Anzac Day, at 10.30am. The memorial will be unveiled at 2pm on Sunday 24 April.
Upwey-Belgrave
A DAWN service will be held from 6am in Upwey, at 1 Mast Gully Road, followed by a gunfire breakfast at 6.46am. A march will begin at 9.45am from Main Street to the RSL, followed by a 10am service.
Gembrook
GEMBROOK RSL will hold a dawn service at 6am at the cenotaph on the corner of Redwood Road and Main Road, followed by a gunfire breakfast. A march will begin at 11am, followed by a service and a barbecue lunch.
Cockatoo
COCKATOO’s dawn service will commence at 6am at the RSL clubrooms, a 20 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, followed by a free gunfire breakfast. A main service will start at 10.30am.
